English Long Rider, Daniel Robinson, imprisoned in India

I'd like to thank all of you for your words of encouragement to Bernice Ende during her 5,000 long ride. The outpouring of support has been tremendous, and is greatly appreciated by Bernice, Honor and Claire. They are nearing Barstow, California on the final long push back to Trego, Montana. All is well, and I've posted some images taken in Bagdad, Arizona sent by some of her many fans.

Less fortunate is the English Equestrian Long Rider, Daniel Robinson, who has been imprisoned in the remote Pursari Jail in India. Daniel was attempting to retrace the ancient Tea Horse Trail, a bone-breaking track stretching thousands of miles from western China, up and over Tibet and down into the distant plains of India. Daniel left England for this magnificent journey over a year ago. His journey began in the company of a group of Tibetans, along the ancient Tea Caravan Trail from China to Lhasa, Tibet. He left Lhasa alone, on foot, with two horses, and covered over 3,000 kilometers through the Himalayas.

Suffering from exhaustion, malnutrition, and near hypothermia, Daniel stopped at the top of the Himalayas so that he and the horses could rest. Realizing that he could go no further without food and help for his horses, one of which was in foal, Daniel headed down toward the Indio-Tibetan border. He turned himself in to a military encampment just above Josimoth at the end of October.

Almost immediately he was arrested and his horses taken into military custody. He was transported to Pursari Jail, outside Gopeshwar. There he sat for over two months, enduring intensive interrogation from four different security services, treated like a common criminal while he awaited the long and arduous process of his case being brought to trial. His health was, and is, broken. He suffered a bout of pneumonia and a kidney infection and, since he is also asthmatic, prison conditions are inevitably and inexorably effecting his health.

At first, Dan was told he may spend up to a year in prison. Now, he may face up to 10 years. The fate of the horses is not yet known, although Dan has been told that he may petition the Indian government for them once he is released.

Please visit the Free Dan website to read more about Dan's plight and sign the petition requesting his release. His next appeal has been moved to March 10th. CuChullaine and Basha O'Reilly of the Long Rider's Guild have also been releasing updates and petitioning for his release.

My View on Tucker's New Mule Saddle

Tucker has been promising the release of their mule tree for a couple of years now. Like everything else, however, a good product takes time for design, and redesign, and more redesign. Tucker finalized the tree design last year, and have been testing it on all the mules they could get their hands on. They are now convinced that they have exactly the fit they were looking for and the Tucker High Plains Mule Saddle is now in production.

After seeing it at the Denver Market, I'm convinced that it will fill a need. However, don't think that just because you have a mule you need a mule saddle. I've been fitting saddles for 22 years, and I've found that mules, like horses, vary greatly in size and shape. A"mule" tree is designed to fit the really traditional "mule figure". It has wide, flat bars, with no "rock" from front to back. A traditional mule is somewhat broad-backed with little to no sway in its back and no discernible withers. If you have this style mule, then by all means try a mule saddle. Putting a regular trail saddle on this type of mule would literally be the same as putting a rocking chair on a table and expecting it not to move when you sit on it.

Keep in mind that this body type has been slowly bred out of mules over the last 15 to 20 years. Now, most riding mules are slightly narrower, with more pronounced withers and a little more curve to their backs. With the choices available in regular, wide and extra-wide trees from saddles we carry from Circle Y and Tucker, we've been able to fit the majority of these mules without resorting to a mule saddle. As always, if you have any question about what type of saddle will work, measure your horse so that an expert at Tucker Saddles can determine the correct tree. Of course, if you happen to be in the neighborhood, bring your horse by to see us and we'll get you the right fit.

Prescott, At Last!

We've heard from Bernice, and she has reached Prescott, Arizona. She, along with her horse Honor and her dog Claire will stay in Prescott for some much-needed rest and recuperation. Also, we're excited, because she'll finally have time to write about her experiences during the last 9 months on the road! What an amazing journey, undertaken by an amazing woman, that shows what trust and love between a woman and her animals can inspire. For any of you that have not been following Bernice's travels, you need to check out her past letters and FAQ pages.

Bernice is also getting ready for the next stage of her trip to Barstow, California. She's entering the rainy season, and has decided that her current rain gear is not going to be adequate. She knows exactly what she wants, and plans to sew it herself. However, the ideal fabric for her needs is GoreTex, which is difficult and expensive for her to obtain. I'm working on getting this for her, but I'm having trouble as well, and am more than happy to hear suggestions of any good suppliers. Please contact me at marketing@outfitterssupply.com with any assistance you can offer.

Long Rider Bernice Ende Outwaits the Weather in Crown King

Bernice has been an avid weather watcher, and the recent snowstorms have practically shouted, "Stay put!". So, Bernice, Claire and Honor have been enjoying the tranquility and hospitality of Crown King, Arizona. The now-living ghost town is located in the pine-laden forest of the Bradshaw Mountains, in the Prescott National Forest approximately two hours from Phoenix to the south, and Flagstaff to the north.

They'll stay in Crown King just until there's a break in the weather, then they're off to Prescott, where they will take a much deserved two-week rest. Read Bernice's latest letters, postcards and journal entries.

John Wayne Commemorative Saddle

Over the years, several saddle companies have come out with a “Limited Edition Collector’s Saddle.” Some of them have been nice saddles, but I never considered them to be truly “collectible.”

With all of the excitement over “100 years of John Wayne,” it only stood to reason that there would be a John Wayne Collector’s Edition saddle. I was one of the first to see this saddle at the Denver trade show last week, and I must admit that even I was impressed.

Circle Y Saddles was selected by Wayne Enterprises to craft this special saddle. Just in time celebrate the 100^th Anniversary Birthday of John Wayne; the saddle was inspired by the original on display in the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

I feel very fortunate that Outfitters Supply is one of the few authorized dealers for this beautiful saddle. The design and workmanship of this saddle are remarkable, and the package that Circle Y put together adds even more appeal. You can see more information about this saddle on our website, or better yet, come by our store in Columbia Falls. We should have our own numbered editions before too long!

Albuquerque to Reserve

Bernice has sent us another letter! It’s always quite the treat to receive a letter from Bernice on her grandiose adventure through the United States as she rides with her horse, Honor, and dog, Claire.

Her current letter details the ride from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Reserve, New Mexico, where she braves snowstorms and temperatures below zero through the hospitality of those she has never met. It is amazing that people can be exceedingly kind to strangers, trusting them and understanding their situations. Bernice finds this compassion again and again. Perhaps people find the humanity in their hearts for Bernice because she is so polite, even likening asking someone to use their computer to rudely talking on a cell phone in a restaurant.

Bernice tells us that Claire, Honor, and she are doing well. She even says she’s received a number of compliments on the condition of Claire and Honor! She maintains her wellness on a mere $20 to $25 a week!

For her next journey, Bernice has been approached about a trail from Missouri to Oregon! She says, however, that we will see. Only time will tell to see if she continues to her exciting adventures. For now she continues her adventure to Stafford, Arizona along Highway 78.

We hope to hear from her as soon as possible, and as always we’ll keep you updated on the latest happenings.

READ BERNICE'S LETTER!

News from the Trail

We finally received word from Bernice, who is doing well and slowly but surely making her way toward Arizona. She truly is an amazing woman, having made her way from Northwestern Montana to Minneapolis, then rode from Minneapolis to her current location in mid-southern New Mexico. I've written a summary of her most recent letter; for the complete entry, please see our updated "Where's Bernice" web page.

Bernice, Honor (her horse) and Claire (her dog) actually are enjoying the New Mexico winter, as it brings shorter days, cooler riding weather, and a relief from bugs. She does confess that she loves her evening fire, and has to bring the water bottles into the blankets with her to keep them from freezing.

She spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas, New Mexico with family and friends, and enjoyed a planned three week "vacation". From there, she started her next 800-mile stretch. First main stop, Madrid, NM. Once there, she spent another (planned) rest week with the Adlers. Last we heard, she was well on her way toward Arizona.

On the Road Again with the RMEF

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation National Convention is coming up February 22nd through the 25th. Outfitters Supply will be exhibiting at this show for the 8th consecutive year. It will be held in Reno as it was last year, but I've been to conventions in Portland, Denver, and Albuquerque as well.

If you have never attended this convention I highly recommend it. I have a difficult time getting away from the booth to take advantage of some of the fun things going on, such as the elk bugling contest where the best callers in the world compete for the world championship. If you are a hunter this is where you need to be to - not only see the latest in equipment but to learn directly from the manufacturer how to use it . There are experts on everything from masking your scent to becoming invisible using the latest in camo. The people who actually invent this gear are in their booths just waiting to talk to the public. It really is a valuable place to hang out for the serious elk hunter.

There's also plenty for the not-so-serious hunter. You'll find everything from artwork and furniture to log cabins and Alaskan halibut fishing trips. I'll be displaying just about everything you'll need to enjoy the backcountry while on horseback. There are auctions, prize drawings and a drawing to win the guided trip of a lifetime.

After hours, as if I need to remind anyone, the Black Jack tables, slots and the delicious buffet at the Atlantis Hotel and Casino beckon from just across the street. Bill Engvall will be performing at the convention as well. Why not really make a trip out of it, and head to Lake Tahoe for some chartered fishing?

I hope to see you there!

I'm guilty!

I admit that I often take for granted how fortunate I am to live in Montana. People from other parts of the country can't fathom the opportunities for trail riding we have.

Within 50 miles of home, I can ride in four different wilderness areas, a national park and literally millions of acres of other federal and state lands.

I don't need a permit or permission. I can routinely view wildlife from grizzly bears to big horn sheep. I can ride into a high mountain lake and fly fish for native cutthroat trout, enjoy the view of countless Rocky Mountain peaks or ride through meadows carpeted with wildflowers.

I'm quite sure I could ride a different trail every weekend for the rest of my life. There is always something new around the next turn, over the next mountain. I can't wait for spring. I think I'll oil my saddle!

By the way, if you get the itch, we have a corral behind the store and you're welcome to use it!

How To Start a Pack Horse or Mule

I'm following up on a question from Steve on an earlier post. In my experience, most good horses and mules take to packing very easily. Let's assume the animal is broke, or at the very least has had a lot of ground work, been sacked out, etc. First, saddle him with a pack saddle and let him get used to the breeching around his rump. Lunge him or run him around in a round pen until he seems comfortable. Then, tie a couple of empty Clorox bottles to the saddle, one on each side, with some string or rope. Put some small rocks in them so they make lots of noise while you trot him around. This will help your pack animal get used to odd sounds emanating from the packs. If your prospective pack animal is on the calm side, this should not take long.

Next, I like to put a set of Ralide-West panniers on with tin cans and rocks in them and go through the same exercise. Then, I like to do a couple of rides up my “training trail.” This trail starts off by crossing a short wooden bridge. I figure I might as well find out immediately where the problems might crop up. Then there is a creek crossing followed by some turns through a boggy area. I prefer the Ralide-West boxes because they are virtually indestructible. The quality of panniers enters into play because there are a couple of places where an inexperienced pack animal will whack a tree with the boxes. Usually, after two times they learn that they have to move out away from a tree to keep from getting that hard pannier jabbed in their ribs.

By the end of that 14-mile round trip, I usually have a pretty good idea if there are any problems that need special attention. It’s hard to make a good pack animal by merely practicing at home. If you have gotten this far without serious trouble, it’s time to just do it.

One last thought: don’t try to make a pack animal out of a horse or mule that didn’t make it as a saddle horse. A calm disposition and willingness to work are very important.