Bears Ranch

3 months out 🇺🇸

This Fourth of July weekend, join us at Bear’s Ranch in Durango, Colorado for the America 250 / Colorado 150 Commemoration.

A celebration of country, community, and the launch of the future Home of the Brave Museum.

Be part of it.

Remember • Honor • Salute 🇺🇸

Durango Cowboy Gathering Poetry ride. All hands on deck getting ready for the guests.

Bears Ranch was in downtown Durango yesterday. From giving pony rides to kids to being the largest group in the parade, it was a great day. And a great photo of Emmy and Gus. His first parade. Photos by Patt Dorsey.

A beautiful morning here at Bears Ranch for the annual Durango Cowboy Gathering trail ride.

October 4th will be the annual Cowboy Gathering Poetry Ride at Bears Ranch. Coffee at 9:30 and then take a horseback ride with our wranglers. When you get back, there will be lunch and entertainment by musicians Jim Brantley, the Vega Verde Wranglers, along with stories and cowboy poetry by Scott Perez. Contact us for more information.

He's "JUST" a Trail Horse**
I can't count the number of times that I have heard the words "Oh you just trail ride" or "It's just a trail horse", especially from other riders who focus on only one discipline. And each time I have to smirk a little. To be JUST a Trail Rider you need a very special talented kind of steed for which many folks don't realize the expertise required:
- He needs to be as maneuverable as a Dressage Horse...to be able to place each foot exactly where and when you need because there is a steep cliff drop-off on one side and a wall of solid mountainside on the other. A sure-footed horse is a must to be a good Trail horse.
-He needs to be as bold as a Foxhunter....to go willingly where he is pointed, whether that is over a log, up a steep hill, down a gully, through rushing water, boot-sucking mud or bushwhacking through thick scrub.
-He needs to be as agile as a Show Jumper....able to easily twist and turn around trees and bushes, boulders and hop over fallen logs.
-He needs to have the stamina of an Endurance Horse....because a 7 mile ride can easily turn into a 20 mile ride if his "on-board GPS" (aka rider) takes a wrong turn.
-He needs to have the calm mind of a Rodeo Pick-Up Horse....because many horses can not hold it together under stress. But a good Trail Horse must be able to cope with the high emotional energy often coming from other horses in front, behind and either side of her. He needs to always be level-headed and sensible.
-He needs to manage being squashed against others like a Polo Pony....because on some trails his nose might be pushed against a tail in front, or flanks pressed side-by-side with rider's knees banging against other rider's knees, or another horse breathing down his back. He needs to have patience and get along well with others.
-He needs to cope with bursts of speed like a Racehorse.....because if that "on-board GPS" (aka rider), stated above, turns the short ride into 20 miles you won't get home till dark if walking that whole distance.
-He needs to be a clever problem-solver with his mind and feet like a Cutting horse....sometimes his rider is gonna get him stuck in places that seem impossible to get out of!
-He needs to be brave like a Cow Horse because not only will he have to deal with protective mama cows and bulls out on the trails, but he'll also be faced with mountain bikes, ATVs, motorcycles, strollers, tractors, logging equipment, chainsaws, horse-drawn carts, bullet-riddled appliances, floating plastic bags and balloons, booming thunder and pouring rain with flapping slickers, loose wild horses and burros, and all forms of wildlife.
-And he needs to be cuddly and sweet like a Child's Pony....because he will spend countless hours exploring trails with his rider.
But hey.... He's "JUST" a Trail Horse!~*~
****Author unknown *****
Photo credit: Tina Mae Weber.

When community comes together to take care of one another. Thanks to everyone who donated and to Cal Storey and Emmy Grayeyes for running a great auction.

We're setting up for the fundraiser for Ray. Come on out. Take a ride, grab some lunch, and stay for the auction. We've got some great stuff and Cal Story is the auctioneer for us.

A warm round of applause to Bears Ranch for their unwavering support as a sponsor of True Western Roundup! With its stunning location at the base of the majestic Hermosa Cliffs, Bears Ranch provides guests with unparalleled opportunities to explore the great outdoors. From winter sleigh rides to summer horseback trail adventures, Bears Ranch encourages families and kids to connect with nature while learning about the rich history of the area. Thank you, Bears Ranch, for your commitment to fostering outdoor exploration and education!