March 2015 - Best of America by Horseback

ISSUE 54 / March 2015
Your access to all things related to Best of America by Horseback
Planning this year's horseback vacation . . .
It sure sounds easy and the first thing in our minds are
those calendar pictures of places we want to go. There
is no end to magazine articles that suggest where you
should spend your time and money, especially on vacation. The fact is, most articles are slanted to send you to
the sponsor location or from a tourism board’s quest to
get more tourism dollars to their state.
So, I have been asked my opinion. First, let's go back to
the calendar pictures or places you have dreamed to
visit someday. Lock that in and that will be our target
for this brief overview of planning. Here are my
thoughts and suggestions on a very general perspective:
To begin, pick the dates you want to travel on a calendar. Those dates will determine so very much. We
want to avoid driving ten days both going and coming
on a two week vacation. (That will insure you physically and mentally drained for a 48 hour
stay somewhere.) So to work within that framework, consider if you are taking your horses
or using horses at a location. The locations that offer quality horses are few and far between. At the moment, I can only think of two that really impress me (both are in Arizona
and are members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association. They are the White Stallion Ranch and
Tombstone Monument Ranch.) I am sure there are more, but I have not seen them first
hand.
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The calendar month you pick will also determine which direction you should go. If it is summer, you might want to avoid South Georgia where it is rumored that mosquitoes have taken
away small children and animals. And if it is cold, North Dakota may not be ideal either. If
you choose Canada, Alaska or the Yukon, in August, remember to bring bug repellant. These
things are trade-offs of location reality and extreme beauty.
There are many resources to find places to go ride and overnights. Consider starting with the Trail Riding Destinations
found on our website which we are rapidly expanding. You
will find all kinds of riding facilities from full service dude
ranches to small, quaint campgrounds all listed by state. As a
Trail Club Member, you are also welcome to overnight here
at my farm, Andora Farm, in Culpeper, VA if you need a stop
over while traveling through this part of the East Coast. We
are 30 minutes from I-95 and just off Rte 29 in Virginia. You
might even decide that you wish to ride the Blue Ridge Mountains while you are here, as we
have a stunning view from our farm.
One note before my primary suggestion. Consider a pack trip by horseback, if you have riding experience. As an outfitter for years, I loved it. There are places you can ride and
fish. You might want to consider a brief trip (two or three days to get the taste of it). The reality will most likely be no cell phones or internet, no hot showers, no soft beds and a lot of
physical effort you may not be used to. I am 63 now and can't get over not being able to do
all the things I did in high school or as a kid. It may be ideal for you to take a trip with a reputable guide but consider everyone in your family. One unhappy person can ruin it all. My
feelings on pack trips are refined to what you wish to accomplish. A quiet get-a-way or fishing with your soul mate or to just unwind. It is worth considering.
For this article, I suggest most of us will plan a trip with our horses. If so, here is my general
suggestions: After looking at the calendar, setting the timeframe and general location, pick
who is going. I like the idea of two or three trailers traveling together. (if you get more than
three or four rigs, you can quickly get 8 opinions of
what today's plans should be). Safety is one factor
but spending time with good friends is almost sacred. Usually, the pattern is riding and a campfire
with great dinners and many good nights sleeping
to wake to fresh brewed coffee. Riding each day
with your horse and friends, often without a word
spoken is about as good as it gets.
You have to slow down to do it right. My wife complains when I back the trailer up to the
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front door or back door for a few days. Comments like
'redneck' and what will people say seem to come to
mind. However, it insures, way in advance, the trailer
does not have a flat; the brakes are working and the
lights work as well. If they do not, I have several days
to fix them. It requires I fill the fuel tank in advance
and it means I have to load my hay a few days in advance instead of the morning we are leaving. ( Do not
worry, the hay is as safe in your trailer as it was in the
shed it was stored.) I plug it in and make sure everything is working. (This makes sure you
also have the right plug ends for 30 amp or any adapters you need.) In your moving and
parking of your trailer, drop by the local feed store and weigh your truck and trailer. If you
have the misfortune of an inexperienced police officer that thinks you are overweight, you
have a slip with a date and time that shows your rig's weight. If he or she believes you are
over 26,000 pounds and you do not have a CDL, your memories of your vacation will not be
with you think.
Best of all, she can take her time loading at her pace instead of a rush. I put a yellow pad and
pencil in the trailer and write down anything I need to remember. (Trust me, you will think
you will not forget, but you will, so write it down as a check list.)
I suggest you have paper maps even though you may have every
new GPS gadget there is. I recommend you call ahead to make
sure the place you read about in last year's travel book is still in
business. A death in a family of a small business will certainly
affect if it may be open.
The place you will visit, deserves a call to see if things are well. No fires, floods or family
emergencies there? Make sure you are not arriving in the middle of another scheduled event
that will ruin your plans. Get real directions other than GPS. Is there a rail road track to pass
over that won't bottom out your rig? Which trails are the most visited as the 'must see' or
ride trail. Get to know the front desk receptionist by first name and how to reach the office
after hours, if the gate is closed or locked. Make double sure you have all required shots for
that area for your horse. (I also carry a paper zerox copy of my Coggins.) Sure it is not official, but it is much better than not having one. Actually, we now use the photo Coggins on
the internet that can be sent by the vet in advance. Ask your vet about it.
Never, never, never stop at a rest area on the interstate. It is the recipe for being targeted by
crime. I only stop at truck stops and prefer the known higher end truck stops. The fuel price
is the same or lower. Camera's everywhere. Clean bathrooms, good food, mechanical and
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tire options, and an office desk that can help within anything from Fed Ex, Ups, general mail,
internet, emergency help, just to name a few. Did you ever notice there are no drunks at
truck stops? Professional drivers everywhere and the bad guys do not feel welcome.
When I travel, we plan for a problem. We try to have a "safe house" or stop over place every
3 or 4 hours. In other words, if I broke down here on the interstate, where would we call for
an overnight or for a tow or a place to stay?
Carry a product like Horse Quencher to sweeten the water for your horse. If
you drive to Florida and the water has a sulfur smell, your horse will not drink
it. You may think they are not thirsty. You ride all day and have a colic emergency. Use your water from home and a sweetener to make the transition.
I never have less than a half a tank of fuel and three extra days of hay, food and provisions. Take enough cash to buy fuel and food to take you home from wherever you are. If
there is a tornado, flood or emergency, there will be no credit card machine. I have seen this
on four occasions. Take cash and hide it well.
The list is endless but I hope this may have helped in some preliminary planning.
One other thought: Remember the relative you loved so much that you have not seen in
years or an old friend? It will add icing to the cake to plan on seeing someone like this when
you go on vacation. It is worth including a couple of extra days for just down time or to visit
that old friend. You deserve that treat.
You can always write me direct at my personal email at [email protected]. I will answer you
or help you in any way I can.
Tom
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
Join us on these upcoming rides!
October 25-27
Find more details on our website: www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/ridesevents.html
Leatherwood Mountains
East Fork
Ferguson,
NC

Stables - Jamestown, TN
May 1-3, 2015
Oct 30 - Nov
3 the weekend full of fun activities for the
Enjoy
Kentucky Derby
American Heart Assoc.
“Spring
Beach Ride Training” Trail Ride and Horsemanship Clinics - Culpeper, VA
Myrtle Beach, SC
May 8-12

“Cowboy Rendezvous” at Stepping Stone
Ranch - West Greenwich, RI
October 9-11
**Must contact location to participate
Participate in this unique event in Rhode
Island as Tom Seay and Best of America by
Horseback covers their 10th Annual event as
well as the 60th Anniversary of the ranch.
January 12-18
*VERY LIMITED SPACE
Join Tom Seay on his personal farm for special Cruise to Eastern Caribbean
Reunion Cruise
Nov 1-8
one on one trail riding, clinics, cattle drives
Join Tom on this NEW cruise location to St.
so much more!
Grand Cayman,and
Jamaica
Thomas, St. Maarten, and the Bahamas on this
& Haiti
7 night cruise.
Gathering at the Farm - Culpeper, VA
 January 24-26
May 15-17
Cattle drives, team penning, clinics and semi- Carriages, Wagons & Mules at RO Ranch
R.O. Ranch
- Mayo, FL
nars at Tom’s personal farm
Nov 13-15
Mayo, FL
All breeds are invited to join this special ride
Greenhorn Guest Ranch - Quincy, CA
event that will also be open for carriages and
June 26-30
 April 18-20
wagons.
*Very Limited Space
“Our Barn”
Dude Rancher’s Association Approved dude
ranch, all inclusive ride. Lots of fun activities in
Ridgeway, SC
2016 Grand Tour Locations
addition to riding. Great location if you don’t
 May 2-4 have a horse.
To Be Announced!
East Fork Stables
To join Tom Seay and Del Shields
for an adventure . . .
May 16-18
Call 540-829-9555 or visit
4th Annual Gathering
Jamestown, TN

www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com
Tom’s Farm in Virginia

June 13-15
Old Cow Town
Saguache, CO

June 20-22
Tribute to the Mustang
Wyoming
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Howdy Friends,
Am I ever excited! The weather has turned spring
-like with temperatures in the 70s, the grass is
poppin’ out green from under the brown, the
frogs are singing at the water holes and baby
calves are running, tails in the air across the pastures. I am ready for some warm weather riding
as the season changes here at the High Trail
Ranch. Although the weather was frigid here in
January and February, I took on three horses to
start and train for some folks. It was some cold
riding but I sure did enjoy the time in the saddle.
Fresh on my mind is the time I spent performing
at the Illinois Horse Fair last week. I have always enjoyed going to and being a part of the
Horse Expos, but this past event was a highlight. I was the Solo entertainer for the weekend
where I sang several times a day at various locations. When not singing I was at my booth
selling CDs and T-shirts and talking to so many friends I have made in the horse world. I was
exhausted at the end of each day, but it was worth it all. I had such a great time seeing everyone and doing what I love, that the tiredness just didn't matter.
If you have not had the opportunity to attend a Horse Fair, you should put it on
your list of things to do in the near future.
With all of the things being offered for our
horse friends these days, you will be able to
learn so much and gain so much by showing up at one of these events. In addition,
the people you are able to meet and visit
with who share your passion makes it even
better.
Austin McKee, owner of McKee Guitars (the maker of Del’s new
guitar) and Del Shields.
My hat is off to the folk at the Illinois Horse
Fair who made me feel at home and such a
great part of their event. The amount of
work put in to these by so many is incredible and so much appreciated.
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Tom has my attention also as he is gearing up for some
monumental events coming up this year and next. I hope
you can meet up with us as at one or more of these ride locations and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the ranches
where we will be riding. You can see our schedule on the
website and see my schedule for performances on my website www.delshieldsmusic.com
I hope you get to ride often this year and that safety follows
you down each trail. Thanks for keeping up with us and
supporting what we do. You are valued more than you
know. Till we meet, may The Lord bless and keep you, and
ALWAYS RIDE THE HIGH TRAIL.
Del and two young fans at
the Illinois Horse Fair
Del
If you have suggestions for Del about where you would like to see him perform,
send him an email: [email protected]
Visit Del’s website
to see his tour schedule
or to purchase his CDs:
delshieldsmusic.com
LIKE Del on Facebook
Del Shields
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Del Shield’s CD
David Archer - TN
Spurr’s big fix
delshieldsmusic.com
www.spurrsbigfix.com
Rick & Gail Blair - VA
BOABH dVD
Dutch Brown - WV
Monica Waldie - MO
Dennis Shankle - MD
Judy Thouvenel - TX
Wilson & Penny Flem - IL
Mike Gentry - OH
Tie One On Halters
Robin Wilcox - VA
www.facebook.com/pages/Tie-One-On-Paracord-Halter-LLC
Horse Quencher
Derek Jordan - GA
Neil & LuAnn Wood - IL
Marge Rust - CO
Sharon & Kirk Mueller - MD
Capri & Jeff Kent - KS
Alex & Janice Halmagui - MO
Tina & Randy Hartz - IL
Cathy & Alan Roberts - TN
Tammy Temple - KY
Stephanie Snyder - MD
horsequencher.com
New Winners every month!
Plus keep an eye out for new Choice Product Sponsors
to giveaway their products!
You can become a Trail Club Member for just $29.95 for the whole year today!
Its quick and easy with two ways:
Call our office at 540-829-9555
Or send us an email, [email protected]
Visit our website for all the benefits of being a Trail Club Member:
www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/trailclub
ISSUE 54 / March 2015
Page 9
Justin was recently at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in
Denver, CO as an exhibitor during the event but also hosted clinics on horsemanship.
Watch Justin and his mustang, Cinnamon Girl, perform at
the show by clicking the link:
https://youtu.be/I9Rti4FW8QQ?t=1h25m58s
Let Justin help you build the trust with you horse. Come to the “Spring Training” Clinic and
Trail Ride at Andora Farm in Culpeper, VA on May 8-12 with your horse. Learn the techniques that Justin uses with his mustangs that will help you build a great working trust with
your horse. Spend time and ride with celebrity host, Tom Seay on his personal farm, Andora
Farm. Get to drive cattle and participate in team penning practice. Get the one on one time
with Justin in addition to participating in his clinics during the event. Call 540-829-9555 for
more details or to sign up.
Justin
Email: [email protected]
Visit Justin’s website to learn more about his trail riding business, clinics in beautiful
Guffey, CO and upcoming events for Justin: dunnshighcountry.com
Be sure to LIKE Justin on Facebook
Justin Dunn Mustang Horsemanship
www.facebook.com/JustinDunnMustangHorsemanship
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The Trade Association Promoting Dude Ranches
By: Colleen Hodson & New Member, Marble Mountain Ranch
Why should prospective dude ranch vacationers give priority consideration to ranches accredited by the Dude Ranchers Association
(DRA)? The answers are in the education and training for higher levels of hospitality, and higher
standards of safety that are afforded to association members. DRA members have access to
training and professional growth courses available through the association. The Dude Ranch Association offers a key path to gain ongoing training of ranch members who constantly improve
their levels of service.
Secondly, entrance into the association itself requires that applicant ranches are inspected and
verified as meeting and maintaining DRA standards of excellence. An independent governing body
has placed a stamp of approval on all ranches accepted into membership.
Dude Rancher Association Members Operate At Verified High Standards
When you select a DRA member dude ranch, you be assured that the ranch is operating at the
highest levels of the ranching industry.
In your search for the ideal dude ranch, you will find hundreds of ranches that are quite varied,
and different in almost every conceivable way. Rather than first focusing on price, or activity offerings, or location, the first step you might consider in your search, is to limit the selection to
ranches that are most likely to offer you a genuine western experience and offer the highest
standards of quality. This will be a Dude Ranch Association member ranch. Anybody can hang an
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“open for business” sign out on the ranch gate,
publish a slick website, and purchase inclusion into
various fee based internet ranch directories. None
of these things will guarantee any level of honesty
in offered services, any standard of risk management, or any quality assuredness in hospitality.
The mere fact that a member ranch has gone
through the association application process, has
been inspected, and has been accepted into the
association, should imply that the ranch is reaching for a higher standard. These are the ranches
you should be considering prior to evaluating all the other parameters of location, cost, and program offerings.
The dude ranch association membership is the quality seal that should be considered along with the
confirming TripAdvisor reviews, and the BBB ratings for the ranch. Your vacation is a significant
investment. It warrants due diligence in researching and ferreting out the ranch that will surpass
your quality expectations as well as meeting the unique needs of your party.
Increase the likelihood that your dude ranch vacation will meet and exceed your expectations, by
selecting first from the list of over 100 Dude Ranch Association approved ranches.
To Learn More About the Dude Ranchers’ Association, their members, and to
find the perfect dude ranch for you, visit their website: www.duderanch.org
Be sure to LIKE them on Facebook: Dude Ranchers’ Association
Look for this logo on dude ranches:
Don’t Miss the Fun at this Upcoming Dude Ranchers’ Association Filming Location
with Tom Seay & Del Shields:
Join Now! Spaces are very limited.
June 26-30: Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch in Quincy, CA - Enjoy the beauty of this Dude Ranchers’
Association Approved Ranch that is nestled in the “Friendliest County in California” close to the scenic Feather River
Canyon and the most rugged trans-sierra railroad line in California. Don’t miss your chance to join Tom when we returns to California.
Call 540-829-9555 to join these limited rider locations and appear in an
upcoming episode of Best of America by Horseback with Tom Seay.
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B&W Now Offers a Warranty!
Our Approach to Warranty
It is our policy to stand behind the products we build.
We are confident that our products are made without design or
quality defects. If you are unfortunate enough to buy one of our
products that doesn’t live up to our standards, we would make it
right with you, our customer.
If your product suffers damage because of an accident or misuse
on your part, we would work with you to get you back on the
road with as little cost and hassle to you as possible, because that
is just being a good neighbor.
We can’t keep your product in ‘new’ condition and your product and the finish will age through normal wear and tear. You should only use our products in the manner intended in their design. Most
of our products require some minimal maintenance to continue to work as they did when they were
new.
We appreciate it when our customers register their products with us. However, we offer our warranty regardless.
To register your product with us, please go to
www.turnoverball.com/warrranty or call us at
800-248-6564.
Click logo to find
a dealer near you
LIKE US on Facebook: B&W Trailer Hitches
Visit our website: www.turnoverball.com
ISSUE 54 / March 2015
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After a long harsh winter, our equine companions may be out of
shape and therefore, their saddles may look like they don’t fit
properly, if they did before.
Common Mistake of Saddle Fitting:
Conditioning

A horse is no different from a human athlete; horses get sore muscles when they are not in shape. Long trail rides, once a month barrel
races, or competitions when a horse is not in the proper condition
will make a horse’s back sore. When you apply pressure to an unconditioned horse’s back you will get swelling which accentuates or creates saddle fit issues. If you feel heat or swelling after long or strenuous use of your horse, let his back rest and heal.

Do not jump to the conclusion that your saddle does not fit if you
find your horses back is sore due to being in poor condition. A
horse’s back will drop when it is not in condition or is overweight.
When this happens, bridging of the saddle tree can occur. Strong abdominal muscles support and straighten the back of both the horse
and the rider. Daily riding and conditioning will keep your horse’s
back tough and strong.
Visit the NEW website:
tuckersaddlery.com
Be sure to LIKE them on Facebook:
Tucker Trail Saddles
Catch
at the
Ohio Equine Affair
in
Columbus, OH
on
April 9th - 12th
Visit Lakota of Ohio’s website:
www.lakotaofohio.com
Like Lakota of Ohio on Facebook:
Lakota of Ohio
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One Big Buckle ©
By: Del Shields, 2004
That's one big buckle on such a little boy.
And look at that old felt, how he wears it with joy.
He wears those boots like a full grown man.
Check out that old lariat in his hand.
Why, he'd sleep in in that suit if you'd let him get by.
Tucked under his hat is the big reason why.
He watches his grandpa as he works each day,
With his daddy right beside him each step of the way.
He swears he'll be like them just as soon as he can.
Tough he's a young buckaroo, he thinks he's a man.
He rounds up the chickens on his stick horse old Jed,
Till he's plumb tuckered out and mom puts him to bed.
Now this won't last forever, cause he'll grow to full size.
Don't take it granted lest late tears fill your eyes.
He's quite a young cowboy, a future Galoot,
But take care how you guide him, cause he'll soon wear your boots.
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Join Tom and Best of America by Horseback for
these great once in a lifetime extended rides!
May 8-12
“Spring Training” at Andora Farm
Click photo to watch promo
Culpeper,VA
Don’t miss this unique chance to
have natural horsemanship trainer,
Justin Dunn, at your fingertips to better
connect with your horse and get to
spend one on one time with celebrity
host, Tom Seay on his personal farm.
http://youtu.be/PgPM0lJ9vzY
June 26-30
Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch
Quincy, CA
Join Tom at this beautiful Dude
Ranchers’ Association guest ranch in California in the
most friendliest counties of California. Greenhorn
Creek Guest Ranch offers many activities in addition
to riding. Visit our website for more information,
www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/ridesevents.You
do not want to miss Tom’s return to California!
To reserve your space on these rides, call 540-829-9555
but hurry because spaces are limited!
Page 16

October 25-27
Leatherwood Mountains
Ferguson, NC

Oct 30 - Nov 3
American Heart Assoc.
Beach Ride
Myrtle Beach, SC

January 12-18
Reunion Cruise
Grand Cayman, Jamaica
& Haiti

January 24-26
Did you get to watch RFD-TV’s The American on March 1st? Read all about
R.O. Ranch
who won the money by visiting RFD-TV’s website or click here.
Mayo, FL

Click here to find RFD-TV in your area.
April 18-20
“Our Barn”
www.rfdtv.com
Ridgeway, SC

May 2-4
East Fork Stables
Jamestown, TN

May 16-18
4th Annual Gathering
Tom’s Farm in Virginia

June 13-15
Old Cow Town
BestCO
of America
Saguache,

by Horseback dress shirts, T-shirts, and show DVD’s are available!
Please call the office at 540-829-9555 to order your BOABH logo gear.
June 20-22
Tribute to the Mustang
Wyoming
Check out our BOABH logo gear on our website:
www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/boabhlogogear.html
ISSUE 54 / March 2015
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Put on your own trail
ride and earn points!
Click the image to
the left to learn more
about the trail riding
club and how to earn
points or put on your
own ride.
Like and Share us on
Facebook!
www.facebook.com/bestofamericabyhorseback
Get Discounts with these great companies:
Heart of Dixie Trail Rides --- Alabama
- 334-670-0005
- www.heartofdixietrailride.com
Brushy Creek Guest Ranch --- Missouri
- 601-225-7010
- www.brushycreekguestranch.com
Bar Fifty Guest Ranch --- Arkansas
- www.barfiftyranch.com
Circle E Guest Ranch --- Tennessee
- 931-962-1790
- www.circleeguestranch.com
Reed Valley Ranch --- California
- 951-767-0524
- www.reedvalleyranch.com
Hayes Canyon Campground at Shawnee
Forest --- Illinois
- www.hayescanyon.com
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp --- Kentucky
- 888-682-3958
- www.mammothcavehorsecamp.com
Fort Valley Ranch --- Virginia
- 888-754-5771
- www.fortvalleystable.com
Paradise Ranch --- Wyoming
- 307-684-7876
- www.paradiseranch.com
Visit our website for more information.
Blackhawk Horse Camp, LLC
Osage County, Kansas
blackhawkhorsecamp.com
785-806-3121
Fort Valley Ranch
Fort , Virginia
www.fortvalleystable.com
540-933-6633 / 888-754-5771
March 19
Fairy Stone State Park,
VA
March 26
Reed Valley Ranch, CA
April 2
Belize Cruise 2014
April 9
East Fork Stables, TN
(2014)
April 16
Lincoln’s Ride to the
White House
April 23
Big Valley Ranch, WI
Flying Bee Ranch
Bayard, Nebraska
www.flyingbee-ranch.com
308-783-2885
Grove River Ranch Equestrian Center & Retreat
Gillsville, Georgia
www.GroveRiverRanch.com
706-677-0072 / 770-540-8380
Idle Nook Horse Camp LLC
Boles, Arkansas
www.idlenook.com
807-356-3655 / 501-276-9013
Our Father's Haven Bed and Breakfast
Bushnell, Florida
www.ofhbandb.com
352-793-7920
RO Ranch
Mayo, Florida
www.roranch.org
866.813.1617
Spirit of Suwannee Music Park
Live Oak, Florida
www.musicliveshere.com
386-364-1683
The Big Elk Lick Horse Camp
Benezette, Pennsylvania
[email protected]
814-787-4656
White Stallion Ranch
Tucson, Arizona
www.wsranch.com
888-977-2624
Mingo Trails Horse Riding Park
Toomsboro, Georgia
www.mingotrails.com
478-278-6963
WATCH BEST OF AMERICA BY HORSEBACK ON:
April 30
Tombstone Monument
Ranch, AZ
May 7
Grand Cayman &
Jamaica (2014)
NEW! SHOWTIME:
Thursday 2:00 pm est / 1:00 pm ct
Thank You to Our Show Sponsors
Editor in Chief: Kristen Biscoe