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Article #109: Enjoy A Cowboy Vacation

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Are you ready for a Cowboy's vacation? tender foots faces. As we stretch out and
Why not take a cowboy vacation on one of relax we realize the power of nature that
the many Texas dude ranches. Just think is forgotten in the city.
riding a horse western saddle over the My wild snorting beast is down at the
plains, across the streams and over the stream drinking water with the other
mountains. If fresh air and wide open horse. After the horses have a rest it's
spaces is what you are hankering for a time to get back on the trail. Mounting
dude ranch may be just for you! Are you my horse was as pain full as the dismount
ready for the perfect experience? Let me was and I cringe as I struggle into place.
tell you a tale…. My gray mare refreshed from her break was
Jumping into my western wear pulling on my ready to go. But with each step we took
cowboy boots and putting on my hat, causes on the slow ride back I was reminded of
my blood to stir. Today is my first time the tremendous beating my back side was
in a bunk house but I'm not alone. There taking. The chaffing of the in side of
are fifteen other greenhorns or tender the legs were almost as bad. I was
foots with me. Most of my comrades are certain I was going to be a raw piece of
city folk. Sure we've all seen a horse meat by the time we returned. Looking
but it was on TV or at the parade. Today back at the old cowboy who was our guide I
we get to experience the real thing. The saw a relaxed toughen real cowboy. I
question that flashes through my mind is wondered how it took him to toughen up.
whether I am ready to learn to saddle that Back at camp after a slow dismount and
wild snorting beast. some slow stretches it was time to find
The door opens and in steps the lead hand. some grub. Funny by the time we sat down
He says "the first order of business to a heaty meal the soreness had began to
today is to head of to the corral for a pass and each of us was looking forward to
lesson on saddling our horses." So off we the next days adventure. Perhaps it
go. I look for the smallest beast I can didn't take that long to toughen us city
find who's over in the far side of the folks up afterall.
corral. Yup that one's for me. As I tip Conversation was hearty and load at the
my hat and approach the small gray mare table as we busily exchanged ideas about
grazing at the feed trough I'm a little our first day as a cowboy on the trails.
surprised. There was excitement, pride, and an over
Well actually it's more like I'm shocked. all feeling of accomplishment. So this is
That small gray mare stands over a foot how the real cowboy's felt after a day on
taller than me. Wow! now what to do. the range. Perhaps there really was
After all who am I kidding, I'm no cowboy. something missing in city life.
But with some help I managed to saddle By the end of my vacation the gray wild
the monster. Swinging up into the saddle snorting horse turned out to be my
my mind drifts to a western movie with me greatest companion on all our daily rides.
as the trail boss setting off on a cattle The name of the gray is Calaway. If you
drive. ever get the chance to ride this horse you
Suddenly with the movement of my steed I will be pleased with her steady but gentle
instantly come back to my senses to manor. Even my red western wear shirt,
realize this beautiful beast is walking tan boots and my large white hat never
out of the corral and I'm about to spooked her. After all she is used to
experience my first adventure. After many carrying and caring for plenty of want to
miles of riding along a cool grassy plain be cowboys and cowgirls giving each a
our group of tender foots comes upon a story and adventure all of their own.
small steam. Perfect, it's time for a If you ever get a chance to take a cowboy
rest. vacation on a Texas Dude Ranch you should.
I swing out of my saddle. My legs and rear I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
end feel like they've had had the flesh It will be one of the best experiences
peeled right off of them. The you'll ever have, leaving you with the
excruciating pain leaves me moving pretty memory of light blowing summer breezes,
slow. It seems to take an eternity to be soft scented wild flowers, deep blue
able to sit down on the cool grass. Wow I crystal clear water, and gently sloping
must be a wuss I think. Even with my mountain trails.
aching body I feel an exhilaration like The life of a cowboy may be filled with
I've not ever felt before. hard work but it's a lifestyle that no
Looking at the other riders it appeared other can compete with. There are few
that they too had suffered this same fate. cowboys that would be willing to give it
Yet even with this new found pain there up. For just a couple of weeks you too
is a smile of contentment on all the can enjoy the life of a cowboy.






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