Plains Poker Ride a big hit for local horseback riders
A unique sculpture made from horse shoes was just one of the prizes offered for the Back Country Horsemen Poker Ride at the Historic Jones Ranch (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Carlie, left, and Rose Wagner of Plains getting set to hit the trails with their horses Fancy and Tuffy (pictured) for the Back Country Horsemen Poker Run event. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The Plains chapter of the Back Country Horsemen where thrilled to fill all 150 riding spots for their Spring Poker Ride.
Lisa Read said that the event had attracted plenty of interest from the clubs social media marketing campaign.
“We even had to turn away riders as we filled the spots very quickly,” expressed Read.
The ride took place at the Historic Jones Ranch owned by Jim and Barb Shallenberger; who were said to be thrilled to welcome riders from all over the nation.
The ranch where the poker ride took lace is only a short drive out of Plains as you begin to head into the lustrous mountains as you head past Blanchards Corner.
Read said that riders drove or flew in from Washington State, Idaho, around Montana, Wyoming and even as far as the East Coast.
As trailers began to roll in around 8:00am on the Saturday morning, the trail was marked and registration was open for everyone to grab their playing hands.
Read also said due to the great interest that they received, because the 12 mile trail that would take up to four hours to complete the had enlisted the aid of an EMS Paramedic who volunteered their day to be on hand just incase there was a fall or injury.
“Because its such a large event with so many horses and riders, we thought it best to be safe just incase,” she said.
As the trailers large and small found their spots to unload, there was most certainly a buzz in the air that riders were excited for the days event.
Once registrations were taken care of, horses were tacked up and riders stepped on to hit the trails and work their way through five stations.
The last would be a novelty station where they claimed their poker card by using a small BB gun to hit a slowly rotating board.
Once they completed their trail, they made their way back to the Jones Ranch as they travelled through the mountains for a country style lunch and of course a catch up with stories from the trail.
“These events are fantastic. They not only get people out and about having fun with their horses, but they get to meet new riders and hopefully we inspire people to join our club,” said Read.
The Back Country Horsemen work throughout the year as a small equine club who aim to preserve the trails for riders and hikers by helping maintain the trails.
They also look for a range of grants to help aid them in the costs that can help extend the knowledge of the western way of life, the trails that inspire and the people help make those priceless memories while discovering the great outdoors.