Howdy Folks!
Thursdays are adventure days here at the MTM Ranch. We take the bravest, boldest, baddest, cowboys and cowgirls on an all-day expedition through creeks and washes, up atop mesas and ridges, and past a myriad of desert wonders: ever-flowing springs and cottonwood oases, ancient petroglyphs and kivas, and the ever-so-rare, genetically-mutated Crested-Head Sagauro (this is the actual one we see on the rides).
Today's ride was a private ride (Where were you guys? Make your adventure ride reservations today!) called the Bronco Trailride. The MTM crew trailed two fine quarter horses deep into the Tonto National Forest with their saddle bags stuffed with all the long-distance desert riding necessities: cholla combs, fire starters, Leathermans, trailmix and water, and of course, a trusty roll of Charmin. With at least seven hours of riding ahead of us, we set out at a brisk walk through a blooming desert. Hedgehog cactus, elk horn cactus, prickly pear, pin cushion cactus, and the first of the saguaros are all flowering alongside a garden of weedy wildflowers. If you are a photographer or a botany-enthusiast, now is the time to ride the desert.
Water was scarce, as it always is, but even more so this year since the Maricopa County has seen only two measurable rainfalls since December 17th. The three reliable watering holes along the trail had run dry, and the horses had a hot and sweaty 6 hours ahead of them before reaching water at the Cave Creek River. Along the way we passed the skeleton of a less fortunate horse (identified by a shoe still nailed to a detached hoof), and a bovine skeleton. The causes of death we unknown, and the horses sure weren't willing to stick around to find out.
The Bronco trail winds through a wide spectrum of ecosystems: it begins in high desert plains and drops down into the Cottonwood drainage where giant juniper tower 15 feet or more. From there the trail climbs underneath two chalky limestone deposits on the face of Skull Mesa before dropping once again past red sandstone cliffs along a blades-edge ridge which eventually bottoms out in the Cave Creek drainage. It's a stunning montage of all the desert has to offer, and we sincerely hope to see you mounted up on one of our rock-eating quarter horses the next time we ride it.
Happy trails!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Rattlesnake Nation
Howdy Cowboys and Cowgirls!
Watch your feet as you step up onto the MTM porch--you may see the evidence of this week's snake vs. squirrel drama (a human won) still lurking under the floor boards! A hungry rattler recently threatened our beloved caffeine-addicted (Circle K brand--blatant product placement) Rocky, his two squirrely girlfriends, and their nest of newborn kits. MTM Ranch owner and manager, Patricia Motley, heard the commotion and came around the side of the tack room to see the squirrel covenant bravely defending their young against a striking snake. With the head of the shovel, Patty was able to pin the offending rattler to the ground and called in reinforcements. When the friendly neighbor arrived, the snake was beheaded and the squirrel family was safe. But at a great cost, for upon inspection, one small kit was found partially digested inside the dark pit of the snakes stomach. Still, tragedy became comedy: the MTM Ranch crew has been having a good ol laugh by leaving the business end of the snake sticking out from underneath the porch, and separating the boys from the men by rattling hisssss tail with a stick as guests walk up (we make sure to do it after you've signed our waiver, releasing the ranch from all responsibility). So watch your step. But shhhhhh, you didn't hear it here.
Watch your feet as you step up onto the MTM porch--you may see the evidence of this week's snake vs. squirrel drama (a human won) still lurking under the floor boards! A hungry rattler recently threatened our beloved caffeine-addicted (Circle K brand--blatant product placement) Rocky, his two squirrely girlfriends, and their nest of newborn kits. MTM Ranch owner and manager, Patricia Motley, heard the commotion and came around the side of the tack room to see the squirrel covenant bravely defending their young against a striking snake. With the head of the shovel, Patty was able to pin the offending rattler to the ground and called in reinforcements. When the friendly neighbor arrived, the snake was beheaded and the squirrel family was safe. But at a great cost, for upon inspection, one small kit was found partially digested inside the dark pit of the snakes stomach. Still, tragedy became comedy: the MTM Ranch crew has been having a good ol laugh by leaving the business end of the snake sticking out from underneath the porch, and separating the boys from the men by rattling hisssss tail with a stick as guests walk up (we make sure to do it after you've signed our waiver, releasing the ranch from all responsibility). So watch your step. But shhhhhh, you didn't hear it here.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Pioneer Blog
Howdy folks!
Welcome to the first MTM Ranch blog! Hope y'all are busy perusing our brand new website and planning your first, or your next, MTM adventure. Great day at the ranch today--took out a young girl on her first ever trail ride on our trusty kids-horse, Jake--took her home a horse-enthusiast who wants riding lessons and perhaps her own horse someday. That trail ride might end up costing her parents more than they expected!
Welcome to the first MTM Ranch blog! Hope y'all are busy perusing our brand new website and planning your first, or your next, MTM adventure. Great day at the ranch today--took out a young girl on her first ever trail ride on our trusty kids-horse, Jake--took her home a horse-enthusiast who wants riding lessons and perhaps her own horse someday. That trail ride might end up costing her parents more than they expected!
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