Full Circle

In memory of #431

This was a weekend of many "firsts"; first time I trailered my horse several hours into the Sierra Nevada foothills, first time I drove through the central valley's infamous tulle fog, first time I met with a custom saddle maker to get my horse "fitted" for a saddle, first time I drove the trailer in the dark, in the rain, on windy roads, in cow country. First time I got to gather cows (more on that later!), and I loved it all.

I was looking for a saddle maker and Ron Butler came highly recommended. Especially because I want a classic "Visalia" style saddle, which is what the old California Vaqueros rode. I just love the simple, elegant style, the utilitarian quality, the beautiful craftsmanship and artistry...I can't explain how I feel when I look at them in old catalogs or if I happen to see one "live". They're just beautful. And it's what I want. I spoke to several saddle makers on the phone and through email and Ron (who happened to be the only one without email, a website, or advertising of any kind) was "the one". Now, I just had to get my horse up there for a fitting and to meet with him!

I've hosted a couple of horsemanship clinics and have had the pleasure of getting to know Stephanie, who lives in Jamestown, which happens to be the same town where Ron lives, so I thought I'd make a weekend of it! I needed a sidekick for this trip, and my friend Meghan (we board our horses at the same ranch), was the perfect road trip buddy (she knows Stephanie from the clinics too, crashed in her trailer at one, long story, won't tell it here!). We met at the ranch early Saturday morning, loaded my horse, threw our bags in the truck, and off we went! Our plan was to meet Stephanie at Ron's place, she would bring two horses, one for Meghan to ride, and we might get a trail ride in since the Butler ranch covers 1200 or so acres.

As we climbed into the foothills east of Manteca, we couldn't help but admire the natural beauty (between patches of fog), and it just kept getting better and better! We arrived at Ron Butler's ranch at about noon. Did I mention he's a master saddle maker and a cattle rancher? He and his son-in-law Russ were out gathering the cows, Stephanie wasn't there yet, so Meghan and I had the opportunity to meet and visit with his wife, daughter and grand kids, and got a tour of his shop.

Ron and Russ rode in not too long after we arrived, got the cows sorted and then came over to say hello. We walked over to his shop and for the next few hours we were treated to the most entertaining saddle education imaginable! My horse was a good sport, napping just outside the workshop door while we chatted and tried numerous saddle trees on her back (the tree is the "skeleton" of the saddle).

Not only is Ron a great saddle maker and artist, hand tooling each saddle with a variety of custom patterns including floral, acorn, and leaf, he is a story teller extraordinaire!  It seemed as if each story contained a hidden gem of cowboy wisdom, a funny anecdote, historical information, some local legend, and he even shared his secrets to staying slim (I'm not telling, but I'm trying it!).

The saddle itself will take a few months to make, but I'm on a waiting list so it will be about 1 1/2 to 2 years before I actually get my saddle. Ron loves the old Visalia style of saddle and not too many people are ordeirng them these days. I'm happy that it's a saddle he will enjoy making and other than the basic specs, I've given him full creative license. I'm married to an artist so I understand that if you want the best possible work, you have to let the master be inspired!

We realized it was getting a little late, and our prospects for riding were fading, but the visit was so enjoyable, we didn't mind. It was getting chilly, Stephanie had a pot roast in the crock pot, so we decided to load the horses and head back to her house. We were mid-way through our goodbyes when Russ pulled Ron aside to let him know that he had spotted the missing wild heifer way up on a hill. They quietly debated if there was enough day light to attempt to go bring her in, the rain would be coming soon. Stephanie mentioned that our horse's were already saddled and we'd be happy to help. They knew we had been hoping to do some riding, so that seemed to help make up Ron's mind, and off we rode! I just couldn't believe my luck.

This is an every day occurrence for a cattle rancher, but the three of us understood the honor it was to be invited to ride out on a special gathering mission. We were there to help, not get in the way. It was serious business, but we couldn't stop smiling!

We rode out and up. Up, up, up the hill. I was trying to use telepathy to tell my horse that this was serious, it's what she was made for, pay attention! But I guess she only heard "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!!!" because she was a little "exuberant". She did ok though. She always kept one hoof on the ground when she decided it was all too much and had to "express herself" with the most sorry excuse for a bucking fit ever.

Ron is a great hand and gave me some tips. Every ride is an opportunity for training and even he had to get his horse's "head back" a little bit with some on the trail schooling (although I suspect he was doing this more for my benefit as my horse seemed to be the only one losing her head). They just get excited sometimes, this was all new for both of us. Maddie was more worried about where the other horses were than she was about the cows. But that's ok.

We found the heifer and she had a surprise! She had been hiding a calf. There were also a handful of other cows hanging out with her. We brought them all down and Maddie and I got to work the gate after a few escaped through the other end of the corral. We watched as all the cows were sorted into their appropriate pens, then we all filed out.

By this time it had gotten really cold and was almost dark. We said our good byes, thanked them for the afternoon and their hospitality and were on our way.

I couldn't help but think about one of my first blog entries from a few years ago. I was writing about a cow (a particular cow I met while hiking on the Pleasanton Ridge), wondering how it all worked, wanting to understand where my food came from and be more involved and responsible with my choices, wanting to support local ranchers. I had no idea at the time that one day soon I would be riding with one! It truly felt as I had come full circle.

Since I've gotten a horse, an entire world has opened up to me. I've met so many interesting people, have had so many wonderful experiences, and I'm just getting started. I've been invited to spend several days on another friend's cattle ranch come Spring. Better practice my roping....!

For some reason I can't post pictures, but here is the link to my Facebook album:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.4719189251618.2177422.1051137441&type=1