Desert Riders

Thanks Lynn Follstad for posting this. Good information :-)

March 30th 2019 Ramona Trail

Video courtesy of Betsy from the Art Smith ride Jan 22nd 2019

March 19th 2019 Pioneertown Finally, the weather was perfect. We were all ready for a long awaited Desert Riders day in the saddle. 18 eager horses (except one was a handsome and exceptionally trail worthy Mule) were saddled, bridled and ready for the long anticipated return to the "Two Pines" Trail led by our one and only Jack Dugan. Seems, the cold, rainy and windy weather even here in our most of the time well protected corner of the world gave our horses a little (maybe t...oo much) energy gained from closed trails and too much rest. Yes, we stepped out at a good lip and continued into the wonderful world of rock formations alive with green more green and already beautiful flowers. The bluebells were still hiding, but so many others were creating a beautiful painting, which in the case will be seen in the photos taken by and shared by some our our ladies. The trail was breathtaking in many places, the views absolutely magnificent. There was plenty of water running between boulders, which our horses enjoyed. Yes, this trail has a couple of challenging places. Years ago a seasoned older horseman once told me "when in doubt, sit still and let your horse do the thinking." Works most of the time....! Too bad if you missed it. Hopefully, we can repeat the ride once more this spring. See more

March 12th 2019 Boo Hoff Trail Another fabulous Tuesday and another fabulous ride! Our planned 'long' ride of the Boo Hoff trail was changed to a new and shorter version, which was loved by all six of our gang who showed up this morning. Lea led everyone out and around and up and down and around some more, during what turned out to be a gorgeous morning, lots of sunshine and lots of wild flowers and a good, new ride for those of us who prefer a shorter ride. It was a 3 hour ride and lunch was back at the staging area at Lake Cahuilla at the picnic area. Another great ride on a beautiful Tuesday in March.

March 5th 2019 Jane's Hoffbrau The so-called "Short Ride" led by Elaine Hill was a perfect delight for the five (5 !) of us. Perfect weather, mostly easy and just a bit up the hill, pay attention, horse! Just great! We had a delightful ride staged at the Vons Horse Parking friendly trailhead. So many hikers were admiring the fact that we actually rode horses up those rocky, washed out trails. We had a great ride only partially on the dirt roads which travers the entire area but used mainly the trails which run beside them... We arrived safely, happy and hungry at "Jane's Hoffbrau" The rain storms did very little, if any damage to the area. After tying up and making our horses comfortable, we enjoyed a lovely lunch. Great day in the saddle! Just remember, there's always another trail to be explored!

February 12th 2019 Murray Peak via Clara Burgess Trail "Absolutely a great day today for only five riders who would brave the strenuous ride up the Garstin and the Wildhorse Trails to the Clara Burgess Trail. Jason led the group on this fabulous ride. On our way up the Garstin, we ran into John Schoettler already on his way down the trail (morning hike) and while we stopped to give the horses a breather, John eloquently and off-the-cuff entertained us with history of Abraham ...Lincoln's life from birth on. OMG what an orator, so sorry you all missed it. Happy Birthday Mr Lincoln. We were so relaxed as we watched the scenery go by, and the snow-capped mountains were beyond belief! Lots of hikers were also enjoying the fabulous weather, even at the tip of the Burgess trail. We were VERY SORRY to see the ride come to an end. Thank you Linda for the photos See more

February 5th 2019 Bud Furer Trail Today's ride was a great success. We had 16 riders even though the weather looked, and was, most unlike our normal desert paradise. Yes, it was cold, windy and dreary, but that didn't stop our group from meeting at Los Compadres and riding out "over the gold course and through the river to keep our trails alive." Thank you to Jason for leading our ever-spunky group, and the two guests from Los Compadres, on a really good ride. Meanwhile, back... at the clubhouse, Chef John was busy getting his meal together with great assistance form the Chuck Wagon ladies and some others of our gang, who set up tables, chairs, decorations, etc. And of course, there was our every-wonderful First Mate Alex, at the grill and helping in all the ways he knows, to get the party going. John, thank you so very much from all of us for the effort, time, expertise, and the preparation you put into this event to make it a smash success every year. What a great ride and lunch.... See more

January 22nd 2019 Art Smith Trail (hwy 74) Today's ride was fabulous! Thank you Jason... you not only are our "El Jeffe" but we can add to that, Trail Boss and writer par excellence! Thank you for doing the ride report today. It sounds like the rest of us missed a great day in the saddle and on the trail. The winds were to balm for a good deal of no-show; however, those of you who braved the disturbance had a blast. Tally ho!!!!! Way to go!!!!! Thank you Betsy for all the wonderful photos

January 15th 2019 Westfork Trail (Indian Canyons) Well, rained out on the Westfork trail ride today. Yes, we all agree that we desperately needed rain, however, just as long as it's not on Tuesdays. Kind of reminds me of that movie "Never on Sunday"... Just not on Tuesday for us.

January 8th 2019 Black Rock (Joshua Tree State Park) What a great ride, It could not have been a more perfect day. Michael took the road to the high ground on the "long"ride. The air was clear, crisp and cool as they traversed along Joshua trees up to a summit of over 5000 feet. The views were breathtaking.... blue skies, snowcapped mountains with the Saltine Sea in the distance. The horses were in good shape, footing excellent (and after a stop for lunch) the ride back through shady canyons onto the flats made this ride one of the best so far this year. All four Horseman had a terrific time.

December 18th 2018 Christmas Ride and Brunch (Art Smith picnic area above Tahquitz Canyon riding up the Lykken trail) And there went another Annual Desert Riders Christmas Brunch and Ride to and at the Art Smith Desert Riders Park, where else, but in our very own Sunny Palm Springs California. Parking and staging this ride at Smoketree Stable is not only convenient but a very special hospitality gesture for which we thank Stacey and KC Johnson from the Desert Riders, their gu...ests and our horses. 13 riders rode out together and arrived safe and sound to freshly filled water buckets (big thanks to Sue, Lynn and Tammy) We tied and/or hobbled our horse to enjoy a well-deserved rest. The refreshments were well prepared and served. Soon we haded for the Christmas Bruch prepared by Jim Sheridan. A fun time was had by all. See more

December 11th 2018 Poker Ride (Staging Smoke Tree Stables) Well, today was a special treat for us... We headed out of Smoke Tree Stable after signing in a the makeshift "front desk" with our cheery money men. John and Doug, and selecting our poker cards fro the first part of the event. there were 14 of us present, all smiling and eager to be the big winner of this huge poker pot. Of course with 14 of us participating, how big could the pot really be????? oh yes, we had a teen...y bit of liquid refreshment first, then off we ent. Jane led us through the wash and over to the Pond estate. were our "bagmen" were waiting with the cards to draw again and more of the liquid stuff. All went well we did our bit and then continued to the Indian Canyon gate, where, lo and behold, our two favorite guys were again waiting for us to draw another hand. Then we rode over to Andreas Canyon and tied up our horses, moved on over to the picnic area, and drew yet again more poker hands. Well, the upshot of all this card playing was to crown a winner of all the money, and that we did. Lynn Follstad we the lucky winner. After all the excitement, we split into tow groups... 7 of us rode back to the stable, and the other 7 chose to make a longer ride, over to Murray and up the Coffman, then back to the stables. All in all, it was a wonderful day, just beautiful weather, great group of riders, and a really fun event. We'll have to do this again..... See more