We’d been here before, but things were a little greener than last time. Trees were starting to bloom, grass was growing strong, and the birds were singing last Saturday at Dunrovin Ranch. Last November we were out here for the very same reason; to love and ride on some horses.
Our group was smaller this time, but no less enthusiastic. It’s not every day you get to brush an animal four times your size and weight; at least, not for us. After the ever-necessary safety talk, the first group of matches started their riding session and the rest of us headed to the pasture to wait till a staff member could show us how to groom and work with the horses in the barn area. We passed the time with the first ever Dunrovin World Cup soccer game. What a match it was!
Soccer in the Pasture
We soon found ourselves giving some love to the horses by either brushing, or talking with them, and maybe the occasional kiss on the nose. This didn’t just happen with the typical horses though. Sicilian Donkeys and smaller breeds of horses also call Dunrovin home and got just as much attention.
The first group returned from their ride about half an hour later feeling excited and accomplished. Big smiles could be seen on every face! The next group, consisting of two matches and two volunteers, rotated in for their riding session and the rest of us headed over to the fire pit for a classic American lunch in the outdoors: roasting hotdogs over a fire!
The rotation continued into the early afternoon: matches participated in 45 minute trail rides while the rest of us either groomed the animals in the barn area, played field games in the pasture (Sharks and Minnows is still a hit!), or explored down by the river nearby. All things considered, it made for a great Saturday! It seems spring has finally arrived in western Montana, and there was no better way to find out than from the top of a horses back.
Returning from a Trail Ride
Thank you to Dunrovin Ranch and everyone else who made this trip a success! Also a big thanks to our partners and volunteers, particularly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missoula and the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. This spring was a rousing success for Missoula Outdoor Explorers and this summer looks to be even more so. Check back with us in June for our latest adventure!
Making Friends
Keep exploring!
Missoula Outdoor Explorers 