For the last several years, Circle K Ranch and Telluride Adaptive Sports (a 501c3 organization) have partnered to offer horseback activities to the Wounded Warriors Program. This offering takes place several times throughout the summer and includes riders with varied disabilities. Some of the riders have extreme spinal injuries that require the use of a special saddle, called an “Adaptive Saddle.” This saddle provides the spinal stability necessary for the individual to ride. Up to this time, we have had to limit those who can ride, to those that can support themselves entirely with minimal support from side walkers. In an effort to help our guests with more extreme challenges, we are raising funds for 2 adaptive saddles. 

 May 30th,  Mr. Randy Bird, the Texas craftsman who hand makes these fine saddles, will be on hand to demonstrate the “Adaptive Saddle”. Randy, himself, suffered a severe spinal injury and is paralyzed from the chest down. By using this amazing saddle, Randy does his own ranch work of gathering, sorting and roping cattle, as well as competes on a national level. Randy’s therapy saddle has enabled him to be the only paralyzed contestant in the PRCA and win Reserve World Champion at the APHA World Show. Randy will be available to answer questions and there are a limited number of spots available for a trail ride with Randy.

 Other activities that day include a silent auction, western style dinner and evening entertainment with nationally renowned western performer, RJ Vandygriff, a member of the Texas Musicians Hall of fame.

 Dinner and show tickets available for $25/ea. ages 12+; $12 ages 5 – 11; Children, ages 4 and under eat free. Call 970-562-3826 for tickets and reservations.

 All proceeds will go toward the purchase of the adaptive saddles. We invite you to join us in helping to provide freedom in riding to those who have fought so bravely for our freedom.

Randy Bird Riding in his adaptive saddle

It’s been a cold winter but spring is coming! We are right around average for snowfall this winter and are thankful for all the moisture. We are looking forward to the upcoming season, seeing old friends and making new ones this summer and fall.

The horses have enjoyed a winter’s break staying in a bit warmer and milder weather about 2 1/2 hours from here. We’ll be making the yearly round up the end of April and then back to work they go, getting ready for all the wonderful people we will have the chance to show around these mountains on one of the best ways to see them, on the back of a good gentle mountain horse! As the old spanish proverb says: ‘There is nothing better for the inside of a man, than the outside of a horse.’ How true it is!

The spring elk migration is just around the corner. We’ll keep you posted and share photos as they move on up the Dolores River Valley from their wintering grounds. In the meantime, we look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you sometime in the year ahead!