21^st ANNUAL JIM BOWIE ECHO TRAILRIDE & WAGON TRAIN

HARVEY CARRIGER MEMORIAL

September 27 – 30, 2008

by Redhorse

          Fall weather welcomed riders and wagoneers to Menard , Texas for the 21^st Annual gathering. A couple of wagons and a herd of 60+ riders gathered for this great annual ride. Crisp 45 degree mornings, sounds of the San Saba River flowing nearby and the fresh air made for some heartfelt “good morning” greetings!

     This year, the ride was dedicated to the memory of Harvey Carriger, a long time County Commissioner and trailride supporter. Before the Town of Menard allowed trailriders to camp at the Stockpen Crossing Park, we camped in the “Pecan Tree Bottom” on the north side of the San Saba River (east of the bridge). This was a big project for Harvey and he would have a year’s growth of grass mowed and the area tidied up for the many trailriding rigs that poured into town each year. Once, Harvey even joined the dancers as they removed the grass from a makeshift dance floor in camp! This writer prepared badges with Harvey’s picture for all to wear.

      My horse Luke and I paid a personal tribute to Harvey by riding through the old “Pecan Tree Bottom” campsite, after parading by the nursing home and school children. We greeted a bunch of deer and an estimated 107 sunning buzzards. Harvey’s big smile was easy to remember among the magnificent pecan trees. He is missed.

          It is always rewarding to make this ride and have a reunion with the many trailriders, wagoneers and Menard families. It is always a joy to ride the beautiful Martin and Kothmann ranches, where you’ll always see plenty of wildlife (some in a saddle?)!

      On Sunday, the ride out to the Menard Cowboy Church was especially enjoyable with the CROSS-COUNTRY, The Band, conducting the service. Cross-Country has established their brand of positive country music by working with NASCAR events, fairs, festivals, prisons, rodeos and churches, providing original positive musical entertainment. Leo Johnston led this dynamic group; Casey Morton, lead guitar, keyboard and vocals; Troy Vance, guitar and vocals; and T. J. Taylor, percussion and vocals. With his message on Freedom and the music from the band, an estimated 40 folks made their way to the pulpit to renew their faith.  It was strong evidence that Jesus was a Cowboy and he was there that Sunday!

     The families of the Menard Cowboy Church had prepared some of the best home style dishes and desserts you’ve ever tasted and the fellowship was second to none. If you ever get around Menard on a Sunday morning, go by and dig in; they serve up some wonderful Christianity.

     Ron “Doc” Martens drove his beautiful Amish wagon with a handsome sorrel mule. The mule demonstrated his fine training by standing at rest while a four year old Cowboy made a little pitstop. The mule made no effort to catch up with the distancing wagon train until Ron encouraged him on.

        Monday, the trailride headed into town for the traditional parade around the square for the senior folks at the nursing home and the school and pre-school kids. As usual, there was a little confusion about when the parade was going to be there so it took three passes before they had the seniors outside where they could observe. One particular lady in a wheelchair, overcome with joy, promptly rolled herself to the very edge of the porch and with assistance, was able to stand to pet Brandi and Luke. The sparkle in her eyes said volumes about how she once enjoyed the pleasures from horses. I was able to get a picture of the seniors and pre-schoolers together, and the contrast was emotionally moving.

    The beautiful saddle built by Gene Crisp’s niece and husband, was raffled off and Harold McCutchen was the winner.  A pretty good swap considering Harold had shown up with a 40-gallon straw hat he promptly gave to Mark “Hippy” Morton. (Folks that think a 10-gallon hat is BIG ain’t seen nothin’ yet)!                              

        Mark, at the RV Park, worked hard to accommodate all the rigs. He is quick to help with electrical problems or just getting camp set up. The campsites are spacious, shady and roomy; another plus for this trailride.

          A super Texas sized THANKS goes to Gene, Doris and Tommy Crisp. They, along with family and the kind folks of Menard, work very hard to get this ride organized. There were enough door prizes to go through the tickets twice. The generosity of the citizens of Menard is overwhelming. The Dutch Oven Cooking groups always offer some outstanding food on potluck night, and Mani and his wife finished the evening with some lovely music.

          Many, including this writer, have already reserved their campsite for next year’s ride. We’ll see you there!