M E N A R D - 2 0 th A N N I V E R S A R Y

FRED BURSEY, SR. MEMORIAL RIDE 2007

The 20th Anniversary Menard Trailride also served as a Memorial Ride for Fred Bursey, Sr. who passed away on  August 14, 2007, at the age of 85. Fred had been a regular at the Menard Trailrides for 20 years and will be missed for years to come.

A large group of riders and wagons started arriving at the Stock Pen Crossing camp even on Wednesday before the ride started on Saturday, the 29th. The Stock Pen RV park was filled to capacity and others camped primitive.

A beautiful Saddle and Breast Collar were built by Craig Catron to commemorate the 20 wonderful years of riding in and around Menard, Texas. Raffle tickets were in large demand as everybody wanted this custom saddle!

Jose' Lopez would always lead us to his home where his lovely wife would have prepared tamales and tortillas for the riders at lunch break. The cross country riding was beautiful adventure.

On the way to the Menard Cowboy Church, young pet elk greeted the riders and teams. The bull bellowed a "Howdy" to the wagon train as it passed.

The Menard Cowboy Church service included some joyous, beautiful singing. The message centered around finding your individual "purpose" and was demonstrated with young horseback riders. The Church members prepared and served a big, mouthwatering lunch after the service.

Church Deacons offered a special prayer to trailrider and cancer survivor Debbie Cole during the service.

Monday the wagons and riders rode by the Senior Citizens Center and the Elementary School. The event served to remind the elderly viewers of days gone by and the younger ones with the historic connection to today's lifestyle.

Fellowship around the campsites is like a family reunion!

Mission San Saba is a unique historical site where you can read excerpts from the volumes of history.

Curtis & Connie Weant of "Something Western" donated items for auctioning to help offset the cost of the Commemorative Saddle. They have a large selection of beautiful hide rugs and pillows along with western interior decorating items.

The San Saba Sauna~Jacuzzi is an exhilarating and refreshing way to spend the afternoon; especially after a day in the saddle! Many a group has enjoyed and benefited from this local landscape!

Riding the Kothmann Ranch is always a scenic pleasure! You have the opportunity to search for arrowheads (Gene ALWAYS finds one.......sometimes right under Redhorse's foot!) and view the peaceful valley from the impressive hilltop cross.

The BBQ ~ Dance ~ Awards and Saddle drawing Monday evening was a real "Gala"!  Beef brisket, pork, sausage  and cabrito were abundant along with troughs full of beans, salads, peppers and onions. The dessert tables were loaded with cobblers, pies, cakes and puddings.

Special 20th Anniversary Buckles were awarded to several participants. The Montana Silversmiths buckles were beautiful! 

The band started filling up the dance floor soon after the big dinner. It was apparent that Gene and Doris and neighbors really enjoy dancing! 

The drawing for the Commemorative Saddle was held at the close of the evening. The lucky winners were DR. BELINDA & JOSH DOBSON! Belinda is the Granddaughter of Fred Bursey Sr. and much of her youth was spent enjoying the Menard rides.  Fred Bursey Jr. was also in attendance for the special evening.

Thanks to the entire Crisp family for the many years of pleasurable trailriding and wagon trains at Menard, Texas. They and the Menard Community have always rolled out the "red carpet" to welcome participants. While many of the participants through the years are watching from their Heavenly Home, the rides have provided all with wonderful, family oriented memories.

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