Methow Valley Back Country Horsemen: Loup Loup/North Summit Horse Camp Raffle Ride

Everyone had a great time at the ride today! We had 26 riders, some going out in different directions for however long they wanted to ride. Weather was good--cool and comfortable. Members were especially happy to see Okanogan Chapter riders joining in, and several non-affiliated riders came to check out the location and participate in the raffle ride as well. We had about 1/3 from the Methow area, 1/3 from the Okanogan/Omak area, and about 1/3 were from further away. Folks were eager to see and experience first-hand the proposed horse camp as some hadn't been to this sno-park before. A few had been, but only in winter. All were welcome! There were 16 rigs, and drivers were pleasantly surprised by the spacious parking!

There was a nice display board showing the proposed horse camp site plan--thanks to Bill and Jan Ford. At registration, each rider received a raffle ticket for a chance at winning an item from the raffle table, and some decided they wanted multiple chances and purchased additional tickets. There were 21 items (some of them grouped) for raffle selection, and the winning raffle tickets were drawn while the riders were out so there was no waiting around when they returned.

Most riders went out about 11:00 and were back by around 1:30-2:00, with a number of them planning to explore the area further by riding again later in the afternoon. Carol Hebert and Richard Erickson had the pot luck set out by 4:00 and started cooking the steaks, with plenty for everyone. Folks that had to leave right after the ride were quickly replaced by non-riders who came up for the good food, great company, and a friendly chat. In addition to an introduction to the proposed horse camp at the North Summit of Loup Loup, the raffle ride was a successful effort to support The Nourishing Hand Equine Rescue and Sanctuary east of Tonasket. All monies collected will be donated to The Nourishing Hand for to support their commitment to the welfare of neglected and abused horses.

Thanks to all who participated! An extra thanks to worker bees Carla Lange, Deb Whittamore, Carol Hebert, Richard Erickson, Linda Seaman, and guest Krista Wallin for their help setting up and taking care of folks. And, a very special thanks to Nancy Palagruti for coming up with the Raffle Ride idea and moving it forward!!