Yellowstone
Equine adventure in Yellowstone
Published
10 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersA day in the park with Lone Mountain Ranch
By Martha Crocker Explore Big Sky Contributor
One of the most memorable experiences for Big Sky locals and visitors alike is riding horseback in Yellowstone National Park’s northwest corner. Many horse enthusiasts only ride a few times a year, so the chance to be in the saddle again is one they don’t pass up. Anticipation is high when they arrive at the Bighorn Pass trailhead with their old boots, comfy jeans, and cowboy hats.
With a deep breath, heave ho, and a little help from the wranglers, the guests are fitted comfortably into their saddles. Starting down a gentle trail, they feel the horses’ solid motion beneath them and are somewhat mesmerized by the steady pace and sway of the animals’ stride.
The air is clear and crisp. Willow, sagebrush, and quaking aspen flutter in the breeze. In the distance, a larger canvas of pine, spruce and fir provide the mountain backdrop to complete the view.
The ride is freeing – the warmth of the sun amazing. A gentle tug on the reins is all that’s needed to get their horse back to walking, rather than browsing on the trailside grasses. Eventually the ride winds through two small stream crossings where the willows are shoulder height and the horses begin to gradually climb.
Further upstream, on the edge of the forest, the party may run into a cow moose with spindly-legged twins, which are small and anxious to stay with their mother. The ride continues uphill through the sage meadows with purple larkspur and lupine, and yellow splashes of arrowleaf balsamroot.
As the trail levels out at the river, the group breaks into an easy lope. The Gallatin River’s crystal-clear water meanders and bends, evidence that the raucous spring runoff is slowing down. After another couple of miles, guests return to the trailhead.
With an apple saved from lunch, a guest can feed it to their horse and give their mount a pat. It’s a small thank you for a steady ride and beautiful sights.
Martha Crocker is a guide with Lone Mountain Ranch, which begins its guided horseback trips in Yellowstone on July 1 every summer. For more information visit lonemountainranch.com.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
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14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd