The trails were muddy, but spirits were high at Horse Heaven Ranch in Talihina, Oklahoma, during the Best of America by Horseback ride.

We gathered at Horse Heaven Ranch Resort outside of Talihina, Oklahoma, which borders the Ouachita National Forest, for the Best of America by Horseback event last April.

The event started Friday evening with iced tea and hors d’oeuvres. Amy Pittman, the production coordinator for the crew, made the opening statements after a warm introduction by program host Tom Seay. We spent time getting acquainted before we started into the Saturday and Sunday events. It was a gala warm-up that helped us all relax and feel at ease with the many guests that came from Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

The group of people we met on this adventure made the trip to Horse Heaven Ranch a joy beyond comparison. The ranch is owned by Dudley Black from Killeen, Texas. Beverly Reeves helps run the ranch, along with Elfie Bowling. Once you meet this trio, you’ll realize how much they enjoy operating their equine paradise.

Spring Trails
The weekend weather was rainy and cold, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Most folks rode, rain or shine. I saddled up Saturday afternoon. The creeks were full to the brim and pristine from fresh rain. The footing had turned to gooey mud, as can be expected in Oklahoma. But I could imagine cowboys, Pony Express riders, and stagecoach passengers of long ago encountering the same scenery as they traveled through the countryside of southeast Oklahoma.

The Winding Stair Mountains held an aura of serenity for the riders amidst this breathtaking landscape. Nothing is better than looking around and seeing Mother Nature turn our Oklahoma dry spell into a spring extravaganza. The horses felt good and enjoyed the coolness.

Green thickets of blackberries and their blooms enhanced the trail, along with chameleons that found bugs plentiful after the drenching rains. To see the trees spreading their clusters of leaves up to the heavens and reaching for the moisture along the trail made the event even more special.

Evening Warmth
Saturday evening, a glowing bonfire warmed us as we toasted each other with hot chocolate. Dancing and singing brought a resounding end to the glamorous day. Delbert Shields, the cowboy poet and singer/entertainer, performed for us. In the distance, we could hear a Native American flute being played by John Gwozdek.

Host Tom Seay can be proud of his team. When you visit with the crew, you can see that they’re all just one big family having a great time.

“The group of people we met on this adventure made the trip to Horse Heaven Ranch a joy beyond comparison,” says Mary Lou Gwozdek.