2009-02-05

Carryin’ on a Cowboy Capitol tradition

By Judith Pannebaker

The sounds of Ole Hank bemoaning his beloved’s “cold cold heart” heart reverberated throughout the staging area at the Twin Elm Guest Ranch as members of the Cowboy Capitol Trail Ride Association saddled up for their 40th annual trek to the San Antonio Rodeo and Stock Show.

However, Hank Williams’ girlfriend’s heart couldn’t have been colder than my fingers as I meandered through the camp Saturday, Jan. 31, muttering, “Take a picture, take a name.”

The coffee was hot and everyone took time getting everything just right for the first leg of the ride to Tarpley. When asked what time he expected to pull out, drover Wes Hatch said, “Well, ‘bout 9 am, but, as you can see, we’re a little late.” It was by then 9:20 am. “It doesn’t matter,” he continued. “We’ll leave when we’re ready and get there eventually.”

The first night was spent in Tarpley and on successive nights, the riders bedded down at the Hill Country State Natural Area, Texas Rose Realty on Highway 16 South, Triple H Equitherapy in Pipe Creek, the 3 Bar M Ranch at the intersection of Highway 16 and Park Road 37, VFW Post 7108 on FM 1560 and finally the Lions Club on Highway 16 in Helotes – just in case anyone wants to follow the itinerary.

Viola Allen, along with her sister, Margie Allen of Tucson, Arizona, and Bandera’s Sissy Remmers, serve as camp cooks for the trail ride. She was thrilled with the turnout for the group’s 40th annual event.

“We have almost 70 riders this year and a lot of them are newcomers,” she said. “This has been such a blessing. They are a great bunch of people.”

On Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at 7:30 pm, members of the Cowboy Capitol Trail Riders Association will participate in the Grand Entry at the San Antonio Rodeo and Stock Show. And, what an event that will be. There’s still time to purchase tickets and support the Bandera trail riding tradition.