Last summer we had four riders ascend the steep trails of Pike
National Forrest. They decided to tackle a death defying track back
to the ranch. Two riders lost their mounts. One horse was found
near the ranch perimeter. No sign of the other horse. This all
happened early afternoon but a torrential downpour was threatening.
Dark clouds cloaked the skies. The stillness of an impending storm
lurked ever so closely. Caring riders scoured the mountainside and braved
cold, blinding winds. Still, no sign of the lost horse. Darkness
fell and screams of "Mister Kitty" filled the air. The search was called
off. The horse's owner left in tears. The search crew was
deflated. Nobody slept that night.
