The Old West The gold fever that gripped the Red River Valley in the late 1890s attracted rainbow chasers from every part of the country. Most were lacking in mining experience, having abandoned careers as farmers, shopkeepers, school teachers, soldiers and every other occupation imaginable in their quest to take journalist Horace Greeley's advice: "Go West, young man."
Among those who arrived in the high country valley in 1895 were the Oldham brothers, who came from the ranch country east and south of the Raton Pass. They had grown up on horseback and were familiar with the chores associated with raising cattle, but they did not care for the term "cowboy," preferring to be known as "cattlemen."
Fast Forward To The Present
There is a resurgence of interest in the Western culture, both past and present. The Red River Riding Club was organized in 1988 to promote the different aspects of the horse culture in the Red River area. They've traditionally sponsored and conducted trail rides, clinics, rodeos and a variety of equestrian events, all in the effort to see that horses remain a part of a changing world.
The RRRC is responsible for reviving the sport of rodeo in the high country and will again conduct the annual Cowboy's New Year Rodeo on July 12-13 at the Red River Rodeo Grounds on the East Moreno Ranch. Bull riding, bronc busting, steer wrestling and barrel racing are just a few of the thrills that await competitors and spectators alike. Take the whole family and enjoy this grass-root American sport in the splendid setting of a gorgeous mountain valley.
Don't miss the Cowboy Evenings, presented by Bobcat Pass Adventure Company. Enjoy horseback rides, chuckwagon cowboy grub - steak, beans, dutch oven-baked biscuits - and cowboy singing around the campfire under the stars. It's a once in a lifetime experience you'll never forget!
Hokey and noisy? Yes, and it has been entertaining families for over 40 years. The Bank Robbery and Shootout at Frye's Old Town occurs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon at 4 pm. Historically accurate? Who cares: it's fun and it's free to the public.
Michael Martin Murphey's Westfest, a festival celebrating the American West in the spirit of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, is returning to Red River this August 1-2. A benefit for the Wildland Fire Prevention and Relief Campaign, the Westfest features day-long musical concerts, Western arts and crafts, an authentic mountain man village, art auction and much, much more. There are also trail rides with MMM. A great time for all!
Speaking of horse back rides, Red River Stables is located at "The Y" and provides trail ride adventures for all ages.
