Death Valley and Rhyolite Ghost Town – February 20, 2010

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Death Valley National Park in California is three thousand square miles, and it became a park on February 11, 1933.  Death Valley is a land of physical extremes and natural wonders.  Death Valley is a desert of sand dunes, mountains capped with snow, layers of multi-colored rock, badlands, and canyons shaped by wind, water, and sand.

The first view of Death Valley is from Zabriskie Point.  Zabriskie Point is a place of badlands and brilliant colors.  Eroded rock formations are a true testament to nature’s power, and to the history of evolution that has occurred in Death Valley.  It also offers the first glimpse of Badwater.  Badwater is the lowest point in North America, at two hundred and eighty two feet below sea level.  This is large area of salt flats, and it covers approximately two miles.  Death Valley is also one of the hottest places on earth, with average rainfall of less than two inches.

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The ghost town is Rhyolite in Nevada.  Rhyolite is a historical site from the Bullfrog district, complete with a train depot, the Cook Bank, and the bottle house.  The bottle house was built in 1929; it took five and a half months to complete, and used approximately thirty thousand Adulphous Busch bottles.  The Cook Bank was the town’s largest building and it cost ninety thousand dollars to build. The train depot was called the Las Vegas Tonopah Railroad Depot, and it was built in June of 1909.  Rhyolite is also home to sculptures titled ‘The Last Supper,’ and built in 1984 Albert Szukalski from Belgium.  The miner with the penguin was created in 1994 by Fred Bervoets as a tribute to Shorty Harris.  The colorful couch was created in 2000 by Sofie Siegmann, and titled “Sit Here.” 

These photographs were captured on a tour managed by Tours of Distinction in Henderson, NV.  Thank you to Anne at Tours of Distinction for offering such a wonderful tour to Death Valley.

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“Have Camera… Will Travel”

Talisman Farm – Open House – February 7, 2010

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On February 7, 2010, Talisman Farm and Head Trainer and Instructor Esther Hillner held an Open House to showcase their new location at Twin Palms Stables. 

A few excited riders arrived at 9:00 am to learning more about vaulting from Rick and Virginia Hawthorne, teachers at Valley View Vaulters in California.  Rick and Virginia also brought with two International Vaulters from Germany, Konstantin and Susi who provided a Vaulting demonstration in the afternoon.

Rick and Virginia also brought their Vaulting Horse Babe.  Babe is a twenty-four year old Belgian, a draft horse breed from Belgium.  Babe is a very experience Vaulting Horse, and was truly a ‘gentle giant.’ 

Vaulting is a combination of gymnastics and horseback riding, and it helps to build physical strength, coordination, discipline, self confidence, and it encourages teamwork.

To start the morning off Barrels or ‘Practice Horses,’ were set up in the barn aisle, allowing practice time and a chance to learn about this exciting sport that is a world class event.  Barrels are used for students to learn basic movements, and to practice more advanced movements before working with a Vaulting Horse.

The morning was filled with smiles, and determination as each participant worked on improving their vaulting skills.  Many were amazed at how much fun and how little work was involved… and the fact that their bodies were that flexible.  Rick worked with each participant to ensure they were comfortable with the movements, and encouraged to go just a little bit further. 

Esther gave lessons during the morning, and boarders came and worked with their horses.  A very busy morning, despite the overcast skies, everyone was excited for the afternoon activities which included Girl Scouts and members from Horses for Hero’s to work with Babe, the vaulting demonstration, and the unveiling of Talisman Farm’s own horse that would be trained for vaulting Kidd.  Kidd is a twenty year old Quarter Horse gelding, with years of experience outside of the vaulting arena as a rope horse and a cutting horse.  Kidd will be a great addition to Talisman Farm and the education of future riders.  

Babe was prepared with vaulting tack and would work off a longe line guided by Virginia.  There was a handler on either side of Babe, to support the vaulter’s if needed, and to provide reassurance.

The smiles and laughter of children filled the afternoon air and a great time was had by all.  As one after the other everybody who practiced that morning, was a Girl Guide, or a member of Horses for Hero’s worked on basic vaulting moves.  Esther even tried vaulting for her first time.  I don’t think I have seen bigger smiles, than the smiles I saw on the faces of the vaulters that afternoon. 

Thank you to Esther, Talisman Farm, Rick and Virginia, Konstantin and Susi, the Girl Guides, Horses for Hero’s, Babe, and Kidd.  It was a wonderful event and it was great to see everyone enjoying not only the vaulting, but working with the horses.  I am looking forward to the next event, show, or clinic and capturing your special moments.

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“Have Camera… Will Travel”