OCTOBER 2018 • NEBRASKAland 41
Staff recommends that participants drive into the Windmill 25 site with
4x4 vehicles. Port-a-johns will be provided, but those looking for a more
comfortable camping experience may look to The Forest Service's Bessey
Recreation Complex and Campground, which offers water and electric
hookups.
For participants not hauling in RVs or live-in trailers, the Nebraska State
4-H Camp does offer cabins for a small fee, assigned on a first-come-first-
served basis. There are also motels available in the nearby towns of Halsey
and Thedford.
Also, riders should be prepared for any type of weather in October. Trail
riders have experienced weather from sunny and picture-perfect to rain and
wind to snow. One year, a blizzard blew through the area. Although attendance
took a hit, the trail ride has never been cancelled.
"Everyone still had a good time," said Teel. "Gary just took us through
the trees and it was the prettiest drag we've ever had. There was snow
everywhere."
If you're still not convinced to come ride, perhaps Bruce Treffer's thoughts
might persuade you:
"Horses and horse people ... when you gather people with common interests
and place them in the Sandhills – one of the largest, most unique pieces of
grassland there is in the country with a national forest in the middle of it, and
with the 4-H Camp nearby which provides a unique camp setting ... the whole
thing comes together. This has been the best place for us to meet, ride and
support 4-H. It has fit our mission so well, so we've never thought to move the
trail ride anywhere else. " ■
To learn more about Halsey's trail rides, visit extension.unl.edu/statewide/
centralsandhills/TrailRide.
Top: A rider urges his horse through a "scary" curtain of wood chimes, a
desensitizing exercise that was part of a riding clinic available in 2014.
Left: Riders Bryan Bechtel (left) of Henderson, Kathy Potthoff of Lincoln, Terri
Licking (purple jacket) of Thedford and many others ride3 out of the trees and into
more open Sandhills country.
large herd is a magnificent experience.
Then at the end of the day on
Saturday, after a full day's ride and a
delicious evening meal of steak, baked
potato and green beans, a bonfire
at Windmill 25 completes the camp
atmosphere.
Join the Ride
"This isn't a commercial trail ride,"
said Gary Stauffer, who has been 4-H
Trail Ride co-chair since its inception.
"The area is picturesque and unique,
but there aren't many amenities, so
haul in what you'll need."
