On the Ranch, March 2008:

This has been a hard winter for the Blackfeet Buffalo Horse Coalition. B.B.H.C. Founder, Bob Black Bull, suffered a fractured pelvis and femur in an ATV accident in November. Fortunately, Bob is recuperating surprisingly well and is expected back at the ranch by the end of April. 

 

In Bob's absence, B.B.H.C. Board member, Sheldon Ground, has coordinated both the purchase and delivery of winter feed for the horses using greatly appreciated donations from concerned horse lovers who have generously reached out to us. Sheldon and his father, Rick Ground, and his uncle, Larry Ground, and ranch foreman, Leroy Still Smoking, have tended to the horses, chopping ice daily in the creek to make sure the horses have had water, and distributed hay every day when possible.

 

At times, supplies were very limited, and, on occasion, deep drifting snow made impassable both local highways and roads on the ranch.  In times of deep drifting snow, the horses seek shelter around trees where snow will swirl, creating a well with the tree in the center surrounded by a deepening circular drift (to the best of our knowledge to date, sadly, we have lost seven weanlings who were unable to climb out of such 12 ft. deep snow-wells).

 

Fortunately, due to the hardy nature of our "buffalo runners" (Spanish horses), the majority of the horses have fared quite well, considering the extremely harsh winter weather they have endured.

 

Update on Bob Black Bull 2008:

In November, Bob was in an accident and had to be airlifted to Harborview Hospital in Seattle. He came back to the ranch right after Thanksgiving and then traveled to Rhode Island for rehabilitation. He should be back on the ranch soon. He is doing better but it will take some time to heal completely. He wishes to thank the Northern Rocky Medical EMTs and Harborview Medical Center for his care.

 

Fundraising 2007 and 2008:

To make it through this coming winter, the BBHC must raise funds to obtain hay. Because of many reasons, including drought, conversion of hay fields to other crops, and fuel prices, hay is becoming increasingly expensive. The BBHC is initializing some fundraisers in order to accomplish this. Check back soon for details. If you wish to contribute, please go to the "Make a contribution" page.

 

2006:

In December of 2005, because of the generous contributions of several individuals in our support community, we were able to refinance the magnificent 7 Eagles Ranch as the forever home of the Registered Spanish Mustangs of the BBHC.

 

This unspoiled 633 acre property, nestled at the base of the Northern Rockies, has majestic vistas, strong native grasslands, a year-round spring and a natural botanical ecosystem that has remained virtually untouched.  The native prairie complex is remarkably similar to the north-western plains habitat first experienced by the original Blackfeet Buffalo Runner horses.

 

July 2006

Emmett Brislawn visits the Ranch

Emmett visited the BBHC Ranch for a week. He was able to work with many of the horses and he really enjoyed his time there.

 

June 2006

The BBHC receives a new computer! It is replacing one that was over 7 years old and was terribly outdated.

 

May 2006

International Horse Club Visit

Katrin Gunnarsson brings a group of horse owners from Sweden for another visit to the BBHC.  For several years in a row, members of this group have come to experience directly the true Spanish Mustang as exemplified by the BBHC herds.

 

 

April 2006 -- Visitors from Far and Wide

As many as 27 visitor’s from Italy and the eastern US arrived to experience the BBHC Ranch firsthand. 

 

March 2006 -- Brislawn Ranch Visit

The Brislawn Family hosted Bob Blackbull and Clifton Bullshoe for a visit at the famed Cayuse Ranch, Oshoto, Wyoming.  The Brislawn family has been the leader in the preservation and development of the original Spanish Colonial horse – the true Spanish Mustang.  The original horses of the BBHC herd came from  Brislawn stock. 

 

Summer 2006 -- Artist’s Workshops

 

“Paint the Real Western Horse”

1 - 5 day workshops

 Led by :Robert Blackbull

 BBHC founder and artist

 Photography, Painting or Drawing.

 Fees will include food and accommodations.

Call:  406-338-7434 for details.

  

Horse Gentling Clinics

Workshops with Clifton Bullshoe

Ranch Foreman and Trainer

Call:  406-338-7434 for fees and time schedules.

 

Native Art and Culture Workshops

Ongoing series of week long workshops.

Youths, adults or families

Topics vary and include Hide tanning, Beadwork, Quillwork, or Moccasin Making.

Call: 406-338-7434 for more information.