Jan Scarbrough writes heartwarming contemporary
romances with a touch of spice. Her favorite topics are families and second
chances and if the plot allows, she adds another passion—horses. That’s why she
sets her books in the Bluegrass of Kentucky and her second favorite setting,
Montana. Learn more about Jan and her books at her website.
Cowboy Up! Montana is a perfect place to visit!
When my husband and I began
to discuss summer vacation, I suggested Montana. I wanted to see the state
where I’d set four books with author Maddie
James. We have collaborated on a contemporary Western series called The
Montana Ranchers. Maddie wrote some of the books, and I wrote others. We
worked together on writing the series Prequel.
Internet research revealed The Covered Wagon Ranch in Gallatin
Gateway, Montana. They offer a non-rider rate, perfect for my husband. So we
made reservations for July and planned our trip. OMG! It was fun—two days on
horseback riding into the mountains, gourmet meals prepared by a chef and eaten
in a rustic dinning room with other friendly “dudes.” The owners, wranglers and
staff were just as friendly. We felt like we’d come home.
On the trip, I saw firsthand
the mountains, canyons, and valleys that make that part of Southwestern Montana
so beautiful. Sagebrush is real. And so are lodgepole pine trees and aspens
with their silver leaves shimmering in the wind.
I took notes for any future
books, things that being a city dude I didn’t know:
~Cowboys hang hats on
antlers or posts when they come in for dinner.
~The dude ranch is family-oriented
with many returning guests.
~Fishing is a big thing in
Montana.
~One wrangler is hired only
to break and train young horses.
~Some horses are allowed out
at night to graze around the cabins. All of the ranch is fenced in with log
fencing.
~Horses are run up to high
pasture for two days a week to allow them to graze and be horses.
~Special attention is given
to the care of horses so they won’t sour. Horses have a long season. Horses go
in the winter to lower pastures.
~Rides are arranged every
morning depending upon what guests want to do.
~Sack lunches are provided
for daylong rides.
~One female wrangler came
from Oklahoma and got the job via the Internet.
~Before a ride, horses are
sprayed with fly spray.
~Besides the saddle, a horse
carries a saddlebag for water bottles and lunch and a rain slicker. Wranglers put
a rope halter on the horses and leave it on.
~Horses
are branded with the ranch brand.
Brody: The Montana McKennas
Montana Ranchers, Book 2
Home...it's where you go when your past, present, and future
collide.
When rancher James McKenna is
critically injured in a riding accident, his wife calls his daughter and
stepson home for a family meeting. Ironically, home is where stepson Brody
Caldera wants to be. He’s taking stock of his life—past, present, and future.
Can the champion bull rider turn his life around and make up for past mistakes?
Single mom Stephanie Chambers hopes
to keep her daughter away from the man who deserted them years ago. But the
spunky ten-year-old is enamored with the famous cowboy, and Stef’s best
intentions are sidetracked from day one. She’s made a life for herself and her
daughter, but Brody’s return challenges what Stef knows about herself and that
life she’s created.
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4 comments:
Thanks for letting me share!
That sounds like so much fun! I've always wanted to vacation at such a ranch. And I can't wait to read your books!
I love your friend in the photo, Jan. I always wanted a horse -- but living in the city, having one just isn't practical (smile!). Thanks for the sharing.
Angela, his name is Mr. Black. I get around the problem of owning a horse by taking a weekly riding lesson. That way you get a horse fix without all the expense!
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