Off The Grid: Cattle & Big Country
A PRO SKIER-TURNED-COWGIRL'S FIELD OF DREAMS
Amie Engerbretson (@amieski) is a professional downhill skier based in Tahoe, California. A global adventurer, Amie seamlessly transitions between roles behind and in front of the camera, with a portfolio spanning films, print, videos, and her own podcast, "Long Underwear." Beyond her athletic prowess, Amie is a committed climate advocate, recognized with the 2021 Alliance Member of the Year award from Protect Our Winters for her impactful work in climate action.
This summer I got to go on a dream trip with my dad to celebrate his 60th birthday at Lonesome Spur Guest Ranch in Bridger, Montana. My dad grew up on a dairy where his main job was working with horses. Hearing his stories made me into a lifelong wannabe cowgirl, but the closest I ever came to cowgirling was a couple years in the Truckee Rodeo where I was the beer flag girl. We had talked for years about going to a working-style guest ranch in Montana together, and we finally got to make it a reality this summer! Make no mistake, Lonesome Spur is NOT a dude ranch. You won’t find a spa or manicured stalls here. This place is where you go to really, and I mean really cowboy!
My dad and I drove up to the ranch, passing through Yellowstone National Park on our way. My grandpa was a fly fishing guide and my dad spent most of his childhood fishing the rivers in the area, so the drive was full of nostalgia and storytelling.
Once we arrived at the ranch, we were basically thrown right in! It is a “go catch your horse” kind of place, not a here is your saddled horse kind of place. It was super cool getting to connect with all the animals, learn how to catch, groom and saddle a horse all on my own. My dad of course knew how to do this, and I had ridden a little, but for both of us it had been a long long time! Our days were spent actually working, not taking guided trail rides. We would saddle up the horses, load them into a trailer, then head to a neighboring cattle ranch that needed help. We worked checking on cattle, gathering cattle from far off pastures and even sorting cattle — keeping moms withs their calves and loading them into pens and trucks so they could head to their summer pastures. We spent about 8 hours in the saddle for 7 days straight. Some days were hot and dusty, some days had wildflowers and thunderstorms. It was rugged and gorgeous, and I have never see my dad so happy.
When we got back to the ranch each evening, there were simple eats, a few beers on the porch and then we were in bed early after a tiring day, needing to recharge to do it all again at dawn. It was so cool how easily we settled into life on the ranch. Almost like we could both see an alternate life where this was our reality.
One of the most fun days was when we got to learn to barrel race! This has always been my dream, and while I've known my my rodeo days were behind me for some time, I've always maintained a secret scheme to get my hands on a barrel horse. We got to check out the local Cody rodeo and tourist around a bit too, but looking back, I think my favorite moments were in the evening after dinner when Dad and I would walk up into the horse pasture for sunset — just to hang with them, pet them, talk to them. I The memories from this trip will stay with me my whole life. I treasure the time I got to spend with my dad. Plus, realizing my cowgirl dreams? Not too shabby either!
1. Booby Badge Hat
I love this new hat! It was perfect for keeping my face shaded while working around the ranch. It also helped hide my Cali girl vibe, making me look tough enough to blend in up in Montana!
2. Braided Leather Retainer
Horseback isn’t necessarily a smooth or predictable ride, so sunglass retainers were a must! I rode easier knowing that every bump wasn't going to send my sunnies flying.
3. Bandit Bi-Fold Wallet
I don’t go anywhere without this wallet. It is the perfect size to carry everything I need, but small enough to fit in my Switchpack or pocket.
4. Switchpack
Turns out there isn’t a lot of storage on a horse! I used the the Switchpack around my waist to hold my phone, some sunscreen and my chapstick. I needed all those things handy for long days in the saddle!
5. Peter James Glenn X Chums Lowcountry Bandana
This bandana was a staple for me! Not only did it compliment all my cowgirl looks, it was great sun protection for the long days on horseback. When it got hot, I would dip it in the creek and tie it around my neck to keep cool.