Summer Retreat: Two Unforgettable Weekends at Schmid Family Ranch

For 2026, our club tried something new by combining our annual fundraiser with a three-day July getaway to “The Upper Place” at Telluride’s historic Schmid Family Ranch. The adventure went far beyond our expectations! Tucked away in a breathtaking mountain setting, staying at the rustic cabin felt like stepping back in time. While attendance was smaller than we had hoped, the event managed to cover its costs—and the unforgettable experience was a win for everyone who joined us.

This unforgettable adventure was made possible thanks to Sky’s husband, Marvin Schmid—one of the original family members—and Marv’s granddaughter, Kayla. We couldn’t be more thankful to Kayla and the rest of the Schmid family for so generously sharing a piece of their rich heritage with our club.

Weekend 1: Building Connections – International Flair:  Our first weekend brought together club members, significant others, plus Kricket! Many in this group didn’t know each other well before the trip, but by the end of the weekend, everyone felt like family. The group shared a delightful international flair that made camp conversations and shared experiences truly special.  Plus the riders made it to Bilk Falls!

Weekend 2: Rain, Laughter, and Great Company:  The second weekend felt like a giant slumber party for the ladies. While the summer monsoons decided to roll in, given the recent drought, no one minded the rain at all! We made the absolute best of it with plenty of laughter, camaraderie, and great food.

Breathtaking Trail Rides:  Of course, a saddle club retreat wouldn’t be complete without time in the saddle! The horseback riding was spectacular, offering a mix of challenging terrain and breathtaking, rugged beauty that rewarded us at every turn. Both weekends featured a variety of horses and riders. Weekend one made it to Bilk Falls!  Weekend two had the real threat of afternoon thunder storms, thus, shorter rides.  Archie and Juleen being the lucky duo able to spend both weekends navigating the trails!  We had 3 hikers split between both weekends too!

Looking Ahead:  The overwhelming consensus from both weekends was clear: we definitely need to return next year, and we need to stay even longer next time.  Here’s to many more beautiful, challenging, and unforgettable backcountry adventures together!