Trail boss Mike Williams, far left, leads the Norco Outriders up Trabuco Canyon Friday morning.
I had the pleasure of meeting a number of the almost four dozen riders on a trip organized by the Norco Outriders. I was asked by the US Forest Service to photograph them as continued their four day trip from San Juan Capistrano back to Norco. Later that morning there was an incident on the trail causing four of the horses to fall into a ravine, and sadly one of the horses died. Two were rescued by helicopter and one was led back safely onto the trail. Fortunately, none of the riders was seriously injured.
After talking to a number of the riders Thursday evening, I can tell you these guys were well prepared and seasoned cowboys who take their horsemanship seriously. Nonetheless, sometimes things just don't go as planned. But that's the nature of the beast for those of us who love the outdoors. Risk comes with the territory, and is a necessary component of living life with zest. The chaparral is a rugged and unforgiving land, and I suspect the Norco Outriders wouldn't have it any other way.