b'The Greatest Trail Ride in the A SHORT HISTORY OFTHE DESERT CABALLEROSFrom an article by Allen C. Reed that appeared in Arizona Highways Magazine in 1952.Its spring again, out Wickenburg Way. The chromatic splendor of cactus blossoms and wildflowers calico the desert land while their fragrance promenades with the gentle breeze. The purple hills and desert trails are calling and their call will be heard, for soon old friends and new friends will rally and the Desert Caballeros will ride.From all parts of the nation starched shirts, tailored suits and swivel chairs will gladly be swapped for Levis, chaps, and saddle leather when this group of business, professional and working men converge on Wickenburg to enjoy five wonderful days and 2020 is our 74th Annual Ride nights of roughing it deluxe along highly scenic desert trails and around cheerful evening campfires under the Arizona stars.And this is what we do out in the Bradshaw Mountains. The Desert Caballeros originated in 1947 as the result of anWe have rubber duck racesWe cuss out loud! idea conceived by a group of Wickenburg residents in answer in the Hassayampa! to much interest shown by winter visitors in the picturesqueWe eat lobster, prime rib, and historical country surrounding this self-styled dude ranchWe bet on miniature horses!filet mignon and hot fudge sundaes! capital of the world.We watch chickens dance!We drink beer and hard liquor! A corporate organization was formed and invitations were sentWe have a margarita party! And, oh yes, we ride out. Fifty-two men quickly grabbed the opportunity to becomeWe have a cheese crisp party! horses through charter members.We have a Hawaiian Luau party! the Sonoran On the first ride, 75 prominent personalities led by actor LeoWe shoot trap! Desert! Carrillo (who played the Cisco Kids sidekick, Pancho, in manyWe compete in a big gymkhana! Hollywood movies) started from Frontier Street in Wickenburg,We have a Shrimp & Avocado party! where the whole town had turned out for the ceremony. We smoke cigars! In MemoryThe inspiring views, western hospitality, excellent food and good fellowship on this first DC outing made a lastingWe chew tobacco!of Lee Bird impression and the participants were eager to bring guests andWe spit on the ground! go again the following year. In this way the number of riders has increased to 150, representing 20 States, who made the 6th annual ride last spring.SAVE THESE DESERT CABALLEROSThis is a gentlemens ride. Horses, saddles, cots, food and nearly TRAIL RIDE DATES! every normal need is anticipated and supplied. There are no camp chores to be performed by any of the Caballeros or their guests. Even the horses are saddled and unsaddled, fed and 2020: April 20-24 2021: April 12-16 cared for by wranglers. The regular camp bill of fare consists of lobster, filet mignon, 2022: April 4-8 2023: April 17-21 prime rib, fried chicken, pork tenderloin, hot fudge sundaes, strawberry shortcake, decadent cookies, and breakfast eggs any 2024: April 15-19 way you like them.As if the joy and scenic grandeur of horseback rides through For information about thesome of the most beautiful and historically interesting country in the Southwest were not enough, after-dinner and day-in-camp Desert Caballeros Trail Ride,(Wednesday, our non-riding day) entertainment is provided by a go to their website, below,professional cowboy band. or contact Jim McArthur atLiving in and sharing the great outdoors of the Southwest is truly the common denominator among men. Good fellowship DCtallyhand@gmail.com. in the desert and around an open campfire is contagious. The conversation is light and easy. Heavy cares are far away. desertcaballerosride.com Wall Street is a forgotten myth. In these surroundings many friendships grow.34 April 2020'