By Alicia Hein Special to the Kansan
Rides offer entertainment
It is a crisp autumn afternoon. The sun is slowly sinking and your senses are alive with sights, sounds and smells — the rushing of the nearby Kaw River, the creak of the leather saddle and the scent of the damp earth under the horses's hooves.
You are far removed from the usual Saturday night assault of loud music, stale beer and cigarette smoke.
Trail riding is a unique way to enjoy the days of autumn, and the guides at Westwinds Outfitting are ready to take individuals or groups on an excursion through trails along the Kaw River or surrounding Clinton and Perry lakes.
Westwinds Outfitting is located amile and a half northeast of Lawrence on U.S. Highway 24-40. Westwinds provides horses, tack and guides for rides ranging in length from one-hour to overnight. Owner Murl Westheffer says trail riding appealed to people of all ages and skill levels.
"We get all kinds," he said. "I'd say the majority of them are beginners who have little or no experience with horses."
Westheffer said he and his head wrangler, Butch Acox, stressed the enjoyment of the rider on each guided ride.
"We just want people to come and have a good time, ride a good horse and see some country," Acox said.
They have plenty of country to show. Westwinds' land covers about 265 acres,
Westheffer said that during the peak seasons of spring and fall, he kept about 20 horses for use on the rides. He said he took care to choose only the most gentle horses for his customers.
Westheffer said. The company also uses public lands along the Kaw River. Westheffer purchases an annual permit that allows it to use the trails around Clinton and Perry lakes.
Prices for the rides range from $20 per person for an hour ride to $75 per person for an all-day excursion. Also offered are two-hour rides for $30, four-hour rides for $55 and a one-hour ride that includes a barbecue dinner in an outdoor setting for $30.
Westheffer said he could arrange overnight rides led by Acox, an Oklahoma native and working cowboy for most of his life.
"And I'm not a half bad cook,either," Acox said, smiling beneath his thick mustache.
Westheffer and his wife, Carla, have operated Westwinds Outfitting for the past two years. He said he used to keep five or six horses around for his family's use. His wife suggested that if they were going to keep that many that they might as well buy more and put them to use.
Westheffer said during a good week, he or Acox would guide between 50 and 75 people. Westheffer said groups were welcome, but he tried to keep the maximum number of group members to about five or six.
Last year, Westheffer said he ended activities at Westwinds shortly after Labor Day. This year, however, he plans to continue with trail rides as long as the weather allows and perhaps plan activities such as sleigh riding for the winter. He said the company also planned to acquire more ponies and operate a pony "carousel" for children this fall.
Westheffer prefers that all rides be scheduled in advance. Rides are subject to change if the weather is bad.
Serving Only Lawrence Campus Students
LOUISE'S BAR
DOWNTOWN
1009 Mass
843-9032
Mon.
& $2.50 Pale Ale
Wed. Schooners
Tues. & $1.50 Domestic Thurs. Schooners
Fri.
$1.25 PBR Longnecks
Sat. 75¢ Kami Kazis
Sun.
$1.50 Margaritas
14 ENTERTAINMENT '98 • Kyou • September 24; 1993