Misty Moravec, the horse drive coordinator for Sombrero Ranches, has spent over a decade overseeing the Great American Horse Drive, a two-day event where nearly 300 horses are herded across sixty miles from their winter pasture in Browns Park through the small town of Maybell, Colorado, to the ranch headquarters in Craig. This tradition, dating back to 1959 and opened to guests forty years ago, involves wranglers and invited riders preparing for days with horseback training, seminars, and rides before embarking on the challenging journey. The drive showcases the majestic sight and sound of the herd moving through scenic landscapes, including river crossings and hills, while engaging the local community and visitors.
The event is both physically demanding and emotionally profound, offering participants a deep connection to Western culture and nature. After long days in the saddle, the group enjoys communal meals and celebrations, fostering camaraderie among riders of varying experience levels, including older participants in their seventies. Moravec, who recently resigned from her role, describes the drive as life-changing, emphasizing its spiritual impact and the way it reconnects people to their roots. The Great American Horse Drive remains a unique and cherished tradition that continues to draw interest and admiration from both participants and spectators alike.






