Riding into Fall: A Birthday Tradition

There’s something about the crisp air of fall in Idaho that stirs the soul—golden aspens shimmering in the breeze, the scent of sagebrush and pine, and the satisfying crunch of hooves on dry leaves. For our family, fall isn’t just a season—it’s a tradition. And for my son, it means one thing: heading to Fall Creek near Swan Valley to move cows for his birthday.

This year, four of the six of us saddled up for the ride. My husband rode Indy, steady and sure-footed. Our birthday boy took the reins of Rem, his favorite mount, while our daughter rode Reno, her horse with a bit of sass and a lot of heart. I swung into the saddle on Twitch, I finally spend all day in my custom saddle... But that's a story for another day. 

The day couldn’t have been more perfect. The sky stretched wide and blue above us, the sun casting long shadows across the hills. The cows were cooperative—only a few strays needed coaxing down to the lower fields. 

There is so much enjoyment in doing something together that’s both purposeful and peaceful. Moving cows might not sound like a celebration to everyone, but for us, it’s time spent in the saddle, in the mountains, with the people we love.

Here’s to another year of riding into fall—and to the birthday boy who reminds us how sweet it is to keep traditions alive.