Thirty years ago, I rode my horse from Las Cruces to Durango, Colo.Just out of college, I made the trip alone and without a weapon. Partly it was to test my self-reliance, and partly it was to experience the amazing wide open spaces that we can still find in the West. Surrendering myself completely to the Creator of all things developed in me an unshakable faith that has carried me through three decades of sometimes difficult times with a happy heart and a positive attitude. Over those days, I was again and again reminded how lucky we are to be able to experience these wondrous mountains, cactus-filled Chihuahuan desert, and wildflower-filled meadows, and that it is our shared responsibility to be good stewards of the land, so that those who will follow our footsteps will always have these same opportunities. America is unique in its treasure trove of wild backcountry -- public land that belongs to all of us, whether we live in New Mexico, Colorado, or across the country in New York City. Since that trip so many years ago, I have worked to share the outdoors experience with those who have come to me to be "students of the horse." I have witnessed over and over again the healing power of wilderness. It strengthens the body. It soothes the soul. It builds character and grounds us to the Earth in a way that makes it crystal clear that we must preserve as much of it in its natural state as we possibly can -- for ourselves and for future generations. One of my students left an enduring impression on me, for she completely captured how a wilderness experience can be life-changing. She was shy, overweight, and on medication for clinical depression. She barely had the confidence to get on a horse and ride at a walk in an arena. But once she had finally mastered the "steering and the brakes" at a walk, I started taking her out for trail rides on one of my favorite horses, Redwing. Riding through the canyons in Doña Ana County, gazing in awe at the colorful and ever-changing Organ Mountains, I witnessed this young girl steadily gain self-confidence. The absolute quiet, broken only by the click-clack of hoofs or the call of quail or rock wrens, we could breathe in the clean air -- far from the noise of motors and the hectic pace of daily life. Nourished by the power of Nature, she blossomed like the desert when it rains. It was a complete transformation. This student left with a new attitude about life, and her place in it. She started taking charge, and became an adventurer -- a whole new world opened up for her. Eventually she became the editor of her school newspaper and graduated with honors. We are especially fortunate in this "land of enchantment" to have a treasure chest of wild places right in our back yard. For example, El Paso is the gateway for wonderful areas like the West Potrillo Mountains, where you can find grass that is "belly high to a horse," outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, unique geology, and more. We're blessed to have many places where we can horseback ride, hunt, hike, picnic, camp, climb, get away from everything, and grow personally and spiritually. As more and more people come here, drawn to this area because of its beauty and our quality of life, it is ever more critical that we have the vision to see that some of what makes Doña Ana County and the region unique -- its wilderness -- is preserved for our region's children and grandchildren. I am heartened that groups like Backcountry Horsemen (and Women) of New Mexico, to which I belong, have joined with others in the sporting, hunting, business, religious and conservation communities to work together to see this vision become a reality. I know many friends from El Paso who, like I do, treasure special places like Broad Canyon, the Robledos, Aden Lava Flow and the Potrillos. You don't have to know how to ride to enjoy picnicking, walking, camping, hunting, or just viewing these areas. We should know that these areas are too important to our heritage and way of life not to protect forever. It is our responsibility to pass these natural treasures down as enduring wilderness legacy. Learn more: www.donaanawild.org Pat Buls operates The Gentle Tamer, a horse training/riding lesson facility in Radium Springs, NM.
