REAL ESTATE
An Equestrian Estate ON THE North Platte River SCOTTSBLUFF, NEBRASKA
THE SPORTING LIFE
85
86
T H E S P O R T I N G L I F E No.002
Scottsbluff, Nebraska, USA
M
uch lore and legend of the wild west is chronicled in historical texts focusing on places with names like Dodge City, Kansas, Tombstone, Arizona and Deadwood, South Dakota. It may surprise some to know that the wild west actually began decades earlier in the panhandle of Nebraska, as a result of the Oregon Trail route. Early in the 1840s settlers seeking fortune, land and a new life would cross the Missouri river and make their way west along the trail. This trail and those who traveled it were plagued by treacherous challenges such as limited provisions, extreme weather, disease, and hostile Native American tribes. Despite the trials that lay ahead, between 300 and 500 thousand pioneers braved the trail in search of greener pastures. The Oregon Trail was the impetus for, and facilitator of the famed wild west, an era full of feral tales, gunslingers, hero lawmen and villainous outlaws. In the beginning, the trail was a moderately traveled path punctuated by natural landmarks which were used as, not only a primitive GPS
but also as a measure of progress based on the time of year one arrived at each point. For example, in order to beat the heavy winter snows in the mountain passes, settlers had to reach Independence Rock by the 4th of July. This meant their trip was on schedule and they would make Oregon City in time, while avoiding significant challenges of winter weather. Although many of the old west towns, made popular by Hollywood, were certainly sites of wild stories, the first “wild west” towns began as stop-overs and provisioning centers for pioneers on the trail. The Nebraska panhandle is where it all began. Scottsbluff, Nebraska is a town named after the north outcropping which bears the surname of Hiram Scott, a fur trader employed by the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. This city is situated across the North Platte River from the bluff and was directly traversed by wagons using the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails. There are places where ruts from wagons are still visible as a testament to both the difficulty of the journey and the fortitude of the pioneers who made it. THE SPORTING LIFE
87
ESTATE OFFERING Enjoy 116 acres with live water, three custom homes with many special features and exquisitely mature landscaping create a spread of classic Western beauty. This state-of-the-art equine facility is just seven miles from town.
88
The earliest westward travelers would see the plains and the west in its original grandeur. American Bison numbering in the millions, pronghorn, Big Horn sheep, millions of waterfowl, prairie grouse and both whitetail and mule deer were ever-present on the landscape. Great rivers, valleys, buttes, and bluffs marked the path, while these brave adventurers truly went into largely uncharted territory. While the St. Louis Arch is considered the gateway to the west, this area represents the doorway to the wild west. Cattle ranching and agriculture now dominate the area along the North Platte River. Diverse topography makes the area around Scottsbluff the ideal playground for both novice and professional equestrians alike. With vast sandhills, perfect for stamina training, and nearly unlimited trails for casual riding opportunities, this region is a dream location for equine lovers and sportsmen and women.
T H E S P O R T I N G L I F E No.002
Bluffs Equestrian Estate and a Family Dream The name of the town Minatare is derived from a subgroup of the Sioux tribe who lived in this area. The Sioux word “Minnataree” means clear water and no doubt references the North Platte River which serves as the lifeblood for the region. The Bluffs Equestrian Estate exemplifies such a location where multiple generations can build their own legacy and live the life so many strive for. Imagine for a moment, the perspective of a child moving from a large urban center to an expansive estate specifically designed to train, border, shelter and enjoy her horses. This young lady, now age twelve, has longed for her own horse ranch since she could articulate the word “horsey.” Her daydreams consist of grooming, saddling, and riding her favorite horse on a property so perfect she can hardly think of other things. Although saddened by the prospect of not living within a mile of
THE SPORTING LIFE
89
Great rivers, valleys, buttes, and bluffs marked the path while the earliest westward travelers went into largely uncharted territory.
90
T H E S P O R T I N G L I F E No.002
her best friends, the desire to realize this lifelong dream serves as an ample substitute. As she arrives at the new family ranch, the vastness and amenities of the property come into focus and are more impressive than she could have imagined. “Dad, that arena is huge, I can practice every day.” The extensive barns, plentiful clear cold water and even a dedicated tack room turn the wheels of her imagination at an uncontrollable rate. Her dream has been realized and she will soon embark on a journey to build a personal relationship with her favorite quarter horse, Molly, and perhaps one day win the grand champion title in the barrel races at Cheyenne, just 90 miles away.
Her brother is nearly two years older and really did not want to move from his urban stomping grounds and the buddies he’s grown up playing football with since third grade. However, last fall included a hunting adventure to the grand prairie at the peak of the fall migration. The journey started with a nonchalant attitude towards the trip, but ended with a youth waterfowler who could not stop talking about his experience. The seemingly unlimited numbers of giant green-heads with neon orange feet, the graceful pintails who move like an F-22 Raptor and the beautiful Specklebelly geese with their distinctive call have hooked this lad on waterfowl hunting for life. His research of what
ESTATE OFFERING A variety of outbuildings and shops complement the paddocks and arena.
THE SPORTING LIFE
91
would become his new stomping grounds revealed that the North Platte River is one of the finest waterfowl destinations in the United States, located conveniently smack dab in the middle of the Central Flyway. His apprehension turns to wonder of what future waterfowl seasons have in store in the panhandle of Nebraska. The added realization that the home of his favorite NFL team, Mile High Stadium, is only three and a half hours away, cements the deal and makes for easy acceptance of the new family home. Grandma and Grandpa just retired and want to stay close to their only child and grandchildren. Fortunately, the new family estate has two additional homes on the property which have been meticulously designed and maintained. Perfect for both privacy and closeness. Mom has just decided to discontinue her frantic profession and start chasing the dream of writing a novel. The dedicated private office and the four-season room are perfect for reflection and inspiration to create her literary masterpiece. The patriarch of the family has worked hard for many 92
T H E S P O R T I N G L I F E No.002
years, he’s taken risks, and positioned himself in such a way, that his lifelong dream of a place away from the concrete jungle for his family to thrive, is now a reality. From fishing walleyes on Lake Minatare to chasing big Nebraska whitetails, this place checks all the boxes and situates him and his family to enjoy the fruits of his great labor. All is now right after the arduous 12-hour journey. With the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve, they all watch their first Nebraska sunset illuminate Chimney Rock, while they eagerly plan what will become the first day of the rest of their lives.
ESTATE OFFERING For more information contact Mark Heyn via heynrealestate.com.
Bluffs Equestrian Estate SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, NEBRASKA 116 ACRES · 3 HOMES · EQUINE FACILITIES · LIVE WATER · $3,365,000 OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED BUYER
Mark Heyn, Realtor®/Co-Owner 605.891.8744 · BluffsEquestrianEstate.com
An exclusive publication for the discerning sportsman.
SUBSCRIBE
TheSporting.Life