 Alan Cain, member and past President of the Modoc Backcountry Horsemen, has ridden with Jim over the years. |
Jim's knowledge of the northwest Nevada desert and the wild horse herds that dwell there
is phenomenal, and is eclipsed only by the serene beauty of the land itself. The sage covered
Nevada desert is a place like no other. The shapes, shadows, and vistas speak to the spirit and stamina of the 19th century pioneers whose trails crossed this land. Let Jim guide
you into the past. Enjoy the wildlife. Let your ears become accustomed to the quietness. A
brief escape from the busy-ness of life is in order. Go now. |
He knows where to find what we seek |
 Barbie Chrysler, cowboy poet, wrote a poem, at left, about her ride with Jim. |
 Beth Dwan |
I had the pleasure of taking a day trip, with Jim, to look for wild
horses. The ride was beautiful and Jim seemed to know the area very
well. We encountered a herd of wild horses about 30 minutes into the
ride and it was a beautiful site to see. He showed me several wonderful areas and pointed out other wild life and different types of vegetation known to the area. He is very knowledgeable of the area
and it was a joy to have him as my tour guide. |
Jim Massey made the high desert come alive as no one else could. As we rode along he used his years of experience as a Ranger in the Surprise Valley to school me in the history of the area that included the emigrants 'post office' at High Rock Canyon to Massacre Ranch. He knew the most likely places to spot a herd of wild mustangs and presented me with photo opportunities that ranged from the old Owl Barn, to an idyllic path along Rock Creek, to the quiet awe of Hanging Rock. If you're passing through the Warner Mountain Range or just looking for a new place to ride, don't miss the opportunity to hitch a tour with the Rider of the Sage. |
 Mary McGowan |
 Trish Costilow |
I visited with Jim in May of 2003 to do some riding with him in an area near Cedarville, Ca. He has a great knowledge of the area having worked there for many years and was able to clearly navigate the area and provide detailed information on the wildlife. He has an uncanny ability to track the wild horses and know where they have visited recently and plot their course. His great sense of humor was unexpected entertainment along with his great singing voice that was unexpectedly unveiled one evening at the cookout. He is surely an experienced guide who knows livestock, trails, wildlife, and also people. I look forward to being able to ride with him again in the near future.
|
 Bill Balfrey is President of the Top of the State Unit, Back Country Horsemen of California |
When you first see Jim you may think, oh, another cowboy in the guide business, but my goodness how incorrect you would be! My wife and I have been on many rides and campouts with Jim. He is our friend! He is a fellow mule-man! We have ridden out of Massacre Ranch many times, gone to Pole Corral, to Stevens Camp. He knows all the water holes in his section of Cedarville and Nevada. He knows all the ranchers in the area. When Jim tells you, Beyond the ridge there is a Wild Horse Herd, there's going to be a herd of wild horses! When you see Jim as a cowboy you don't see his college education, but play head games and you'll see it. When you ride with him, you'll appreciate his intimate knowledge and respect of the land. He might also show you how to make a bull-whip crack or get you started into Cowboy Shooting. Jim also plays a mean guitar and sings cowboy songs with ease and style. Take note--Jim is much more than just a cowboy! It is an honor to be his friend! |
