It was a slice of heaven...four long time comrades slipped away from the kids and the large pile of laundry to spend a few precious days riding their horses and renewing their friendships.  Upon arrival and as not to waste any time, they saddled up and commenced to exploring the draws and rolling hills of the Medicine Creek Ranch, but as it came time to load the trailer and head for home, they inevitably began wishing it wouldn’t have to end so soon.  The token comments soon were made about the fact that they should really do this sort of thing more often and not let time get away from them as it had over the previous years.  Taking it to heart, it was then and there, that the four made a pact.  “Let’s get together every year on this exact weekend, and next time we’ll each invite a friend to join us.”  Their eyes lit up.  They each knew this was the kind of plan that would get them through potty training, teenage daughters and another day at the office.

“So what will we call this annual gathering?”  “Well, since it’s just us girls, how about we call it an Estrogen Festival.”  Cindy, Dawn, Kim and Barb agreed and Est Fest was born!

The very next year the four stayed true to their pact, invited a few friends and ventured off to Cherry Creek Horse Camp in the Black Hills.  After nearly fifteen years, the Estrogen Festival has grown to 100+ riders and has ridden the trails of many a ranch and state park across the great state of South Dakota.  As tradition took hold, we continue to gather annually as friends and family to celebrate our cowgirl sisterhood and honor the love we all have for the most incredible animal in all God’s creation . . The Horse!

Founders of Est Fest—Cindy, Dawn, Kim & Barb