Asher on Aspen: Cowgirl Chronicles

As I hoisted myself up into the saddle, a wave of tranquility washed over me. The horse beneath me, a dun gelding named Scar, shifted slightly, sensing my anticipation. His warm coat pressed against my legs, while the scent of hay and leather filled the air. The surroundings were mostly quiet except for the faint murmur of a nearby stream and the occasional call of a bird overhead.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, perfect for this relaxing two-hour horseback ride with Snowmass Creek Outfitters. As Scar began to move, I felt his power and grace. Settling into the saddle, I looked around in complete amazement of the breathtaking mountain views. Authentic and timeless, simple and pure, the ride offered a perfect pause from the hustle and bustle of Aspen, allowing me time to appreciate the serene beauty around me.

Our guide, Emily Serota, was a true cowgirl who has been riding horses for the past 32 years and guiding rides for Snowmass Creek Outfitters for the past eight.

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“I’m more comfortable on a horse than on my own two feet,” she joked, patting her horse’s neck.

The terrain offered views of Mount Sopris, Hell Roaring Ridge, and the Snowmass ski area. We even rode through St. Benedict’s Monastery and crossed over to the historic McCabe Ranch.

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The ranch, home to 75 geldings, ensures no horse is overworked or unhappy by rotating them regularly. Instead of being confined to stalls, these horses roam freely throughout three different pastures making up 1,500 acres. Emily humorously referred to the pastures as the horses’ bedroom, living room, and kitchen. The horses, treated like family members, appeared relaxed and healthy. Scar was calm throughout the entire ride, making me feel completely comfortable.

A unique aspect of riding with them is the intimate, private experience. Instead of being grouped with strangers, it was just my friend, Jett, and me, enjoying the ride together. They are the only outfitters in the Roaring Fork Valley who offer private rides, as opposed to group rides.

During the winters, the horses are moved to a ranch in Rifle, where the milder climate allows them to graze comfortably. Their shoes are pulled, and they spend the season happily grazing until they return in late spring. Knowing that you’re paying for a quality experience with well-trained riders and horses receiving top-notch care makes the experience even more worthwhile.

“These guys are the best coworkers, and this office does not suck,” Emily said with a grin. “I can’t speak highly enough of the owners and longtime locals, Jeff and Amy Groom. Jeff taught me everything I know about packing, guiding, and Western riding, and Amy is a superwoman. She runs the ranch, Aspen Scout Guide, and even operates her own marketing company.”

Emily’s unique story unfolded as she led us through Aspen groves and scattered wildflowers. She grew up competing in show jumping along the East Coast, mentored by Olympic rider Kevin Babington.

“I could have been something,” she reflected, “but my parents were like, ‘You’re going to college,’ so my show jumping career took a back seat.”

Determined to follow their wishes, she pursued higher education, earning a master’s degree in trauma psychology. She spent five-and-a-half years working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, dealing with the intense challenges of mental health care. She didn’t stop there, though. She dove into a doctorate in neuropsychological assessment.

But halfway through her doctorate, she hit a breaking point.

“It just broke me,” she admitted, the weight of those years evident in her voice. “I decided to pack two suitcases and a backpack and buy a one-way ticket to Aspen.”

Finding her place wasn’t immediate, but about a year later, she met Jeff Groom, and her life with Snowmass Creek Outfitters began.

“I’ve been with them ever since,” she said, a smile spreading across her face.

Listening to Emily’s journey, I marveled at her courage to leave everything familiar and pursue what she truly loved. It’s so easy to get stuck in a comfortable but unfulfilling job, and it takes a lot of guts to completely change your career path to follow your passion. As we rode, I couldn’t help but feel impressed by the seamless operation of the ranch and the evident care that went into every detail. It was clear that for Emily and the Grooms, this was more than just a job — it was a way of life, one they were deeply passionate about.