Spirit River Ranch

Spirit River Ranch founded by Sallena M. Pool; owned by Sallena & (the late) John T. Pool This remains the home and birthplace of AQHA "Smokey Eclipse" aka Clipper.

Nestled in a magical canyon on the edge of the national forest in central Arizona is a very special Bed & Breakfast retreat for people and their horses. Conceptualized, built and developed as an intentional semi-retirement lifestyle, guests enjoyed cool summer breezes, gardens with mature trees, majestic mountains brimming with wildlife, sophisticated warm hospitality, gourmet food, fabulous trail

and arena riding, and light-hearted entertainment. Visitors stayed in the private guest house with beautiful western-themed accommodations, or brought their own camping gear. If they wanted to ride, there were impeccable accommodations and services available for guest horses and dogs. Neighbors and visitors joined us on the porch, at the firepit, at the billiards table, or crowded around the outdoor grill for food, music, cowboy poets, and laughter. People came for a peaceful, lazy get-away in the country, a special event, or an invigorating training clinic. Only 4 miles into town guests could enjoy a festival, a rodeo, or go golfing, fishing, or antiquing. Surrounded by friendly enlightened horse-people of all disciplines, every visitor left with their soul refreshed after visiting Spirit River Ranch.

Photos taken 20 years later!
08/09/2020

Photos taken 20 years later!

05/11/2014
03/19/2014

"...I have so many memories of you in his shadow, though at my tender and totally self absorbed age I couldn't see much more than the fireworks, as he would say. It was when I came to stay for more than a weekend I felt an indescribable undercurrent.

By then my own umbilical chord had made a permanent connection between your heart and my own, and true separation was impossible. I knew that you were meant to live that role you continue to play in my life and I hope I in yours as well. Our friendship is deep and like the Joshua Tree can be set aside for years and it never fades, only conserves itself, lays horizontal for an era or so- but it takes no more than your voice on a phone line to prove that time hasn't the power over our connection as it does all living things.

And with that said, I know your heart I think, well enough, to know the forgiveness you spoke of was invoked as the thought left your soul and was written into words.

That is your grace. Recognition that comes to you in thought, or from depths of soul, or from pure heart emoting. It is actualized as it is translated into written word. It is your calling, passion, talent and skill, and it makes you as you make it.

I hope he finds peace in his crossing over; and too has learned the most prominent lesson he taught me. Fireworks are very pretty, exciting even.

But Truth and the stuff of life worth engaging is the purest gift. And that magical lights and fireworks are the fancy paper the true gift comes wrapped in.

My heart is with you forever...

Patterson Farm
12/27/2013

Patterson Farm

02/17/2013
a photo from our neighboring ranch: Patterson Farms
11/06/2012

a photo from our neighboring ranch: Patterson Farms

http://sallenapool.com/love-never-dies/A story about Spirit River Ranch (please "like" the page so others can see all ...
11/05/2012

http://sallenapool.com/love-never-dies/

A story about Spirit River Ranch

(please "like" the page so others can see all the great photos!)

Out of a dozen or more canines, Spook was the happiest dog at the Ranch, even though he was nearly killed by the neighbor's pit bulls, and suffered a long, painful rehab in our living room. It was then that we learned that our rescued catahula hound, Spook, was deaf. Those crystal blue eyes, and ...

11/05/2012

This photo-story collection was posted to thank the amazing community of people I will always treasure from our time at Spirit River Ranch! Enjoy the pics! and be sure to "like" this page! --Sallena

11/01/2012
Most mornings we were visited by a small band of elk somewhere on the property. They loved most of my flowers and the l...
10/27/2012

Most mornings we were visited by a small band of elk somewhere on the property. They loved most of my flowers and the leaves on some of the trees, but we tried to leave hay and grass around as a distraction instead. This day I had my camera, when were just on the back side of the Mare Motel Stalls where I was feeding Bonnie and newborn Clipper. You can see the velvet on the Bull's antlers!

10/27/2012

Address

Star Valley, AZ
85541

Telephone

+19284680468

Website

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