skip navigation | text only | accessibility | site map

Riders in the Dirt

Judy Haigler, an administrative assistant to the Ochoco Forest Supervisor, Gayle Hunt, a purchasing agent and designer of signs and brochures for the Ochoco National Forest, and Anne Alford, a wildlife biologist for the Crooked River National Grassland,  are collectively known as Riders in the Dirt.   The band began informally as around-the-campfire entertainment after a long day the women spent helping herd local ranchers’ cows off one of the allotments on the Big Summit Ranger District in Central Oregon.  With Gayle Hunt’s expertise on the guitar and banjo and her knowledge of some cowboy songs, she proceeded to teach Haigler and Alford.  Jo Booser, a silviculturist for the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forest and a professional-level musician, hooked up with The Riders at a Christmas party and has been part of the band ever since.   Over time The Riders have been consistently invited to play at other Christmas parties, as well as birthday parties, art and business openings.

Additional Resources

Watch Past Performances

Riders in the Dirt 6/25/05: Riders in the Dirt

The Millennium Stage joins the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the USDA Forest Service with Riders in the Dirt, four female musicians and Forest Service professionals from Oregon playing old-time music.

Riders in the Dirt

The Millennium Stage joins the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the USDA Forest Service with Riders in the Dirt, four female musicians and Forest Service professionals from Oregon playing old-time music.

Comments