by Leigh Ann Matthews
From the wide-open prairies of Washington County in the northeast
to the rugged mountains of LeFlore County in the southeast, Del and Shevawn Shields made a trip through Oklahoma to showcase some of the state’s beautiful landscapes. They enjoyed a couple of stops in October 2023 to film a segment of the popular RFD-TV series Best of America by Horseback, which will air in March 2024.
RFD-TV focuses on agribusiness, equine, and rural lifestyles. As host of the Best of America show, Del likes to create opportunities to ride in places that wouldn’t normally be available and to visit some of the nicest horse camps across the country. Oklahoma has the best of both, and the rides never disappoint the viewers.
Rolling Hills and Prairies
The first stop was the 12,000-acre Hughes Ranch near Bartlesville, a working cattle ranch and home to a herd of protected mustangs. Robert Hughes and the ranch crew welcomed about 15 riders, along with Del and Shevawn, to ride through the adjoining historic Little Ranch, leased by the Hughes family. The ride was led by Raymond Adcock, an experienced, knowledgeable cowboy from the Hughes Ranch.
Hughes said, “The Little Ranch is about 10,000 acres and offers some great riding through rolling hills and prairies, rock ledges, and an area known as Robbers Roost, which includes a cave. It’s really a beautiful place to ride. The Little Ranch
dates back to 1882 and is still undivided and owned by the original family.”
This was the third visit for the TV crew members to the area. Hughes hosted them at the main ranch in Osage County in 2021 and 2022.
“We really enjoy having them here. It’s always fun and a great opportunity to meet new people who share our passion. We like to show them this beautiful country and let them see our way of life,” he said. “We always have a great time.”
Tall Pines and Mountain Views
After a short detour to Texas, Del and Shevawn traveled to Heaven’s Gate RV Park and Retreat in the Ouachita National Forest near Muse in southeastern Oklahoma. The camp is open to the public and includes 20 trailer sites with electricity, water, and pens for two horses. Two RVs are also available for those in need of accommodations, as well as a 60-foot round pen and a covered pavilion.
“Even though we did get some rain throughout the weekend, we still had a great ride and a great time,” Del said. “The trails in the Ouachita National Forest are amazing, with tall pines, rock formations, and incredible mountain views.”
Camp owner D’Anna Miller, park host and cook Brigitte Schoofs, and friend Colin Walker provided a wonderful experience for about 35 guests.
Miller explained, “I never intended to build a horse camp, but after I moved down
here from Shawnee to be close to the trails, I needed room for friends to bring their horses. We started adding water lines and electric lines, and it just kept going.” Improvements were added a little at a time and continued for several years with help from neighbors and friends. The covered pavilion was originally a cover for Miller’s horse trailer. “It was almost a community project, but I think we’re finally finished,” Miller said.
Schoofs came on board on Labor Day 2023. Miller said, “She’s a wonderful addition and really adds to the appeal for riders who would rather not have to cook while they’re here.”
Riding, Learning, and Filming
Typically, riders for the filmed segments arrive Thursday evening or Friday and camp on location until Sunday. Many of them take a short ride Friday afternoon. The first night together is considered a meet-andgreet fellowship session.
The next day, the crew, host guide, and riders enjoy the trails for a few hours to film the ride. Interviews with hosts and staff are also filmed throughout the weekend. The second night includes a meal and a short presentation or discussion by local residents to allow riders to learn more about the area. Fun contests and activities are usually included, and Del closes the night with music and entertainment with his guitar. He also hosts a brief Sunday morning Bible study session before riders load up and head back home.
Del said, “I got started with this organization when I was hired as ‘the singing cowboy’ by the show’s creators, Tom and Patty Seay.”
Developing a Show
After a coast-to-coast horseback ride, the Seays decided to focus on America’s “best” trails. With their history of working in the television and cable TV industry, they wanted to combine their experience and their love of horseback riding to create a show. Pat Seay told the RFD-TV staff, “There’s a common thread among trail riders, which includes a love of the land, nature, and this magnificent country.” RFD-TV liked the concept and included
the show in their lineup of quality horserelated programs, and it has become one of its longest-running series. A pilot show was filmed in 2004, and the show first aired in 2005, featuring a ride in Texas.
The Seays’ vision of the show also included cowboy entertainment. After a recommendation from friends and an audition, Del joined the crew.
Tom Seay’s heart attack in 2021 prohibits him and his wife from managing the show, so Del and Shevawn took the reins and continue to travel, sharing their experiences with great horseback riding across the country. Shevawn now does most of the filming, scheduling trips around her vacation and weekend time off because
she still maintains a full-time job as social worker at a Kansas hospital. “The logistics of making these rides happen is pretty involved. There’s a lot of factors that go into arranging and planning the trips,” Del said. “It’s not that easy, but we both love what we do and hope to continue riding the best of America for a long time.”
Best of America by Horseback will return to Oklahoma in April 2024 with an event hosted by the Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association. The segment will be filmed at Cedar Lake National Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest near Hodgen.
