Sunshine and Snowflakes

The sun shone as lazy snow flakes came down from the sky.  The temp was mild and the smell of a mild day made my blood race.  Today we were going to ride!

After the kids were done their school work, we headed to the barn and fetched 

Buddy, groomed and tacked him up.  Both girls rode him in the ring and he was a true gentleman.

He has gained weight and looks so good compared to when we took him home.  Buddy has quite the laid-back personality and is in no rush to get anywhere fast.  I think the children and youth that come to see him this year will be charmed.

Equine Therapists

Most of these are the unwanted equines we have taken in over the last few years.  

They are our equine therapists, working with at risk youth and underprivileged children. 

They teach us, all kinds of life lessons like respect, empathy, self control, boundaries, patience, gentlesness, cause and effect, unconditional love...

The Arabian with the black mane and tail was adopted out to a new home, making room for other unwanted horses here at the ranch.

It's Been A Long Time!

I haven't written on my blog since 2007 and now its 2010!  Nuts!!

Much has happened since.

Stay tuned!

Here We Are

We made it to Oregon and it is beautiful! Mountains, foothills, and desert.

Heading West

As of Tuesday morning next week, Vic and I will be flying to Vancouver and then on to Oregon. We'll be sleeping in Bend and during the day we'll be at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch attending a clinic on how to start a youth ranch similiar to theirs. Are we actually going to start a youth ranch? Well, I guess we'll have to see.
It'll be a three day clinic spread over 4 days. Hopefully the weather will be great. We'll take lots of pictures and hopefully be able to post some on this blog.
Keep us in your prayers!

In case anyone is wondering about the rider's connect group that we were thinking of doing this spring at Circle Square Ranch, we will not be doing it. But there are hopes for the future.

Bye for now,
Cheryl

Spring is here!

Warmer temperatures and spring rains are here.

I get so excited about the upcoming spring and summer as they mean more riding and time spent with the horses.

Karamell, my white and palamino filly, will be out for a months professional training. That will be fun as I will get to watch the trainer and also ride her after he is done with her--under his scrutinous eye.

Kate will miss Karamell being left at home, but I am hoping to borrow a temporary friend for her til Karamell comes home again

For those of you wondering about the Riders Connect group running this spring, I still haven't been able to talk to all the people who make it possible. Hang in there!

Yippee! Snow!!

Well, finally we got lots of snow! The horses are very clean looking as there is no mud to roll in. Their feet are clean too, do need to fear soft spongy feet and the threat of thrush with this footing.
On the down side, there is ice under the snow and riding is limited to walks around the hayfield and pastures. The lane isn't the safest and even the riding ring has a slick layer of ice under the snow. I won't take any chances!
Someone asked if I was planning to continue the Riders Connect group this spring. I will have to talk to the special people involved that help make it happen and see what's up.
So stay tuned!
Cheryl