Seasons Greetings from The Horse Ranch!
Well...where to start! It has been another whirlwind year full of adventures! Somehow it has been 10 months since we have had time to sit down and catch everyone up on the news‌.words from Glenn continued on the next page‌.
The Horse Ranch‌ We got busy carpentering in March, and built another guest cabin while there was still snow on the ground. It seemed the accommodations we had were always full, and since there are more people coming earlier and staying longer it looked like the thing to do. It started out to be a reasonable size but ended up with a loft that holds 2 people easily, 2 more people down, table and chairs, counter, fridge, sliding windows, Microwave, TV for videos, recliner, front deck and lawn, wired and insulated. Many of the frills were given to us by some nice people and was much appreciated. We also did some more fencing and added a couple more pastures and the most exciting news are the gravity fed water hydrants right next to the camping areas and tack shed. Yee Ha!
Horse Ranch Development Program‌ Going back to last winter, our Young Horse Development and Foundation Training schedule was planned to run year round, and did. At present, there are 30 Horse Ranch horses. With Ryon's help, we have managed to get everything that is old enough started, brood mares and all. Some are moving well up in the stages and others only have a month of handling but all can be used when needed. We also fit in 1 to 2 months on 26 client horses. Some were restarts, some were young horse first rides, and other horses we get regularly and continue building their foundation following the Stages Program. It is now December, and Ryan is still developing the herd. A few funny and exciting stories to tell as well as the odd bump and bruise after starting that many horses, but for the most part pretty uneventful. If you would like a horse started or have a few in your area contact us, we can discuss the details and will look for an opportunity to put it into the schedule.
Sale Horses‌ Our sale horses are starting to receive a good portion of our time. The website has just been updated with new horses, photos and descriptions, and a story with a video clip of a special project Dixie undertook this summer—Stage 5 in five weeks for a client. She fell in love with the horse in the process and this is the story of the three of them. I would like all our horses on the ranch to have Stage 5 minimum whether they are for sale or not. That is what we are working towards but some are being bought before they are one year old. Thank you to all who purchased horses from our breeding program, I know they all have great new homes and will be well looked after. If you are in the market, we will help you find a horse that is right for you. Every horse is not good for every person. It depends a great deal on the ability and skills of the buyer and what they want to do with the horse. There is much to consider when buying a horse so that the horse and owner are happy and safe. We are happy to do a complete evaluation of the person and horse to find a match if possible.
2008— 2008—The 1st 33-Month Horsemanship Course
Helping a troubled horse to trust Another first for the Horse Ranch was to offer a 3 month course for people who wanted to accelerate their horsemanship. During the 3 months the students had many unscheduled opportunities to watch, and for the most part, take an active roll in mares foaling and the complications that can arise, challenging horses, starting young horses, learn the value in handling a rope and start to develop skills in that area, preparing, handling and trimming feet, trailing horses, rode a number of horses other than their own, started wild mountain raised horses and haltered brood mares that had never been touched before. There were many experiences that most people would never see let alone take part in. The opportunities to learn kept showing up around every corner. The saying goes that when the student is ready the teacher will appear…these students were always ready, they came to learn and made the most of every chance presented. If it was the events mentioned above or liberty, online, working on their independent seat, or the stages, it was always the same; they put in maximum effort which allowed me to keep presenting more learning opportunities. It was very rewarding to be around people with that much dedication, try, and positive attitudes. I’m looking forward to what can be accomplished during the next 2009 Horsemanship Course. If this is something you have been considering, we are looking at applications now. Stage 1 is the minimum prerequisite.
Sometimes a simple kiss will work wonders. (I’m joking.)
Highlights of the Year If you have been around me very long you have heard me talk about the mountains. It’s the place that more horsemanship is learned, adventures experienced and stories come from than anywhere I ever go and this year it stands out again. Another first for the Horse Ranch Horsemanship Program was the High & Wild Colt Starting, Young Horse Development and Problem Solving week that took place in the mountains. An amazing group of people joined me for what definitely makes the highlight list. It was, as any of the students will tell you, very challenging, humbling, exciting, rewarding and enlightening. And a few more “ing” words. The corrals were full of learning opportunities. We had 49 head of horses, 7 people and 6 days. In that time I wanted to see how much could be accomplished with the herd of horses we had to work with. Most had never been touched, 16 were old enough to start to ride, about 15 were brood mares that have been living in the wild protecting the herd, their young and themselves. They were very wary about us joining their families. If your approach wasn’t just the way it needed to be the horses were quick to let you know with a well placed kick or bite. Again what a fantastic chance to play with horses as they were meant to be.
Highlights of the year continued... I believe there was 2 in the herd that you could carefully walk up to and halter when we started. The rest bunched up in their separate herds that they lived in and stayed as far away as possible. By the end of the six days we could walk up and halter any of them, brood mares colts yearling and all. We worked with their feet and even trimmed a few. We also managed to start all 16 that were old enough to ride. Six of the ones that were started went with us on the next 2 weeks and made the High & Wild week loop through the mountains. Everyone did a great job preparing the horses. The owner of the outfit was very impressed and when we left the mountains he said that was the best start they could have ever hoped for and wanted the young horses to get turned out until next year, have a year to think about what they had learned, and next summer we could refresh them and put them on the pay roll. For me personally to be honest I was not looking forward to going to the mountains and having to start a whole bunch of horses again. I do that year round and plenty in the mountains. The difference I found out after starting the week was that I had never taught a group of people about a lot of the topics we covered. I realized as the days went by that there were things I was sharing that I had never told anyone, some techniques and approaches I had learnt over the years that I use regularly and then put in the back of my mind until its needed again. I was able to show the importance of and many valuable things a lariat can help you and the horse with. It turned out to be very enjoyable. A week that definitely makes the highlight list.
Highlights of the year...High & Wild A few lucky people spent all 3 weeks enjoying learning and riding in the mountains. Others only a week, but I tried regardless of the length of stay not to keep all the adventure to myself. I think everyone experienced something for themselves. We tried out a few new trails to go see some new sights, and some were longer than originally reported. A few sore feet and saddle sore behinds but a story to tell for sure and memories you can’t buy. Countless sights, sounds and smells burnt into our minds to tell our grandchildren; encouraging them to live life while you can, so they don’t have to start sentences when they are old with: “I wish I would have……”.
4 Annual Horsemanship Tournament th
The 2008 Tournament Every year around September we set aside time for a tournament here at the Horse Ranch. It usually starts around 1 pm and goes until whenever we are finished. Contestants travelled in from as far away as Edmonton AB, Prince George and Vanderhoof BC. Some arrived the day before and stayed the night after, spending the first evening pondering what the course would be this year, then discussing their strategies and successes the second night. There was much laughter to be heard, the fire pit was well used and a few refreshments were had. The tournament brought out some new faces that were amazed at the goings on. Some of the participants were ready for the challenge, some were down right nervous and others had no idea what they had got themselves into. All had fun and enjoyed the opportunity to test their skills. The 2009 Tournament High Score went to Dave Tissington of Grande Prairie AB, second place to Louise Baxter of Rose Prairie BC ,third to Kyla Pollard & Late Friend Rosco, and fourth place to Dixie Stewart, on a filly that we had sold which Dixie had been preparing for the new owner. Each year the tasks are different but the categories stay the same—online, liberty, freestyle and finesse. Those that were here are already gearing up for next year and I even heard a few challenges being laid down— “Next year I’m bringing my horse and going to win it all!” Watch out Dave— someone is gunning for the crown! It was a great time and we will be setting dates soon for 2009.
Brazil & the Lusitano… ...the best kept secret in the horse world I feel extremely fortunate — riding in the mountains in July, November in Brazil. Two extremely different experiences riding very different styles of horses that are each bred specifically for the jobs they are doing. In May of this year I was invited by Geraldo Lefosse to return to his ranch, Haras das Mangueiras . Geraldo has one of the top Lusitano breeding and training facility in Brazil, and is the president of the ABPSL. (Association of Brazilian Pure Sangue Lusitanos) and is actively promoting what I consider the best kept secret in the horse world—the Lusitano. This breed of horse is one of the oldest known saddle horses in the world. These horses were originally used for warfare and then later bullfighting which is almost a thing of the past. They are more recently being used for many things such as pleasure riding, dressage, jumping, driving and even cutting. Because of their extremely athletic builds, trainability and smooth ride they are gaining widespread attention and popularity. An event that is fast growing in Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Sweden as well as Mexico and Brazil is Working Equitation (WE). It has 3 components to it, a dressage component, a technical component done around a set of obstacles and a speed or timed component also done around obstacles. It is like a combination of dressage, gymkhana and trail class all in one. It has some remarkably close similarities to our Tournaments at the Horse Ranch. The Lusitano is dominating the sport because of the ease with which they can make quick turns, tight corners and change leads. One of the reasons for going over was to spend some time doing the WE course. Benedito Torres de Macedo, “Dito “ - the head trainer at Haras das Mangueiras, is also the Brazilian WE champion. Dito took some time showing me the course and some tips on the rules and methodology. I spent the first 2 weeks riding 22 different stallions of various ages and showing the trainers some techniques and approaches they could put into their program. On the weekend I was toured by Geraldo and friends around a nearby city to see town life and a meal out in one of the many beautiful outdoor restaurants. The third week Dixie joined me with 12 excited friends and students from across Canada.
Brazil & the Lusitano…continued
They came to learn about the Lusitano, WE, and experience the incredible feeling of riding these magnificently elevated horses, and see some of Brazil. The 2 weeks prior gave me time to chose a horse for each of the twelve. The students watched as each horse was demonstrated then discovered which horse had been chosen for them. Some horses were more of a dressage type and others leaned more towards the bullfighting style. They came in many colors but all were stallions except 1 gelding. Everyone tried out their new horse, and then watched a WE demo . The following days were spent with clinics, a judging seminar, shopping trip to a near by spa town, trail ride, practicing the WE course and even a Samba lesson. The hospitality, food and quality of the horses was second to none. Sitting with friends in the evening listening to the birds, swinging in the hammock with a warm breeze moving the blossoms on the trees and a night cap was the usual end to a perfect day. The trip ended all to soon for everyone and that’s why in March when I go back some of the group are coming back for round two. That’s right—we’re going back in March! I will be doing a clinic for the Brazilians there, then the next week I will have another Natural Horsemanship WE Course for a second group from outside the country. This will run when one leg of the Brazilian WE Championships will be held at the ranch, very exciting for everyone to see the professionals.
We ran out of room on the trip in November for everyone , so those of you wanting to go please give us a call. There is a limited number of spaces available. The suggested skill level is stage 5 but all requests will be considered. You will be picked up and delivered back to the airport, stay at the ranch (unless other arrangements are requested) food and cooking supplied, Lusitano and saddle provided, ranch tour, WE clinic, trail ride, judges course, shopping trip (which was way more fun than I thought possible) time to practice on the course and maybe even a Samba lesson if we talk nicely to Sergio and Nadwein. You have to have a Brazilian visitors visa to get into the country which can take some time. They say 2 weeks but it rarely goes that smooth. I have had a couple of requests for students to go with me when I leave and stay the whole time rather than just the one week. This may be possible for others as well. Let me know if it is something you would like. Thank you to all of you who joined us for the inaugural WE Course in Brazil , also to Geraldo, Dito ,and the entire staff for their positive and progressive approach to the horse industry, for making us feel so welcome and opening the ranch and horses up for all of us to enjoy.
Q&A...What should I look for when shopping for a horse to buy? This is a question I think people should ask more often. I forever see people with horses that are definitely not a good match for them. They are not having fun, they are not safe and they have a million reasons not to do anything with their horse because of it. Some things I would suggest when looking for a started horse would be: Make a list of what you want to do with a new horse. What Wiley kind of horse do you need for your skill level so you don’t end up with something you can’t handle, hard to catch, has too much go or too much whoa. Look for sellers that can’t wait to show you all the great things they can do with the horse, or how large of foundation has been put in place. Can they pick up all the feet and hold them to be trimmed, does he load and how many ways, does he stand to be saddled and mounted, what do they use on the horses’ head to ride, what gaits are they willing to show the horse at; and how pure are the gaits, does the horse appear impulsive or dull, is he confident or scared, and does the owner even demonstrate this area. Can they move the feet separately upon request on the ground and in the saddle, how is the back up and sideways, does he jump smooth and confidently, or tight and scared, or not at all—on line or in the saddle. Has he been rode outside in the bush, hills, creeks, rivers, and mud. Does the horse appear to be happy and willing or barely hanging in, resentful or mistrusting. Is he free moving and athletic or stiff and sore moving. If these all check out and you are thrilled and amazed at all you have just witnessed, then it might be time to try the horse yourself to see how he feels to you. Then there is the conformation aspect, and age of the horse. Conformation is an essay in itself. It can take years and real effort to be able to develop an eye for good conformation and is sometimes much easier if you know someone that is knowledgeable in this area to give you their opinion. You may have heard green on green makes black and blue. All horses can help us learn if the gap is not too wide. Even if you can competently swim across the pool, you still might not be ready for the lake. Make a logical choice when buying a horse, not an emotional one so you can ride for many years and have fun.
Stages Program The numbers of Stage Assessments being sent in has been amazing. The numbers coming in keeps growing each month. Way to go! Another thing I wanted to mention and I don’t always say it or get a chance to, is through out the year I watch people putting in so much effort and try towards developing their horsemanship. Some days are exciting and happy while others are frustrating and difficult. Your horse appreciates the effort you put in and as time goes along the frustrating days become seldom because you realize it is part of growing, learning, and getting out of your comfort zone. Some of you are really pushing out and you should take time to reward yourself. Take care of your horsemanship and it will take care of you. That was some good advice I was given once upon a time, you are welcome to use if you
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www.thehorseranch.com or call toll free: 1 877 728 8987 Earlybird Savings in effect until January 15th for camps & High & Wild, and 2009 3-Month Horsemanship Course Horsemanship Tips •
Allowing and causing your horse to move keeps them from becoming sticky and losing the life in their bodies they were born with. Too much standing around and desensitizing creates a dull slow and stiff feeling horse.
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Expanding our comfort zone is as important as expanding our horses.
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Well I haven’t covered all the things that occurred this past 10 months but this is a bit of a overview. My goal will be to write sooner than 10 months next time; wish me luck!
Good horsemanship and hope to see you all soon. Glenn