Sierra Ranch, LLC

Where You Leave The City Behind!

Pasture Boarding Available

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Sunset on the ranch showing hay in the big pasture and the shelter attached to the barn.

Sierra Ranch, LLC has a couple of openings for pasture rent. Sign up in February and get a $25 per month discount. $175 per month per horse. Have multiple horses? Ask about our multiple horse discount. Horses get hay in the winter and access to great grass in the summer. Shelters in both pastures. Trailer parking is free. Close to Oologah Trails. Located on a paved road. Round pen and riding area. Barn to feed in and tack room for your stuff. Contact me for an appointment to see the ranch or check out the Boarding page for more information.

Where you can leave the city behind!

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
918-607-6094
https://sierraranchok.com/
Corky

Corky

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1471994_10202223618449301_1911192406_n - CopySomeone asked me one day why this wonderful horse was not on our website.  I have been busy working on selling off some horses, so it’s time to get back to adding the ones that will stay around.1907598_10203237239149185_3158501382597787016_n - Copy

This is Corky. He is a 1992 model MFT who was owned by my friend Dawn Hackney. He is retired from riding and had a injury at his last retirement home, so we have let him have a year off. We have recently been riding him to see if the injury will allow him to work a bit and he seems to like giving lessons. We were told that he would never do mountainous trail riding again, but he seems fine with wondering around the pasture.

Corky and New were pastured together when he first came, so usually when you see New you will see Corky.

Want to come take lessons on Corky?  Call and set an appointment.  918-607-6094.

We have all the trailers, tack, and safety equipment to teach you everything you need to learn to ride.

Come ride a Champion at Sierra Ranch, LLC!1410857_10153342396195655_1419988121_o

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
918-607-6094

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Corky and Narina riding in November, 2014

 

Owning VS Leasing

Owning VS Leasing

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Maverick giving lessons.

I read this article today and it provides a great case for leasing a horse for that first time rider no matter what age.  It has a link to a Horse Cost Calculator that even makes more points to leasing a horse until you are certain.  And of course also links to folks with lots of money that have kids riding horses in some very top notch places.

At Sierra Ranch, LLC we provide you with the horse owning experience without the responsibility until you are certain you are ready for that responsibility.  We have seen several times a horse crazy teenager fall hard for her perfect horse, and then go off to college and not have time or money to keep the horses.

We provide our leasees with everything needed to learn about horses, gain experience so that you get the right horse, and without the up front cost involved with purchasing everything needed for the horse.  We provide this for the cost of boarding a horse.  Just $300 per month gets you full access to your equine experience.

The lease included for both rider and horse:

  • A saddle that fits both rider and horse.
  • A helmet for every ride and a vet when jumping for the rider.
  • Regular veterinary care and farrier work for the horse.
  • All vaccinations, worming and other veterinary care is included.
  • The horse can be changed at the request of the rider without a penalty.
  • The rider can progress and move to a more challenging horse that fits the rider’s skills.
  • The rider and horse have access to transportation to events, trails, etc.
  • All this at the same price as boarding a horse.

Leasing is a great option to learn more about the horse and see if you are the right match.  It is different than a lesson horse in that you are the only person riding the horse.

Here at Sierra Ranch, LLC we prepare folks to begin horse ownership.  We know many folks that have never owned a horse , let a lone an ex racing thoroughbred.  These wonderful horses require some special care, just as they require a particular rider.  We strive not only to make good matches, but responsible owners.  We want each rider to know the limitations and expectation of the horse they are riding.  And how to care for them if they choose to purchase one.

If you would like to lease one of the horses on this site, please contact us and we will set an appointment to meet a Champion!

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
918-607-6094
https://sierraranchok.com/

 

Join us in Riding to Save Babies!

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Saddle up and make plans to attend the sixth annual “Ride to Save Babies” Trail Ride. For a minimum pre-registry donation of $20, riders can ride the trails then come back for some great food. All to help save babies and benefit the March of Dimes. Check out their website here!

On Saturday, April 17th, 2010, at Lake Carl Blackwell, horse lovers can enjoy a one-day outing, along with prizes and great food! All money is given to help the lifesaving programs of the March of Dimes. Individual prizes will be given for the adult and youth that raises the most money, along with all participants being registered for prize drawings. Registration is $20 and will include the entry fee, food, and a t-shirt. Late registration begins at 10am- 12noon, the ride will begin at 1pm from the equestrian campgrounds of Lake Carl Blackwell, located just 8 miles west of Stillwater on Highway 51. Riders will return for food, drinks and entertainment around 6pm at the campgrounds.

The “Ride to Save Babies” is a fundraiser for the March of Dimes, an organization which helps to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. You can help to save babies from these threats to their health just by saddling up and joining this benefit ride.

For more information, registration, or any questions, contact Mendi Cronister by email rockin_mr@hotmail.com or call 580-370-8890 or 580-336-4945. Or visit their webiste here!

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. For more maternal and infant health information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish web site at www.nacersano.org or call 1-888-MODIMES.

We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s ride!

Rick took several people with him on this ride last year. We are planning on attending again this year! If you would like to ride with us and need a horse or transportation, please contact us!

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
https://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/

Ten Commandments for Horses

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These are things people both new to horses and those that have had them for a while need to remember.

1. My life is likely to last 20 or more years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you take me home.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long. Don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when it is speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.

7. Remember before you hit me that I am powerful enough to hurt you, but choose not to.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I have a problem that you are not yet aware of.

9. Take care of me when I am old. You too will be old one day.

10. Go with me on the last journey. Never say “I can’t bear to watch or let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember that I love you. Here is something to pamper your horse with:

$10 off orders of $100 or more at Horse.com (some restrictions apply)

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
Http://sierraranchok.com
http://sierraranchok.net

34 Things Only to Say Around Horse People!

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1. He won’t come into my hands!
2. There’s nothing like having 17 hands between your legs.
3. I’m gonna get off now.
4. More leg, less hand…
5. It was a great ride, but he’s kinda sticky.
6. He needs a good 20 min warm-up…
7. Relax your back, dont pinch with your knees, go with the motion, rock your pelvis…
8. When he gets excited he really foams up!
9. If he’s not ridden 5 days a week he gets cranky…
10. I rode him yesterday, but Samm is gonna ride him today.
11. Go ahead, ride him, you’ll like him…he’ll be good for you
12. Push!!! Squeeze!!! Pull hard!!!
13. He’s being a pig, get his head up!
14. He bends to the left, but he’s really stiff to the right.
15. He really over reacts when I sit dow n into him…
16. Smack him if he refuses!
17. Good, that looks much better with his head down.
18. Dont pump too much.
19. You want his hindquarters to be balanced and even with yours.
20. If you squeeze with your thighs and legs he’ll take off earlier.
21. You two perform really well with each other!
22. I need spurs and a whip to really get him going.
23. Turn him loose for a while, get rid of some of that energy!
24. I rode bareback today.
25. She’s been around and is very experienced.
26. I’m gonna do him in Short Stirrup and my trainer will ride him in the Hopeful class.
27. He’s too much for her, maybe you should get on.
28. He’s a bit of a bumpy ride, just try not to grip with your thighs too much.
29. Make sure you release.
30. Don’t lean forward unless you want him to go faster.
31. As he comes up, lean forward and run your hand s up the crest of his neck.
32. Squeeze and release… squeeze and release…give and take…
33. “How was he today?” reply… “Excellent, very obedient for once.”
34. Wow, I just love riding the big ones!

Definitions for Horse Lovers

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Hock: Financial condition of all horse owners.

Stall: What your rig does at rush hour in an unfamiliar city on the way to a big horse show

A Bit: What you have left in your pocket after you’ve been to your favorite tack shop.

Fence: Decorative structure built to provide your horse with something to chew on.

Horse Auction: What you think of having after your horse bucks you off.

Pinto: Green coat pattern found on freshly washed light colored horses left unattended for 2 minutes.

Well Mannered: Hasn’t stepped on, bitten, or kicked anyone for a week.

Rasp: Abrasive metal tool used to remove excess skin from ones knuckles.

Lunging: Popular training method in which a horse exercises their owner by spinning them in circles until dizzy.

Gallop: Customary gait a horse chooses when returning back to the barn.

Nicely Started: Lunges, but not enough health insurance to even think about riding him.

Colic: Gastrointestinal result of eating at horse fair food stands.

Colt: What your mare gives you when you want a filly.

Easy to Load: Only takes 3 hours, 4 men, a 50lb bag of oats, and a tractor with loader.

Easy to Catch: In a 10×10 stall.

Easy Rider: Rides good in a trailer; not to be confused with “ride-able”.

Endurance Ride: End result when your horse spooks and runs away with you.

Hives: What you get when receive the vet bill for your 6 horses, 3 dogs, 4 cats, and 1 donkey.

Hobbles: Walking gait of a horse owner after their foot has been stepped on by their horse.

Feed: Expensive substance used to manufacture manure.

Dog House: What you are in when you spend too much money on grooming supplies and pretty halters.

Light Cribber: We can’t afford to build anymore fencing or box stalls for this buzz saw on four legs.

Three Gaited Horse: A horse that. 1) trips, 2)stumbles, 3) falls.

THE 12 “MOST IMPORTANT” THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU OWN A HORSE..

-To induce labor in a mare? Take a nap.

-To cure equine constipation? Load them in a clean trailer.

-To cure equine insomnia? Take them in a halter class.

-To get a horse to stay very calm and laid back? Enter them in a liberty class.

-To get a horse to wash their own feet? Clean the water trough and fill it with fresh water.

-To get a mare to come in heat? Take her to a show.

-To get a mare in foal the first cover? Let the wrong stallion get out of his stall.

-To make sure that a mare has that beautiful, perfectly marked foal you always wanted? Sell her before she foals.

-To get a show horse to set up perfect and really stretch? Get him out late at night or anytime no one is a round to see him.

-To induce a cold snap in the weather? Clip a horse.

-To make it rain? Mow a field of hay.

-To make a small fortune in the horse business? Start with a large one.

Rick’s favorite statement is the last one. First time he told it to Mom she didn’t wuite appreciate it. 🙂 Theres several up there that are more true than folks without horses know. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Horse Barn Rules

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Posted on Plus Sized Horse Chicks Yahoo Group!

To be posted at eye level to the horses of the barn.

(not in any specific order)

1. The barn is your home, the house is mine. Just because I am gracious enough to allow you to graze in the yard that does not mean you get to walk onto the porch to see if I have left anything of your interest there. I love you all but you are just too big to keep in the house. I am sorry but if the door is propped open that does not mean we are having an open house party.

2. Why did I go to all the trouble of building a barn with each of you a stall when you either A) all crowd into one, B) stand out in the rain like dummies, or C) everyone crowds onto the back porch.

3. Speaking of the back porch again, it is not a crossover between one side of the yard to the other side just because you like to hear the sounds your hooves make on the wooden planks.

4. Just because you know where the feed is kept does not allow you to go into the shed looking for it. We keep the barrels secure. Don’t open daddy’s grass seed then sling the bag around because you are upset it was not horse feed.

5. When I pull the truck up to the front of the stalls with bags of shavings does not mean you get to open each one just in case it is food. And don’t think the silly face you make because you now have saw dust on your lips will get you sympathy from me when I have to clean up the mess.

6. I give you snacks that are yummy and gooey and chewy. Do Not think I am going to let you have my candy bar, that is my treat for me.

7. It does no good to smack your lips thinking I will feed any sooner than feeding time. Slamming your feed bucket will also not get you fed any sooner.

8. When I am feeding it does no good to try and crowd me to get your nose into the bucket so you think you will get extra. Go to your own stall and wait till I get there.

9. When I am scratching that wonderful spot that you love, please try not to go to sleep leaning on me. You greatly outweigh me and we are both going to fall. The same goes when the farrier or I are trimming your feet. WE CANNOT HOLD YOU UP!

10. It would also be nice if you could be considerate of where you place your feet when I am bathing or brushing you. When you shift and place yours on top of mine, Do Not look so surprised when I scream and suddenly push you. Especially at the few bad words I say as I hobble toward the house later.

11. Is it really necessary for you to blow up like a puffer fish each time I put the saddle on you? You should know by now I have learned this trick and will walk you around till you blow so I can tighten it up again. Sliding down on your side while riding is not as funny to me as you think.

12. It is not funny to me either when I decide to ride in the pasture that as soon as I let my guard down you see this wonderful patch of grass that just has to be eaten. The sudden stop with me almost on your neck and the saddle horn in my gut is not a laughing matter though you seem to enjoy it at times.

13. Just because I pull one horse out does not mean I want the whole crowd. You all are not Siamese quadruplets joined at some functional body part.

14. Quit teasing daddy by escaping every time he thinks he has the fence fixed right. You know he is new to this horse thing and has to learn!

15. It is not funny to be scared awake at 2am with the window shaking like an earthquake. The air conditioner is not for scratching.

16. While in the yard grazing could you please place your poop more strategically away from the house. Daddy will drag the yard and use the fertilizer you have left but until then pooping by the windows is very inconsiderate.

17. You have a salt block to lick in the pasture, plus mineral blocks. This does not give you the right to stick your head into my vehicle and slobber all over the steering wheel just because I left the window down on a warm day.

18. When I am working on something in the yard while you are out, could you please return the tools that you borrow.

19. Passing gas just as I walk behind you is not an acceptable substitute for the fact that you do not kick.

20. Nibbling on my hair, clothes etc. to get attention may not get the response you expect. Especially when you pull my hair or tear my clothes.

21. Just because the vet has the back of her truck open when she is here, does not mean she needs your help in taking things out for her. I’m pretty sure she knows where the things she needs are located.

22. What is it about finding dirt or mud to roll in right after I get you cleaned up? I mean the pigs get a mud hole because they can’t sweat so it cools them down. But all it does for you is cake in your fur and mane and tail then you gripe and complain when it hurts a little bit when I have to brush it out. THEN YOU DO IT OVER AGAIN!

Now if we could just get the silly things to listen. Hope you enjoy. I know we have about 22 at our house that resembles these comments. Most TB’s with that silly TB sense of humor.

That picture above is what you get when you try to take a picture of one of the silly critters without help. I love them cuz they are the most friendlist critter on the planet. But dang it if they don’t think they know how to use a camera. that is Showing the Flag’s head. At lease we have a good shot of his blaze in case he goes missing. LOL!

Hope you all have a wonderful week. I still need to write out what has been going on with me, but that will come. Sending hugs and prayers!

Hooves for a Cure News!

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Just a quick note to let you know some of the things I have been working on.

On January 12, 2008 I got speak for a few minutes at the AREC Convention in Henrietta, OK. The opportunity was giving to me by Susan from the Indian Territory Endurance Riders who supported us at Oologah last year. I explained who we where and what we where hoping to accomplish and invited them to attend Susan’s ride or have one in their own area. Great Bunch of people.

While at the convention I talked to Teri Folks of Oklahoma Horse on Line and Trail Blazer Magazine. She is planning on Doing an Article on Hooves for a Cure a little later on. After we get more details on all the rides.

I will be getting the updated info to her for the Oklahoma Horse on line website for the Oklahoma rides. If you know of similar sites on your states, check and see if we can post your rides there. Another place to get the rides listed is club calendars in your area.

On January 23, 2008 I met with Christy from Susan G. Koman. She is very impressed in what we accomplished in our first year and is excited that we decided to do it again. She is going to work with us to get the word out to other affiliates about us. She will be attending a meeting in Dallas on February, with other Regional Directors, so I am getting a list of all the rides we have so far.

In the next couple of weeks I will get a “Starter Pack” online, so that those interested in putting on a ride can see what they need to do and decide if they would like to join us. If you have any suggestions on things I should put in it I would love to hear them.

Have a good week!

Debbie Briggs

Hooves for a Cure Director

www.hoovesforacure.com

Sierra Ranch News – November 2007

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Welcome!

Welcome to the seventh edition of the Sierra Ranch News! I know lots have folks have been taking advantage of the wonderful fall weather and riding. It is now deer gun season so riding has ceased until the first part of December in most places. And now we are finally getting the seasonable cold weather that makes you not want to ride.

Sierra Ranch is starting to make more preparations for the winter. Check out the articles below for more helpful hints on how to make your horse more comfortable when the nasty winter weather hits. Several of our horses don’t make much fur and are blanketed on and off. Make for a fun time trying to keep up with the weather and what it will be doing.

Tell us what you where you plan on riding this winter. Many folks stop riding in the winter, but sometimes this is the best time of the year to ride. Let us know what information you would like to learn tips on horse keeping, latest horses for sale and any other info you find interesting. As always you can email me and let me know what might interest you to learn about.

Sierra Ranch Logo!

I know you thought I would never actually get this done. But at last here are two different Sierra Ranch Logos. We are changing our tag line from “Come test ride your next horse today!” to “Where your equine experience begins!” Part of the reason for doing this if the fact that Rick finally came to the realization that he really doesn’t want to sell any of the horses we have. So in order to keep them they must earn their keep and be leased, used for lessons, or trail rides. We will have more on that in the coming months.

I have been working on a couple of logos. This is the first one. Next month we will have the second one. Rick thinks the horse looks a little mad. I tried to make it not so mad, but then Rick thought we needed something different, since we changed our tag. The one I am still working on incorporates all the different aspects of what we do. We have raced, loved to ride, jump, and do performance events. Most of our horses are good at all these things, so we should show this off. The picture is attached to this email or you can visit the Yahoo Group site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SierraRanchOK/ or at the Sierra Ranch Multiply site at http://sierraranch.multiply.com/ or at the blog at http://sierraranchok.blogspot.com

Let us know what you think about this logo and shortly we will post the other one for all to critic. Soon we will have set up a CafePress site with stuff to buy. Until then please check out the HorseMatch.net CafePress store. Check out the link: http://www.cafepress.com/horsematch. I am working on getting calendars and posters on the store. You never know whose picture will be on the calendar. We also made some t-shirt at a local t-shirt shop to sell at the ranch. Look for more stuff to come along the way. We want to get our name out and about on the trails around Oklahoma and other places.

Check this out!

Winter Care: Use Caution When Changing a Horse’s Rations

Some horses might need more feed to replace energy loss brought about by cold, harsh weather conditions. Equine owners must practice sound management in altering their animal’s rations to avoid problems with colic or laminitis. To read the whole article, click the link below:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10826

Laminitis Studies Financed by Barbaro Fund to Commence

Two projects focusing on the equine disease laminitis will be launched soon utilizing funds raised by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association in memory of the late 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. The projects, at more than$100,000, will be conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia and Louisiana State University, according to a release from the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation. To read the whole article, click the link below:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10784

The Business of Horses – So You Want to be Involved in the Horse Industry?

Winter is a great time to reassess your business and why you are in it. Here is a great article about getting into the horse business and what is required. Not everyone can be the trainer, sometimes you have to do the other jobs required to make a successful horse business profitable. Hope you find this informative. To read more of this article by Ralph Bain from www.businessofhorses.com, click the link below:

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Business-of-Horses—So-You-Want-to-be-Involved-in-the-Horse-Industry?&id=734973

Upcoming Rides and Other Events

It’s time to send in events for the upcoming year. Send them to me or to the link on Oklahoma Horse Online. Many of these came from listing on www.oklahomahorseonline.com. Check it out!

December 8-10 Wild Horse Trail Camp Last Chance Ride, Honobia, OK. Contact: Sherry Wright 918-755-4570 Electric & water hook-ups available. Cabin rentals also available. Camp sites & cabin rentals available year round.

December 8 Lake Carl Blackwell 2nd annual POKER RUN, Stillwater, OK. This is a pleasure ride event with prizes for the best hands collected, hamburger cook out. Point of contact is the Lake Manger, Chad.Meisenberg@okstate.edu, www.lcb.okstate.edu

January 1, 2007 BGTRC New Years Day ride at Bell Cow in Chandler, OK. Contact Deena Wilson at (918)766-3402.

January 26 Practical Horsemanship Clinic Series, Bridlewood Equestrian Facility 5300 N Air Depot, OKC, Oklahoma. A bi-monthly Series of Equestrian Educational Speakers & Clinicians 9-5 Bring your own chair. $20. Audit fee Door prizes. Western & English Disciplines, Health & Nutrition, contact: Bridlewood 405-771-3606 (c) 213-9772

March 8, 2008 BGTRC Back in the Saddle Ride Bell Cow Lake –Contact Deena Wilson at (918)766-3402.

June 14-15, 2008 13th Annual City Slickers Trail Ride Sponsored By The Bad Girls Trail Riding Club, Robber’s Cave State Park Friday (June 13th) bring your hotdogs and marshmallows and join us at the campfire. Saturday (June 14th) Cloverleaf ride (OETRA approved mileage). Leaving at 9AM returning to camp at noon for lunch. Afternoon riding out at 2PM and returning about 4:30PM. Saturday evening: 6 p.m. Dinner by the BGTRC BOD and 7 p.m. Karaoke with a Karaoke Contest for Cash Prizes and City Slicker Buckle Raffle ($1/ticket) Breakfast and lunch Saturday can be purchased at a minimal cost from the BGTRC BOD. Sunday (June 15th) on you own!! Registration before June 1st is $25.00 each. Registration after June 1st is $30.00 each. Children under 12 are $10.00. Registration includes camping Fri. & Sat. nights as well as Sat. dinner and entertainment! For information contact: Deb Stowers deb@sierraranchok.com Phone: 918/341-5799 Cell: 918/607-6094 DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT RIDE! Children under 6 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. ORIGINAL current negative coggins required – No stallions. No alcohol on the trails – Horses should be shod. Check out: https://www.sierraranchok.com/bgtrc/cityslicker.html for flyers and registration forms.

October 4th, 2008 – 2nd Annual Hooves for a Cure Charity Trail Ride, J-D Trail Riding Camp, Octavia, OK – Come ride in the beautiful Kiamichi Mountains and help raise money to fight breast cancer. Ride fee is $10 with a potluck dinner on Saturday Night, Silent Auction, and Raffle Drawing. Come for the day or spend the entire weekend! (Camping fees not included in ride fee) Non-riders are also welcome! Located just 10 miles East of Honobia on Hwy 144. For camping reservations, contact Jo Harrington (580)244-7261, or visit www.j-dtrailriding.com . For ride information, contact Andrea Fowler (918)231-9911, afowler@trustok.com. For more information about Hooves for a cure, visit our website at www.Hoovesforacure.com Wear PINK and put pink on your horse!

Riding Lessons

A Horse is not a Puppy
By Rick Stowers
Check out Rick’s Riding Lessons at http://www.horsematch.net/Rickstowers.html

We all know the scene… A child receiving a new puppy and forming a bond growing up together. Well, back to the title. Most young people simply do not have the years of patience it takes to train a 2-year old horse.

All of us who are mature in our equestrian lives know that before a horse is five or so his attention span is short at best, and possibly nonexistent on some days. Just like it takes our children years to go through the growth process – mentally as well as physically (some take longer mentally, our equine companions take years not months to mature.

My student was totally horrified when I answered the question of “How long will it take for my horse to be trained as well as the lesson horse I am riding?” with an honest 2.5 years or so.

Let’s face it. Maturity comes with age and there is no magic potion to turn a two-year old into a mature horse over night. For most humans today our “instant gratification” concept and a young horse just doesn’t make sense. Any trainer worth his salt will tell you that you can’t have a fully trained horse in less than 1,000 hours of time. Working time, not pasture time. And how many of us want to put out that much effort.

Remember we are talking about OUR children. Is it really worth risking life and limb just to say you started and trained the horse yourself?

There are some unscrupulous people who pass themselves off as trainers. They say the can have your horse “broke” in 30-60-90 days. Well, let’s examine the definition of “broke.”

If you ask for that definition you might not like the answer. According to Pat Parelli in his book Natural Horsemanship. You should put only 100 hours on a three year old; another 100 hours when he is four and then when the horse is five you can “have at him.”
Well, this is saying that you can’t possibly be able to finish a horse until he is five. This is a three year wait, if you buy a two year old. Let’s consider the cost of this endeavor.

Assume you pay nothing for the two year old horse. You need immunizations for the horse, plus halters and tack, plus feed, plus hoof care, plus vet care for this year. At three repeat this and add a saddle, plus time or expense to get him started (the first 100 hours) approximately 30 days of training. At four repeat this process again remembering the saddle may not fit now or halter or tack because he is growing, and add in the next 100 hours of training. Finally when he is five you can finish his training (approximately 800 saddle hours) and have him trained.

Deborah and I spend approximately $200 dollars a year average on vet care per horse. Trimming hoofs around here is about $25 per head, so at every six week trims you are looking at $400 per year farrier care. Feed and de-worming cost us about $2 per day for $730 per year – and this assumes you do all the training yourself.

So your free horse has cost you $1330 per year for 3 years or $3990 with nothing added for the saddle or tack. No colic episodes or other vet emergencies (which cost premium prices), no training fee and three years to get a trained horse.

Is it worth it? That is your decision.

We hope you enjoy our philosophy and will come visit Sierra Ranch.
LET’S GO RIDING TODAY!!!!

Horse Spotlight

Grace

https://www.sierraranchok.com/Grace.html

Need a trained show horse for the upcoming show season? Here she is! Grace has been there and done that and is ready to do it again. Grace has competed in local shows. She is a great jumper that has been used for lessons at her previous barns.
I have added more pictures of Grace riding and jumping. I am sorry that the jumping pictures did not come out well. I guess my digital camera isn’t quick enough. They kinda look artsy when cleaned up. It didn’t help that the light was not the best, but was trying to do it while I had riders. In addition, I didn’t have the kids put one helmets. We usually ride in them, just was kind of a quick thing. Let me know if you need more information. And as always you are more than welcome to come ride Grace yourself.

Grace is a 13 year old thoroughbred mare. She is around 17 hands and about 1200 pounds. She is one of our boarders horses and has been used for showing and giving lessons at other barns that she has been boarded at. She is a quiet and smart horse. See pictures on her site at the link above.

Grace is a finished show horse that is trained in hunter/jumper type events. She is suitable for intermediate and experience riders. She has not been ridden by children, but by teenagers and young adults.

Grace is being offered for $15,000 — She won’t be here long at this price.

Grace is a professional at everything that she does. She is easy to load and hauls well. Stands quietly for bathes, grooming, vet and farrier. She is up to date on her shots and gets continuous wormer. We encourage vet checks for each horse.

Comments

Let us know how you liked this issue. And again let us know about what you want to hear about. We want to make this newsletter for our clients, friends, and families. See you out riding!

Thanks,
Deb and Rick Stowers
deb@sierraranchok.com
www.sierraranchok.com