Where You Leave The City Behind!
Welcome to the tenth edition of the Sierra Ranch News! I apologize for the hiatus in our newsletter. Life seems to get in the way of us getting everything done that we want to do. Things have kinda calmed down around here and we hope to get back on a regular schedule.
Tell us what you where you plan on riding this Spring. As you can see from the calendar there are many options on places to ride and things to do. 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 Website!
The Sierra Ranch website is under construction. Please visit is and let us know what you think. I have been trying to get all the pages up and running, but also need to finish working on the Hooves for a Cure site. We will let you know when both are finished.
The HorseMatch.net CafePress store is up. Check out the link: http://www.cafepress.com/horsematch. I am working on getting calendars and posters on the store, probably for next year. You never know whose picture will be on the calendar. We also set up a store at Zazzle.com http://www.zazzle.com/horsematch They have really cool stuff. From shirts to shoes to skateboards! 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.
Look for more announcements on this coming soon!
Check this out!
New Mechanical Horse to Teach Advanced Dressage
This would be way cool, much more fun than the elliptical or a treadmill, but alas the price is way too high!
An interactive mechanical dressage horse has been launched that aims to get you riding like Anky van Grunsven without passing your bad habits on to a horse. The new simulator allows riders to practice movements including passage, piaffe and pirouette up to advanced level. To read the whole article, click the link below:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/388/275305.html?aff=rss
Runaway costs of horse rescue
We all knew this would happen, but this is a great article from the Seattle Times about several rescues in the NW US. I am sure we are all seeing the same problems in each part of the US. To read the whole article, click the link below:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008642351_horses18m.html
Horses Appear In the Inaugural Celebrations
The President’s Inaugural Parade has a long tradition of including horses in the festivities, and this year was no different. With more than 200 horses representing 10 teams from throughout the United States, riders helped make this historic celebration memorable. Participants spanned the spectrum from Culver Academies, which made its 15th appearance (their first was in 1913 for Woodrow Wilson), to the Southern Ohio Ladies Aside’s first. To read the whole article, click the link below:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=13483
Live and Learn (Equine Education Opportunities)
Winter is a great time to increase your horse knowledge, training, and skills. Colleges and universities across the country offer classes in virtually every aspect of horse management. Through special schools and programs, you can get the education and training you need to become an equine massage therapist, a farrier, or a veterinary technician, among other equine careers. To read the whole article, click the link below:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12423
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!
February 7 Neosha Open Horse Show, Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson, Norman OK. Hunter, English, Western, Halter classes. 918-251-5788 or www.neosha.com
February 13, 14, 15 EQUIFEST of Kansas 2009 World Class Clinicians, Sensational Shopping, and Exciting Equine Entertainment! Wichita, Kansas Coliseum. More Info: 765-655-2107, www.equinepromotions.net
February 13-16 Cedar Lake Trails Work Weekend, Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp, Heavener, OK. Free camping for those who are volunteering their time. Contact Teri Wyatt for more information tnwalkinghorsegirl@yahoo.com
February 13-15 Oklahoma Horse Fair, Duncan, OK. Admission is free all three days. Call 405-226-0630 or visit www.okhorsefair.com
February 21 Neosha Open Horse Show with AQHA Introductory classes. Stillwater Expo Center, Stillwater OK Hunter, English, Western, Halter classes. Halter classes will be first. Belt Buckle for AQHA Select High Point. Stalls $25-limited availability. Prepaid reservations due by Feb.14. 918-251-5788 or www.neosha.com.
March 6-8 Kerry Kuhn Practical Horsemanship Clinic, Cross Tie Ranch, Guthrie, OK. $150 per day, limit 10 riders. Call for early bird discount. Auditors $25. Call 866-672-5631, www.kerrykuhn.com
March 7 Duncan Lake Horse Club annual coggins test clinic, Duncan Lake Pavilion, Duncan, OK, 10 am until 2 pm all other shot and vaccines will be available from Connie McLemore, DVM. Duncan lake horse club will have a chili cook off at 5:30, Horse Club meeting at 6:30 Duncan Lake Pavilion. We will ride between these two events……every one welcome. Contact camelliafoster@hughes.net
March 17 Greater Oklahoma Paint Horse Club Show, Tulsa Fairgrounds Expedition Arena, Tulsa, OK. Offering a full showbill and the show starts at 9am. For more information, visit www.greateroklahomaphc.com
March 20-22 Oklahoma Land Run CTR, Stillwater, OK. A competitive trail ride sanctioned by North American Trail Ride Conf. www.natrc.org. Ride Manager, Don Rubley, 405-373-1387. Ride Sec. Kate Kearby, 205-620-4824
March 21 Neosha Open Horse Show, Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson, Norman OK. Hunter, English, Western, Halter classes. 918-251-5788 or www.neosha.com
March 28-29 ODS Pilates for Dressage Symposium www.dressageoklahoma.org
March 28-April 5 Robbers Cave Work Weekends, Wilburton, OK. Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association, Member Meeting 5 p.m. March 28 OETRA designated Adopt-A-Trail. Jobs on foot or from saddle. Bring tools. Chm. Carolyn Sinclair Cell 918-429-3488; catbalou0012@yahoo.com, Asst. Chm. Harvey Sapp 918-371-8477.
April 3-5 Roman Nose Hills Trail Ride, Watonga, OK, Join us for a weekend of horseback riding and camping. This 2-6 hour guided trail ride, provided for horse owners, includes six meals, primitive camping and entertainment. Benefits Watonga Hospital Foundation. Cost is $50 per rider. Non-riders can purchase meal tickets. Contact Jeff Fritz 877-782-2395, E-mail: wmhpress@pldi.net Web site www.romannosehillstrailride.com
April 4 Neosha Open Horse Show, Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson, Norman OK. Hunter, English, Western, Halter classes. 918-251-5788 or www.neosha.com
April 17-19 APHA Trail Ride, Horse Heaven Ranch, Talihina, OK. Book with Horse Heaven for your favorite cabin or RV site. Trail ride the beautiful Ouachita National Forest this spring also includes entertainment, and you’ll enjoy 5 tasty meals, door prizes and more. APHA For further information: Contact Cindy by e-mail at trailrides@apha.com or phone 817-222-6439. www.horseheavenranchresort.com
April 24-25 Duncan Lake Spring Trail Ride, Duncan Lake Horse Club, Duncan, OK. Fri. night meet and greet with a pot luck dinner at 7 p. m. $35.00 a rider. Sat 25th rides start at 10 a. m. and high noon bring a lunch for the 10 a. m. ride Dinner will be furnished on Sat. night. Sunday ride all out at 10 am. Breakfast will be served on Sun. morn. DLHC reserves the camp ground for this ride if you don’t pay us to ride you can not camp that week end. You may ride with us or do your own, all city fee apply camping, riding permits etc. paid to the city of Duncan. Gearld Franklin with Blacksmith and Forge with be on hand to make any thing you want or buy what he has on sale while you watch him work. Contact camelliafoster@hughes.net
April 24-26 J-D Annual Spring Mountain Trail Ride, Octavia, OK. Join us for great riding, good food and fun at our Spring Mountain Trail Ride. For our Annual Spring ride there will be an additional charge of $10 per person for each reservation, which will include: a full breakfast Saturday morning, dinner with entertainment Saturday night, and a light breakfast Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring your favorite dish for the potluck dinner on Friday night. (580) 244-7261 www.j-dtrailriding.com
April 25-26 Introduction to Parelli Level 3 Patterns Clinic with 3 Star Parelli Instructor Christi Rains, Eclipse Stables, 13000 Hwy 105, Guthrie OK 9 AM -4 PM Clinic Information: Yvonne Thilsted 580-327-3132 yvonneshats@yahoo.com
May 2-3 Trail Work Weekend Arrowhead State Park, Lake Eufaula, OK. The Bad Girls Trail Riding Club (BGTRC) and the Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association (OETRA) have teamed up to have a work weekend at Arrowhead State Park to clean the trails that were destroyed and nearly lost due to the ice storm Pittsburg County had in 2007. We will be camping at the Equestrian Camp and a covered dish dinner will be served Saturday night. Everyone bringing a covered dish will receive a ticket for a door prize to be given away Saturday night. Please plan on attending and helping these two great clubs out in cleaning the trails that all of us will use. You will need to bring gloves, chain saws, bow saws, 4 wheelers, good walking boots, etc. (You know the drill) For more information please contact Linda Polansky with BGTRC 918-519-6916 or Milt Alexander with OETRA 918.706.8439. Your help will be greatly appreciated!
May 9-10 Bad Girls Trail Riding Club Poker Run, Arrowhead State Park. Contact Linda Polansky 918-519-6916 .
May 23-25 Memorial Day Weekend Ride, Octavia, OK (580) 244-7261 www.j-dtrailriding.com
May 30 Greater Oklahoma Paint Horse Club Summer Show, Tulsa Fairgrounds Expedition Arena, Tulsa, OK. Offering a full showbill and the show starts at 9am. For more information, visit www.greateroklahomaphc.com
May 30 Neosha Open Horse Show, Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson, Norman OK. Hunter, English, Western, Halter classes. 918-251-5788 or www.neosha.com
June 5-7 National Trails Day Ride, Robbers Cave Equestrian Trails, Wilburton, OK, Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association, Member Meeting 5 p.m., June 6, Friday Night – Meet and Greet Guided rides, Saturday night covered dish dinner Co-chairs Eva Lambert lambert1249@msn.com 405-386-4246 Terri Folks trfolks@cox.net 405-348-1397 www.oetra.com
June 13-14 14th Annual City Slickers Trail Ride Sponsored by The Bad Girls Trail Riding Club, Bell Cow Lake, Chandler. Karaoke with Rick Stowers, and City Slickers Belt Buckle Raffle ($1/ticket). 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 fees for Friday and Saturday nights, Saturday evening entertainment! For information check out: <https://www.sierraranchok.com/bgtrc/cityslicker.html> for flyers and registration forms. DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT RIDE! Children under 6 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. ORIGINAL current negative coggins a MUST – No stallions. No alcohol on the trails – horses should be shod. For further information please contact Pam Godfrey (Founder) @ 918-756-7644 (home) or 918-639-8501 (cell).
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
Leasing versus Buying
By Rick Stowers
Check out Rick’s Riding Lessons at http://www.horsematch.net/Rickstowers.html
Leasing is a great option to learn more about the horse and see if you match. It is different than a lesson horse in that you are the only person riding the horse. It’s a great way to see if you really want to own the horse without taking that step of actually buying the horse.
We know many horse people that only use their horses in the spring and fall, then they are left to fend for themselves in summer and winter. Wouldn’t it be better for both human and equine if the horse was leased rather than owned? Then the horse gets the same quality of care all year long as with every horse at Sierra Ranch.
The rider gets a saddle that fits both the rider and the horse. Lessons, transportation to local riding events, as well as attending trail rides with us are also included in the cost of a lease. If your ability increases then you can move to a more challenging horse for the same cost. You are still the only one to ride this horse, so that you can develop a great relationship with them.
Here at Sierra Ranch we prepare folks to begin horse ownership. We know many folks have never owned a horse, let alone an ex racing TB. 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 expectations of the horse they are riding. And how to care for them if they choose to purchase one.
And is you happen to match perfectly with one of our horses and over time develop that wonderful bod then ownership is a possibility. But you have gotten to know if horse ownership is something you want and can fit into your life without the expense of buying a horse and then the cost of selling if things change.
We hope you enjoy our philosophy and will come visit Sierra Ranch.
LET’S GO RIDING TODAY!!!!
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
Welcome to the eighth edition of the Sierra Ranch News! I hope everyone is surviving in the winter weather. We had a wonderful ice storm in NE OK the second weekend of December. It will go down as the worst disaster in OK history. Considering we are the land of the awesome tornadoes that’s saying something.
Sierra Ranch survived with minor damage. We went from Sunday (12/9) at 5AM to Thursday (12/13) at 7PM without electricity. Not bad considering that some folks around us were without power all through Christmas. We did pretty well with our generator that we use to camp with. We could power most of our critical facilities. Blower in the fireplace, fridge, microwave, coffee pot, satellite TV and internet and three computers. As Rick says it was a minor inconvenience. And he also reminded me that God provided us with plenty of wonderful wood. All over the front yard and down the driveway!
I realized we have not put out a newsletter since then. Life has been getting in the way of that. We are rearranging our priorities and will focus on the Ranch and home life very soon. We have a new addition at the Ranch and this time it is not a horse. Allyson, Rick’s third child has come to live with us full time. Allyson is wonderful help and is adjusting well to her new school and environment. Allyson is 14 and in the 8th grade. You can see pictures of her on our website. And if you would like to email her you may at allyson@sierraranchok.com I am sure she would like to hear from folks.
You can also see Allyson’s Valentine’s Day Dance Pictures at http://sierraranch.multiply.com/
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 am still working on our second logo. Folks seem to kinda like the first one. 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 can bee seen at 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, probably for next year. 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
Check this out!
All About Bitless Bridles
Bit-free headgear is sometime the answer for sensitive horses or though training problems. The original remote-control device was a brilliant notion: Suspend a metal bar in the horse’s mouth, and use the rigid mouthpiece, via some reins, to control the horse’s speed and direction. Brilliant, yes, but far from flawless. To read the whole article, click the link below:
http://equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/tack_apparel/bit_gallery/bitlessbridles_092206/
New Vaccination Guidelines for Horses Released
Revised guidelines for the vaccination of horses are now available from the Infectious Disease Committee of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The committee, chaired by Mary Scollay, DVM, has made recommendations for the use of vaccines based on the age of the horse and its previous vaccination history. To read the whole article, click the link below:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11217
Olympic Workshop Reviews Horse Health Concerns
“Horses will be better cared for than the human athletes at the equestrian Olympic Games in Hong Kong this summer,” said International Olympic Committee Medical Director Patrick Schamasch, MD, at the end of the pre-Olympic Workshop held by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Feb. 17 in
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11354
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!
March 1 & 2 Will Rogers Classic Open Horse Show, Claremore OK
March 1 Endurance Ride, AERC,
March 6-9 Green Country Paint Horse Show,
March 7-9 Indian Mounds Horse
March 7-9 Ranch Sorting & Team Penning in
March 8, 2008 BGTRC Back in the
March 8-9
March 15 Equine Freeze Branding, Windsong Arena,
March 15 NEOSHA Open Horse Show, Cleveland County Fairgrounds Norman OK, 9 am, Jumping, English, Western www.neosha.com 918-251-5788
March 15 Oil Capital Trail Ride at Cherokee [Gruber] Wildlife Management Area starting at 9AM. Cost $15 includes evening meal Neg. Coggins required Contact Mick Lunt 918 266-5039 or 830-4210 David Cravens 543-2115 or 640-7339, Earnie Hollifield 261-2767
March 22-24 Land Run 08 NATRC,
March 22 2nd Annual Haskell County 4-H Horse Club trail ride, San Bois Mountains. Authentic Chuck wagon dinner provided by Terry Rodebush of the Crossbox Ranch and cowboy poets. The goal is to raise funds for the Clubs programs. The day ride will begin at 10 AM, Saturday, March 22nd and end with a catered chuck wagon dinner, cowboy poetry and singing that evening. Come and ride along with us as we travel through the beautiful foothills of the San Bois Mountains in SE Haskell County. Bring a snack to hold you over till dinner and plenty of water. If your not up to a ride through the mountains you can still come out and support the county’s youth and enjoy some good ol’ down home country cookin’ and entertainment. Call in advance to reserve your spot on the trail or your spot around the campfire! Ride open to EVERYONE OF ALL AGES!! This Ain’t No Cow Pasture Ride! It’s on Mountain Trails, the terrain is not flat. RESERVATIONS COST Contact: Brandie Henry $25.00 per person 918-945-7218 or 217-649-9936 bayedup@crosstel.net Call For Directions
March 28, 29 & 30 Roman Nose Ride Hills Ride,
March 29-April 6
March 30 & 31 Larry Whitesell Gaited Horsemanship Clinic, Creek
April 4-6 Indian Mounds Horse
April 5 OBHA Horse Show (Oklahoma Buckskin Horse Association), Claremore EXPO, Claremore, OK, ABRA (double judged) and Open/All breed classes (single judged), starts 8 am, contact: Beckie or Ron at Honeck@tds.net or 918-543-6277 for more information. www.oklahomabuckskin.org
April 12-13 Cowboy’s Pride Horse Rescue Foundation Benefit trail ride, poker run, and camp out. All proceeds will go to the rescue and rehabilitation of needy horses. Check-in will begin on Saturday at noon and festivities will conclude on Sunday at 1pm. Fees will be $50 per person and earlybird (Before March 15th) registrations will receive a free t-shirt. Family registrations are $100 for up to four family members. Earlybird family registrations only receive one free t-shirt. Bring your own horse or horse rental for the event is $25, but you must have a reservation to rent a horse. More information is available at www.cowboyspride.org
April 17-20 AQHA Region 8 Show,
April 19 Fourth Annual Ride to Save Babies March of
April 23-27 GO Hunter Jumper Association Show,
April 24-27 J-D Annual Spring Mountain Trail Ride Join us for great riding, good food and fun at our Spring Mountain Trail Ride. Contact Jo to make your reservation. There will be a full breakfast Saturday morning, BBQ dinner with entertainment Saturday night and a light breakfast Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring your favorite dish for the potluck dinner on Friday night. Visit site www.j-dtrailriding.com for information or email Jo at jharrington@j-dtrailriding.com.
April 26 2nd Annual Keystone Regulators Pony Express Race –
26 Benefit Trail Ride for Kids Against Hunger – located at Gloss Mountain Outfitters in NW Oklahoma Cost $10 – includes meal For more info and driving directions go to www.glossmountainoutfitters.com or contact Jacque.
April 26 Spring Pumpkin Roller Charity Gaited Horse Show sponsored by the Pure Pleasure Gaited Horse Association, Creek County Fairgrounds,
April 26-27
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,
Riding Lessons
The Horse/Rider Relationship is Long
By Rick Stowers
Check out Rick’s Riding Lessons at http://www.horsematch.net/Rickstowers.html
The horse and rider relationship may actually be longer than many marriages these days. Horses can live and be productive into the early 30’s. The namesake of our ranch was winning 4H ribbons at 29. She was carrying kids on trail rides the summer before the spring that she died. She had a very full life and with the advancement of vet medicine so will your partner. Your horse.
Something to keep in mind is that with dogs, cats, or even ferrets you will replace several of these during the lifetime of your horse. So it is important to make your horse match be the best you can. Going through that long of a time with a bad match would be most difficult.
We hope you enjoy our philosophy and will come visit Sierra Ranch.
LET’S GO RIDING TODAY!!!!
Horse Spotlight
Naughty Snow Lady
https://www.sierraranchok.com/Lady.html
Naughty Snow Lady is a 2001 chestnut appaloosa gelding. (Yes with a name like that he is a gelding!) He is 14.2 hands (and growing) and about 950 pounds. Lady has been ridden on and off for several of years. Kids and Rick have ridden him in the pasture. We took him on an overnight trail ride and he did well. He stayed in an electric fence and tied to a high line. We have taken him on many day rides and he does wonderfully. He loads, stands for shoes, loves water and bathes and comes when called. He is broke and ready to be trained to do whatever you want. He is a loveable horse, we just have too many. I need to update the website. We thought we had found the perfect place for Lady, but he is back in our pasture, so if you are looking for a great horse please contact us. $3000 or best offer.
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
Welcome!
Welcome to the sixth edition of the Sierra Ranch News! We hope you have been enjoying the wonderful weather recently. It has finally gotten nice enough to enjoy riding. We need to actually go riding. Just need some time and seems we keep getting some rain just to keep work going at a too hectic pace.
Sierra Ranch is having things pick up as folks are finally starting to think about going riding. We have had several come ride. Several are considering starting to take lessons, so we expect things to get exciting very shortly. In addition, trail rides are starting to be more frequent. You can see from the list in the calendar section. If you would like to go on a trail ride or take lessons please contact us. Both can be arranged. Read the lesson section below for information on leasing a horse.
The Hooves for a Cure Rides were a great success! We had about 300 rider and made $8000 to go towards raising the awareness of breast cancer research and provide mammograms to ladies who can’t afford them. And we will be doing this again next year. So pencil a Hooves for the Cure ride in on October 4, 2008. Follow our progress on the new Hooves for a Cure website: www.hoovesforacure.com
Tell us what you where you plan on riding this fall. 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!
We are still developing a logo for Sierra Ranch. I know you would think that I would just get this done, but things keep getting in the way. If you have any ideas that might make a neat logo, please let us know. When we get the logo finished we will post it on the group site for comments and suggestions.
The HorseMatch.net logo seems to be taking off. Everyone can buy cool HorseMatch.net stuff on CafePress. Check out the link: http://www.cafepress.com/horsematch. Soon we will have calendars and poster 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!
Bob Avila: How to Spot Balance in a Horse
If you’re shopping for a performance prospect (or any horse), up your odds for success by choosing one that’s balanced. What do I mean by that? I mean all his parts and pieces fir together like a jigsaw puzzle, resulting in an overall picture that exudes athleticism. It’s simple: Balance and athleticism go hand-in-hand. Read more of the article by following the link below:
http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/anatomy/avilabalance_100207/
Champion John Henry Euthanatized at 32
John Henry, the legendary Thoroughbred racehorse who was twice Horse of the year, was humanely euthanatized at the Kentucky Horse Park October 8, 2007, at 7PM. The 32-year-old gelding went peacefully to sleep surrounded by a small circle of friends who were closest to him… To read the whole article, click the link below:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10410
Unwanted Horse group compiling List of Facilities Accepting Horses
The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) is asking facilities that will accept and/or place horses to list themselves on the UHC Web site. Representative for the UHC said they hope the group’s Web site will be utilized as a bridge between people who are seeking alternative for their horses and the many facilities that will accept them. To read the whole article, click the link below:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10633
Upcoming Rides and Other Events
Many of these came from listing on www.oklahomahorseonline.com. Check it out!
October 26-28 Do Your Own Thing Ride, Indian Mounds Camp, Clayton OK. Do Your Own Thing Ride. Daily camp fee $7/per person over age 12. Elec. hookups avail. for $8/daily per hookup. Stalls $15 per horse daily; corrals $5 per horse daily avail. for rent. Rent horses avail. $20/hr or $75/day. Jess Johnson 918-569-4761, trailleader@earthlink.net www.indianmoundshorsecamp.com
October 27-28 Halloween Ride Sponsored By The Bad Girls Trail Riding Club, Robber’s Cave State Park. Reservations for a camping spot are encouraged. Spook walk in the afternoon. Pot luck dinner and then trick or treating for everyone after dinner. For information contact: Deb Stowers deb@sierraranchok.com Phone: 918/341-5799 Cell: 918/607-6094
October 27-28 World’s Greatest Roper, Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, OK,. 20 of the best ropers in the world compete at this invitational event. Noon and 7:30PM Saturday, 1:00PM Sunday. Admission is $17 to $37 with children 10 & under free with a Coca Cola can. Contact Lazy E Arena at 1800-595-RIDE(7433) or visit www.lazye.com
November 3 Green Country Fox Trotting Horse Association Trail Ride & Chili Cook-Off, Walnut Creek State Park, Prue OK. www.oklahomafoxtrotters.com
November 3 Neosha’s open horse show, Cleveland County Fairgrounds, Norman, OK, Classes for Jumping, English & Western. All shows start at 9am. 918-251-5788 or www.neosha.com
November 3-4 Last Chance @ THE OK Corral Competitive Trail Ride. Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater OK. Point of Contact: Kate Kearby, 405-620-4824, kate12091952@sbcglobal.net. Sanctioned by North American Trail Ride Conf. www.natrc.org
November 10-11 Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association Fall Color Ride (Members only or join at the Ride) Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp, Heavener, OK Guided rides. Saturday night potluck dinner, meat and beverages provided by club. Ride Co-chairs Teri Wyatt tnwalkinghorsegirl@yahoo.com Tracey Brauer tjmaxride@aol.com Or for more information visit www.oklahomahorseonline.com/oetra/home.htm
November 10 Oklahoma Land Rush! 25 / 50 Mile Endurance Ride, Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. Due to the heavy rains OK experienced this summer and fall, the trails at Bell Cow Lake were heavily damaged. OCER has received emergency sanctioning for the Oklahoma Land Rush! 25 / 50 Mile Endurance Ride on November 10. This is an OCER benefit ride. This will be a FUN ride around Lake Carl Blackwell in Stillwater, OK, with a family-friendly camp. We are celebrating Oklahoma’s 100th birthday and hope you can join us. The trails are established and run through woods, around the lake and across grassy meadows. There is some rock and a few hills but the terrain is mostly rolling or flat. Shoes are not required but are recommended. All vet checks are in camp. The road to Lake Carl Blackwell is located about 7 miles west of Stillwater, OK, and about 10 miles east of I-35 on Hwy 51. Camp is about 4 miles north of Hwy 51. Pass the guard shack and start looking on your right for camp. There will be signs. For more information Kathleen Prescott, Ride Manager (405) 288-0303 Home – leave a message (405) 808-3770 Cell Email: k.prescott@valornet.com
November 17 Neosha “The Challenge” Payne County Fairgrounds, Stillwater, OK 918-251-5788 or www.neosha.com
17 TWHAO and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder’s & Exhibitors Association (TWHBEA) Trail Ride, open to all breeds, Last Hurrah Ranch, Warner Oklahoma. Contact is Laurel Stretch at 918-616-3178 or laurelstretch@yahoo.com.
November 23-25 A-OK Bob Barnett Memorial Thanksgiving Circuit Show, Oklahoma Palomino Exhibitors Association, Tulsa Expo Center, Tulsa, OK. http://www.oklahomapea.com/
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.
Riding Lessons
Leasing Versus Owning
By Rick Stowers
Check out Rick’s Riding Lessons at http://www.horsematch.net/Rickstowers.html
Most of the horse people I know only use their horses in the spring and fall, then they are left to fend for themselves in summer and winter. Wouldn’t it be better for both human and equine if the horse was leased rather than owned?
Especially if:
• The leased horse comes with a saddle that fits him and his rider.
• The leased horse gets regular farrier work as part of the lease.
• The leased horse gets regular veterinary care and vaccinations as part of the lease.
• The leased horse has access to horse transportation to and from events, trails etc.
• The leased horse can be changed at the request of his rider for another without a penalty.
• This means that as a rider progresses he or she can trade for a more spirited or performance oriented horse at any time.
• And finally, the horse gets care all year long.
Let us know what you think. I know the hoses we first had were not the same caliber as the ones we have now, partially due to the fact that are better riders. That’s kind of part of the reason we have so many horses. But, a lesson horse is not quite the same as leasing in that you never know who is on it. The leased horse would have pretty much one ride. This leads to the whole owning without having to make that first big commitment.
Thanks in advance for you input.
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
The man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his
back on the crowd.- James CrookEveryone wants praise and attention for a job well done. But for every Kobe Bryant making news for a game-winning shot, there are a million Average Joes doing great things but receiving no credit. If you’re upset by the lack of attention you’re getting for your leadership, perhaps its time to reevaluate why you are a leader in the first place. True leaders lead to help their team, community, or office–not for fame and attention. Sure, receiving recognition feels good, but remember that you are there to lead the group in front of you, not the ones watching behind you. Spectators will soon forget about you, but those you led will remember what you’ve done even after you are gone.