Sierra Ranch, LLC

Where You Leave The City Behind!

Horse News to Use!

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If you have read our newsletters before you know we are about how to protect you and your horses from disaster. We have lived through at least one. You can still see our barn pictures from last summer. And we feel everyone is better to at least think about these different possibilities before these things happen. Happy reading!

Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Barn Fires

At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., Rebecca Gimenez, PhD, noted that barn fires are the No. 1 local emergency that affects everyone from horse owners to veterinarians, and property owners to the horses themselves. Barn fires kill more horses annually than any other type of nonmedical emergency. Of 11,500 agricultural storage facility fires per year, 88% are barns or stables with animals, resulting in about $250 million in property losses annually. In 87 horse-barn fire incidents reported in 2006 and 2007, 461 horses died and an unknown number were injured. Read More…

MRSA More Common in Horse People

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterial infections have become hot news lately, especially among horse people. This topic likely won’t die down soon because recent research shows that MRSA is up to 10 times more common in equine veterinarians than in the general population–and that it can spread from horses to humans. “MRSA appears to be an occupational risk factor for large animal veterinarians,” noted Maureen Anderson, DVM, DVSc, postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pathobiology of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Read More…

Managing Horses in Icy Conditions

Ice is an unavoidable part of winter in many parts of the world, but there are ways to minimize slipping incidents around the barn. Heather Sherratt knows something about keeping horses in icy conditions. Her farm, Elphin Mountain Connemaras, near Ottawa, Canada, was hit hard by the 1998 ice storm that caused weeks-long power outages and several deaths in Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. “My ponies are barefoot, and that helps,” she said. If going barefoot over the winter isn’t an option, farrier Pat Sweeney of Mandan, N.D., recommends applying borium to shoes to increase their grip. Sweeney also said that snowball pads and rubberized rim pads will help keep snow from packing into the foot. Read More…

Hope you enjoyed reading more about horses in the news! Have a great weekend and look for our full newsletter soon! You can also sign up for our newsletter below and receive it from our aweber service!

Name:
Email:

Thank You for signing up with the Sierra Ranch Newsletter!

Happy Trails!

Deb and Rick Stowers
Sierra Ranch
deb@sierraranchok.com
www.sierraranchok.com
www.sierraranchok.net

Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue – February 2009

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skysmall11

Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue 17667 Markita Dr. Jones, OK 73049 (405) 399-3084 or (405) 615-5267 blazesequineresc@aol.com www.blazesequinerescue.com Federal I.D. 43-2024364
February 9, 2009
Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue, Inc. located in Jones, Oklahoma, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that strives to improve the lives of neglected, starved, and abused horses. We provide equine rescue regardless of age or disability. We promote and teach horse care and humane, natural methods of training horses.
RESCUES:
Blaze’s Equine Rescue is currently caring for 59 horses. We were able to adopt out 8 horses in January. We still need to place many more into loving forever homes. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting a rescued horse, please contact Natalee at any of the contact numbers above.
Blaze’s Equine Rescue has started off the year very busy with animal cruelty cases. On Sunday, January 25, 2009, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office contacted us regarding 2 horses, extremely emaciated and 1 was down and unable to get up. We immediately contacted our Veterinarian requesting her assistance. We arrived at the location at 3:30 pm and immediately started trying to save the down mare. We tried to get the mare up and tried to save her for a little more than 4 hours in the freezing weather. She was just too weak and unable to stand. It was apparent that this poor girl, named JoJo, was not going to survive. We made the painful decision to let her go and end her suffering. JoJo was extremely emaciated and her companion Willow was in equally bad condition.
We brought Willow home and started her rehabilitation process, but 2 days later Willow went down. Once again we started trying to save Willow, even placed her into a sling and lifted her to her feet, but she was unable to stand. She just couldn’t place her feet underneath her. She was showing neurological signs. Unfortunately, Willow did not make it. We began to panic and worried for the other horses in the barn with Willow and prayed that it was not something that was contagious. We sent Willow to OSU for a necropsy to confirm that our horses were safe. The necropsy found screws, bark, and porcelain type material in Willow’s stomach and colon. These poor girls were eating anything that they could find trying to survive. The former owner of these horses spent 10 days in County Jail before being baled out. It is just so sad what these two girls had to go through. It was heartbreaking that we were not able to save them.
IN LOVING MEMORY SWEET JOJO AND WILLOW!
On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, we were contacted by the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division to pick up 7 horses. Most of these horses are emaciated, infested with parasites, lice and in need of dental work and feet trimming. Please consider making a donation towards their rehabilitation. In 2009, we have picked up a total of 9 horses from the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division alone and this is only February. pacman
This is Pac-Man, a 6yr old, Paint, Stud. He is extremely emaciated and weighing in at 656 pounds. This poor boy should weigh at least 1000 pounds. Such a sweetheart! Please consider making a donation towards Pac-Man’s rehabilitation.
molly
This is Molly, a 22 year old Thoroughbred, Mare. Molly is very thin, has a tattoo, so we know she is a former race horse. Please consider making a donation towards Molly’s rehabilitation.
porter
This is Porter, a 15 year old gelding. He is emaciated weighing in at 862 pounds. He is such a sweet boy. Please consider making a donation towards Porter’s rehabilitation.
paisley
This is Paisley, a 6 year old mare. She is emaciated weighing in at 706 pounds. She is a sweet girl. Please consider making a donation towards Paisley’s Rehabilitation.
DONATIONS NEEDED: Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue needs your assistance. Please consider making a donation, in any amount, to help us with our efforts of rescuing neglected horses. These horses can not speak for themselves and we need to be there voice. Please help us continue to save these magical animals from such horrible neglect. Donations can be mailed to:
Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue 17667 Markita Drive Jones, Oklahoma 73049
Or you can donate on-line at www.blazesequinerescue.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We are seeking volunteer’s to work concession stand at the Oklahoma City Fair Grounds during different events throughout the year. If you are interested in helping Blaze’s raise some extra money and would like to work concession stand about once a month for a few hours, please contact Desiree Walling, our volunteer coordinator, at dwalling@hintonet.net.
ADOPTABLE HORSE OF THE MONTH:
Layne is our adoptable horse of the month. She is a sweet 3 year old, sorrel, Quarter Horse, filly. She is halter broke and broke to lead. She is very well built, would make an excellent horse whether for pleasure or performance. She is ready to train and willing to please. Layne has been in our rescue program since June of 2007. She was a neglect case when she arrived. She is a beautiful horse and needs that loving, forever home to call her own. If you are interested in giving this sweet girl that special home, please contact Natalee at any of the above numbers or submit an application on line. Layne can be seen at www.blazesequinerescue.com under rescued horses.
Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue Thanks You in advance for your continued support! We simply can’t do this alone and your help is greatly appreciated. Please support a rescued horse today!
Remember, “SUCCESS COMES ONE BIT AT A TIME”.
These folks do wonderful work. Please help them help the horses if you can.
Thanks,
Deb Stowers

Sierra Ranch News – January 2009

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Welcome!

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

deb@sierraranchok.com

www.sierraranchok.com

Reasons Not to Assault a Ranch Woman

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Copied from an email. Applies to a lot of my friends here. I know my co-workers are not gonna mess with me after telling them of tales on the ranch. 🙂

Violence does not scare us. We ride 1,500 pound horses and stare down an alley full of mad, snot-slinging cows that weigh over 800 pounds. We’ve held down calves that outweigh you by four times.

Don’t try to intimidate us. Most of our husbands stand a head and shoulders taller, outweigh us by 100 pounds and we aren’t scared of them. Why would be we be frightened by someone who can’t keep their pants up?

Every time we work cows, our husbands threaten us if we don’t get out of the gate. They threaten us if we don’t stay in the gate. We are pretty much not impressed by threats. Plus, if you get much closer we may give you some threats of our own to consider and be able to back it up.

Don’t wave that knife at me, boy. I castrate when we brand, throw the ‘mountain oysters’ on the fire AND eat them, dirt and all. You probably don’t want to go there.

Don’t threaten to steal my pickup. I work for a living, so have insurance.

The chances of you being able to drive a standard are next to none and there is no spare. I’ve walked home from the back side of the ranch, I can walk from here.

You want my purse? Take my purse. It has little money in it because, as I mentioned, I work for a living.

You will find various receipts for feed and vet supplies, some dried up gum and the notice for my next teeth cleaning.

The only ‘drugs’ you will find is something that is either aspirin or a calf scours pill but its been in there so long I’ve forgotten which it is.

Don’t threaten to hurt me. I may look old and fragile to you, but I can ride horseback for 12 hours, with nothing to eat or drink. I have been kicked, bucked off, run over and mucked out.

I’ve had worse things happen to me in the corrals than you have experienced in the little gang wars you’ve been through, and still cooked supper for a crew.

You may whip me, son, but you’ll be a tired, sore S.O.B. in the morning and yes, I will remember your face because I am used to knowing which calf belongs to which cow.

I’ll also remember which direction you went and what you were wearing because I’ve tracked many a cow with less information than you’ve given me.

You are not going to scare me with that little ‘Saturday Night Special’ when I have a .38 in my boot.

You need not think I won’t shoot you. I’ve shot several coyotes and numerous rattlesnakes.

I put down my horse when he broke his leg and shot my pet dog when he killed some sheep. Don’t think I won’t consider you a rabid dog and go on my way.

Written by: Welda McKinley Grider was raised by a ranch woman and knows many
and would pity the thug that tried to rob them.

Sierra Ranch News – March 2008

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Welcome!

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 Oklahoma and other places.

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 Lausanne, Switzerland. A total of 160 delegates from 25 national federations attended the event. To read the whole article, click the link below:

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 Expo Center Halter, English, Western and Speed Events 9am. $40 all day or $5 per class with $5 Office Fee per horse/rider combination. Circuit High Point Awards For more information contact Carla Rader @ 918-342-5185 or 918-639-9777

March 1 Endurance Ride, AERC, Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. Contact Ann McFarland (405)760-6508

March 6-9 Green Country Paint Horse Show, Tulsa Expo Square, Tulsa, OK. Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Admission is free. For more info contact: (918) 744-1113 OR go to http://www.tulsamarchmania.com/

March 7-9 Indian Mounds Horse Camp Do-Your-Own-Thing Rides, Clayton OK. Camp fee $7/day per person age 11 & over, elec. campsites $8/daily per hookup, corrals $5/per horse, mule, stalls $15/per horse, mule. Motor homes & campers avail, call for prices, provide your own bedding/cooking utensils. Rent horses $20/hr or $75/day. Jess Johnson 918-569-4761; cell 918-457-7162; email trailleader@earthlink.net. Also Apr 4-6, May 23-26, June 13-15, July 4 -5, Aug. 28-Sept 1, Oct 24-26.

March 7-9 Ranch Sorting & Team Penning in Ponca City at the Play Pen indoor arena. Friday AQHA Sorting & Team Penning starts at 4:00 pm. Saturday Ranch Sorting starts at 9:00 am. Beginner classes available! Sunday AQHA Sorting & Team Penning begins at 9:00. Stalls and hookups available. Barn Burner Productions. Call Darrel at 580-716-6444, visit www.rsnc.us or www.playpenarena.com for more info or you can email us at management@playpenarena.com.

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

March 8-9 Lake Carl Blackwell Work Weekend for the Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association, Stillwater, OK. http://www.oklahomahorseonline.com/Oetra/home.htm

March 15 Equine Freeze Branding, Windsong Arena, Adair, OK For more info call Heather, 918-381-9699 or e-mail brokenarrowdj@yahoo.com

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, Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. Contact Don Rubley (405)570-1951.

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, Watonga, OK. Still the same $50 for the ride, Primitive camping. All meals provided Fri. night to Sun. noon. Water available. All day rides, 1/2 day rides, & gaited ride will be provided. First ride is Fri. evening 5:30, Sat. and Sun. rides begin at 9. Proceeds go to the Watonga Hospital Foundation. www.watongahospital.com or 1-877-782-2395. RAIN DATE: April 11-13.

March 29-April 6 Robbers Cave Work Weekends, Wilburton, OK. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association. OETRA designated Adopt-A-Trail. Jobs on foot or from saddle. Bring tools. Chm. Carolyn Sinclair Cell 918-429-3488; Asst. Chm. Harvey Sapp 918-371-8477. http://www.oklahomahorseonline.com/Oetra/home.htm

March 30 & 31 Larry Whitesell Gaited Horsemanship Clinic, Creek County Fairgrounds, Kellyville, OK. Contact Cris Van Horn at 918-688-1898 for more information. Come get a shot in the arm for your riding program. Larry Whitesell offers very intense instruction to all levels of riders on their own horses that will instill an eagerness that you will carry home with you so your can further your relationship with your horse at home.

April 4-6 Indian Mounds Horse Camp Do-Your-Own-Thing Rides, Clayton OK. Camp fee $7/day per person age 11 & over, elec. campsites $8/daily per hookup, corrals $5/per horse, mule, stalls $15/per horse, mule. Motor homes & campers avail, call for prices, provide your own bedding/cooking utensils. Rent horses $20/hr or $75/day. Jess Johnson 918-569-4761; cell 918-457-7162; email trailleader@earthlink.net.

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, Tulsa Expo Square, Tulsa, OK. Time: 12:00 AM For more info go to www.exposquare.com

April 19 Fourth Annual Ride to Save Babies March of Dimes Trail Ride Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. Minimum of a $20 donation ($28 after April 1)/$8 for meal only. Registration begins at Noon with ride beginning at 3:00 pm. Dinner is at 6:00 pm. There are water and electricity hook ups available on first come first serve basis ($8 daily for no electricity/$12 daily site for with electricity). FMI call Mendi Cronister at 580-370-8890 or 580-3360-4945, email: rockin_mr@hotmail.com. www.rockinmr.com

April 23-27 GO Hunter Jumper Association Show, Tulsa expo square, Tulsa, Ok. For more info go to www.exposquare.com

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 – Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. $500 added money. Trophy buckles for the 1st place team, race pays three places. Two mile cross country race, consisting of two-man/two-horse teams. Calcutta auction before the race. $50 entry fee per team. Race starts at 12:00 noon. Books are open now through 4/17/08. For more information contact Richard Moss at : (918)241-5220 or (918)706-7897. E-mail richard.moss@sbcglobal.net

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. Newton 580-596-2020

April 26 Spring Pumpkin Roller Charity Gaited Horse Show sponsored by the Pure Pleasure Gaited Horse Association, Creek County Fairgrounds, Kellyville, OK. A Fun Show For Gaited And Non Gaited Horses. Proceeds Will Support The Right Path And Bit By Bit Therapeutic Riding Programs. Contact Bill King @ 918-230-4084 Or Mike Chancellor @ 918-241-4123 Or 918-794-9910 For Information. Bring your horses and have some fun!!

April 26-27 Duncan Lake Horse Club Ride, Duncan OK. Fri. night potluck, 7 pm. Sat., ride 10 am. Bring your Sat. lunch. Club will furnish Sat. night meal & Sun. am breakfast. We are giving away a saddle again this year – it’s a beauty. We may have trailer to rent if you don’t have a living-quarters trailer. For info call 580-255-2613.

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

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

deb@sierraranchok.com

www.sierraranchok.com

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!

How to Stay Young!

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[]We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!

1. Try everything twice. On Madams tombstone (of Whelan’s and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph:
Tried everything twice…loved it both times!

 

 

2. Keep only cheerful friends.

 

The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches)

[]

 

3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s!

4. Enjoy the simple things.
[]

5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.
[]

6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
[]

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips.

Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

[]

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

I love you, my special friend.
[]

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

And if you don’t send this to at least 4 people – who cares? But do share this with someone like I did with you all.
[]

 

 

Lost time can never be found.

 

Be kinder than necessary, for
everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

 

Letter to BGTRC… Just thought you all might like to know!

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February 9, 2008

Dear BGTRC:

Please know this is not taken lightheartedly or without great thought, however I have tendered my resignation as the Executive Director of Bad Girls Trail Riding Club. I am not quitting the club, but have asked the Founders to be placed on the Executive Committee.

No one individual person in the Club has done anything to influence this decision; it is a decision that is being made with careful consideration for everyone involved.

I have finally arrived at the decision that I cannot do everything. While I know that many of our members do not know all that I do or have done for the club, something had to give.

For those that are newer members my paying job is the Lead Engineer for Stormwater Design for the City of Tulsa. I manage all the stormwater design projects for the City. We currently have approximately $50M in funded projects with about half of that total in construction and half in design. We also do emergency response to flooding as well as a variety of other duties. I cannot let my work slip. We are currently being pushed to do more with fewer workers as with most companies. I am down an engineer. And we are being pushed to get several more projects out in much less time. I have two relatively new engineers working for me. Losing our senior engineer to a different job has made it imperative for me to more carefully supervise each project design. Our family depends greatly on my salary and the benefits my job provides. I cannot put this job in jeopardy.

Allyson (Rick’s third daughter) is now a permanent member of our family. While this is a wonderful thing that we have been wanting for a very long time, she is so far behind in school that it is taking much of my attention after work to help her with homework. She is doing wonderfully at bringing up her grades and is adjusting well to living at our house.

In addition, for the next several weeks (and probably months) Rick will be out of town at a job site in Kansas. I need to be at home to help Allyson with things. The one night that I was not at home she didn’t get her homework done. We cannot let her get behind on her school work. Some nights we are up later than I want to be getting all her homework done.

Over the last several years we have been trying to make Sierra Ranch a viable business. This means I need to focus on our ranch websites, and promoting our ranch. It is a possibility that over the next year or so the ranch may become Rick’s full time job. I need to write a business plan and get several other things in order so this can come to fruition. In addition I keep the books which is challenging for an engineer never trained in management or accounting. So I have been trying to learn more in these areas.

Adding the job, BG work, Allyson and all the things that I need to do for our family and ranch leaves me no time to do any of it right – or well. I have been getting behind in billing at the ranch, in registering items in the checkbooks and messing up our accounts, general maintenance on our ranch and updating the ranch and Rick’s websites. This is like having four full time jobs!

And worst of all I want to RIDE!!! I need to ride or do some other physical activity to continue to lose weight and improve my health. This work load leaves no time for me to do any fun stuff! Without any fun one tends to get a bit cranky. But I am an odd bird. I cant’ have fun with so much stuff left to do before I go have fun. So having fun comes last.

I believe everyone in our club can understand my dilemma. I am not quitting the club and I would like to still help with various things. I just can not continue to do the everyday running of the club. And I don’t want my attitude about trying to get everything done to reflect badly on the Club.

I have learned a lot from my time as Executive Director and on the Board of Directors. I have become a better public speaker. I have gotten better at dealing with an unruly crowd. I have learned a great deal about leadership skills and management. These things I value and want to thank the Club for. I may be back sometime in the future; I just need to get Allyson raised and have a bit less stress.

Sincerely,

Deb Stowers

There are days and then there are DAYS!!!!

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This are a pictures of Bubba from last summer. I have not had time to post, but Bubba was given a reprive from Rick. He will get to stay at our house and is learning to not chew quite so much. And his humans are learning to put things up.

Yesterday was one of THOSE DAYS! I finally get to a point just before Atwoods closed to go to the store. I head out the door to find Rick laying in the drive. Forum had stepped on his foot and knocked him over (whole other story that I didn’t get). He finally got up and I asked him to move his truck so I could leave.

I noticed the wiener dog from across the street chasing Bubba inthe field next door. I didn’t think anything about it until I heard a LOUD yelping noise from out front. It sounded like some dog was hit by a car. I go to see what is going on to find the rotwilder from out front chewing and tossing something that resembled one of my outside cats. I yell at Rick to come help (yeah right!) and ty to find something to pick up to beat the dogs with. The yelling gave the attacked critter enough time to leave and who is the one being eaten. BUBBA! That stinking winer dog chased Bubba to the pack (rot, pit bull, pit bull/boxer mix) who was eating BUBBA! Bubba was trying to get into a wood pile and get away when I gave him the break to run to the house. I chased the stupid dogs to their owner’s trailer. Watched the stupid dogs get back INTO the fence, and stood on my side of the fence shouting words sailers would have been proud of trying to get some fool to come out of the obviously (yes, I looked it up) occupied trailer house. My last words very very much a threat to be folowed through with “When I come back I will have my gun and I will begin shooting dogs starting with the rot!”

My husband didn’t follow me. So when I got back to the house aksed me what I was going to do. He finally talked me out of that, and I called 911. When the wonderful sherrif called back it was determined that in Rogers Co you can let your dog run free, but if it has been determined to be hazardous you can shoot animals that come onto your property as treasspassing. Needless to say we are waiting.

Now I know there are dog lovers that read this and let me be well understood. I have no problem with normal dogs. However, jsut the day before I had taken Bubba to visit the other responsible dogs owners out front, on his leash after he visited without his leash. they told me the rot had chased their son (a teenager) on his bike and bit at the tires. The rot has killed a dog on the on other side of the tracks. Now remember Allyson is maybe 80 pounds soaking wet and alone feeding the horse in the afternoon until I get home. If this stinking pack of dogs has the gaul to maul my dog the most submissive dog in the world then Allyson is next.

I can not keep cat food in the barn becasue these dogs eat the container and the cat food. I have come home and Bubba’s food container has been dragged out of the garage and partially eaten. The rot comes back onto my property he is history. I am an awesome shot. I have NEVER shot anything alive, but will. I don’t take lightly to something trying to eat my animals. Rick is worried about them retaliating. I am not. I dare them to try.

Bubba has quite a few bites. I bought a dog house, dog asprin, and some other things for him at Atwoods. Allyson and I doctored on him some. He has one place that is missing some skin and bleed pretty well, but mostly he is just mising hair and is sore. He got more apsrin this morning, but really didn’t want to go outside. Allyson siad she let him in the house when she got home from school.

Now you know why I never tried to get a conceal and carry permit. 😛 I would let my hot temper get me in trouble. What would you do if you walked up on a pack of dogs eating your dog?