The Warrior Monk Joins Cowboy Up!

On February 17th, 2015 we welcomed our latest four tour Iraq Veteran Father June N. Ramos ~ USMC into our Cowboy Up! program and crew.  It was a full day with breaking bread in the Bunkhouse, listening to Fr. Ramos' experience, and then working with the horses, all before heading to Ag Fest* that evening.

Lunch time there were shared stories and experiences.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with "The Warrior Monk"
and Fr. June Ramos you can read some of his incredible story.

Please click HERE and HERE.

L to R: Cowboy Up! Instructors "T4"  and Alroy Billiman (USArmy Iraq
& Native Peer Counselor),  Fr. June Ramos (USMC- Iraq) and
Rev. Rick Rinde, (USArmy EOD Afghanistan~
now Pastor of Cimmarron, NM Community Church).

First some time spent in the round pen where Alroy 

shares some of his horse philosophy, and then a...

..."Board of Directors Meeting".

Alroy tries out our "Mclite" McCall saddle ~

"A lot easier to handle huh Alroy?"

Fr. June soaks in every bit of info that Alroy has to share.

Rick gets Fr. Ramos hands on, leading "Hollywood"

and getting ready to Cowboy Up!

Alroy makes sure Fr. June knows how to stop his horse. A natural athlete, he snapped in pretty quick and had a pretty good seat.

While Alroy continues with his intro session, Bianca 

works with Rick Rinde advancing his horsemanship skills.

You prankster Hollywood!

Hollywood's version of sticking two fingers up behind someone's head!

Left to right Rick Iannucci, June Ramos, Alroy Billiman & Rick Rinde on "Roper"

*AgFest is the annual gathering of agricultural groups hosting an open house for New Mexico’s legislators. “This is an opportunity for New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers to visit with lawmakers about the issues that are affecting them,” said Mike White, President of New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau. “Whether it is about taxes or regulations, most bills considered in the Roundhouse have an impact on local food production.” AgFest began in 1993 and has grown to feature booths from over 43 organizations representing agriculture across the state.