Mar 16, 2015

Ridin' Horses with Kerry Kuhn

Actually today it's Kerry Huhn Ridin' Horses with Cowboy Up!
 Horseman and clinician Kerry Kuhn rode with us today out at the ranch - he got some saddle time during today's session with three of our guys on this dusty but warm day.

I love this shot!  Synchronized riding ~ look how every horse is in step at the trot.

L to R ahorseback: Kerry Kuhn, Greg Sanchez, Chris Chaisson and Eric Yorty with Executive Director Rick Iannucci afoot.

Chris Chaisson leads the way as gate keeper with 'Roper'
Great session today guys!

Mar 15, 2015

March well underway!

Military & Veterans Day at the Round House Feb 25th, 2015 ~


The service and sacrifice of our active-duty service members and veterans was highlighted and honored at the Legislature on February 25th, 2015.  Special recognition focused this year on World War II veterans and the New Mexico Civil Air Patrol. We shared the table with our buds from SFCC VRC (SF Community College Veteran Resource Center) while Chris Chaisson and Brian Johnson fielded questions.


Lt. Col. Quentin Collins, NMNG State Chaplain, and Horses For Heroes- Cowboy Up! National Advisory Board member stopped by our table
for a visit with Executive Director Rick Iannucci.

March 4th, 2015  After visiting us at the Round House for Military Day, Greg (USMC), joined the Cowboy Up! program.
 
Cowboy Up! Director Nancy De Santis goes over the parts of the horse.

While going over hoof care, Bianca massages 'Knight'...
...and Greg gets hands-on himself.

Greg and 'T4'continue with foundational work.

March 5th, 2015
Shot of the day!  'Roper' Dillon and Ranger ~ Love abounds!

March 6th, 2015
Tacking up!

Quick stirrup adjustment...

 ...and ready for the first ride!

March 7th, 2015 Nick (USMC) came out for his first session - Welcome Nick!
After getting to work the grooming brushes, Nick unhalters 'T4'...

...for a ground session.

March 9th, 2015 ~ Today Greg gets an opportunity to share the knowledge he has developed so far here at the ranch with a new veteran.
Greg goes over hoof care - why to clean, what to look for,
how to get your horse so yield his leg and pick the hooves.

Then Greg demonstrates partnership in the round pen.

Nice job Greg!

Then John (US Army) works with Roper - notice how in-step these two are!

We BREAK for BURGERS!

Then some chores... hay delivery!

Afterward Chris Chaisson takes John out for a session in the saddle.

Left to right: Chris and 'Roper', John and 'T4', and Rick and 'Hollywood'.


Flank strap first!!! when we unsaddle.

March 10th, 2015
Progressing with riding skills...

...The use of obstacles is good way to fine tune our riding skills, gain confidence and make our horses brave partners.

March 14th, 2015
Neal Riley, US Army Special Forces and our program medic, 
takes some time to Cowboy Up!
Time spent with your horse on the ground first...

 ...will benefit you and your horse.

We learn to respect each others personal space.

 Working and being with your horse builds a
better relationship, and builds a solid partnership.


After lunch we saddle up...

... and RIDE!