Cows and Horses

April 21st, 2014

Working all together, we took the girls out to play 

~ the heifers that is!

All took a turn or two sorting a cow from the herd...

...and then returning her to the herd...

... where the rest were held.

Then the next guy has his turn at sorting... 

...and moving a very wary yearling to the center.

That evening at the Veteran Assembly at Cowgirls.

Left to right: Cowboy Up! Instructor Chris Chaisson, newest 

Cowgirl and Army Veteran Sarah Jacobson,

 Cowboy Up! Director Nancy De Santis, Executive Director Rick Iannucci, 

and Cowboy Up! Instructor Eric Yorty.

The next day Sarah (US Army Nurse) came out for her first Cowboy Up! Session!

Here, Cowboy Up! Director Nancy De Santis illustrates hoof handling 

while also going over the parts of the horse hoof.

Then into the round pen with Knight...

Knight is listening intently on Sarah's every move.

Partnering ~ a beautiful thing!

Train the Trainers

April 12th, 2014

We were honored to have Christina Savitski of Buckaroo Balance out to train the trainers!

Christina was instrumental in our initial instructor development program and remains on staff sharing her extensive knowledge with our crew in between her busy schedule. We here at the ranch continue to train and strive for excellence in our horsemanship, care and general knowledge. 

We started with saddle fit.  

Christina has given entire clinics on this subject and 

we highly recommend her to help with fitting your horse!

Here Christina is showing the guys what to look and feel for when fitting. 

Time to saddle up!

After warming up we eased our way into some exercises that 

help to bring awareness to our bodies while we ride.

Christina took time with each rider incorporating subtle movement...

... to help achieve a relaxed frame and balanced seat.

Riding in correct alignment and in balance with our horse, 

creates a unified riding experience where our horse thanks us!

Thanks for an informative and fun day Christina!!!

Check out Christina's website Buckaroo Balance!

Cows have arrived for training! and hay

April 8th, 2014 

Cattle have arrived from the REZ!  

These pretty heifers will help our veterans in their training, 

so in essence, they are more of our four-legged instructors! Thanks to Alroy Billiman, our Native American Peer Counselor and Cowboy Up! Instructor who brings us yearlings for our crew to work with each Spring. 

April 9th, 2014

Then the next day we had helpers pitch in to

 put up a nice horse shelter.

Now every horse has their very own personal area!

Meanwhile that was getting built...

Grass Hay arrived!  Thank you to Keith Bates and his crew from San Juan Community College CDL Program. 

 

With all that work, it was time for a bite to eat...

... and to partake in a meal together in our Bunkhouse.

Blessed be! ~Thanks all!

The WRCA gave us a wonderful endorsement ~Thank you!

The Working Ranch Cowboy Association - WRCA is the premier national organization committed to preserving the heritage and lifestyle of the working ranch cowboy and promoting ranching on a national and international level. Their annual World Championship Ranch Rodeo to be held November 6-9 2014 in Amarillo, TX is not to be missed! The proceeds of that event directly supports the Working Ranch Cowboy Crisis Fund and Working Ranch Cowboys Scholarship Fund. 

We feel truly blessed and humbled to have received the WRCA's endorsement and are proud to attach their letter to us below. See ya'll in Amarillo!

Click image to enlarge: