A month of remembering
Marines~ Chris and Troy's visit
Our days start with Cowboy yoga - to soften and strengthen the mind and body
in preparation of riding.
Understanding each others boundaries is essential...
...to building a strong partnership. Round Pen work on Day I assists in establishing that.
Though both Chris and Troy hold a training wand...
...notice they do not employ it.
After lunch brings us to mounted work...
...establishing a foundation of solid riding skills.
Tacking up for our second day of instruction.
One-on-one work allows for focused attention to hone individual skills.
After days three and four of building our riding skills we are ready
for a ride outside the arena on our place to allow our Marines to put everything together.
Left to right: Nancy, Chris, Troy and Joe.
Porch time...camaraderie and coffee.
Saddled up and movin' out for another great day of training!
Always reviewing what has been learned...
... and building and progressing as we go.
Galloping into greatness! That's how these Marines roll!
Left to Right: Rick, Troy, Brian on ground, Troy and Eric. Veterans helping veterans!
Great session all, and look here, Chris manuvering the gate!
Ending on another high note ~ well done!!
Mealtime, bringing greatness to gratefulness!
~ Thanks Brian for the meal!
Well, Chris had to head back home so off to the airport we went.
The cool thing is we were honored at WAKA Kickball Tournament;
A great community of folks having fun while raising money for charities.
(click image to enlarge)
We were truly honored that y'all chose us ~ thanks again
for all your support!
Troy was able to squeeze in a couple more days, so we
had some fun bareback riding, getting a real feel for our horse.
Combining challenge with chores; Checking fence line at Staple Cross Ranch...
What a way to end your stay!
The Spirit Stick.
On the west wall of our Warrior Bunkhouse we have the Gold Star Memorial for our Fallen OIF -OEF Warriors from New Mexico. Now, on the hill just east of the Bunkhouse, Chris, Troy and Rick put up our "Spirit Stick" in honor and remembrance of the Fallen Heroes who were brothers in arms with those who are staying here with us for the program. On the red, white and blue "battle streamers" are written the names of those who paid the ultimate price, brothers in battle from across the country who will never be forgotten. Among those are LT. Mike McGreevey US Navy SEAL Team 10, Operation Red Wings~ Afghanistan, who Rick worked with when Mike commanded SEAL TEAM 8 Echo Platoon; the Marine warriors from the 3/6 Marines who Chris served with in Marjah, Afghanistan and the Marines who Troy served with in Iraq's "Triangle of Death"
" Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
