July 7, 2018 – Volume 13 – Issue 27
Hi Everyone,
Anna on Brumby and Roxy on Benny searching for cattle in the Ferguson
This week presented the perfect blend of friends, horsemanship, and cattle. Anything scheduled for the interns, the guests got the experience as well. All of our guests were here to improve their horsemanship and studied hard making great improvements throughout the week.
Tuesday began somewhat challengingly as Kevin, Anna, Nathan, Lauren, Ryan, and I attempted to move the final two steers from the Ferguson. While most might think that larger groups of cattle are harder to move, lately it seems that small groups have been the most mischievous. By afternoon, however, we had contained them and moved them onto new pasture.
Roby and Dickens
The Fourth of July is always a really special celebration at the ranch and this year was no different. The day’s festivities began with Roby jingling in the horses with the American Flag. The horses trotting up the driveway in the morning mist followed by Roby riding Dickens straight up in the bridle with the stars and stripes waving was truly moving. After a full day of riding guests, staff, and interns came together to share in each other’s company. Dinner was a magnificent spread, from Erin’s mom’s special baked beans to burgers served between Miriam’s homemade brioche buns. We ate outside, eager not to pass up the opportunity on such a picturesque evening. Each year I am reminded that I would be hard pressed to find a better way to celebrate American independence than living and learning here at the ranch.
Madi and Roanie
This week we were reminded how easily things can come if you don’t overthink what you’re doing. This year we had 10 year old Madi visit with her parents Ryan and Lauren. Though usually spotted riding her pony Norman, Madi spent most of the week on Roanie. They got along famously and even though Madi’s legs hardly reached the middle of Roanie’s belly she had him as soft as could be, executing maneuvers like leg yields and canter departs without a change of rate. It just goes to show that when you don’t overthink, you can communicate better with your horse and stay out of his way.
This week we brought cattle down to Shayne’s arena and practiced cutting out of the rodeer. This experience provided several different opportunities for learning. First, Shayne demonstrated all of the drywork that can be completed while holding the rodeer, from practicing cow turns as a steer runs by to getting life in your horse and shifting his weight in preparation for turning. The more of this dry work that can be completed while waiting your turn to cut means more time cutting once you ride into the rodeer.
Penny and Bandit in the rodeer
The rodeer also presents the perfect opportunity for practicing rate and transitions with your horse. As Shayne sent groups of riders in to ride around the rodeer we were challenged to fill any gaps that might arise where the cattle could escape. For some this meant transitioning down from a higher gait with quality and for others this meant riding their horse faster without overtaking or blowing by the rider in front of them.
Finally, cutting in the rodeer reminds us how important it is to be able to maintain correct flexion. Without it the horse cannot make his cow turns and you might lose the steer or even trip your horse by pulling him off balance.
Lauren and Mighty separating the cattle
On Friday, we got to observe Roby, Shayne, and Des roping and doctoring two lame steers. Roping is perhaps the ultimate example of how good horsemanship can keep a necessary ranch task from becoming a serious wreck. In their capable hands 800lb steers were laid down gently and held so that Kevin and Scott could administer necessary treatments.
As this week comes to a close I find myself reflecting on the opportunities each day presents and how vital it is that we use them to their full potential. Days need not be defined by their perfectness but by their goodness. The sort of goodness that comes from learning from a forgiving horse, from receiving advice from a capable teacher, and from the satisfaction of getting a job done. That is the most wholesome kind of goodness that exists.
Until next week,
Jessie
Amigo after a fulfilling day’s ride
Madi and Roanie cutting on their steer
Penny and Boone