Another amazing week at McGinnis Meadows Ranch!

September 8, 2018 – Volume 13 – Issue 35

Hello!

We could not have asked for better weather this week- 70’s, even squeaking into the 80’s! We were able to take guests to the lake again and they loved it.

We’ve been very fortunate the past couple of weeks to not have smoke drifting in from the various fires in Canada, Washington and California. The skies have been bright blue and clear, and just this morning we even had a bit of much needed rain.

Cattle season is in full swing and just about each day groups headed out to graze to check on cattle. They are all looking very healthy and seem to be enjoying life on the mountain. Jenna, Scott, Sue and Brenda are typically the “graze Crew” and go armed with a variety of ‘stuff’ to make sure the day goes smoothly. Maps, shoeing and first aid supplies, tools (since cattle don’t necessarily stick to logging roads, there is sometimes trail maintenance along the way to get to them!) are all part of the kit.

 

Horsemanship was a fun endeavor this week as well. Roby taught several days in the meadows! It is pretty cool to see 8-10 horses and riders doing individual exercises and then coming together to synchronize a pattern called out by the leader! The meadows are still nice and green too.

 

 

Many of the guests opted for ½ day trail rides this week. Of course, these included horsemanship on the go and the logging roads can be a great place to practice transitions, leg yields, and play my favorite game – leap frog J. This helps riders get smooth at changing gaits, getting a soft feel, leg yielding and keeping accurate rates.

The guests reported that the lake this week was so calm, and they had it pretty much all to themselves! Ardra, Yohanna, Lisanne and Amy made good use of the paddle boards and kayaks with Brenda leading the way.

Dave, Willy, and Randy continue to work on projects around the ranch and one that is sure to be a favorite are the new water spickets that were installed at the outdoor horse pens! This will save time and keep the water truck available for its other important jobs, like keeping the dust down on the driveway and surrounding areas.

For a half day, I was able to spend some time teaching guests groundwork and they got to watch Roby as he worked with two of his client horses- one a young two year old, and the other an older horse who is being restarted. The groundwork

plays an integral part in how the horse will develop under saddle and it incorporates many of the same movements. An added benefit is being able to study the horse’s feet and movement from the ground, which can really carry over once you are on their back.

 

 

 

Anna and Scott continue to work under the tutelage of Nathan to learn the art of horseshoeing. They are doing great and really seem to be taking to it. Scott also had an extra special week because his parents Cathy and Bill were here as guests! They got to spend some family time together out at graze, in horsemanship and checking on cattle around the ranch.

Jenna and Miriam continue to produce amazing meals EVERY day- we are so lucky to have them here as well as their assistant’s Erin and Anna (who is also now helping in the kitchen!)

All in all it was a stellar week!

Until next time,

Janice