Sierra Ranch, LLC

Where You Leave The City Behind!

Things You Learn When You Own a Horse…

March 19, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

1. People who don’t take care of their own horses will be the first ones to tell you how to care for yours.

2. You should never buy a cheap girth!

3. A handsome horse who’s badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in about 15 minutes.

4. People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding, hit the ground the hardest.

5. Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical dispositions.

6. The richest horse people most often look the poorest.

7. The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.

8. A solitary ride through the woods is more beneficial then six months with the best psychiatrist.

9. The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on the horse.

10. The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is that horses don’t care how you look.

11. If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he’s asking he’s usually worth half that much.

12. The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their horse, but it can be a quick way to get hurt.

13. I can recognize another horse person no matter what town, city, state, county or country I visit.

14. You can never have too many hoof picks.

15. It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you buy 1,000 pounds.

16. I’d rather have a horse with a perfect mind then a perfect head.

17. If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have, if you think you have closed the pasture gate, you haven’t.

18. When someone asks you if you like their horse always say ‘yes’.

19. The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one deranged goat.

20. If you’re looking for the perfect horse you will never own one.

21. Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it.

22. I’d rather lose my lipstick than my curb chain.

23. You shouldn’t talk about your first place ribbon to someone that came second.

24. If someone says that horse has a little buck, it has a BIG buck.

25. If we need rain, schedule a show.

26. I’ve never warmed up to someone that didn’t want a walk down to the stables.

27. A clean stables and a sparkling horse are among life’s great pleasures.

28. Even free horses can be too expensive. Especially, free horses.

29. No matter how badly behaved you are, your horse always gives you a second chance.

30. A more expensive horse doesn’t make a better one.

31. I will never ever have an empty stable and I have accepted that fact.

32. Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.

‘If you can’t imagine life without a horse… DON’T!’

Frind of mine posted the pic this week. Have a great Easter!

Uncategorized

Transmitting Light Through Our Actions

March 16, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

There are two ways to spread light; to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.

– Edith Wharton

Are you a candle or a mirror? Most people are somewhere in the middle. This quote reminds us of the importance of our actions. The example you set (as a mirror) is a way of sharing how you feel based on your behaviors. Gossiping, complaining, and being pessimistic show those in your life that you are unhappy and feeling low. The same is true for the opposite behaviors. Positive, affirming comments transmit to the world that you are happy, friendly, and optimistic. What is your mirror reflecting? Let your actions reflect your true beliefs and values.

The picture is of a sunset and the Tulsa skyline over a University of Tulsa football game that was sent to me last fall. It was taken from a helicopter over the game. Don’t remember who was playing. 🙂 The quote and above paragraph are from SparkPeople’s Healthy Reflections.

This seemed kinda appropriate with what is going on in several fronts with me. I am getting caught up enough to have time to return to things I love doing. I still have a few things that need to be caught up on. My accountant will kill me if I don’t get the ranch books done, but I will focus onthem in a bit. I have a few things to do the the BG’s and also for the Hooves cause and then I can whole heartedly focus on the ranch and more fun stuff.

I has a neat art site sent to me at work and forwarded on to my Mom. We discussed the ladies work a bit and Mom was all ya know you can do that to. Mom and her best friend have been artists forever. Mom has not had time to play with it in a while and with retirement loaming I have been trying to get her more into that. She needs something to do. And what does she do… try to get me to do it. LOL! I have some of that artist flare. But it becomes too mixed with that engineer’s brain and things just don’t ever seem to come out just like I want them. I have practiced lots. Took a few classes, since when I was single it was suppose to be a way to meet guys. Course I met old ladies who were amazed I could get the perspective in drawing. It’s the engineer thing. Guess that is why I love my computer and the program that I play with our logos in. I can create stuff digitally and make it look cool and edit it like a drawing on cadd and get what I want. Hopefully before summer I will finish the other Sierra Ranch Logo and play with doing some graphic art stuff.

I even bought some jewelery making stuff at the store last I went. I have always liked putting stuff back together. I can’t seem to find jewelery I like. OK, so I also hate to shop. LOL! So I am not the best at finding what I want. 😛 So I will just make it. I may put some peices on our website and up here when I get them done. There are always more things than I can do and would love to be able to sell some also. But have to get the books done first. 😛

Then there is work. The saying above really applies to work. My secretary tells me that it’s because I am such a great boss that I keep losing folks. 😛 OK, let me explain a tad. I finally get my staff to almost full staff again and then things start happening. Our department has been having some rearranging do to a few key players leaving or retiring. So folks shift and move up. Course Rick is mad that I am not wanting to move, but I love my job and the layers that insulate me from the upper management. Anyhow… One of my newly hired engineers applied for a lead engineer opening. It’s a great move for her, but she was just really getting it with us. We still don’t know if she has the job. They take a while to make those decisions. There are not many opening in our level so this would be a really great move for her. My other current engineer is getting married and needs to be closer to her new hubby. She is taking a job as an engineer at the lakes. Luckily we hired an engineer that will start work on April 1 and he will take over her jobs, since the other section wants my engineer like yesterday! They have to wait til mid April. They have been courting her for that job for a while. Just when it came down it came fast. So we will be looking for an engineer… AGAIN! If you know of any, please let us know! There are at least three openings in our department.

And to top this off the secretary is looking at moving to a different job. She really needs more pay and I understand that, but it took 6 temps from… well, you know… before I found her. She keeps telling me that because I do as the statement above reflects that’s why I keep losing folks. I want the best for my employees. I really like to see folks succeed and I guess that I need to look at it that way. One of my engineering techs will be going back to school to get his engineering degree. So I guess she is right. I am just so not a change person. Guess I better become one.

Well, best get back at the grindstone. I missed celebrating Pi day on March 14. Now this is one celebration I would have done in shcool. But then I was a nerd. 😛 And we were already celebrating St. Pat as the patron saint of Engineers. Yep, engineers are really weird! Horses, cats, dog, kid and hubby are fine. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday! And a really great week!

Uncategorized

Hooves for a Cure Challenge!

March 4, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

I have a challenge for all of you reading this.

Don’t feel comfortable holding a ride or setting up a large event. Here is another way to help. Gather your friends and family and have a PINK event. You could invite your neighbors to dress in pink and decorate their horses put $10 in the hat and ride around the block or through town or around the mile.

Do you stable your horse; you could have a Pink Party at the Barn. You get the idea you, your horse, and Pink and collecting $10 per person participating. You could have a PINK Lunch after the ride – your imagination is all you need to have a lot of fun and raise money for women who really need it.

Remember 7 people cover the cost of one mammogram for someone who can’t afford to have this life saving test — Just do it on October 4th starting at 10am with the Hooves for a Cure Prayer (which is in the Files section of the group site).

Last Year we raised $8000 and this year we would love to raise $10,000. We have trail rides and would always accept more, but we also want to make it as easy as possible to participate in Hooves for a Cure Day. Let us know via the group site, if you want to do a pink event and then you can let us know how it turns out. When you turn your money in we will need to know where your event took place so that we can donate it in your area. Also looking for other ideas for things to do – so if you have some let us know.

Thank you for supporting Hooves for a Cure. Join our Yahoo! group site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HoovesforaCure.

Debbie Briggs

Hooves for a Cure Director

dbriggs@hoovesforacure.com

www.hoovesforacure.com

Uncategorized

Sierra Ranch News – March 2008

March 3, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

Welcome!

Welcome to the eighth edition of the Sierra Ranch News! I hope everyone is surviving in the winter weather. We had a wonderful ice storm in NE OK the second weekend of December. It will go down as the worst disaster in OK history. Considering we are the land of the awesome tornadoes that’s saying something.

Sierra Ranch survived with minor damage. We went from Sunday (12/9) at 5AM to Thursday (12/13) at 7PM without electricity. Not bad considering that some folks around us were without power all through Christmas. We did pretty well with our generator that we use to camp with. We could power most of our critical facilities. Blower in the fireplace, fridge, microwave, coffee pot, satellite TV and internet and three computers. As Rick says it was a minor inconvenience. And he also reminded me that God provided us with plenty of wonderful wood. All over the front yard and down the driveway!

I realized we have not put out a newsletter since then. Life has been getting in the way of that. We are rearranging our priorities and will focus on the Ranch and home life very soon. We have a new addition at the Ranch and this time it is not a horse. Allyson, Rick’s third child has come to live with us full time. Allyson is wonderful help and is adjusting well to her new school and environment. Allyson is 14 and in the 8th grade. You can see pictures of her on our website. And if you would like to email her you may at allyson@sierraranchok.com I am sure she would like to hear from folks.

You can also see Allyson’s Valentine’s Day Dance Pictures at http://sierraranch.multiply.com/

Tell us what you where you plan on riding this winter. Many folks stop riding in the winter, but sometimes this is the best time of the year to ride. Let us know what information you would like to learn tips on horse keeping, latest horses for sale and any other info you find interesting. As always you can email me and let me know what might interest you to learn about.

Sierra Ranch Logo!

I am still working on our second logo. Folks seem to kinda like the first one. The one I am still working on incorporates all the different aspects of what we do. We have raced, loved to ride, jump, and do performance events. Most of our horses are good at all these things, so we should show this off. The picture can bee seen at the Yahoo Group site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SierraRanchOK/ or at the Sierra Ranch Multiply site at http://sierraranch.multiply.com/ or at the blog at http://sierraranchok.blogspot.com

Let us know what you think about this logo and shortly we will post the other one for all to critic. Soon we will have set up a CafePress site with stuff to buy. Until then please check out the HorseMatch.net CafePress store. Check out the link: http://www.cafepress.com/horsematch. I am working on getting calendars and posters on the store, probably for next year. You never know whose picture will be on the calendar. We also made some t-shirt at a local t-shirt shop to sell at the ranch. Look for more stuff to come along the way. We want to get our name out and about on the trails around Oklahoma and other places.

Check this out!

All About Bitless Bridles

Bit-free headgear is sometime the answer for sensitive horses or though training problems. The original remote-control device was a brilliant notion: Suspend a metal bar in the horse’s mouth, and use the rigid mouthpiece, via some reins, to control the horse’s speed and direction. Brilliant, yes, but far from flawless. To read the whole article, click the link below:

http://equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/tack_apparel/bit_gallery/bitlessbridles_092206/

New Vaccination Guidelines for Horses Released

Revised guidelines for the vaccination of horses are now available from the Infectious Disease Committee of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The committee, chaired by Mary Scollay, DVM, has made recommendations for the use of vaccines based on the age of the horse and its previous vaccination history. To read the whole article, click the link below:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11217

Olympic Workshop Reviews Horse Health Concerns

“Horses will be better cared for than the human athletes at the equestrian Olympic Games in Hong Kong this summer,” said International Olympic Committee Medical Director Patrick Schamasch, MD, at the end of the pre-Olympic Workshop held by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Feb. 17 in Lausanne, Switzerland. A total of 160 delegates from 25 national federations attended the event. To read the whole article, click the link below:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11354

Upcoming Rides and Other Events

It’s time to send in events for the upcoming year. Send them to me or to the link on Oklahoma Horse Online. Many of these came from listing on www.oklahomahorseonline.com. Check it out!

March 1 & 2 Will Rogers Classic Open Horse Show, Claremore OK Expo Center Halter, English, Western and Speed Events 9am. $40 all day or $5 per class with $5 Office Fee per horse/rider combination. Circuit High Point Awards For more information contact Carla Rader @ 918-342-5185 or 918-639-9777

March 1 Endurance Ride, AERC, Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. Contact Ann McFarland (405)760-6508

March 6-9 Green Country Paint Horse Show, Tulsa Expo Square, Tulsa, OK. Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Admission is free. For more info contact: (918) 744-1113 OR go to http://www.tulsamarchmania.com/

March 7-9 Indian Mounds Horse Camp Do-Your-Own-Thing Rides, Clayton OK. Camp fee $7/day per person age 11 & over, elec. campsites $8/daily per hookup, corrals $5/per horse, mule, stalls $15/per horse, mule. Motor homes & campers avail, call for prices, provide your own bedding/cooking utensils. Rent horses $20/hr or $75/day. Jess Johnson 918-569-4761; cell 918-457-7162; email trailleader@earthlink.net. Also Apr 4-6, May 23-26, June 13-15, July 4 -5, Aug. 28-Sept 1, Oct 24-26.

March 7-9 Ranch Sorting & Team Penning in Ponca City at the Play Pen indoor arena. Friday AQHA Sorting & Team Penning starts at 4:00 pm. Saturday Ranch Sorting starts at 9:00 am. Beginner classes available! Sunday AQHA Sorting & Team Penning begins at 9:00. Stalls and hookups available. Barn Burner Productions. Call Darrel at 580-716-6444, visit www.rsnc.us or www.playpenarena.com for more info or you can email us at management@playpenarena.com.

March 8, 2008 BGTRC Back in the Saddle Ride Bell Cow Lake –Contact Deena Wilson at (918)766-3402.

March 8-9 Lake Carl Blackwell Work Weekend for the Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association, Stillwater, OK. http://www.oklahomahorseonline.com/Oetra/home.htm

March 15 Equine Freeze Branding, Windsong Arena, Adair, OK For more info call Heather, 918-381-9699 or e-mail brokenarrowdj@yahoo.com

March 15 NEOSHA Open Horse Show, Cleveland County Fairgrounds Norman OK, 9 am, Jumping, English, Western www.neosha.com 918-251-5788

March 15 Oil Capital Trail Ride at Cherokee [Gruber] Wildlife Management Area starting at 9AM. Cost $15 includes evening meal Neg. Coggins required Contact Mick Lunt 918 266-5039 or 830-4210 David Cravens 543-2115 or 640-7339, Earnie Hollifield 261-2767

March 22-24 Land Run 08 NATRC, Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. Contact Don Rubley (405)570-1951.

March 22 2nd Annual Haskell County 4-H Horse Club trail ride, San Bois Mountains. Authentic Chuck wagon dinner provided by Terry Rodebush of the Crossbox Ranch and cowboy poets. The goal is to raise funds for the Clubs programs. The day ride will begin at 10 AM, Saturday, March 22nd and end with a catered chuck wagon dinner, cowboy poetry and singing that evening. Come and ride along with us as we travel through the beautiful foothills of the San Bois Mountains in SE Haskell County. Bring a snack to hold you over till dinner and plenty of water. If your not up to a ride through the mountains you can still come out and support the county’s youth and enjoy some good ol’ down home country cookin’ and entertainment. Call in advance to reserve your spot on the trail or your spot around the campfire! Ride open to EVERYONE OF ALL AGES!! This Ain’t No Cow Pasture Ride! It’s on Mountain Trails, the terrain is not flat. RESERVATIONS COST Contact: Brandie Henry $25.00 per person 918-945-7218 or 217-649-9936 bayedup@crosstel.net Call For Directions

March 28, 29 & 30 Roman Nose Ride Hills Ride, Watonga, OK. Still the same $50 for the ride, Primitive camping. All meals provided Fri. night to Sun. noon. Water available. All day rides, 1/2 day rides, & gaited ride will be provided. First ride is Fri. evening 5:30, Sat. and Sun. rides begin at 9. Proceeds go to the Watonga Hospital Foundation. www.watongahospital.com or 1-877-782-2395. RAIN DATE: April 11-13.

March 29-April 6 Robbers Cave Work Weekends, Wilburton, OK. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association. OETRA designated Adopt-A-Trail. Jobs on foot or from saddle. Bring tools. Chm. Carolyn Sinclair Cell 918-429-3488; Asst. Chm. Harvey Sapp 918-371-8477. http://www.oklahomahorseonline.com/Oetra/home.htm

March 30 & 31 Larry Whitesell Gaited Horsemanship Clinic, Creek County Fairgrounds, Kellyville, OK. Contact Cris Van Horn at 918-688-1898 for more information. Come get a shot in the arm for your riding program. Larry Whitesell offers very intense instruction to all levels of riders on their own horses that will instill an eagerness that you will carry home with you so your can further your relationship with your horse at home.

April 4-6 Indian Mounds Horse Camp Do-Your-Own-Thing Rides, Clayton OK. Camp fee $7/day per person age 11 & over, elec. campsites $8/daily per hookup, corrals $5/per horse, mule, stalls $15/per horse, mule. Motor homes & campers avail, call for prices, provide your own bedding/cooking utensils. Rent horses $20/hr or $75/day. Jess Johnson 918-569-4761; cell 918-457-7162; email trailleader@earthlink.net.

April 5 OBHA Horse Show (Oklahoma Buckskin Horse Association), Claremore EXPO, Claremore, OK, ABRA (double judged) and Open/All breed classes (single judged), starts 8 am, contact: Beckie or Ron at Honeck@tds.net or 918-543-6277 for more information. www.oklahomabuckskin.org

April 12-13 Cowboy’s Pride Horse Rescue Foundation Benefit trail ride, poker run, and camp out. All proceeds will go to the rescue and rehabilitation of needy horses. Check-in will begin on Saturday at noon and festivities will conclude on Sunday at 1pm. Fees will be $50 per person and earlybird (Before March 15th) registrations will receive a free t-shirt. Family registrations are $100 for up to four family members. Earlybird family registrations only receive one free t-shirt. Bring your own horse or horse rental for the event is $25, but you must have a reservation to rent a horse. More information is available at www.cowboyspride.org

April 17-20 AQHA Region 8 Show, Tulsa Expo Square, Tulsa, OK. Time: 12:00 AM For more info go to www.exposquare.com

April 19 Fourth Annual Ride to Save Babies March of Dimes Trail Ride Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. Minimum of a $20 donation ($28 after April 1)/$8 for meal only. Registration begins at Noon with ride beginning at 3:00 pm. Dinner is at 6:00 pm. There are water and electricity hook ups available on first come first serve basis ($8 daily for no electricity/$12 daily site for with electricity). FMI call Mendi Cronister at 580-370-8890 or 580-3360-4945, email: rockin_mr@hotmail.com. www.rockinmr.com

April 23-27 GO Hunter Jumper Association Show, Tulsa expo square, Tulsa, Ok. For more info go to www.exposquare.com

April 24-27 J-D Annual Spring Mountain Trail Ride Join us for great riding, good food and fun at our Spring Mountain Trail Ride. Contact Jo to make your reservation. There will be a full breakfast Saturday morning, BBQ dinner with entertainment Saturday night and a light breakfast Sunday morning. Don’t forget to bring your favorite dish for the potluck dinner on Friday night. Visit site www.j-dtrailriding.com for information or email Jo at jharrington@j-dtrailriding.com.

April 26 2nd Annual Keystone Regulators Pony Express Race – Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater, OK. $500 added money. Trophy buckles for the 1st place team, race pays three places. Two mile cross country race, consisting of two-man/two-horse teams. Calcutta auction before the race. $50 entry fee per team. Race starts at 12:00 noon. Books are open now through 4/17/08. For more information contact Richard Moss at : (918)241-5220 or (918)706-7897. E-mail richard.moss@sbcglobal.net

26 Benefit Trail Ride for Kids Against Hunger – located at Gloss Mountain Outfitters in NW Oklahoma Cost $10 – includes meal For more info and driving directions go to www.glossmountainoutfitters.com or contact Jacque. Newton 580-596-2020

April 26 Spring Pumpkin Roller Charity Gaited Horse Show sponsored by the Pure Pleasure Gaited Horse Association, Creek County Fairgrounds, Kellyville, OK. A Fun Show For Gaited And Non Gaited Horses. Proceeds Will Support The Right Path And Bit By Bit Therapeutic Riding Programs. Contact Bill King @ 918-230-4084 Or Mike Chancellor @ 918-241-4123 Or 918-794-9910 For Information. Bring your horses and have some fun!!

April 26-27 Duncan Lake Horse Club Ride, Duncan OK. Fri. night potluck, 7 pm. Sat., ride 10 am. Bring your Sat. lunch. Club will furnish Sat. night meal & Sun. am breakfast. We are giving away a saddle again this year – it’s a beauty. We may have trailer to rent if you don’t have a living-quarters trailer. For info call 580-255-2613.

June 14-15, 2008 13th Annual City Slickers Trail Ride Sponsored By The Bad Girls Trail Riding Club, Robber’s Cave State Park Friday (June 13th) bring your hotdogs and marshmallows and join us at the campfire. Saturday (June 14th) Cloverleaf ride (OETRA approved mileage). Leaving at 9AM returning to camp at noon for lunch. Afternoon riding out at 2PM and returning about 4:30PM. Saturday evening: 6 p.m. Dinner by the BGTRC BOD and 7 p.m. Karaoke with a Karaoke Contest for Cash Prizes and City Slicker Buckle Raffle ($1/ticket) Breakfast and lunch Saturday can be purchased at a minimal cost from the BGTRC BOD. Sunday (June 15th) on you own!! Registration before June 1st is $25.00 each. Registration after June 1st is $30.00 each. Children under 12 are $10.00. Registration includes camping Fri. & Sat. nights as well as Sat. dinner and entertainment! For information contact: Deb Stowers deb@sierraranchok.com Phone: 918/341-5799 Cell: 918/607-6094 DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT RIDE! Children under 6 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. ORIGINAL current negative coggins required – No stallions. No alcohol on the trails – Horses should be shod. Check out: https://www.sierraranchok.com/bgtrc/cityslicker.html for flyers and registration forms.

October 4th, 2008 – 2nd Annual Hooves for a Cure Charity Trail Ride, J-D Trail Riding Camp, Octavia, OK – Come ride in the beautiful Kiamichi Mountains and help raise money to fight breast cancer. Ride fee is $10 with a potluck dinner on Saturday Night, Silent Auction, and Raffle Drawing. Come for the day or spend the entire weekend! (Camping fees not included in ride fee) Non-riders are also welcome! Located just 10 miles East of Honobia on Hwy 144. For camping reservations, contact Jo Harrington (580)244-7261, or visit www.j-dtrailriding.com . For ride information, contact Andrea Fowler (918)231-9911, afowler@trustok.com. For more information about Hooves for a cure, visit our website at www.Hoovesforacure.com Wear PINK and put pink on your horse!

Riding Lessons

The Horse/Rider Relationship is Long

By Rick Stowers

Check out Rick’s Riding Lessons at http://www.horsematch.net/Rickstowers.html

The horse and rider relationship may actually be longer than many marriages these days. Horses can live and be productive into the early 30’s. The namesake of our ranch was winning 4H ribbons at 29. She was carrying kids on trail rides the summer before the spring that she died. She had a very full life and with the advancement of vet medicine so will your partner. Your horse.

Something to keep in mind is that with dogs, cats, or even ferrets you will replace several of these during the lifetime of your horse. So it is important to make your horse match be the best you can. Going through that long of a time with a bad match would be most difficult.

We hope you enjoy our philosophy and will come visit Sierra Ranch.

LET’S GO RIDING TODAY!!!!

Horse Spotlight

Naughty Snow Lady

https://www.sierraranchok.com/Lady.html

Naughty Snow Lady is a 2001 chestnut appaloosa gelding. (Yes with a name like that he is a gelding!) He is 14.2 hands (and growing) and about 950 pounds. Lady has been ridden on and off for several of years. Kids and Rick have ridden him in the pasture. We took him on an overnight trail ride and he did well. He stayed in an electric fence and tied to a high line. We have taken him on many day rides and he does wonderfully. He loads, stands for shoes, loves water and bathes and comes when called. He is broke and ready to be trained to do whatever you want. He is a loveable horse, we just have too many. I need to update the website. We thought we had found the perfect place for Lady, but he is back in our pasture, so if you are looking for a great horse please contact us. $3000 or best offer.

Comments

Let us know how you liked this issue. And again let us know about what you want to hear about. We want to make this newsletter for our clients, friends, and families. See you out riding!

Thanks,

Deb and Rick Stowers

deb@sierraranchok.com

www.sierraranchok.com

News Tagged: Claremore, Deb Stowers, Sierra Ranch

34 Things Only to Say Around Horse People!

February 28, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

1. He won’t come into my hands!
2. There’s nothing like having 17 hands between your legs.
3. I’m gonna get off now.
4. More leg, less hand…
5. It was a great ride, but he’s kinda sticky.
6. He needs a good 20 min warm-up…
7. Relax your back, dont pinch with your knees, go with the motion, rock your pelvis…
8. When he gets excited he really foams up!
9. If he’s not ridden 5 days a week he gets cranky…
10. I rode him yesterday, but Samm is gonna ride him today.
11. Go ahead, ride him, you’ll like him…he’ll be good for you
12. Push!!! Squeeze!!! Pull hard!!!
13. He’s being a pig, get his head up!
14. He bends to the left, but he’s really stiff to the right.
15. He really over reacts when I sit dow n into him…
16. Smack him if he refuses!
17. Good, that looks much better with his head down.
18. Dont pump too much.
19. You want his hindquarters to be balanced and even with yours.
20. If you squeeze with your thighs and legs he’ll take off earlier.
21. You two perform really well with each other!
22. I need spurs and a whip to really get him going.
23. Turn him loose for a while, get rid of some of that energy!
24. I rode bareback today.
25. She’s been around and is very experienced.
26. I’m gonna do him in Short Stirrup and my trainer will ride him in the Hopeful class.
27. He’s too much for her, maybe you should get on.
28. He’s a bit of a bumpy ride, just try not to grip with your thighs too much.
29. Make sure you release.
30. Don’t lean forward unless you want him to go faster.
31. As he comes up, lean forward and run your hand s up the crest of his neck.
32. Squeeze and release… squeeze and release…give and take…
33. “How was he today?” reply… “Excellent, very obedient for once.”
34. Wow, I just love riding the big ones!

Horse, Humor Tagged: Claremore, Deb Stowers, Sierra Ranch

Definitions for Horse Lovers

February 17, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

Hock: Financial condition of all horse owners.

Stall: What your rig does at rush hour in an unfamiliar city on the way to a big horse show

A Bit: What you have left in your pocket after you’ve been to your favorite tack shop.

Fence: Decorative structure built to provide your horse with something to chew on.

Horse Auction: What you think of having after your horse bucks you off.

Pinto: Green coat pattern found on freshly washed light colored horses left unattended for 2 minutes.

Well Mannered: Hasn’t stepped on, bitten, or kicked anyone for a week.

Rasp: Abrasive metal tool used to remove excess skin from ones knuckles.

Lunging: Popular training method in which a horse exercises their owner by spinning them in circles until dizzy.

Gallop: Customary gait a horse chooses when returning back to the barn.

Nicely Started: Lunges, but not enough health insurance to even think about riding him.

Colic: Gastrointestinal result of eating at horse fair food stands.

Colt: What your mare gives you when you want a filly.

Easy to Load: Only takes 3 hours, 4 men, a 50lb bag of oats, and a tractor with loader.

Easy to Catch: In a 10×10 stall.

Easy Rider: Rides good in a trailer; not to be confused with “ride-able”.

Endurance Ride: End result when your horse spooks and runs away with you.

Hives: What you get when receive the vet bill for your 6 horses, 3 dogs, 4 cats, and 1 donkey.

Hobbles: Walking gait of a horse owner after their foot has been stepped on by their horse.

Feed: Expensive substance used to manufacture manure.

Dog House: What you are in when you spend too much money on grooming supplies and pretty halters.

Light Cribber: We can’t afford to build anymore fencing or box stalls for this buzz saw on four legs.

Three Gaited Horse: A horse that. 1) trips, 2)stumbles, 3) falls.

THE 12 “MOST IMPORTANT” THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU OWN A HORSE..

-To induce labor in a mare? Take a nap.

-To cure equine constipation? Load them in a clean trailer.

-To cure equine insomnia? Take them in a halter class.

-To get a horse to stay very calm and laid back? Enter them in a liberty class.

-To get a horse to wash their own feet? Clean the water trough and fill it with fresh water.

-To get a mare to come in heat? Take her to a show.

-To get a mare in foal the first cover? Let the wrong stallion get out of his stall.

-To make sure that a mare has that beautiful, perfectly marked foal you always wanted? Sell her before she foals.

-To get a show horse to set up perfect and really stretch? Get him out late at night or anytime no one is a round to see him.

-To induce a cold snap in the weather? Clip a horse.

-To make it rain? Mow a field of hay.

-To make a small fortune in the horse business? Start with a large one.

Rick’s favorite statement is the last one. First time he told it to Mom she didn’t wuite appreciate it. 🙂 Theres several up there that are more true than folks without horses know. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Horse, Humor Tagged: Claremore, Deb Stowers, Sierra Ranch

How to Stay Young!

February 16, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

 

[]We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!

1. Try everything twice. On Madams tombstone (of Whelan’s and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph:
Tried everything twice…loved it both times!

 

 

2. Keep only cheerful friends.

 

The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches)

[]

 

3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s!

4. Enjoy the simple things.
[]

5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.
[]

6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
[]

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips.

Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

[]

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

I love you, my special friend.
[]

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

And if you don’t send this to at least 4 people – who cares? But do share this with someone like I did with you all.
[]

 

 

Lost time can never be found.

 

Be kinder than necessary, for
everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

 

Humor, Life Tagged: Claremore, Deb Stowers, Sierra Ranch

Letter to BGTRC… Just thought you all might like to know!

February 10, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

February 9, 2008

Dear BGTRC:

Please know this is not taken lightheartedly or without great thought, however I have tendered my resignation as the Executive Director of Bad Girls Trail Riding Club. I am not quitting the club, but have asked the Founders to be placed on the Executive Committee.

No one individual person in the Club has done anything to influence this decision; it is a decision that is being made with careful consideration for everyone involved.

I have finally arrived at the decision that I cannot do everything. While I know that many of our members do not know all that I do or have done for the club, something had to give.

For those that are newer members my paying job is the Lead Engineer for Stormwater Design for the City of Tulsa. I manage all the stormwater design projects for the City. We currently have approximately $50M in funded projects with about half of that total in construction and half in design. We also do emergency response to flooding as well as a variety of other duties. I cannot let my work slip. We are currently being pushed to do more with fewer workers as with most companies. I am down an engineer. And we are being pushed to get several more projects out in much less time. I have two relatively new engineers working for me. Losing our senior engineer to a different job has made it imperative for me to more carefully supervise each project design. Our family depends greatly on my salary and the benefits my job provides. I cannot put this job in jeopardy.

Allyson (Rick’s third daughter) is now a permanent member of our family. While this is a wonderful thing that we have been wanting for a very long time, she is so far behind in school that it is taking much of my attention after work to help her with homework. She is doing wonderfully at bringing up her grades and is adjusting well to living at our house.

In addition, for the next several weeks (and probably months) Rick will be out of town at a job site in Kansas. I need to be at home to help Allyson with things. The one night that I was not at home she didn’t get her homework done. We cannot let her get behind on her school work. Some nights we are up later than I want to be getting all her homework done.

Over the last several years we have been trying to make Sierra Ranch a viable business. This means I need to focus on our ranch websites, and promoting our ranch. It is a possibility that over the next year or so the ranch may become Rick’s full time job. I need to write a business plan and get several other things in order so this can come to fruition. In addition I keep the books which is challenging for an engineer never trained in management or accounting. So I have been trying to learn more in these areas.

Adding the job, BG work, Allyson and all the things that I need to do for our family and ranch leaves me no time to do any of it right – or well. I have been getting behind in billing at the ranch, in registering items in the checkbooks and messing up our accounts, general maintenance on our ranch and updating the ranch and Rick’s websites. This is like having four full time jobs!

And worst of all I want to RIDE!!! I need to ride or do some other physical activity to continue to lose weight and improve my health. This work load leaves no time for me to do any fun stuff! Without any fun one tends to get a bit cranky. But I am an odd bird. I cant’ have fun with so much stuff left to do before I go have fun. So having fun comes last.

I believe everyone in our club can understand my dilemma. I am not quitting the club and I would like to still help with various things. I just can not continue to do the everyday running of the club. And I don’t want my attitude about trying to get everything done to reflect badly on the Club.

I have learned a lot from my time as Executive Director and on the Board of Directors. I have become a better public speaker. I have gotten better at dealing with an unruly crowd. I have learned a great deal about leadership skills and management. These things I value and want to thank the Club for. I may be back sometime in the future; I just need to get Allyson raised and have a bit less stress.

Sincerely,

Deb Stowers

Life Tagged: Claremore, Deb Stowers, Sierra Ranch

There are days and then there are DAYS!!!!

February 4, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

This are a pictures of Bubba from last summer. I have not had time to post, but Bubba was given a reprive from Rick. He will get to stay at our house and is learning to not chew quite so much. And his humans are learning to put things up.

Yesterday was one of THOSE DAYS! I finally get to a point just before Atwoods closed to go to the store. I head out the door to find Rick laying in the drive. Forum had stepped on his foot and knocked him over (whole other story that I didn’t get). He finally got up and I asked him to move his truck so I could leave.

I noticed the wiener dog from across the street chasing Bubba inthe field next door. I didn’t think anything about it until I heard a LOUD yelping noise from out front. It sounded like some dog was hit by a car. I go to see what is going on to find the rotwilder from out front chewing and tossing something that resembled one of my outside cats. I yell at Rick to come help (yeah right!) and ty to find something to pick up to beat the dogs with. The yelling gave the attacked critter enough time to leave and who is the one being eaten. BUBBA! That stinking winer dog chased Bubba to the pack (rot, pit bull, pit bull/boxer mix) who was eating BUBBA! Bubba was trying to get into a wood pile and get away when I gave him the break to run to the house. I chased the stupid dogs to their owner’s trailer. Watched the stupid dogs get back INTO the fence, and stood on my side of the fence shouting words sailers would have been proud of trying to get some fool to come out of the obviously (yes, I looked it up) occupied trailer house. My last words very very much a threat to be folowed through with “When I come back I will have my gun and I will begin shooting dogs starting with the rot!”

My husband didn’t follow me. So when I got back to the house aksed me what I was going to do. He finally talked me out of that, and I called 911. When the wonderful sherrif called back it was determined that in Rogers Co you can let your dog run free, but if it has been determined to be hazardous you can shoot animals that come onto your property as treasspassing. Needless to say we are waiting.

Now I know there are dog lovers that read this and let me be well understood. I have no problem with normal dogs. However, jsut the day before I had taken Bubba to visit the other responsible dogs owners out front, on his leash after he visited without his leash. they told me the rot had chased their son (a teenager) on his bike and bit at the tires. The rot has killed a dog on the on other side of the tracks. Now remember Allyson is maybe 80 pounds soaking wet and alone feeding the horse in the afternoon until I get home. If this stinking pack of dogs has the gaul to maul my dog the most submissive dog in the world then Allyson is next.

I can not keep cat food in the barn becasue these dogs eat the container and the cat food. I have come home and Bubba’s food container has been dragged out of the garage and partially eaten. The rot comes back onto my property he is history. I am an awesome shot. I have NEVER shot anything alive, but will. I don’t take lightly to something trying to eat my animals. Rick is worried about them retaliating. I am not. I dare them to try.

Bubba has quite a few bites. I bought a dog house, dog asprin, and some other things for him at Atwoods. Allyson and I doctored on him some. He has one place that is missing some skin and bleed pretty well, but mostly he is just mising hair and is sore. He got more apsrin this morning, but really didn’t want to go outside. Allyson siad she let him in the house when she got home from school.

Now you know why I never tried to get a conceal and carry permit. 😛 I would let my hot temper get me in trouble. What would you do if you walked up on a pack of dogs eating your dog?

Life Tagged: Claremore, Deb Stowers, Sierra Ranch

Horse Barn Rules

February 3, 2008 by Deborah Palinksee

Posted on Plus Sized Horse Chicks Yahoo Group!

To be posted at eye level to the horses of the barn.

(not in any specific order)

1. The barn is your home, the house is mine. Just because I am gracious enough to allow you to graze in the yard that does not mean you get to walk onto the porch to see if I have left anything of your interest there. I love you all but you are just too big to keep in the house. I am sorry but if the door is propped open that does not mean we are having an open house party.

2. Why did I go to all the trouble of building a barn with each of you a stall when you either A) all crowd into one, B) stand out in the rain like dummies, or C) everyone crowds onto the back porch.

3. Speaking of the back porch again, it is not a crossover between one side of the yard to the other side just because you like to hear the sounds your hooves make on the wooden planks.

4. Just because you know where the feed is kept does not allow you to go into the shed looking for it. We keep the barrels secure. Don’t open daddy’s grass seed then sling the bag around because you are upset it was not horse feed.

5. When I pull the truck up to the front of the stalls with bags of shavings does not mean you get to open each one just in case it is food. And don’t think the silly face you make because you now have saw dust on your lips will get you sympathy from me when I have to clean up the mess.

6. I give you snacks that are yummy and gooey and chewy. Do Not think I am going to let you have my candy bar, that is my treat for me.

7. It does no good to smack your lips thinking I will feed any sooner than feeding time. Slamming your feed bucket will also not get you fed any sooner.

8. When I am feeding it does no good to try and crowd me to get your nose into the bucket so you think you will get extra. Go to your own stall and wait till I get there.

9. When I am scratching that wonderful spot that you love, please try not to go to sleep leaning on me. You greatly outweigh me and we are both going to fall. The same goes when the farrier or I are trimming your feet. WE CANNOT HOLD YOU UP!

10. It would also be nice if you could be considerate of where you place your feet when I am bathing or brushing you. When you shift and place yours on top of mine, Do Not look so surprised when I scream and suddenly push you. Especially at the few bad words I say as I hobble toward the house later.

11. Is it really necessary for you to blow up like a puffer fish each time I put the saddle on you? You should know by now I have learned this trick and will walk you around till you blow so I can tighten it up again. Sliding down on your side while riding is not as funny to me as you think.

12. It is not funny to me either when I decide to ride in the pasture that as soon as I let my guard down you see this wonderful patch of grass that just has to be eaten. The sudden stop with me almost on your neck and the saddle horn in my gut is not a laughing matter though you seem to enjoy it at times.

13. Just because I pull one horse out does not mean I want the whole crowd. You all are not Siamese quadruplets joined at some functional body part.

14. Quit teasing daddy by escaping every time he thinks he has the fence fixed right. You know he is new to this horse thing and has to learn!

15. It is not funny to be scared awake at 2am with the window shaking like an earthquake. The air conditioner is not for scratching.

16. While in the yard grazing could you please place your poop more strategically away from the house. Daddy will drag the yard and use the fertilizer you have left but until then pooping by the windows is very inconsiderate.

17. You have a salt block to lick in the pasture, plus mineral blocks. This does not give you the right to stick your head into my vehicle and slobber all over the steering wheel just because I left the window down on a warm day.

18. When I am working on something in the yard while you are out, could you please return the tools that you borrow.

19. Passing gas just as I walk behind you is not an acceptable substitute for the fact that you do not kick.

20. Nibbling on my hair, clothes etc. to get attention may not get the response you expect. Especially when you pull my hair or tear my clothes.

21. Just because the vet has the back of her truck open when she is here, does not mean she needs your help in taking things out for her. I’m pretty sure she knows where the things she needs are located.

22. What is it about finding dirt or mud to roll in right after I get you cleaned up? I mean the pigs get a mud hole because they can’t sweat so it cools them down. But all it does for you is cake in your fur and mane and tail then you gripe and complain when it hurts a little bit when I have to brush it out. THEN YOU DO IT OVER AGAIN!

Now if we could just get the silly things to listen. Hope you enjoy. I know we have about 22 at our house that resembles these comments. Most TB’s with that silly TB sense of humor.

That picture above is what you get when you try to take a picture of one of the silly critters without help. I love them cuz they are the most friendlist critter on the planet. But dang it if they don’t think they know how to use a camera. that is Showing the Flag’s head. At lease we have a good shot of his blaze in case he goes missing. LOL!

Hope you all have a wonderful week. I still need to write out what has been going on with me, but that will come. Sending hugs and prayers!

Horse, Humor Tagged: Claremore, Deb Stowers, Sierra Ranch

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • Next Page »

Copyright © 2025 · Going Green Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in