Sierra Ranch, LLC

Where You Leave The City Behind!

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

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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

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

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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?

Horse Barn Rules

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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!

Hooves for a Cure News!

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Just a quick note to let you know some of the things I have been working on.

On January 12, 2008 I got speak for a few minutes at the AREC Convention in Henrietta, OK. The opportunity was giving to me by Susan from the Indian Territory Endurance Riders who supported us at Oologah last year. I explained who we where and what we where hoping to accomplish and invited them to attend Susan’s ride or have one in their own area. Great Bunch of people.

While at the convention I talked to Teri Folks of Oklahoma Horse on Line and Trail Blazer Magazine. She is planning on Doing an Article on Hooves for a Cure a little later on. After we get more details on all the rides.

I will be getting the updated info to her for the Oklahoma Horse on line website for the Oklahoma rides. If you know of similar sites on your states, check and see if we can post your rides there. Another place to get the rides listed is club calendars in your area.

On January 23, 2008 I met with Christy from Susan G. Koman. She is very impressed in what we accomplished in our first year and is excited that we decided to do it again. She is going to work with us to get the word out to other affiliates about us. She will be attending a meeting in Dallas on February, with other Regional Directors, so I am getting a list of all the rides we have so far.

In the next couple of weeks I will get a “Starter Pack” online, so that those interested in putting on a ride can see what they need to do and decide if they would like to join us. If you have any suggestions on things I should put in it I would love to hear them.

Have a good week!

Debbie Briggs

Hooves for a Cure Director

www.hoovesforacure.com

Free Dog to a Good Home!

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Not sure how much time I have to get him given away Sooner would be better.

Rick has decided that Bubba must really go. He will take him to the pound, Rick just doesn’t know where the pound it. 😛

Bubba is part blue heeler, part Austraulian sheppard. He is probably about a year old. He stands about 18″ or so and around 40 pounds. (I am not a good judge of dog flesh. He is small for a TB.) 🙂 He has had all his shots, he is nuetered, and housebroken. He has not grown much since we got him in June. He is a dog and Rick has decided we don’t need one.

Bubba is trained to voice commands. He will come when called. He loves to play and is great with kids and cats. He loves playing with his hands. His one bad habit: Chewing. I think he is out growing it and I know it is happening less frequently, but he does chew.

If you would like to give Bubba a home please email me and let me know. I have attached a few picutres or you can go to https://www.sierraranchok.com/dog.html and see more pictures.

Thanks,
Deb Stowers
deb@sierraranchok.com
More contact info on the website.

My Chirstmas Present!

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OK, so this is not a picture of my Christmas present. 🙂

Allyson (kid no. 3) is now officially ours. Her mom signed the papers on Christmas and the judge finalized everything on January 2.

One of the first things Allyson asked for was a rat. EEWWW! I was negotiating for a little white mouse when one of the interns said she had chinchillas that she was giving away. So, we investigated and researched and brought home a Chinchilla to add to the zoo. The kid is beside herself. I think the Chinchilla would be happier if the cats would not hang out at her cage. But she is adjusting well to the zoo.

Allyson is adjusting to living at our house. She is having to do some things for herself that she did not do at Mom’s, but she is getting the routine. She is being a big help by feeding the horses when she gets home from school. I figure the least I could do for a bit is make sure her clothes are washed and put up. We will transition into the more independent thing. I think that part is real new to her.

Well, better get back to the real job. Have a great week!

First Picture of the Grandkid!

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As some of you remember from past blogs we gained custody of the No. 2 kid just after her mom married her to a pretty nice kid. We actually did gain custody of Ashley, but since she is married Justin really has custody.

Being 16 and 18 birth control was not something they were both thinking about. DUH! So shortly after marrying the silly couple found out they were pregnant. Great! Just what every young couple needs.

One of our boarders is their OB/GYN and got permission to give this to Rick for Christmas. Course if you look closely you will see why! It is still in the womb and has Ashley’s attitude. They keep referring to the baby as a girl, and Michelle (pleading patient/doctor privileges) will not confirm. The kids don’t ever seem to be around long enough to officially ask, so I guess we can assume. And being the not so excited stepparent I think the silly grandkid is due in June. Probably around City Slickers, but not like I wanna be there.

There was a reason I didn’t have kids. I think Ashley will figure that out. Don’t mind spoiling it as long as I don’t have to touch the silly thing until it talks. I will add more stuff later. Just knew folks were thinking about this and wanting an update. NOT!

Happy New Year!

Worst Frigging Ice Storm of the Century and now Firggin Snow Preditcted

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We have not had power since 5AM on Sunday morning. We broke out the generator and have been doing as well as can be expected with a totally electrice house. We have a forced air insert in the fireplace and have been keeping everything pretty toasty. God blessed us with plenty of frigging wood in the yard around the house, let alone down the drive and pasture.

Got up Mon. and normal 5AM to see what was going on. They activated the danged EOC at 5:30 and for some fricking reason expected ME to be there! I called in and told them that I would be at work when I could get out of my drive, and that I needed to get off the danged phone while the limbs were falling on my house! So I wasn’t in the bestest mood when they called at 10AM wanting me to do damage assement! Limbs were still falling. I am jsut thankful that we had some trimmed a couple of months back. It would have been much worse if we had not had that done.

Tues. Rick finally got the drive cleared enought to pass. He siad he flet like a rat in a trap. He would cut one tree free and two more would fall. The picture above is our driveway.Got more gas. Got wood and stuff in place so the kids could keep the fire going while we were gone. I came to work yesterday, but we had no power here and I was wondering why the heck I was not at home. Our silly building has back up power, but we are not the important folks, so I had to go down a floor to read email and such. At least today we have power and heat and internet. We ahve all those things at home, I just seem to be constantly doing things and not having time to check in here.

I have pictures I need to load on the internet somewhere. I think I will add a page to my web site and post the link here.

I still haven’t gone to the EOC. Figured that sending all my employees was enough. Well, best get back to the real job. At least pretending better to doing it. Hope you all are doing great! Sending hugss and hhhhmmmmmsss to those in need.

Sierra Ranch News – November 2007

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Welcome!

Welcome to the seventh edition of the Sierra Ranch News! I know lots have folks have been taking advantage of the wonderful fall weather and riding. It is now deer gun season so riding has ceased until the first part of December in most places. And now we are finally getting the seasonable cold weather that makes you not want to ride.

Sierra Ranch is starting to make more preparations for the winter. Check out the articles below for more helpful hints on how to make your horse more comfortable when the nasty winter weather hits. Several of our horses don’t make much fur and are blanketed on and off. Make for a fun time trying to keep up with the weather and what it will be doing.

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 know you thought I would never actually get this done. But at last here are two different Sierra Ranch Logos. We are changing our tag line from “Come test ride your next horse today!” to “Where your equine experience begins!” Part of the reason for doing this if the fact that Rick finally came to the realization that he really doesn’t want to sell any of the horses we have. So in order to keep them they must earn their keep and be leased, used for lessons, or trail rides. We will have more on that in the coming months.

I have been working on a couple of logos. This is the first one. Next month we will have the second one. Rick thinks the horse looks a little mad. I tried to make it not so mad, but then Rick thought we needed something different, since we changed our tag. 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 is attached to this email or you can visit 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. 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!

Winter Care: Use Caution When Changing a Horse’s Rations

Some horses might need more feed to replace energy loss brought about by cold, harsh weather conditions. Equine owners must practice sound management in altering their animal’s rations to avoid problems with colic or laminitis. To read the whole article, click the link below:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10826

Laminitis Studies Financed by Barbaro Fund to Commence

Two projects focusing on the equine disease laminitis will be launched soon utilizing funds raised by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association in memory of the late 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. The projects, at more than$100,000, will be conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia and Louisiana State University, according to a release from the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation. To read the whole article, click the link below:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10784

The Business of Horses – So You Want to be Involved in the Horse Industry?

Winter is a great time to reassess your business and why you are in it. Here is a great article about getting into the horse business and what is required. Not everyone can be the trainer, sometimes you have to do the other jobs required to make a successful horse business profitable. Hope you find this informative. To read more of this article by Ralph Bain from www.businessofhorses.com, click the link below:

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Business-of-Horses—So-You-Want-to-be-Involved-in-the-Horse-Industry?&id=734973

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!

December 8-10 Wild Horse Trail Camp Last Chance Ride, Honobia, OK. Contact: Sherry Wright 918-755-4570 Electric & water hook-ups available. Cabin rentals also available. Camp sites & cabin rentals available year round.

December 8 Lake Carl Blackwell 2nd annual POKER RUN, Stillwater, OK. This is a pleasure ride event with prizes for the best hands collected, hamburger cook out. Point of contact is the Lake Manger, Chad.Meisenberg@okstate.edu, www.lcb.okstate.edu

January 1, 2007 BGTRC New Years Day ride at Bell Cow in Chandler, OK. Contact Deena Wilson at (918)766-3402.

January 26 Practical Horsemanship Clinic Series, Bridlewood Equestrian Facility 5300 N Air Depot, OKC, Oklahoma. A bi-monthly Series of Equestrian Educational Speakers & Clinicians 9-5 Bring your own chair. $20. Audit fee Door prizes. Western & English Disciplines, Health & Nutrition, contact: Bridlewood 405-771-3606 (c) 213-9772

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

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

A Horse is not a Puppy
By Rick Stowers
Check out Rick’s Riding Lessons at http://www.horsematch.net/Rickstowers.html

We all know the scene… A child receiving a new puppy and forming a bond growing up together. Well, back to the title. Most young people simply do not have the years of patience it takes to train a 2-year old horse.

All of us who are mature in our equestrian lives know that before a horse is five or so his attention span is short at best, and possibly nonexistent on some days. Just like it takes our children years to go through the growth process – mentally as well as physically (some take longer mentally, our equine companions take years not months to mature.

My student was totally horrified when I answered the question of “How long will it take for my horse to be trained as well as the lesson horse I am riding?” with an honest 2.5 years or so.

Let’s face it. Maturity comes with age and there is no magic potion to turn a two-year old into a mature horse over night. For most humans today our “instant gratification” concept and a young horse just doesn’t make sense. Any trainer worth his salt will tell you that you can’t have a fully trained horse in less than 1,000 hours of time. Working time, not pasture time. And how many of us want to put out that much effort.

Remember we are talking about OUR children. Is it really worth risking life and limb just to say you started and trained the horse yourself?

There are some unscrupulous people who pass themselves off as trainers. They say the can have your horse “broke” in 30-60-90 days. Well, let’s examine the definition of “broke.”

If you ask for that definition you might not like the answer. According to Pat Parelli in his book Natural Horsemanship. You should put only 100 hours on a three year old; another 100 hours when he is four and then when the horse is five you can “have at him.”
Well, this is saying that you can’t possibly be able to finish a horse until he is five. This is a three year wait, if you buy a two year old. Let’s consider the cost of this endeavor.

Assume you pay nothing for the two year old horse. You need immunizations for the horse, plus halters and tack, plus feed, plus hoof care, plus vet care for this year. At three repeat this and add a saddle, plus time or expense to get him started (the first 100 hours) approximately 30 days of training. At four repeat this process again remembering the saddle may not fit now or halter or tack because he is growing, and add in the next 100 hours of training. Finally when he is five you can finish his training (approximately 800 saddle hours) and have him trained.

Deborah and I spend approximately $200 dollars a year average on vet care per horse. Trimming hoofs around here is about $25 per head, so at every six week trims you are looking at $400 per year farrier care. Feed and de-worming cost us about $2 per day for $730 per year – and this assumes you do all the training yourself.

So your free horse has cost you $1330 per year for 3 years or $3990 with nothing added for the saddle or tack. No colic episodes or other vet emergencies (which cost premium prices), no training fee and three years to get a trained horse.

Is it worth it? That is your decision.

We hope you enjoy our philosophy and will come visit Sierra Ranch.
LET’S GO RIDING TODAY!!!!

Horse Spotlight

Grace

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

Need a trained show horse for the upcoming show season? Here she is! Grace has been there and done that and is ready to do it again. Grace has competed in local shows. She is a great jumper that has been used for lessons at her previous barns.
I have added more pictures of Grace riding and jumping. I am sorry that the jumping pictures did not come out well. I guess my digital camera isn’t quick enough. They kinda look artsy when cleaned up. It didn’t help that the light was not the best, but was trying to do it while I had riders. In addition, I didn’t have the kids put one helmets. We usually ride in them, just was kind of a quick thing. Let me know if you need more information. And as always you are more than welcome to come ride Grace yourself.

Grace is a 13 year old thoroughbred mare. She is around 17 hands and about 1200 pounds. She is one of our boarders horses and has been used for showing and giving lessons at other barns that she has been boarded at. She is a quiet and smart horse. See pictures on her site at the link above.

Grace is a finished show horse that is trained in hunter/jumper type events. She is suitable for intermediate and experience riders. She has not been ridden by children, but by teenagers and young adults.

Grace is being offered for $15,000 — She won’t be here long at this price.

Grace is a professional at everything that she does. She is easy to load and hauls well. Stands quietly for bathes, grooming, vet and farrier. She is up to date on her shots and gets continuous wormer. We encourage vet checks for each horse.

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

You might be an Oklahoman…

by

Forget Rednecks, here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about folks from Oklahoma …

If someone in a Lowe’s store offers you assistance and they don’t work there, you may live in Oklahoma.

If you’ve worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Oklahoma.

If you’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Oklahoma.

If “Vacation” means going anywhere south of Dallas for the weekend, you may live in Oklahoma.<>

If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Oklahoma.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Oklahoma.

If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in >Oklahoma.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Oklahoma.

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph — you’re going 80 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Oklahoma.

If you find 60 degrees “a little chilly”, you may live in Oklahoma.

If you see a tornado warning on the television but don’t get too awfully excited about it until you actually SEE it coming toward you, you may live in Oklahoma.

If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your Okie friends and others, you definitely live in Oklahoma.

We’re friendly folks!

And we are celebrating our 100th birthday! I know I resemble a few (ok, more than a few) of these remarks. Hope you enjoy and pass on to other Okies!