Lucky Star Horsemanship moved EAST in late April of 2019. It was a big transition filled with challenges to say the least. Still, the Universe pulled Ronan, Skyla and I (along with L.S.H) east to start on a new adventure.
In relative short order I found myself at the doors of Pine Ridge Dude Ranch (www.pineridgeduderanch,com). The property has a long history in the region but in 2018 the business got new owners, a great face-lift and a new name. Many of the horses that were headed to auction when the old owners closed up were bought back by the new owners. They spent real money upgrading the lodge and grounds in 2018. It is really something unique.You can feel it when you walk into the lobby. In 2019 they are well on their way to being "The Best of the West in the East" as their tagline says.
In mid May I began to work with Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. We (the owners and I) had an idea of where I would fit within the new vision of the organization. Over the late spring and into the summer I immersed myself in barn operations, helping create new "equine focused" programs for the Guests, new training programs for the barn staff and generally learning the "guest ranch industry" as best I could. As the "Equine Clinician" I get to do a LOT of teaching, demonstrations, clinics, and of course trail riding as a Trail Boss, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the Guests. I also travel to various trade shows, expos and events to help promote "The Ranch" and get the word out about all that it offers.
The work is physically and at times emotionally demanding. Those of us who work with horses and humans in a predominately outdoor setting know just how demanding it can be. I'm down three (3) jean sizes in 5.5 months! The day usually starts before the sun is fully risen. Once on site there is constant movement (feeding, grooming, tacking, general labor, unloading hay and every ranch chore you can think of) in the management of 80 head of horse for hours before the first guest ever sees a horse. It really is non-stop. Once the trail rides begin we are in the saddle when not helping guests or doing barn operations pretty much non-stop. Most summer days are 12-14 hours long. Winter seems to be a little less intense, falling in the 8 -10 hour range. My position has me switching gears often during the day, from "wrangler" to "clinician" to...well...whatever else needs doing. Ranch horses are "unique" in that they are "working horses" with quirks and attitudes. They have to pack so many different types of riders around and maintain a certain level of reliability. Unlike personal horses who have a high level of training these "ranch horses" can perform the basics...which is what most Guests can handle. They can also get cranky with the Staff. We have all been bitten, stepped on, kicked, bruised, slammed into and injured on some level more than once in the course of doing our jobs no matter how "aware" we try to be. Some days the horses wake up on the wrong side of the stall and we have to deal with it.Our horsemanship is tested every day. Guests often fail to listen to instructions which can lead to issues on the trail, or discover that they have an unknown "fear" which our team has to deal with in short order. The team's first priority is safety, followed by the well-being of the horses and then "providing a meaningful guest experience" through the creation of great memories, laughter and learning.
Speaking of learning...Ronan and I do LOTS of teaching! We offer Private Lessons (we even have a Deluxe Private Lesson Program), "Working With the New Horses" program, Ranch Roping 101, "Cowboy" Horsemanship Clinics (half-day, full-day and multi-day sessions), Rider Orientation, Training On The Trail Clinics and training up our new batch of horses to be good line and wrangler mounts. We do quite a few demonstrations as well such as "Cowboy" Campfire Q&A, Raising Juniper (working with the Ranch's yearling filly), Speaking Horses (a groundwork/communication demonstration), Advanced Horsemanship (a riding demonstration), Meet the New Horses and more.
2020 will see me traveling quite a bit to various events, expos and trade shows promoting Pine Ridge Dude Ranch and its many activities. it should be a very unque experience to say the least. I am also coordinating clinics with "nationally known Clinicians" which will happen at Twin Spruce Farms owned by one of the PRDR partners and coordinating these Clinicians filming their RFD-TV shows at the Ranch too!
In short...it has been one hell of a ride! I am looking forward to 2020 and the new adventures it shall bring. I am thankful for the opportunities and the experiences too!
Oh...and EQUUS FEST is happening on BOTH COASTS! Yes, in February of 2020 EQUUS FEST WEST happens on February 15, 2020 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, CA. On October 3, 2020 EQUUS FEST EAST happens at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, NY. it is going to be an interesting year!
It is my hope to keep this blog updated with "new adventures" and share some of my experiences with all of you!
You can see LOTS more oictures by visiting the Lucky Star Horsemanship Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Lucky-Star-Horsemanship-1857426887814701/
Thanks for reading!
Juni[er in June
Ronan's new bit.
Ronan's new halter/lead.
Colton
The Tank
Juniper