Getting out of the Arena

GETTING OUT OF THE ARENA  Today we got to attend a great “Ranch/Trail/Cow” clinic with the always awesome Susan Wirgler. WHAT A FUN DAY! A great group of folks of all different levels and a great group of horses of all different levels! There really was something for everyone.  We started the day with some solid groundwork, ensuring that we had the lines of communication “live” and the mind engaged, as well as warming up the body. After an extensive pre-flight check we mounted up and worked on some body control, getting more with less and a variety of other skills.  Then we hit the trail!  The ranch ride provided some great terrain, awesome trails and a perfect “creek” to practice water crossings (as well as cooling off the horses). The creek posed certain challenges, as creeks often do, but once we got those horses with less confidence to go into the water and splash around, it was hard to get them out! Throughout the day we returned to the creek to cool off a bit. The sand bar next to the creek provided some great opportunities to let the horses who had “steam”, spend it in a controlled space. The trails were fun. We played “leap frog”, worked on building skills and confidence as well as refining our “handle” and had a great time.  Then it was time for lunch. Hanging out, sharing stories and laughter certainly is good for the soul and we all ate and hydrated ourselves.  Then…cattle work!  Again, there was something for everyone at every level. We discussed pressure on the cow to create movement, boxing, blocking and some basic cutting. We contained the herd, passed through the herd and boxed some out. We all enjoyed seeing the babies and how curious they were. We exposed those horses who had little “cow experience” and we helped work on being a better hand for those that had experience. It was really fun. As the temperatures rose we decided to cool off again in the creek and finally called it a day. It was awesome!  If you have never done a “ranch day” before, or are worried that it would be “too much” for your horse…well…don’t miss out on these. They pace was suited for every level of rider and horse. The ranch was great and the fellowship was amazing. So many wins for everyone. Worth the effort to attend and we (Laurie and I) will be doing this again. We even discussed do a “Ranch Ride” with a group and kicking the fun level up a notch or two. Stay tuned on that!  THANK YOU EVERYONE who came out, shared the fellowship and made the day so great!  Michael C