Well Howdy Wranglers - and Happy Spring!

And that is what it feels like out here in God's Country. It has been a very different winter for all of us, mild and easy. Our cows are fully into calving, the horses are losing their hair and the real change of season cannot be far away.

Before I tell you about some of the exciting changes here, I have to tell you all that Bubba is now protecting his final Ranch.

He has greeted so many of you, sat on many a foot to demand more affection before we departed on our rides, with Bubba leading the way. Some of you will remember the early days; his three consecutive encounters with porcupines in one season - before he learned; his stop at every water hole no matter what the water temperature; his attempts at herding cattle and how proud he was when it worked the way it was supposed to!, his big head and deep bark.
He protected us at campouts, and you marveled at his patience when he would lie off to the side, watching us prepare and then eat supper, never begging, just waiting for his plate after we were all done.
He is in hundreds of pictures and thus has literally made friends around the world. He was always so eager to go, so excited when he heard us pick up the lead lines to get horses. Bubba, you have been an inspiration in your own way, so brave, so loyal, so much fun, you are just part of this Ranch and will never, ever be forgotten.

Thank You Bubba.

It was fun to work in the indoor arena this winter and to see it all come together. No doubt I will always like riding outside way better, yet from a teaching/training point of view, the indoor venue has proven very successful. So some of our younger/newer horses are coming along just fine, Lightning, Thunder and Jackson in particular should be ready sometime this summer to get out there on a more consistent basis. Okota is coming along great as well, yet I have that feeling that he will only ride for me for some time yet! He is independent and fierce in his attitude, it will be another year before he will fully develop into a fabulous lead horse, strong willed and brave, but with all those positives also comes that you really have to earn his respect to have him truly work for you. He has been here 18month now and it just starting to really "get it", to focus on the human and see all the positive we can bring, rather than see the human as a hindrance to his possibilities. With his short "bear ears" he is such fun and I hope you will see him out there with me many times this summer.

The big new development here at Rawhide is that we have started the Fair Weather Riding Gang - our NEW horse leasing program. What's different about our program is you can lease one of our horses from May to November - you do not have to commit to a full year if you do not want to! What a way to enjoy horse ownership, ride on your own, on fabulous Ranch land trails during the more seasonable time of year! Being a member also includes Wrangler led "Gang" rides once a month to new destinations and more opportunity to participate in some of our cattle work. Check out details at: Fair Weather Riding Gang There is a limit of 10 members and the first five horses are already spoken for - check it out soon so that you won't be disappointed! We are excited about this and have great plans to get the gates and trails ready. So bring your dreams and energy and help us make this a lot of fun.

Our summer calendar is not quite finished yet, but we will have it posted before March is over, please check back for it.
On another note, July 28th is another big event in Dufferin County, NDACT is hosting the "Stomp the Mega Quarry" event, a walk, bike and run highlighting this great farmland that is being threatened by this application and some of the watercourses it would effect. It is a professionally managed event and will include the famous Honeywood BBQ. Registration opens April 1st. Please mark the date and help us spread the word.
Close your eyes and before you know it, it will all be green outside. Enjoy all life has to offer, be kind to one another and I hope that you find time this summer to come 'Ride the Range' with us.
Until then,

Crusty

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