We are full into the season, and so much has happened since my last Ramblings!
First things first, what a great year we have had so far. In early May we had a fabulous week with an outstanding group of young people who spent time here as part of their school’s “Challenge Week”. It was an honour to have them here. I learned as much from them as they did from us. Time flew and thanks to Johnny, our terrific camp cook, Red and Warrior who gave their all to guide and lead, Katie and Cam who supported and helped wherever they could, it was a total success. And a heartfelt “Thank you” to the students who will remain in our memory as the great people that they are, each one unique and strong in their own way, I have full confidence that our world will be in good hands indeed.

We have had some fun rides in the County Forest, had great weather every time. The last Round-up this past weekend had its challenges for sure, cows are always unpredictable and kept everyone’s adrenalin going. In the end, they all ended up at the south Ranch! Red made a great meal at camp, Katie and Laurie spent time looking for a runaway, the horses did as they were asked and it all ended with a couple of hours of stories back at the saloon the following day. Good thoughts are going out to Marlene, bride to be, who will have her special wedding celebration this Aug. 15th. God Bless them indeed.

Aug 15th is also the possible air date for the Women’s Networks “The Healthy Gourmet”. With a great crew, they had a couple of days here filming; I thoroughly enjoyed Julie and Ezra for their company, enthusiasm and professionalism. What fun to work with this program and I can not wait to see how it is all put together. Look for it and watch it if you can!

I have to congratulate the WHOA (Women’s Horse Owner’s Association) who put on an outstanding event at the Orangeville fairgrounds. We were invited to conduct a cow herding demonstration so we loaded up a couple of Ranch cows and their calves, Katie, Laurie and NJ joined me along with MC, Paint and Charlie, and Kizzy and, after our clinic, they tried their hand at barrel racing, drill riding, dressage and a whole lot of fun stuff to do with your horse in a super supportive and helpful environment. Terrific instructors and lots of knowledgeable people around, everyone who is a horse owner ought to support Elaine Capes and her crew. Very well done indeed. Check out their web site at: www.womenhorseownersassoc.com

The house across the road has not sold as yet so we are trying a new way to attract the right people to this beautiful and special neighbourhood. If you are curious, check out our Property Brochure

The rain is slowing down our endeavours to get the hay in, no panic yet, but two more weeks will make a big difference. So send all of us who raise livestock and need a good cut of hay some good thoughts please! As always there is an upside to the rain, it is so lush and green out there, the pastures are unbelievable thick and thus the calves are growing like weeds. It never ceases to amaze me how the grass, cellulose, can be converted by those beautiful cows into rich milk to feed their little ones. By chewing their cud they are able to break it all down, and through four stomachs and a seemingly endless intestine get every little bit of nutrition out of it all. Nature at work.

So come on out and join us! experienced riders can try Nova who is new to us and doing great, (he jumps like a World Cup Jumper! – but that’s another story), as is Aeva, she’s a beautiful 12 year old who just seems to love it out here. Laurie and her horse Jacque, are spending the summer here together and are working so hard, just fit in with our horses and crew, it is great! I am such a lucky man to be surrounded and supported by such energy and willingness to work and learn. Katie just welcomed her sister Anne here, they will stay a month before it is time to say “So long” and new chapters will open in their lives. Katie’s horsemanship is improving greatly and it is such a joy to watch her progress under the steady guidance and encouragement given by Red. She, Red, solid as a rock and super conscientious, has all the horses going so well and is even finding her way around without getting lost! Well, except on the last County Forest ride where she discovered turns on Kizzy that were not part of the plan, but that too is another story!. We say “Cheerio” to Anne-Camille who spent a couple of months here and is now off to travel more of North America. Bicycling from New York to San Francisco is part of that plan, good luck indeed!

The July 18th Round up is booked full, but don't dismay we will do it all again August 29, so if you wish, come join us, and, if you do, it is really good advice to come out at least once before for a ride, so we can get to know you and you can get to know us and our horses.

July 25th is the Saturday featuring the famous Honeywood BBQ. Over 1500 people get fed and raise money for our local arena, the beef is cooked in pits in the ground and the whole thing is followed by a dance to old time local musicians. We are making an event of it! If you would like you to come for a 4 hr ride, then we will take you to the BBQ and dance, bring you back to the Ranch for a campout sleepover, breakfast in the morning before you depart. This special ride is limited to eight people and cost per person, all inclusive (except the drinks at the dance), is $175/per person. Let me know if you would like to come. We will start Saturday the 25th at 12 noon.

As I work away here, just like most of you, I notice more and more how time flies and precious days pass us by. Or so it seems. Much time is spent contemplating life, happiness, what is important and all that stuff that really is only ‘Stuff’. Cutting hay, or baling it, lends itself to those soul searches since you follow those rows up and down for many acres. I know this is not “News”, but I feel a personal need to highlight this and truly wish for you all some space and time.

• Find the joy in everyday life.
• Hold those that are precious, close.
• Notice your surroundings and your neighbours.
• Mean it when you say “I love you”.
• Be patient.
• Feel the passion in whatever works for you.
• Forgive

On another serious note, check out this site: www.NDACT.com to see what is going on just west of here – its all quite disturbing - and when you do, think about the following Cree Prophecy:
Only after the last tree has been cut down
Only after the last river has been poisoned
Only after the last fish has been caught
Only then will you find you cannot eat money

As always, I thank you for being there and trusting us when you come out to ride. I hope we will see you out this summer or fall and that you allow these beautiful horses to help you too.