Lots of interesting things happening around here ...as always! Last year you may remember, Lori had broken her leg.... well, this year (July), she broke 4 ribs - no, not on a horse, but from slipping in the shower. However, she's tough and that's why she's my Cowgirl. Two and a half weeks after breaking them, she had Sly on a longe line and was back in the saddle. That's what you call, "Cowgirl Up!"
Speaking of Sly, he recently lost 4 of his baby teeth. I guess the tooth fairy couldn't find a use for those large teeth, so we have them in a baggie at the barn. Pretty interesting watching Dr. Kelly pop a couple of those out. Some "Cowboy Boot Campers" sure learned a lot! Oh...and Doc Kelly took a spill while Roping a few weeks ago, we wish him well and hope he heals up soon.
While on the "Boot Camp" subject, we have three new members in "Cowboy Boot Camp," Vic Otten, Kelly Hertzing & Teresa Whitworth. Look for them next time you're here. They're spending lots of time at the barn, around the horses and learning as they go.
Here's a picture of Kelly on Buddy
who joined us at R Ranch in the Sequoias.
Another new member of our family is Malek Rajie Ali Ruminaja Mohammad - we're gonna call him Mike. He's a beautiful 22 year old registered Arabian gelding and even tho we've only had him a few days, he's already enjoying the trails!
Oh, we have another new member
of the barn family...seems one of
the two chickens our friend and
neighbor Judy gave us...
AIN'T NO CHICKEN !!!
So, Mother Nature being what she is,
Big Chicken had a baby chick
a few weeks ago.
And, since we're really good
with handing out names, we're
gonna call it Baby Chick.
"Makes perfectly good sense to me!"
But, not all things are of a happy note in our little neck of the hill, Hank the Wonder Horse may have ridden his last trail. That's about all I can say about that.
If you want to learn more,
visit this link or look up:
IMPORTANT DATE:
Rolling Hills Estates Annual City Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 16 at The Empty Saddle Club. Make sure you're there to participate & root for us as we compete in various events including Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Egg in Spoon & lots of other fun stuff. And, just for the record...I am STILL undefeated at horse shoes...3 years running !!!!!
Jim & Lori's Equine Experiences Newsletter
August 2006
CHECK OUT OUR NEW STORE PAGE !!!!
We have some pretty cool girl's tanks that I can't seem to keep enough of.
Thanks, and looking forward to riding again with you,
Jim & LoriJim & Lori's Equine Experiences Newsletter
DATES...DATES.......&..... DOUBLE DATES.......
DON'T FORGET "CITY CELEBRATION" ON SAT. SEPT. 16 AT EMPTY SADDLE CLUB. There's a fun Poker Ride early that morning...let us know ASAP to reserve a horse and join in on the fun! BBQ, Poker Ride, Hay Rides, Gymkhana events and games for the kids. It will be a GREAT time. Plan on it!
Another EQUINE EXPERIENCES clinic is upcoming. Lori is conducting a LUNGEING CLINIC on Sat., September 23. So reserve your space now. As always, this event is free to our Cowboy Boot Campers, there is a $25 fee for everyone else. If you have questions or don't know what it is or how to do it, then this event if for you. Call us: 310-377-8834. (ok...everyone spells it differently...longe, lunge, do I drop the "e" before "ing"...jeez.)
The Empty Saddle Club's COWBOY DAYS is Oct. 20, 21, 22...plan on that one too! For more dates of upcoming events go to our site's Cowboy Calendar on the main page.
OTHER STUFF:
Jeez, has it been HOT !!! And, man....have we been busy! That Buddy sure has carried his share of the work load, both large and small. On many days he'd be the first on the trail in the mornings and last to come in, usually by eight at night. But, he enjoys the attention he gets from our riders, in the form of carrots and loves his grooming crews. And, he's always glad to see me in the morning...usually because I'm carrying some extra goodies for him.
Speaking of work loads, Mike the Arab....or better known as Malek, has certainly fit in well for us. Many of you have shown him tons of love -- he appreciates it and so do we. The lady who we bought him from said, "all he needs is a job." BOY, did he ever find one here! But, he is just as bad as Hooper when wanting attention. If you're petting another horse, jeez, he has a bit of a jealous streak, doesn't he? He'll nuzzle his way in...he's pretty funny. But, what a great ride he is.
While on the subject of "another horse"....we have a new star in our stable. Geeno, our movie horse, is a 20 year old, Quarterhorse gelding. Among his big screen roles, he carried Robert Duvall in the feature film, "Geronimo, An American Legend." He dies in the movie...Geeno, not Duvall. But, if you look closely in the film, the dying scene is handled by his stunt double.....Geeno's, not Duvall's. We had him for just a few days when Lori took him and Sly up to Big Bear for a weekend to ride the ski trails there. Pretty cool to ride the slopes on horseback, which just a few months earlier we had skied.
Frannie the Wonder Dog went along with
Lori and our friend Denise Johnson to pick
up Geeno. You can see from the photo,
Frannie had fun too!
Thanks Denise for the shot! "It's a dog's life."
Another trip to some great trails last month
was R Ranch in the Sequoias. A few of our
"Cowboy Boot Campers" came up for the
"equine experience" and joined our family
in a rustic cabin near the pool plus there
was singing on the trail & smores around the
campfire. We trailered Buddy, Sioux and
Malek on the trip because, "what are we
supposed to do while on vacation...RIDE!
Funny thing tho, the ranch's wranglers had
been injured a few days earlier, so they asked us if we'd mind taking out trail rides....are you KIDDING ME? "WE'RE ON VACATION!!!!" But, we did it -- our "Boot Campers" joined in and what a GREAT time we all had. Kinda makes you appreciate OUR barn doesn't guys ?!
Oh...we have 2 additional people who joined COWBOY BOOT CAMP last month...welcome Brad & Lorren. She's an interior designer and he's a contractor and pilot. They first rode with us to train for a 100 mile ride in Mammoth, then caught the fever here. They just clipped their first horses today...Sioux and Buddy look great! (No Lorren...you can't take our horses with you!) They're really fun people and great additions to our barn family.
Good news on the Hank, the Wonder Horse front...well, guarded "good news" anyway. We met a wonderful guy during our visit to the Ranch who did some amazing things with the string horses there...Dr. Steve Warren, a Chiropractor & Nutritional Therapist. Several of our Boot Campers have had the privilege to witness his work with Hank & Bear. Best news is that Hank is responding...was able to get him in the wash rack and gave him a well deserved bath a few days ago. Hank looked like his old self again! But, we still have a long way to go with him. Thanks to all of you who sent good wishes and showed concern.
Thanks and looking forward to riding with each of you again soon!
Jim & Lori
Who said dogs don't smile?
| ||||||
Jim on "vacation" in the Sequoias astride Malek
Jim & Lori's Equine Experiences Newsletter
Okay, Okay...I missed a few days getting this out on time and whoa, the nasty emails I received...but, the good news is...that you're reading and expecting our little ol' newsletter! Plus, I've received kind notes from people I never sent it to, which means you're passing it along to friends...THANKS! Please keep it up and, Enjoy!
Lot's of interesting things happening around here...wait...that's what I said in August. But, it still rings true! Lot's of news from our little barn. First, WE GOT A NEW HORSE TRAILER ! While coming back from Big Bear, Lori spotted exactly what she'd been searching for: a Trails West, 4-horse slant, gooseneck with tack room and living quarters. Now, we'll be able to take more trips, which means lots of you will be able to join us and ride on additional fun trails. "Who's up for a day trip and ride to the Hollywood sign?"
Our initial trip with the new trailer was "far away." We drove all the way around the corner to Rolling Hills Road and set up camp at the Empty Saddle Club for the City Celebration. Well, while it wasn't THAT far away, it certainly was used as a perfect location for everyone to meet and ride from. And, thanks so much for those who helped with the Poker Ride...Marion, Chrtistina and Darlene. It was mentioned at the city's post-meeting how great Equine Experiences' people were to work with - it makes us all look good and I so much appreciate it guys. We missed Teresa, Julie & Sharon tho.
While on the subject of City Celebration....wow, Kelly did GREAT at her first Gymkhana! Come to think about it...SO DID MARION AND CHRISTINA ! "Who Knew ?!" I guess there's more Barrel Racing competitions ahead ! Both Kelly and Marion got a chance to try barrels during their visit at the Ranch (see last month's newsletter below). ("I thought I did well at "Egg & Spoon!") And, I should mention...Buddy, Malik, Geeno and Hooper didn't do too bad that day either. But, what about Sly and his first experience at "Trail Class"...he did GREAT ! What a fun time we all had !
If you missed it this year, make it a point to attend next year.....or......
CALENDAR ALERT....CALENDAR ALERT....!!!
October 20th - 22nd marks the Empty Saddle Club's Cowboy Days and this year's event is scheduled with an entire weekend of fun, food, music and competition. The traditional TGIF BBQ & dance will kick off the celebration at 6:00 pm, then competitions will start bright and early on Saturday with Cutting and Team Penning. Sunday's activities include Team Roping, Gymkhana events for both adult and youth, plus, everyone's favorite....COWCHIP BINGO ! (Note however, unlike City Celebration, each event has a charge.) Contact us or ESC's Cheri Gayton at 310-346-9160 for more information and dinner tickets.
Moving on to other events, our Lungeing Clinic was extremely well attended and received! We had lots of Boot Campers there as well as other local horse people. Melody Colbert with the Palos Verdes Horseman's Association had this to say:
"Recently my husband and I attended Jim & Lori's Longeing Clinic. Lori did a wonderful job explaining the 'why and how' of longeing a horse. She was very thorough and educational and even the novice cowboys and cowgirls in attendance were given a chance to try out what they learned - and they did very well ! Lori & Jim are providing a valuable service and wonderful learning opportunity for anyone who is getting into horsemanship and riding."
We have many other upcoming Cowboy Boot Camp clinics and events planned including "Understanding Bits," "Shoeing," "Saddle & Tack Fitting" "Grooming & Body Shaving" (the horses, not me!) and many others. If you have a class or clinic you'd like to see, let us know.
Speaking of Cowboy Boot Camp...we keep growing ! We've added a few more to our barn family. Well, they've been part of the family for some time, but they decided they'd like to to broaden their skills, knowledge and fun through our program. Welcome Marion Lagatree, who works with one of the South Bay's prosecutor's office. You may have seen her around as well as heard me speak of her as she went with us to the Ranch and helped at City Celebration. And, Darlene & Barry Jay. They've been riding with us for a while but finally decided to make it official. If you're around much at all, then you've seen them as they're great hands here and we've come to depend upon them lots! They both work at Toyota and Barry is also a private pilot. He buzzes us occasionally.
Darlene, Frannie the Wonder Dog and Sioux
Marion and Yvette at the Ranch..nice shirts and fish gals!
And many thanks to Darlene & Barry who just bought the horses new fly masks...but, Geeno can't seem to get the hang of keeping his on, and Buddy sure looks funny staring over the corral..but, many thanks guys. Also, a BIG thank you goes out to Carolina and Hal who we count on very much as well. They make sure Foxy Queen is happy, groomed and loved as well as the other critters in and around the barn.
Speaking of critters...we have 3 new chicks...looks like we may be having that damn rooster for Thanksgiving dinner ! (just kidding Carolina!)
Oh, Boot Campers Brad & Lorren returned from their 100 mile Mammoth Ride with some great stories and photos...and apparently a lot of dust !
And finally...on the last day of the month (Sat. 9/30), we had a wonderful article in the Peninsula News ! Several of our Boot Campers were quoted. If you didn't see it just ask for one, needless to say, I have a few copies here.
Let's all ride again soon and thanks to everyone who made September a memorable one for us...but, beware of imitators out there.
Thanks,
Jim & Lori
Photo by: Richard Fowell
Carolina & Foxy
Jim & Lori's Equine Experiences Newsletter
What a fun month! We had new Cowboy Boot Campers join, had an amusing time at Cowboy Days and even had a proposal on the trail. And that was just part of the enjoyment around here! Plus, I keep getting GREAT feedback from lots of people about our newsletters! Thanks and keep telling your friends to visit our site!
COWBOY DAYS:
If you hadn't seen it, you wouldn't have believed it.
While waiting to be called into his first-ever Team Penning competition, Cowboy Boot Camper, Brad Ammann was sitting astride Malek...Suddenly, Malek decided to lay down and scratch an itch while among the other horse and riders. With everyone watching, Malek dropped to his knees and Brad calmly stepped off. Once finished, he began to stand then Brad straddled him and they both popped back up perfectly...to a standing ovation no less!....I don't think he even spilled his beer! Very, funny!
Thanks to Sean O'Donnell for capturing it on film!
Lorren & Lori find this quite funny too.
Needless to say, Cowboy Days was great fun. Lori rode Geeno in Team Penning and was in first place until the final run off. And, Brad's team actually came in third among 20 teams! I believe Brad& Lorren will be joining us at the Empty Saddle Club on Weds. nights for penning quite often now.
While on the subject of Cowboy Boot Campers, we had several new members in October!
Beverly Bolin, who works at FedEx, has been riding with us for several months, decided she wanted to join in on more of the barn family fun. Every time she's here she keeps a big smile on her face...even while clipping Hank! (see our Cowboy Boot Camp page)
Another new member who is perfecting her smile is Patty Mayfield. She and her family recently relocated here from Scottsdale,AZ and living in Hermosa Beach while their house is being renovated behind the gates. Her young daughter, Madison started taking lessons first then Patty got hooked and signed up. (Somehow Patty keeps slipping away when it comes time to wash the horses tho.)
We're feeling pretty safe and secure now that we have a third attorney join Cowboy Boot Camp. Sean Farrell, who specializes in construction litigation is a pretty good rider and is already a good hand around the barn. I sure hope the guys who are replacing our roof don't screw up!
And, we welcome back Janell Jorda, who rode with us for a while, then took a short break. She came back and recently joined Cowboy Boot Camp to learn more about the finer points of horsemanship.
A close friend of Boot Camper, Marion Lagatree and someone who's been riding a long time with us is Sharon Rose. She's been missing out on so much of the Boot Camp fun that the jealousy finally overwhelmed her! (Either that or she just needs to get time away from the Redondo Beach police department.) Bet she'll be going to the ranch with us next time Marion!
We welcome you guys....you guys are great !
Our latest Cowboy Boot Camp clinic, "Horse Body Clipping" was again well received by our members as by other local horse people. Everyone got an opportunity to grab clippers then try their luck at body shaving Geeno and Hooper. Since Geeno is our movie star, guess what we shaved into his butt? And, since Hooper is such a lover, can you picture what's on his rump. But, jeez guys, that's just two of our horses, there's still plenty of hair to go around! "Now, someone please explain to me how Boot Camper, Dave Valenzuela can body shave a horse and leave without a speck of dirt on him...amazing!"
Cowboy Boot Camper, Lorren helped out on a very interesting ride. I made a reservation for a proposal trail ride...(Our friends,the Wildman's, initially referred the couple so they had ridden with us a few times previously.) I asked the guy, "But what if your girlfriend says no? - would make for a very long ride back to the barn!" It worked out perfectly however...Sunset, champagne, city lights, horseback....how could a girl say no?! This is the third proposal we've had. The other two couples are happily wed and we wish the same to Jason & Belinda.
We had another nice article on our Cowboy Boot Camp program, this time in the October issue of California Riding Magazine, which drew lots of attention to us statewide and some interesting opportunities nationally.
And finally, our friends Rick & Wilma Escalante sent this link to us. It is a must see, better keep a hankie handy tho! click here: SKID BOOT
Lorren on Geeno and Lori on Sly are lookin' good at Cowboy Days at Empty Saddle Club
Thanks Belinda and Jason for sharing one of your life's greatest moments with us!
Good champagne, great ladies and a lot of "bling bling."
Oh...she said yes!
Let us know when you're ready to ride...we're always ready!
Jim & Lori
Cowboy Boot Camp NewsletterTM
Our little 'ol newsletter keeps expanding with a wider and wider circulation! People seem to enjoy keeping up with the happenings at the barn. So, we appreciate you passing the word around about what we do!
And, there's more good news as Cowboy Boot Camp keeps growing and member's feedback has been GREAT! Every month we've held interesting clinics & fun events and attendees are really enjoying themselves while honing their horsemanship skills.
Our latest clinic, "A Bit Understanding," was very well attended and everyone learned a lot about the types of bits and their uses.
"We're often asked why we use certain bits & the effect on the horse as well as what is the best bit to use for a particular discipline or horse."
If you have those questions, looking to buy a new bit or the interest to learn more, then this was the right clinic for you. If you missed this one, let us know and we'll keep you posted about future Cowboy Boot Camp clinics. You don't have to be a member to attend, but if you are, the clinics are free!
One of our earlier riders, who was one of the catalysts for us to develop the Cowboy Boot Camp program, was Matt Griffith. Each ride he scheduled, he'd arrive early to ask questions and sometimes even show up just to lend a hand around the barn. Shown in the photo above on the dark horse, he made this observation after returning from a recent vacation trip to Costa Rica;
"My goal when I joined was to develop the skills and confidence to ride trails anywhere in the world and be one of the best riders there. Jim and Lori not only taught me how to recognize safety issues, but also the importance of well-rounded, practical horsemanship."
Another one of our regular riders who recently joined Cowboy Boot Camp is Diane Landon. She and her husband, Mark were one of our first Valentines rides and their daughter, Brooke has been taking lessons with us for a couple of years. Brooke was thrilled when Lori would pick her up on horseback at Dapplegray Elementary. After becoming a "boot camper" we helped Diane find "Rusty," a retired Thoroughbred used to pony the racers onto the track. And that is why we call it Landon Hill...because their home is at the top!
As a surprise Christmas gift for his girlfriend, Jayme Wilson purchased two Cowboy Boot Camp certificates! When he's not on horseback, you can catch his sea legs at the harbor either in San Pedro or Long Beach since he owns Spirit Cruises! Check out his website at: www.spiritmarine.com
One of our newest Cowboy Boot Campers and who is always fun and helpful to have around is Bennett Rheingold. What makes this a startling fact is that he's an attorney! A FUN LAWYER....can it be true?! And, he's our fourth member of the bar...come to think about it, we have lots of members of the "bar." He started out riding with his daughter, Jennie along with some of his family friends who quickly became our friends as well. Then he caught the horse fever and wanted to learn some better horsemanship. He and Jennie are great additions.
And, speaking of catching horse fever, Cowboy Boot Camper, Lorren Lotesta brought to the barn family a new member! After narrowing down from about a hundred searches, she located a beautiful, five year-old registered Palomino gelding. So, Lori joined her on a drive to Huntington Beach Equestrian Center for a test ride. The next day, "Gunner" was on his way to PV. He's very affectionate and very spirited. If you haven't seen him yet, you gotta come by the barn. Lorren certainly learned a lot through the process of looking for a horse and suggested we add that to our program. Might not be a bad idea!
Another permanate addition to the family is "Sly." Our friends, John & Abby Douglass had the three, year-old registered Paint here for trail training while their home was being remolded in Paso Robles. Needless to say, "Sly" enjoys the attention he receives around here so much, we all agreed he should stay. He is a funny horse....but, so is Bear, oh, and so is Hooper...so, obviously he fits right in here nicely.
But sadly, with new additions, I guess there has to be an exit as well. Hank the Wonder Horse was put to sleep on November 16. He had contracted EPM (see August Newsletter below for more info). It was a tough day, but I'm grateful to Boot Campers and friends, Patty Mayfield and Lorren. They were here with me. "Good bye 'ol Paint. I know you're walking in grass as high as your knees. I miss you very much."
However, Lori surprised me for my birthday this month with an exquisitely hand crafted, braided hat band, double tassel stampede string, a handsome braided bracelet and two keychain tassels - all made from Hank's mane & tail. Thank you Sweetheart! Check our Donna's work at: www.customhorsehairart.com
Moving on to other happenings, we found a GREAT campsite near San Juan Capistrano where we took our maiden voyage in our horse trailer. We took Sioux and Buddy along for the trip and there were corrals at each site! Our friend, Jodie Marholz hooked us up with the location so Lori and I went there to celebrate our anniversary. What a tremendous location with lots of exciting trails.
Sounds like a perfect destination trip for our Cowboy Boot Campers to me! (photos coming)
CALENDAR ALERT **** CALENDAR ALERT
Don't forget Equine Affaire is February 1 - 4 at the Pomona Fair Grounds (see: www.equineaffaire.com). There is so much to see and lots of valuable clinics, we made arrangements to take our horse trailer and stay the entire time on the fair gounds. It will be an ideal meeting place for our Cowboy Boot Campers to rendezvous.
News Alert **** News Alert ****
Our COWBOY BOOT CAMP OFFICIAL GEAR clothing line is now getting off the ground with the arrival of our new hoodies, hats, jean jackets and shirts! Click here to visit our Store Page
And don't forget about Valentines!
Jeez, we're sounding almost grown up!
Hope to see you 'round the barn soon!
Jim & Lori
We're almost booked up for lunch and dinner rides that weekend. But, we have Gift Certificates available for that unique gift idea for someone special!
