Spring is coming to our Slice of Ranch

As the spring begins, some of our tasks change a bit with the different season.

For winter, when the snow falls and the ground is often frozen, we use the heated hose for water and make sure the horses hooves don't get too packed with snow.

Now that the weather is warming up, the snow is melting causing a pretty muddy mess. This year we will be adding sand to the horse stalls and riding areas so the horses have better grip even when the ground is wet. However, right now we make it a habit to walk around the property, especially where we will be asking the horses to go. We do this even before we get them out of their stalls.

This way we know what the surface feels like. It is true that the horses, since they stand on 4 feet instead of only 2, are often more steady on the uneven or slippery ground that we are, but knowing what the ground is like allows us to take every step to make it safe for everyone.

Sometimes it will be too slippery to ride, but we can still walk the horses around with halter and lead rope. Or we may even be able to give them a bit of exercise in the round pen by lunging them for a bit.

Both of these are great ways to still interact with our 4-hooved friends while keeping everyone safe and still having fun together.

Besides, there will be plenty of riding time coming up when the ground is a bit dryer and we want everyone to be ready for those enjoyable times!

What are you looking forward to most as the weather warms up?

Guests on the Property

When we think about having guests on the property, around the horses especially, there are additional things we need to think about to keep everyone safe and happy.

Some key things to think about:

1. How good is the person at following directions? If we ask the guest to step back, or stop moving forward, will he or she do it right away? Or only say "what?" even when we speak clearly?
2. How much does the guest think they know about horses? This isn't to say they don't know plenty about horses, but we know our horses best. Will the guest do what he or she thinks is best even if we ask them to do something else?
3. How many guests are in attendance at one time? Are there enough people that we can't actually watch everyone at the same time? Can one guest get into a negative situation before we notice? What might the rest do if we stop to help one of them?

We have found that it is always best to think ahead to what could or might happen instead of waiting until a negative situation occurs to figure out the best course of action.

Hopefully, by thinking through several scenarios beforehand we will be more prepared and act positively when our guests are here. After all, we want our guests to be happy they came and encouraged to come back again!

Lazy Slice of Ranch Days

Even though each day has its own list of chores we make a point to enjoy the chores as well as the horse training, riding, and even unmounted relaxing time. 

Today, we got out early and did our morning chores and then went inside for breakfast and spent some time chatting with our family and enjoying hot tea and coffee.

After breakfast we headed back out to work the horses in the cool morning and then inside again for lunch and a few errands we had to run. 

Back home again, we went out and checked each horse's water level and then inside to write for a bit and bake some delicious brownies!

In a little while we will head back out to see the horses and do our evening chores before dinner. 

What is your favorite thing about lazy slice of ranch days? Please comment below and let us know!