Hello Emerald Hills Ranch Community,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and staying cool during these sweltering summer days. July was quite the month with record-breaking temperatures and a slew of new developments at the ranch. Let’s dive into all the happenings and look ahead to what August has in store.
General Happenings at the Ranch
With the triple-digit temperatures arriving early and staying for most of July, we adjusted our staff schedules to dawn and dusk. This change not only helped our team avoid the hottest part of the day but also encouraged our horses to stay cool in the shade during peak heat times. Adjusting our schedules ensured that both people and horses could work and rest comfortably, minimizing the stress of the extreme heat.
We faced a growing mice problem after our fantastic mouser barn cat, Emerald, went missing. To address this, we welcomed three new semi-feral barn cats: TJ, a little gray girl; MC, a long-haired guy; and BB, a darting feline with a distinctive brown dot on her head. These new additions are already making a noticeable difference in controlling the rodent population.
We also had to transition quickly to a new staff member, Alfredo, after Morgan left unexpectedly for a driving job. Alfredo has been a great addition to our team, jumping in to help with various tasks and bringing a positive attitude.
Welcome New Ranch Members
We are excited to welcome several new members to our community:
• Julie and her daughter Alex, with their horse Utika, who have settled into paddock #8.
• Lindsay has joined us with Rollie, who is happily adjusting to life in the gelding pasture.
We are thrilled to have you all with us and look forward to seeing you around the ranch.
Fond Farewell
This month we bid farewell to Cash. We hope he enjoys his new adventures.
Also, in a whirlwind, Laura Cooper arrived with her three horses from Kansas, only to find out there’s a stable at Travis Air Force Base just five minutes from her new home. While we’re sad to see her go so soon, we wish her all the best in her new location.
In Loving Remembrance
No losses to report this month, thankfully.
Boarder & Horse of the Month
Boarder Name: Cortney Copeland
Horse name: Tarquin
How long have you been riding horses: 29 years if you count my first ride bareback on the leadline at my kindergarten, or 27 if you count from when I started taking lessons.
What is your favorite movie: I am not very into watching movies, so I'm not sure - though I greatly appreciate movies for passing the time while on long flights!
What is your favorite hobby or pastime besides horse riding? I am a dancer! I've even been lucky enough to perform at events and festivals across NorCal.
What breed is your horse, and why did you choose this breed? Tarquin is an off-track Thoroughbred (OTTB). He happened to be available when I was looking for a project horse. A friend told me about him, so I tried him and fell in love with his balanced canter and excitement for jumping. Now I'm hooking on working with OTTBs. I love their quirks, energy, and work ethic.
What is your favorite food dish? Varenyky! You might know them by their Polish name, pierogi. Nothing beats a fresh batch of varenyky for comfort food.
Name one thing about your horse that most do not know? We went through some tough times before figuring each other out. It took a lot to work through nervous behavioral issues and challenges with pain/tension. Tarquin is now my trusted partner and lifelong friend, and we found success in eventing, but in our younger years I wound up in the hospital a few times. I'm a lot better at bringing along young horses now, though!
What would your dream vacation be? Taking a month or two to hop around South America.
What is one word that best describes your horse? Intense
What accomplishment are you most proud of? Horse-wise, it's working through my own riding fears to come back to competition after injury. Outside of horses, it's my Peace Corps service in Ukraine and, after returning to the US, leading an all-volunteer organization that rose to the occasion to mobilize an emergency response when our second home came under attack.
Why do you enjoy horse riding? It requires complete focus and awareness.
What is something on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish soon? Going back to Ukraine - I still have lots of friends there.
What advice would you give to someone new to horse riding? It's okay if you're scared or nervous - that's totally natural! Figure out what makes your horse feel confident, then focus on cultivating that. This gives you set of tools to turn to when facing new challenges or stressful situations with your horse.
Improvements
July was a month of hard work and ongoing projects to keep our ranch in top condition despite the heat and other challenges:
• Irrigation: The triple-digit days have made it challenging to keep the fields 100% green, but progress is being made. The horses have instinctively found the greenest spots to graze, and ongoing irrigation efforts are starting to pay off.
• Fence Repairs and Painting: We have been busy with fence repairs and painting to ensure our enclosures are secure and visually appealing. This is an ongoing effort, but the results are already noticeable.
• Mowing Pastures: Regular mowing helps manage the grass growth and maintain the pastures. Despite the heat, we’ve kept up with this task to ensure the pastures remain in good condition for our horses.
• Fly Control: Implementing effective manure management practices has been crucial in keeping the fly population low. This not only makes life more comfortable for our horses but also helps maintain a healthier environment.
• Clearing for New Tractor: We have been preparing the barn to make space for our new tractor, which will greatly enhance our ability to manage various tasks around the ranch.
• Water Issues: We have faced continual challenges with automatic waterers and several instances of broken pipes causing water flow off the ranch. These issues require constant attention, but we are making progress in resolving them.
• Fire Breaks: Creating fire breaks by knocking back grass on either side of the fence lines is a massive task considering our 86 acres, but it’s essential for fire safety. This effort is ongoing and will help protect our property in case of wildfires.
• New Quad: After some challenging days without a vehicle, we now have a new quad for feeding horses, hauling manure, and other tasks. Our red quad briefly returned to service but died again. We are hopeful for a quick fix soon to have it back in action.
Fun Facts about Horse Care/Health
As we continue through the hot summer months, it’s essential to take extra care of our horses to ensure they stay cool, hydrated, and healthy. Here are some tips and interesting facts about managing your horse’s well-being during the heat of summer:
• Hydration is Key: Horses need plenty of water, especially during hot weather. Did you know that an average horse drinks between 5 to 10 gallons of water a day? During extreme heat, this can increase significantly. Always ensure their water supply is clean and fresh. Adding electrolytes to their water can also help replace essential minerals lost through sweating.
• Recognizing Signs of Heat Stress: It’s crucial to monitor your horse for signs of heat stress, which can include heavy sweating, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, lethargy, and weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your horse to a cool, shaded area, offer water, and contact your vet immediately.
• Shade and Ventilation: Providing ample shade and proper ventilation is essential. Horses should have access to shaded areas at all times, whether in the pasture or barn. Fans can also help improve airflow in stables, keeping the environment cooler and more comfortable.
• Cooling Techniques: After exercise or during extremely hot days, help your horse cool down by hosing them off with cool (not cold) water. Focus on the large blood vessels on the neck, chest, and legs to help dissipate heat effectively. Using a sweat scraper to remove excess water can also aid in cooling.
• Fly Control: Flies and other insects can exacerbate the discomfort of hot weather. Regularly use fly spray, fly masks, and fly sheets to protect your horse. Keeping stalls clean and using fly traps can help reduce the fly population.
• Adjusting Exercise Routines: During peak heat, adjust your horse’s exercise routine to the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest times to prevent overheating.
• Proper Nutrition: Summer heat can affect your horse’s appetite. Ensure they have access to high-quality forage and consider offering smaller, more frequent meals. Adding a salt block or electrolyte supplements can encourage drinking and help maintain hydration levels.
• Monitoring Body Condition: Regularly check your horse’s body condition and adjust their diet as needed. Horses can lose weight during the summer due to decreased appetite or increased activity. Make sure they are maintaining a healthy weight.
• Hoof Care: The hot, dry conditions of summer can cause hooves to become brittle and crack. Regular hoof care, including trimming and moisturizing, can help prevent issues. Ensure your farrier visits are up to date to keep your horse’s hooves in optimal condition.
• Protection from Sunburn: Just like humans, horses can get sunburned, particularly those with light-colored coats or pink skin. Apply sunscreen to sensitive areas such as the nose and ears, and consider using fly sheets with UV protection to shield their skin from harmful rays.
By taking these precautions, you can help your horse stay cool, comfortable, and healthy throughout the summer months. Keeping an eye on their well-being and making necessary adjustments will ensure they enjoy a safe and pleasant season.
For more tips on managing your horse’s health during the summer, feel free to reach out to our staff or consult with your veterinarian. Stay cool and take care!
Photo of the Month
Safety Issues
Ensure all horses are protected with fly spray, swat, and aluminum spray on any open wounds. This helps prevent infections and keeps your horse comfortable during the hot months.
Please drive slowly around the ranch, especially with our new cats acclimating and peacocks that can pop out unexpectedly. Your caution helps keep everyone safe.
Keep an eye on your horses for signs of heat stress, such as heavy sweating, rapid breathing, and lethargy. Move them to a cooler area and contact a vet if you notice any symptoms.
Reminders
Please remember to pick up your horse’s manure in all areas, not just their paddock. The round pen, corners of the arena, and bridge often get overlooked. Keeping these areas clean helps maintain a healthy environment for everyone.
Take advantage of our fly mask and spray service to keep your horses comfortable and protected from fly-borne issues. This service includes putting the mask on in the morning, spraying owner-supplied fly spray, and removing it at night. It’s an easy way to ensure your horse’s well-being during these hot months.
Ensure that your emergency contact information is up to date. In the event of an emergency, it’s crucial that we can reach you or a designated contact quickly.
Cartoon of the Month
Final Thoughts
As we move through the hottest part of the summer, let’s continue to support one another and keep our ranch community thriving. Your dedication and hard work are what make Emerald Hills Ranch such a special place. Stay hydrated, stay cool, and let’s look forward to a productive and enjoyable August. Together, we can tackle any challenges that come our way and celebrate many more successes.
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