🌿 Welcome to Spring at Emerald Hills!
Winter is winding down, and as the cherry blossoms and fruit trees begin to bloom, we welcome the fresh energy of spring. Over the past two months, we’ve tackled major ranch improvements, welcomed new members to our community, and faced unexpected challenges—like our well pump failure—with resilience and teamwork. Exciting projects are underway, including new water lines, paddock upgrades, and ranch clean-up efforts.
As we step into longer days and warmer weather, please remember to drive carefully on the property, check for our ranch cats before moving your car, and prepare for our barn-wide deworming March 26-30. Read on for all the latest updates!
🐎 General Happenings at the Ranch
The hills are green, and despite the lingering mud, we can look forward to drier days ahead. The arena, turnout pastures, and riding trails remain open, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the season.
Barn Wide Deworming: March 26-30 - Please plan to participate in this important health routine for all horses at the ranch.
👋 Welcome New Ranch Members!
A warm welcome to the newest members of our Emerald Hills community:
• Jeannette McCarroll and her gelding Royal, now living in our refurbished stallion paddock— the first new boarder to occupy it in over 25 years.
• Vanessa Okpakpor with her three horses: Lilibet (gray), Dahlia, and Zyran (Clydesdale).
• Michael Andersen and his gelding Ollie, who has joined the group pasture crew.
We’re so happy to have you all here!
💙 Fond Farewell
• Karrie Bradley created an equestrian dream of living on a property with her horse. While she still helps out at the ranch and cares for the minis, we sure miss Steimee’s presence around here.
• Nathalie Brown landed the job of her dreams and relocated to Georgia in late 2024. Her horses, Ryland and Shiloh, stayed in our care until she was ready to move them across the country. Best of luck in this new chapter!
🌟 Boarder of the Month
Boarder: Kirsten Kanarr
Horse name: Granite
How long have you been riding horses: 28 years, I started when I was 6 after I wore my parents down by begging for riding lessons.
What is your favorite movie: Lord of the Rings trilogy.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime besides horse riding? I have always had a love for running, and that has grown into one of my main hobbies when I started running ultramarathons in 2021. I will be attempting my first 200 mile race this June!
What breed is your horse, and why did you choose this breed? Granite is a percheron/thoroughbred cross. My mom and I were looking for a young horse that we could grow with when I was in high school. I found Granite online and fell in love immediately! His thoroughbred side made him pretty athletic when he was younger, which was great when I used to show him in the jumper ring.
What is your favorite food dish? A nice, hearty burrito.
Name one thing about your horse that most do not know: Granite is a PMU baby. When his mother was pregnant with him, her urine was collected to create Premarin, so Granite was more or less the byproduct of the PMU industry. He was born in Canada and picked up by a horse rescue up there before he was bought by his previous owner who brought him to California.
What would your dream vacation be? I would love to go on a horseback safari in South Africa!
What is one word that best describes your horse? Hungry
What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am proud of each of my 100 mile finishes, whether on foot or in the saddle (I borrow horses for endurance riding). Each time I do a long race like that I learn how to problem solve different challenges.
Why do you enjoy horse riding? I've always felt at home in the saddle. I love feeling a connection with a horse, when you can feel how powerful they are and you have the priviledge to share their world for a little while. There's nothing like it!
What is something on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish soon? I would really love to complete the Tevis 100 mile endurance ride within the next year or two.
What advice would you give to someone new to horse riding? Only one of you is allowed to freak out at a time, and it's always the horse's turn.
What do you do for a living? I am the Equine Surgery Supervisor for the elective surgery service at UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
We love learning more about our fellow boarders and their amazing horses! Stay tuned for next month’s feature. If you’d like to be highlighted, let us know!
🏡 Improvements Around the Ranch
The new tractor has been busy helping us complete several major projects:
Water & Infrastructure Updates
• The wash rack has been updated and is ready for increased use as the weather warms up.
• Paddock #24 was completely overhauled after being home to Gizmo for over 20 years. The original concrete cow trough was removed, the water line closed off, and the shelter base rebuilt—just in time for Royal’s arrival.
• New water lines have been installed in several areas:
• Paddock #26 is nearly complete, with just one last section left to finish before summer.
• A new waterline from the hay barn to the live-in pasture is underway. Cookie and Sunny’s automatic waterers are up and running, and once we get a trencher, we’ll extend the line to the pasture and corral—no more hoses!
Emergency Well Repair
January threw us a major curveball when our well pump failed, leaving the ranch without water for 10 days.
• Our team worked in pouring rain, hauling water from the fire station to hand-fill buckets for stalled horses.
• Finding the right contractor and equipment took time, and we had to wait for the ground to dry enough for the crane to access the well house.
• Now that it’s fully repaired, we’re all appreciating the simple luxury of running water!
Ranch Clean-Up & Space Optimization
• Four dump truck loads of old wood, metal, and debris were removed, clearing up space and making the ranch more efficient.
• The newly opened space creates a better working environment for the team and enhances the overall look of the ranch.
🐎 Fun Facts About Horse Care & Health
Understanding & Preventing Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers are a common but often overlooked issue in horses. They can cause weight loss, irritability, and even colic.
Signs of Equine Gastric Ulcers:
• Reduced appetite or picky eating
• Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight
• Mild colic episodes
• Girthiness or sensitivity when saddling
• Changes in attitude or performance
Prevention Tips:
• Provide hay throughout the day to keep stomach acid buffered.
• Minimize stall confinement and allow pasture turnout whenever possible.
• Avoid high-starch feeds and opt for a fiber-rich diet.
• Consider supplements that support a healthy stomach lining.
For more in-depth reading:
📸 Photos of the Month
⚠️ Safety Issues & Reminders
Drive Slowly & Check for Cats!
Our ranch cats—Mc (Hobbs/Fluff) and Tom—often nap under vehicles.
• Before moving your car, check underneath or ask a friend to look.
• If you stop to chat in the lot, double-check before pulling away.
• These incredible mousers keep our grain room rodent-free, so let’s keep them safe!
Barn-Wide Deworming: March 26-30
All horses must participate in this important health routine.
🔧 2025 Upcoming Projects
As we continue to improve the ranch, we have several exciting projects planned for 2025. These additions will enhance the functionality, safety, and overall experience for both boarders and their horses. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
🏡 Infrastructure & Aesthetics
1️⃣ Landscape Lighting – We’ll be installing pathway lights and uplighting throughout key areas of the ranch to improve safety and ambiance during evening hours. Estimated Completion - Spring 2025
2️⃣ Oxygen Pump for the Pond – A new oxygen pump system will help keep the water moving to improve water quality, reduce algae buildup, and create a healthier ecosystem. Estimated Completion - Spring 2025
💦 Irrigation & Pasture Expansion
3️⃣ New Irrigation System for Turnout Pastures – We’re upgrading the irrigation system for the two turnout pastures, ensuring that horses have lush grazing areas throughout the year. Estimated Completion - Spring 2025
4️⃣ Mare Pasture Across the Bridge – This long-awaited and constantly requested 10-acre mare pasture will provide group pasture space for those mares that are in paddocks but wishing to be more free in pasture life. Estimated Completion - Fall 2025
🏇 Expanded Riding & Retirement Facilities
5️⃣ New Riding Trail – A designated riding trail along the outer fence line across the bridge is in the works, providing scenic riding opportunities for boarders who enjoy exploring new terrain. Estimated Completion - Fall 2025
6️⃣ Retirement Barn – We’ll be repurposing the newer barn across the bridge, which has never been used, into a dedicated retirement barn. This space will offer larger stalls, private paddocks, and a relaxed environment for retired horses. Estimated Completion - Fall 2025
These projects are a key part of our long-term vision to enhance the ranch experience for everyone. We appreciate your support as we work through these improvements and look forward to seeing them take shape throughout the year!
🎭 Cartoon of the Month (Eric to add!)
💛 Final Thoughts: A Moment of Gratitude
As spring arrives, let’s take a moment to appreciate everyone who makes our equestrian lives possible. From the farmers who grow our hay to the companies that manufacture and transport our supplies, to the hardworking teams who feed and care for our horses, every person behind the scenes plays a role in making this life possible.
Let’s also acknowledge our fellow boarders—whether it’s a friendly wave, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing in the joy of horses, we are grateful for this incredible community.
Here’s to a beautiful and bright season ahead!
Best,
The Emerald Hills Ranch Team
Thank you for the warm welcome Royal and I have received from everyone...from Laura, the amazing staff and fellow boarders. This is truly a wonderfully friendly and safe environment. We are thrilled to be here. Because Royal is a "special needs" gelding, I sleep so much better knowing he is at your facility. I have so much gratitude for everyone! xoxoxo Jeannette and Royal