Posted by admin on September 14, 2011
It is getting a bit cooler and things are getting more active around Sierra Ranch. We hope to be sending out the newsletter on a more regular basis. Below are some topics that have wieghed on our minds recently and thought you might enjoy reading about.
Wildfires: When Evacuation is Not an Option
Thanks to record summer temperatures and persistent drought, several wildfires have flared in Texas this year, according to information contained on the Texas Forest Service website. Since Sept. 1 the Texas Forest Service has responded to 181 fires. Read More
Senior Horse Care – Keeping Your Senior Horse Healthy and Happy
Senior horse care is a subject near and dear to my heart. My own senior horses, Annapolis and Star, are now 32 and 20 years old respectively–and still going strong.
Read more »
Study: Horses Prefer Nonacidic Water
A team of Canadian researchers recently revealed that horses tend to prefer water with neutral pH levels rather than low pH levels, meaning your picky drinker’s problem could be due to acidic water’s sour taste. Read More
Don’t forget to come see us out at the ranch. We are open Monday thru Thursday and some weekends. Call us to set up a time to meet your next trail horse.
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
Posted by admin on May 13, 2011
It was suggested that we show off some of the horses that we have for lease at Sierra Ranch, LLC. We begin this with probably one of the horses we know the least about.
To say we have soft hearts for OTTB (Off the Track Thoroughbreds) is kind of an understatement. 
We love what these guys do for their owners and are saddened with the way they are treated after the track.
Imagintor (AKA New Horse or New) filled that bill to the max. One of our friends found him at her barn. The owner wanted a walking horse and when she went to pick up the walking horse the owner “threw in Charlie” with her other horse. Needless to say she was much more wanting the walking horse and paid no attention to “Charlie.” Our friend knew we loved and worked well with OTTB’s and brought him to live with us in July 2009.
Since we had had a bad experience ( I can show the the never healing scar) with a horse named “Charlie” we decided to name him “New Horse” until we could figure out his name. This was during the time that we were starting the other business that now pays for the horses. There just never seemed to be the time to actually try hard to find out who this guy was.
New taught several people how to ride. Attended several trail rides and did wonderfully. Even rode in part of an endurance ride with no problems. Finally we got things somewhat under control and spent the day Saturday before Easter researching who this wonderful horse was. Now understand trying to ID a 20 year old horses tattoo is not fun and New was so not excited about making this an easy process. After a bit of trail riding tranquilizer and a black light we took a picture of the tattoo and tried to enhance it enough to figure it out.
After doing several general searches using some of the numbers and his coloring. Then focusing on the numbers we knew. Then eliminating the mares. (LOL!) We came up with a possible name. Imaginator. And we ordered the winning pictures of his maiden race.
Now am I going to say New is a perfect match for this horse. Maybe not. But he is a winner with several wins and loads of races under his belt, and New surly acts like all the winners we have in the pasture. And what a really cool name: Imaginator. So much better than being called New Horse. LOL!
Imaginator is available for leasing. He likes trail riding and might be open to some other activities. Come out to Sierra Ranch, LLC and meet all the horses. You might just find someone interesting to ride.
We are open Monday thru Thursday and some weekends. Call us to set up a time to meet your next trail horse.
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
Posted by admin on January 4, 2011
I haven’t blogged here in a while. We have been really busy with the other “other business” and blogging once a month on that site has been about my limit. However, after reading a couple of posts from some wonderful ladies I feel the need to put some things in writing and see if we can make 2011 even better than 2010. And the challenge was something that I think I could do. Rules are kinda lax, so I might hit them.
I shy away from having too many things written down, but know it’s a good thing. Providing an update blog once a month here will keep me on target and meet some of these goals. I stole a few of these, but what can I say… they are right on target.
1. Get Healthy and Fit – Exercise regularly, quit eating junk and go to regular doctor appointments. I know this will not happen overnight, but even small step in the right direction will lead to accomplishing some of the ones below.
2. Work Towards One Less Job – Focus on making the other “other business” hubby’s full time job.
3. Pay Off Debt – Thankfully the other “other job” is doing a great job of this. And helps us get more prepared for number 2.
4. STOP Procrastinating – This might be the hardest, but so needs to be conquered.
5. Ride My Horse – Very hard to admit, but I haven’t ridden in over a year. Partly a time thing. Partly a fit thing. I miss riding, but need to be a bit more fit to do it.
6. Learn More About Marketing – I love learning and applying all I have learned to both businesses.
7. Help Some Folks Along the Way – More than just charity work. Help others learn from what we are doing.
8. Pay Attention to Regular Maintenance – This is everything from maintaining our fences, vehicles, horses to ourselves.
9. Stay Connected – This is a challenge with our work loads, but something that needs to be done.
10. Cut Out Time Wasters – Sadly some of the online games must go.
11. Remember to have FUN – Anything can be made fun and I need to focus on that.
I have all the tools to make this happen, just need that swift kick every now and then to make it happen. Hopefully this will make 2011 a most wonderful year!
Make it a GREAT day!
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
Posted by admin on June 6, 2010
You just have to know where to look! We have had a lot going on at Sierra Ranch as of late. But first a bit of an explanation.
I know I have not been posting much recently. That is kinda a two part problem. First and for most we have been working really hard at growing Rijas Services. Going to gun shows most weekend and spending other free time doing the necessary paperwork while still holding full time jobs has been challenging.
Second has been my health. Nothing bad, just learned a month ago that my thyroid was not producing enough hormone. When that happens I don’t have the energy to do much of anything. I had been basically slowing down since about January. I went in for a check up and suggested a blood test, because just too many things were out of whack. Luckily, I was right and the meds are working wonderfully. I have even had the energy to mow parts of the yard with the push mower. Something a month ago I would never have dreamed of doing.
As I was saying we have had a lot of visiters at the Ranch recently. Dalia has brought several of her friends and family out to the Ranch. Dalia graduted from Rhema Bible College May 21 and will be shortly going to Kenya on a mission trip. Dalia rides several of our horses with Reddie Whip being her favorite. Lately, she has been riding Charming Starr to keep her in shape for Michelle, one of our boarders.
Dalia brought Vince and several friends out to see the horses. To get riding privileges they have been working on the place helping us with some mowing and cleaning up around the pasture. If you go to our Facebook page you will see more pictures and even videos of the events of the last few days. Dalia is great at taking pictures and I have learned how to get them from her.
Then we had a teenager find us on the web and come out to ride horses. There were first three teenagers, and we put them on the safest horses. As you can see Melanie looks very thrilled. Maverick is always patient and Sarge is just Sarge!
Soon they were all switching around trying to determine which was the best horse. Allison decided that she liked Sarge the best and her friend Crystal rode Maverick the next time they came out to the Ranch. And from the pasture was heard well, of course your are going faster… I am on the older horse! Crystal had to be corrected that Maverick is only 20 and Sarge is at least 10 years older. They were shocked!
So, Saturday rolls around and everyone wants to go trail riding. Dalia brings Vince and Kayla. Allison arrives at the Ranch. And one of our gun customers says he wants to go also. We have a five horse trailer, but needed six. The first ride out Saturday was with Dan, and then we switched riders later so Kayla could ride.
Dan is a 62 year old Vietnam vet. He had not been on a horse since 1965. Yes, I typed that right. 1965. He got on Maverick and rode the trails at Oologah like a pro. Maverick was wonderful with him. Dan was back at the house this morning having a gun repair and was not worse for the wear. What a trooper!
The first picture is Vince, Allison, and Kayla on the trail. The second is Vince, Kayla, Allison and Rick on the trail. All had a blast! Allison even came out again today (Sunday) to play with Sarge. I think he has found him a girl for at least a little while. Until she gets riding better and wants a more powerful horse.
Hope you have enjoyed a bit of the happenings from the Ranch. I hope to keep posting news articles and other happenings of the area. We will not be home on a weekend again until July 4th, however lessons are available during the week. Just let us know when you want to ride!
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
Posted by admin on March 17, 2010
Saddle up and make plans to attend the sixth annual “Ride to Save Babies” Trail Ride. For a minimum pre-registry donation of $20, riders can ride the trails then come back for some great food. All to help save babies and benefit the March of Dimes. Check out their website here!
On Saturday, April 17th, 2010, at Lake Carl Blackwell, horse lovers can enjoy a one-day outing, along with prizes and great food! All money is given to help the lifesaving programs of the March of Dimes. Individual prizes will be given for the adult and youth that raises the most money, along with all participants being registered for prize drawings. Registration is $20 and will include the entry fee, food, and a t-shirt. Late registration begins at 10am- 12noon, the ride will begin at 1pm from the equestrian campgrounds of Lake Carl Blackwell, located just 8 miles west of Stillwater on Highway 51. Riders will return for food, drinks and entertainment around 6pm at the campgrounds.
The “Ride to Save Babies” is a fundraiser for the March of Dimes, an organization which helps to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. You can help to save babies from these threats to their health just by saddling up and joining this benefit ride.
For more information, registration, or any questions, contact Mendi Cronister by email rockin_mr@hotmail.com or call 580-370-8890 or 580-336-4945. Or visit their webiste here!
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. For more maternal and infant health information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish web site at www.nacersano.org or call 1-888-MODIMES.
We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s ride!
Rick took several people with him on this ride last year. We are planning on attending again this year! If you would like to ride with us and need a horse or transportation, please contact us!
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
