To my Ranch "Zookeeper"

Here is a poem that I wrote for Ian, who ensures that our horses are safe every day!

To my Ranch "Zookeeper"
Each day you awake knowing what lays ahead,
With a coffee in hand, you ensure that each horse get fed.
With their tummies full of grain and hay,
One by one you lead them to the pasture to play,
As you head back to the barn, you know what to anticipate,
You enter a stall with pitch fork in hand, only to find two dogs eager to participate.
There are only a few who know how much you really care,
Because at $2 a day, that just seems unfair!
You may not be a horse whisperer or have your PhD in zoology,
But that doesn’t matter, to us you are our "Professor of Poopology".
Although at times it may seem to go unnoticed, this poem is to THANK YOU! From US.
You provide our horses with a heaven on earth, and the best part is... you do it without a fuss!

Differences in Riding Styles

Have you ever wondered what the main differences are between English and Western riding. Well I have....so here are some answers that I know you have always wanted to know.

As far as riding goes, the main difference between English and Western riding is that in English riding, the rider takes a direct contact with the horse's mouth via the reins and uses the reins as part of the "aids" (along with the seat and the leg) for speed and direction. Most western riding horses are ridden on little or no contact and the rider uses his seat, his weight and neck-reining to give aids to the horse. In English style riding, you work more on using your legs; whereas, in Western, one become one with the seat.

The Western riding style comes from the "Wild West" where horses were used for work. This style originated with the Spanish ranches of the 1600’s and 1700’s in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Cowboys and Cowgirls spent hours and even days riding, sometimes never dismounting. For this reason the type of clothes worn and the structure of the saddle is very different from the English style. The clothes were meant to be comfortable and rugged to sustain the rigorous workload. The saddle was built with strong leather stitching so that it would not come apart while in the field. The Western saddle also has a horn on the front to assist the rider when lassoing cattle. It is said that Western riders need to be ready for any surprise that comes their way. At the same time, the horse needs to be alert and be able react to any situation. There is little time for communication between rider and horse while working in the field. The horse must know what to do without being told. This is one of the major differences between the Western and English riding styles.

English riding developed in England and was brought to America. It has always been thought of as the "proper" or "traditional" way of horseback riding. Communication between rider and horse is essential in English riding. The rider controls every move of the horse through use of the reins and the rider’s legs. The saddle is lightweight and made to fit close to the horse’s body to make it easier for the rider to control the horse. There is no horn on the front of the saddle and the stirrups and bridal are small and simple. The English style of dress is very different than the Western style. A lot of emphasis is placed on appearance in English riding. The clothes tend to be very old fashioned, and formality is key when riding in an English competition.

A Poem from Cowgirl!

This is a poem that I wrote. It comes from the heart. In essence, it is a story about my life and how it is not unlike that of my horse, Cheyenne. Enjoy!


There is no need to ponder how my life should be,
As everyone seems capable of doing that for me!
There is one being who is always without judgment,
She loves me unconditionally.....with no resentment!
Just as I, she is full of spirit and energy,
However, this is often misunderstood, but I think it is complete synergy!
The bond we share is like no other,
It is not unlike the one I share with my mother!
So when push comes to shove,
She fights for what is hers, for all she yearns is to share her love!
Her acts of aggression are merrily to teach,
Those who cannot go beyond their reach!
So next time when she bears her teeth and pins her ears,
Look closely in her eyes as you may see a tear!
The tear is not for fear or sadness
But rather because this world is complete madness!

My horse understands me like no other.........

The Horses Eye by Jan Barley

When I am growing weary and my life is still and dim,
I look into his face and see the truth in him.
He sees the reflection and relishes the time we have.
I see it in his eyes. It comes as no surprise.
To find that he knows more than me,
And yes he always will.
Advanced we think we are. In truth we never were.
The horse he knows it all and keeps it to himself,
No arrogance or demonstrations of his higher knowledge. He simply is!
As I look into his eyes, I see greatness, I see life.
I see light and beauty and innocence and trust.
And I fall at the feet of my horse and ask to share his knowledge
I am proud; I am honoured to be asked to share a part of his life, a part of his growth
And to share his vision of life.
If you can only see it for an instance - don't take it from him
Give yourself to him with openness and honesty as he does to you.
Let his spirit fly!The union of this bond exposes the weakness of humans.
I grasp it gently in my heart with humility and gratitude.
I have been gifted to see - but for a minute - a glimpse of what was intended for us all to feel.
No matter what words are spoken.
From this point on this magical moment cannot be broken.
The spiritual being of horse is the light that shines my pathway
This cannot be twisted by barbed words of the ones that do not see.
It is for truth just my horse and me.