Syringa Paso Fino Horses

January - February 2008

Winter At The Ranch

It is the quiet time of year with snow falling silently and covering the ground with a blanket that softens everything.  If you listen closely you can hear "squeak, squeak, squeak" as someone walks across a patch of ice.  "Crunch, crunch, crunch" as they venture through a crusty snow field. 

Our horses stand quietly and bask in the warmth of the sun when it peaks through.  The deer are staying close to the thickets of cedar and stands of pine where it is warmer and they don't have to work so hard for food.  We plan ahead for warmer days when we can ride and work with our horses.

Northern Idaho, northeastern Washington and the western edges of Montana are having what I call an "Old Fashioned Winter" this year.  The kind I remember from my childhood. The kind we haven't experienced here in about a dozen years.  The kind where the snow continues to pile up in the fields and doesn't melt away between storms.  Snow storms that drop by on a schedule determined to keep our world white. 

The kind of winter that draws people together to break out of their "Cabin Fever".  And horse folks are no different, especially after dealing with snow everyday.

In January we got together with friends from Northern Idaho and eastern Washington to talk about what we would like to do with our Paso Finos this spring and summer.  We welcomed friends who ride non-gaited horses because we enjoy being with people who share our interests of horses and the great outdoors.

Trail rides, horsemanship clinics - including the exciting new Trail Competition Clinics, horse expos and breed demonstrations, poker rides, fund raisers for charity, campouts, BBQs, potlucks, and parades - it was an exciting list of activities with something for everyone.  I will post information on the list of Upcoming Events as details are worked out.

As spring draws closer...

I resist the temptation to start counting the days before the new foals are due!