For all of those who have been to the ranch, you know our four-legged staff members are just as important as our two-legged ones. Our new Director of Horse Operations, KP, as well as Jason and Ben, have been busy this off-season attending different horse sales around the state to acquire some new horses for the Vista Verde barn.
One of the biggest things KP says he looks for when attending horse sales is if a horse can be ridden around on a loose rein. When you attend a sale, the owners will be riding their horses around the arena where you can observe the horse, ask questions, and maybe even swing a leg up there and test them out for yourself. After 3 different horse sales, KP says they probably looked at around 600-to-700 horses. “The biggest advantage of going to a horse sale with other people is that you have more sets of eyes on the horse,” he says. “It’s nice to get a second opinion.”
Here is a little introduction to the horses that were brought home to the Vista Verde barn. And if you’re coming out to the ranch this summer, you just might be able to ride some of them!
Two-step: Two-year-old bay gelding. He’s a little spunky with a friendly personality.
Hardy: 13-year-old palomino gelding. He is a big, flashy guy who will draw a lot of attention.
Rose: 3-year-old mare. She’ll get some training with KP and the wranglers for the next year or two, and we are excited about her potential.
Ace: Grey gelding. This guy is a little on the smaller side and has the kindest personality. He is ready to go on the trail and will be great for all types of riders.
Brownie
Brownie: Bay gelding. Brownie is built to handle our bigger riders, but he has the personality that will draw everyone to him.
Blondie: 13-year-old mare. Her name gives away her looks, and she is a looker. Blondie has plenty of experience and will be one we’re looking forward to getting out on the trails right away.
Pockets
Pockets: Red bay roan mare. She is very inquisitive and “in your pocket”. KP says she has the smoothest western jog. You could hold a glass of wine while riding her and not spill it!
Arnold
Arnold: Stout bay gelding. He’s big and has been a little nervous at first, but with some training and mileage we’re confident he will shape up to be a good horse.
Joy and Grace: These two filly weanlings (11-month-olds) have captured our hearts and all our attention. They are a long way from being ready to ride, but they will be ready for a lot of love an attention this summer! In another year we’ll get them started under saddle.
Another update from the Vista Verde barn is that our fan-favorite mustang, Cheyenne, has moved on to Warhorse Ranch, an equine assisted therapy center for veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, and those who suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Warhorse Ranch is just up the street from us, and some of our current staff members like to volunteer their time to the cause. We’re excited to see and hear about Cheyenne’s successes in assisting in different ways in the community! Watch her be welcomed to the ranch (and meet up with her pal Caddy) in this sweet Instagram post below.
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