Sierra Ranch: 2008

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

http://www.horsehealthcollection1.com/go/sierraranch

Only 200 Conscientious Equestrians Will Ever Be Able To Say They Are This.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

The "Human D-Cell" Report???

You're gonna love this (and even better its free).

In fact, I loved it so much I personally emailed all my friends and family about it so I couldn't keep it from you.

Its a honest to goodness meaty-meat free report called:

=============================================
The Human "D Cell" Report!

"How To Create *Instant* Results And
Amplify Them In *ANY* Area Of Your Life
Doing Something A Six Year Old Girl Can Do."
=============================================

Its at:

www.dkstowers.com/HumanDCell

Look at everything you will get out of it (and it is a quick, easy 10 minute read).

o How to create instant positive results within seconds.

o How to apply this simple yet powerful principle to every area of your life.

o Real life examples so you see it in action from job success, relationship success, health success, to business success.

o A super-simple exercise to immediately apply it to your life today.

Pick up your free copy of it today at

www.dkstowers.com/HumanDCell

Best Regards,
Deborah Stowers

Sunday, December 21, 2008

To have a horse in your life... (Tissue ALERT!)

This really explains it all. I recieved it on another list and thought maybe this will explain to my friends without horses in their lives how we at Sierra Ranch feel. I found that it can be a real tear jerker, so that is the need for the tissue alert. Wished I knew who wrote this. I know many of my horse friends could have. It is so very true.

TO HAVE A HORSE IN YOUR LIFE

Author Unknown

To have a horse in your life is a gift. In the matter of a few short years, a horse can teach a young girl courage, if she chooses to grab mane and hang on for dear life. Even the smallest of ponies is mightier than the tallest of girls. To conquer the fear of falling off, having one's toes crushed, or being publicly humiliated at a horse show is an admirable feat for any child. For that, we can be grateful.

Horses teach us responsibility. Unlike a bicycle or a computer, a horse needs regular care and most of it requires that you get dirty and smelly and up off the couch. Choosing to leave your cozy kitchen to break the crust of ice off the water buckets is to choose responsibility. When our horses dip their noses and drink heartily; we know we've made the right choice.

Learning to care for a horse is both an art and a science. Some are easy keepers, requiring little more than regular turn-out, a flake of hay, and a trough of
clean water. Others will test you - you'll struggle to keep them from being too fat or too thin. You'll have their feet shod regularly only to find shoes gone missing. Some are so accident-prone you'll swear they're intentionally finding new ways to injure themselves.

If you weren't raised with horses, you can't know that they have unique personalities. You'd expect this from dogs (and even cats), but horses? Indeed, there are clever horses, grumpy horses, and even horses with a sense of humor. Those prone to humor will test you by finding new ways to escape from the barn when you least expect it.

Horses can be timid or brave, lazy or athletic, obstinate or willing. You will hit it off with some horses and others will elude you altogether. There are as many "types" of horses as there are people - which makes the whole partnership thing all the more interesting.

If you've never ridden a horse, you probably assume it's a simple thing you can learn in a weekend. You can, in fact, learn the basics on a Sunday, but
to truly ride well takes a lifetime. Working with a living being is far more complex than turning a key in the ignition and putting the car or tractor in "drive."

In addition to listening to your instructor, your horse will have a few things to say to you as well. On a good day, he'll be happy to go along with the program and tolerate your mistakes; on a bad day, you'll swear he's trying to kill you. Perhaps he's naughty or perhaps he's fed up with how slowly you're learning his language. Regardless, the horse will have an opinion. He may choose to challenge you (which can ultimately make you a better rider) or he may carefully carry you over fences - if it suits him. It all depends on the partnership - and partnership is what it's all about.

If you face your fears, swallow your pride, and are willing to work at it, you'll learn lessons in courage, commitment, and compassion in addition to basic survival skills. You'll discover just how hard you're willing to work toward a goal, how little you know, and how much you have to learn.

And, while some people think the horse "does all the work", you'll be challenged physically as well as mentally. Your horse may humble you completely. Or, you may find that sitting on his back is the closest you'll get to heaven.

You can choose to intimidate your horse, but do you really want to? The results may come more quickly, but will your work ever be as graceful as that gained through trust? The best partners choose to listen, as well as to tell. When it works, we experience a sweet sense of accomplishment brought about by smarts, hard work, and mutual understanding between horse and rider. These are the days when you know with absolute certainty that your horse is enjoying his work.

If we make it to adulthood with horses still in our lives, most of us have to squeeze riding into our over saturated schedules; balancing our need for things equine with those of our households and employers. There is never enough time to ride, or to ride as well as we'd like. Hours in the barn are stolen pleasures.

If it is in your blood to love horses, you share your life with them. Our horses know our secrets; we braid our tears into their manes and whisper our hopes into their ears. A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled world, a sheltered place where life's true priorities are clear: a warm place to sleep, someone who loves us, and the luxury of regular meals. Some of us need these reminders.

When you step back, it's not just about horses - it's about love, life, and learning. On any given day, a friend is celebrating the birth of a foal, a blue ribbon, or recovery from an illness. That same day, there is also loss: a broken limb, a case of colic, a decision to sustain a life or end it gently. As horse people, we share the accelerated life cycle of horses: the hurried rush of life, love, loss, and death that caring for these animals brings us. When our partners pass, it is more than a moment of sorrow.

We mark our loss with words of gratitude for the ways our lives have been blessed. Our memories are of joy, awe, and wonder. Absolute union. We honor our horses for their brave hearts, courage, and willingness to give.

To those outside our circle, it must seem strange. To see us in our muddy boots, who would guess such poetry lives in our hearts? We celebrate our companions with praise worthy of heroes. Indeed, horses have the hearts of warriors and often carry us into and out of fields of battle.

Listen to stories of that once-in-a-lifetime horse; of journeys made and challenges met. The best of horses rise to the challenges we set before them, asking little in return.

Those who know them understand how fully a horse can hold a human heart. Together, we share the pain of sudden loss and the lingering taste of long-term illness. We shoulder the burden of deciding when or whether to end the life of a true companion.

In the end, we're not certain if God entrusts us to our horses--or our horses to us. Does it matter? We're grateful God loaned us the horse in the first place.

=================

Hope you enjoyed! We here at Sierra Ranch and Horsematch.net wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Deb and Rick Stowers

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=1243

Blogging at www.seirraranchok.net

Comming Soon! www.dkstowers.com

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Find Weight Loss Motivation by Feeding the Hungry!

Follow this link to read this whole article:

What a wonderful motivation to lose those extra pounds. Donate all the extra weight we loose in food to the feed the hungry or even food to feed hungry horses or other animals. She really wrote a wonderful article and I just wanted to share it with you all.

Maybe this will help with my motivation! Sparkpeople is free. If you like what you see and sign up find me at SierraRanch or follow the link:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=SIERRARANCH

I love the tools for keeping track of exercise and food. Just need to get back too it. The daily emails are wonderful motivation!

Have a happy weekend!

Deb at Sierra Ranch

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Sunday, December 14, 2008

A Letter to Our Horses...

Dear Horses,

I love you very much, and I truly cherish your presence in my life. I would never wish to criticize you in any way. However, there are a few trivial details regarding our relationship that I think might bear your consideration.

First of all, I am already aware that horses can run faster than I can. I do not need you to demonstrate that fact each time I come to get you in the pasture. Please remember that I work long and hard to earn the money to keep you in the style to which you have become accustomed. In return, I think you should at least pretend to be glad to see me, even when I'm carrying a bridle instead of a bucket of oats.

It should be fairly obvious to you that I am a human being who walks on only two legs. I do not resemble a scratching post. Do not think that, when you rub your head against me with 1,000 pounds of force behind it, I believe that it wasn't your intention to send me flying. I am also aware that stomping on my toes while you are pushing me around is nothing but adding injury to insult.

I understand I cannot expect you to cover your nose when you sneeze, but it would be appreciated if you did not inhale large amounts of dirt and manure prior to aiming your sneezes at my face and shirt. Also, if you have recently filled your mouth with water you do not intend to drink, please let it all dribble from your mouth BEFORE you put your head on my shoulder. In addition, while I know you despise your deworming medication, my intentions in giving it to you are good, and I really do not think I should be rewarded by having you spit half of it back out onto my shirt.

Sometimes, I get the feeling that you are confused about the appropriate roles you should play in various situations. One small bit of advice: Your stone-wall imitation should be used when I am mounting and your speed-walker imitation when I suggest that we proceed on our way, not vice versa. Please also understand that jumping is meant to be a mutual endeavor. By "mutual", I mean that we are supposed to go over the jump together. You were purchased to be a mount, not a catapult.

I know the world is a scary place when your eyes are on the sides of your head, but I did spend a significant amount of money to buy you, and I have every intention of protecting that investment. Therefore, please consider the following when you are choosing the appropriate behavior for a particular situation:

When I put your halter on you, attach one end of a lead rope to the halter, and tie the other end of the lead rope to a post or rail or whatever, I am indicating a desire for you to remain in that locale. I would also like the halter, lead rope, post, etc., to remain intact. While I admit that things like sudden loud noises can be startling, I do not consider them to be acceptable excuses for repeatedly snapping expensive new lead ropes (or halters or posts) so that you can run madly around the barn area creating havoc in your wake. Such behavior is not conducive to achieving that important goal that I know we both share --- decreasing the number of times the veterinarian comes out to visit you.
By the same token, the barn aisle was not designed for the running of the Kentucky Derby and is not meant to serve as a racetrack. Dragging me down the aisle in leaps and bounds is not how "leading" is supposed to work, even if someone happens to drop a saddle on the floor as we're passing. Pulling loose and running off is also discouraged (although I admit it does allow you to run faster).
I assure you that blowing pieces of paper do not eat horses. While I realize you are very athletic, I do not need a demonstration of your ability to jump 25 feet sideways from a standing start while swapping ends in midair, nor am I interested in your ability to emulate both a racehorse and a bucking bronco while escaping said piece of paper. Also, if the paper were truly a danger, it would be the height of unkindness to dump me on the ground in front of it as a sacrificial offering to expedite your escape.
When I ask you to cross a small stream, you may safely assume that said stream does not contain crocodiles, sharks, or piranhas, nor will it be likely to drown you. (I have actually seen horses swimming, so I know it can be done. ) I expect you to be prepared to comply with the occasional request to wade across some small body of water. Since I would like to be dry when we reach the other side of the stream, deciding to roll when we're halfway across is not encouraged behavior.
I give you my solemn oath that the trailer is nothing but an alternate means of transportation for distances too long for walking. It is not a lion's den or a dragon's maw, nor will it magically transform into such. It is made for horses, and I promise you that you will indeed fit into your assigned space. Please also bear in mind that I generally operate on a schedule, and wherever we're going, I would really like to get there today.

For the last time, I do not intend to abandon you to a barren, friendless existence. If I put you in a turn-out pen, I promise that no predators will eat you, and I will come back in due time to return you to your stall. It is not necessary to run in circles, whinny pathetically, threaten to jump the fence, or paw at the gate. Neither your stall mates nor I will have left the premises. The other horses standing peacefully in adjacent pens amply demonstrate that it is possible to enjoy being turned out for exercise.

In order to reassure you, my dear horse, I have posted the following message on your stall door:

"Notice to People Who Complain About My Horse"

1. I like my horse a lot better than I like people who complain a bout him/her.

2. To you, he's an animal; to me, he's a big, hairy, four-legged child --- and you know what they say about coming between a mother and her children.

3. This stall is his castle, and you are expected to treat him as the king/queen he/she thinks he/she is.

4. If you don't want him to steal your carrots, don't walk by him with the carrots sticking out of your pockets.

5. Horses are better than husbands or kids. They eat grass, don't smoke or drink, don't expect an allowance, don't voluntarily get their body parts pierced, don't hog the remote, don't waste the whole weekend watching football with their friends, don't talk back to you, don't compare you unfavorably with their friends' owners, don't keep you awake with their snoring --- and no horse ever left the toilet seat up after going to the bathroom.

Finally, in closing, my strong and gentle companion, I would like to point out that, whatever might happen between horses and their people, we humans will always love you. In fact, our bonds with you help create new bonds among ourselves, even with total strangers. Wherever there are horses, there will be "horse people," and for the blessings you bestow upon us, we thank you.

Most sincerely yours,

Deb and Rick Stowers

Your "Owners"

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Remembering the GOOD Times, Learning From the BAD

Shut out all of your past except that which will help you weather your tomorrows.

- William Osler, Canadian physician

Memory can be used for good or for evil. If you use your past as a source of learning, it's worth remembering. If, however, all you do is mull over your mistakes and punish yourself for your failures, it's a waste of time. Rehashing failure can paralyze you in mortal fear of making another mistake, which, of course, just makes the feeling worse and practically guarantees future letdowns. The key to making meaningful changes is to pay more attention to the future than to the past. Have you ever noticed that the best athletes also have the shortest and most selective memories? Instead of dwelling on a missed shot or a flawed dive, they concentrate on making corrections and getting the next one right. It's as if the failed attempt never happened. It's forgotten and they don't fear trying again. If you mess up, even in an epic, life-altering way, work hard to leave it behind and concentrate on the possibilities yet to come. Tomorrow is much brighter when it's not smeared with a fixation on yesterday.

Can we say a goo AMEN to this wonderful SparkPeople.com Healthy Reflection? I have several of these saved that I need to blog on. Just haven't had the time. And why do I NOW have the time. As the wonderful webcam (yeah, I finally figured it out) tells us I am not at home. Both good and bad about that.

Me and the PINK laptop are road tripping to our local library. I LOVE free WIFI! LOL!! I even love more the nice peace and quiet that I am geting. OK so I do have on head phones downloading my favorite rock music, but I have no OTHER disstractions. I had to get away fom the zoo for teo reasons. ONE: the danged wind was freaking with our phone lines. I need to put a danged windmill on my danged hill. :P TWO: Lack of internet connection was getting me testy with the 17yo. I figured distance and Rick correcting her would help. We will see upon my return. At the very least I can't complain about the lack of internet connection at the library. Just can't get EVERYWHERE I wanna go, but heh, I'm suppose to be working. LOL!

So here I sit in sweats. Actually sweats that say WORK SUCKS... I'm going to Remington Park. LOL! Yeah, that always gets looks. :P I have been through some of the bills. Still need to balance the check books. Gotta start putting stuff into the ranch spreadsheet. ACK! And have no excuse about being interupted or a danged cat sitting on my stuff. :) Alsmost even caught up on emails. Still have a few to go through.

Got to visit my new doctor yesterday. Then learned that I need to take Allyson to visit her soon also. I really like my new doc. She is a horse person and didn't even question my laudry list of crap horses have done to me. LOL! She loved how throurough I was with the info I gave her. We didn't change any of my meds. She even agreed that the Cymbalta was a god thing with step kids. She understood having them also. Gotta love this new doctor. :)

Then I thought I was going to torture the kids and I think they ended up torturing me worse. I took them to the eye doctor. I really think I need to take duct tape with me when I take them in public. That's the only way to keep thier mouths shut. Maybe I just need to take one at a time. They just about wore me and the eye doctor out. Dr. Judy thinks Ashley is brain damaged. (No big suprise there!) Her eyes don't focus right on the horizon or the up and down orentation. That's why she tilts her head to one side when she concentrates. It actually could have been caused from a horse injury when she was little. Dr. Judy wants to do more testing, unfortunately Ashley is not covered by our insurance. I was just wanting to make sure that she wouldn't wreck the car when she started driving. We will probably get her some reading glasses and let her fix herself when she gets insurance.

Allyson's eyes were interesting. She is kinda cross-eyed and has problems on the vertical (opposite from Ashley's problem). Both girls have musclural issues with their eyes. Allyson has actually had surgery as a baby to correct hers and Dr. Judy was very impressed. Cheryl had told Allyson that she would be blind by 16 to 18. Dr. Judy said she was wrong. Her eyes are in great health. Just the left one over developed and the right one is way weak. Unfortunately, she seems to have been having migranes that we get to visit the other Dr. about. The migranes are causing her to lose sight in the strong eye for short periods of time. We will get the physical side checked out to make sure it's nothing else and then go back to the eye doc to finish with treatment.

And during the whole ENTIRE time we were in the eye doc's office the kids would not quit talking. AARRGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!! THey almost got on Dr. Judy's nerve until she finally realized we were doing the best we could. I just never know their eys could be so screwed up. And to top it off Dr. Judy would like to see Rain. It's bad when your family has such wierd eye problems that the doc wants to see the 6 month old to make sure there aren't any problems with her. That was an interesting call. :) I didn't eve know that they could do eye exams on that little of kids, but know that it's a good idea.

Well, guess I best get back to the rat killing. Gotta go check email. Get it knocked out. Man I hate the freaking wind. Hope it gets better before 5:30PM when the library closes. :P Hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend. I know I am, but just until I have to go back home. Why does even paying bills seem nicer in the peace and quiet of the library? Awe, nice to be away from the ZOO!

Deb in Claremore, OK

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Blaze's Equine Rescue Needs Your Assistance

We have actually adopted horses from here and they were wonderful. If you know of someone looking for a horse or just want to send a donation I know they would greatly appreciate the help.

Thanks,

Deb and Rick Stowers

Sierra Ranch

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue
17667 Markita Dr. Jones, OK 73049
(405) 399-3084 or (405) 615-5267
blazesequineresc@aol.com www.blazesequinerescue.com
Federal I.D. 43-2024364

December 4, 2008

Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue, Inc. located in Jones, Oklahoma, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that strives to improve the lives of neglected, starved, and abused horses. We provide equine rescue regardless of age or disability. We promote and teach horse care and humane, natural methods of training horses.

Urgent Assistance Needed

Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue is asking for your assistance. We understand that times are tight for many right now, but the smallest amount can go a long way in the rehabilitation of our rescued horses. Our donations and Adoptions have dropped dramatically and we are having to turn horses away that need rescued. Please help, Any amount that you can spare is greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductible and 100% of your donation goes towards the horses in our care. Please consider making a donation today! Donations can be sent to:

Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue
17667 Markita Drive
Jones, Oklahoma 73049

Or donate on-line at:
www.blazesequinerescue.com

Here is a break down of how the money is spent. Blaze's Equine Rescue purchases 2 ton's a week of 12% Horse Pellets which cost $317.50 a ton. We purchase 6 bags of Equine Senior a week at $90.60 and 5 bags of Envision at $174.75. That is a total of $900.35 a week on grain alone. We purchase 16 round bales of hay every 7 days at $860.00. Just to provide Hay and Grain to 56 horses for one week cost us $1,760.35. We are very under budget right now, to just maintain the bare necessities for our horses. We still have monthly Veterinarian Bills & Farrier Bills on top of those expenses. Blaze's Equine Rescue is desperately seeking your assistance. Please help us continue our rescue efforts. If you or any one you know is looking to add a horse to their family, please check out our horses currently available for adoption. We have a lot of wonderful horses that are seeking that loving, forever home of their own. We simply can't thank you enough for your generosity and support.

Another way that you can help Blaze's Equine Rescue is by voting for us on line at the animal rescue site at http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3&ThirdPartyClicks=ARSchallenge_Ecard. By voting daily for our organization, we could have a chance to win a $25,000 grant. We are a long ways off from winning this grant, but if every one would go online and vote, it may help us win a small local grant of $1,000. Success comes one bit at a time.

Feel free to call or e-mail with any additional questions. Thank you for taking the time to read this and more importantly Thank you in advance for any help you can offer our rescued horses.

Thank you,
Natalee & Shawn Cross
Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue, Inc.
Jones, Oklahoma
www.blazesequinerescue.com

"Nothing in life makes you happier, than to serve a cause greater than yourself."

In God We Trust!

Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The beneficial beauty of selfless acts

Do something for somebody every day for which you don't get paid.

- Albert Schweitzer, philosopher, musicologist, doctor

Al was a smart man. He knew that generous acts benefit everyone, including yourself. The small actions you take now, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can have profound effects that you may never know about. Sometimes, just living as a good example has the power to inspire. Not quite as well-known are the physical and mental benefits that being a positive force can have for you. When you help others, stress decreases and causes less physical harm. Work and athletic performance improve. A positive attitude appears. And the mind is eased as troubles are put in perspective. Doing for others can involve a small gesture (pick up trash, write a note of encouragement, offer to mow your neighbor's lawn) or an ambitious undertaking (volunteer at a neighborhood center, mentor a coworker, work with disadvantaged youth). Make a habit of thinking "What can I do today to make someone's life easier?"

OK, this is an other SparkPeople Healthy reflection, but I am taking this TOTALLY wrong today.

I am 1000+ emails behind and just now getting to Nov. 1, 2008 emails. I try to read the important ones everyday, but if something has slipped trough then I am sorry. I take what is said above to heart. Al may have been a smart dude, but I'm thinking he didn't have teenagers when he wrote this. I think I need to print this out in extra big print and give it to the teenagers. Somehow, some way, some where the kids today think we owe them something. I know part of this it that I am getting people's rejected kids and they all have their own special needs, but DANG!!! I do one nice thing for them and then they come back for more or anothe one saw I did something nice and they bombard me with requests. Somedays I just need to keep my grumps bear personna and keep the silly cirtters away from me. :P

I keep telling Rick that it he really wants me to get caught up on EVERYTHING then I need walls for my office. And a door with a lock. Now I will date myself. My home office is kinda open and I guess asking for walls is like the guy on WKRP putting tape on the floor and making people use his door. (Funny, I jsut thought of that!) But in our world I put on my headphones and crank them so I can't hear children and then they threaten to put me on utube. :P There are days that killing them and not letting them turn 18 would be really easy and justifiable, but alas they live.

Now if I can just get the silly girls to understand time management and that since they are home all day THEY need to cook dinner and not me. Oh, well. This to shall pass or that's what I am told. I am still waiting for that.

The car above is my new ride. I am offically a grandma with a 2005 Ford Crown Victoira. We got it for $1500. No, I didn't miss a 0. It does have 174,000 miles on it (now). And we did have to go to Lawton to pick it up, but it was a corporate car and has mostly higway miles. I have and will add considerable more highway miles. It gets about the same gas milage as a smaller SUV that I was looking at and has a HUMONOGOUS trunk. I'd say two teenagers would fit quite nicely inside the trunk. :P So Allyson has the Altima. Now for her to get her permit. The other two will be liscend first, but at least then they can get to work if they had work. :P

Well better get. Got tons of real work to do. Luckily I think we hired a secretary and maybe someday will get another engineer so I won't be so overwhelmed. But this too will pass. I get off the whole week of Thanksgiving. Hope to get caught up some. And maybe ride some. Have a great day! And don't forget to do something nice soe someone else. :)

Deb in Claremore

http://www.zazzle.com/HorseMatch

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Sunday, November 16, 2008

New HorseMatch.net Stuff on Zazzle!

We are adding stuff when I have time to add them.

Life is getting more interesting. But that is to be expected. :)

Have a great week! One more and I have vacation! YYIIIIIIPPPPEEEEE!

Deb Stowers

www.sierraranchok.net

Saturday, November 15, 2008

My New PINK Laptop!!!

So this was not a planned purchase, but like replacing a PC is ever REALLY planned. :P Rick came home yesterday to the laptop that he uses for our horse business being as he puts it kachingaed. Yep, that a technical term for friged beyond repair. :)

So we went laptop shopping at our local laptop places. And who would have thought that for $80 less, Intel, and a webcam you could get a nice PINK laptop. :) Needless to say instead of him fighting the girls off of his computer I got the new PINK laptop. Cuz I am meaner than him and will not take a cute smile to release my computer. :P

So, I have been getting stuff loaded.

What took a whole weekend the

first time I did this took two hours. DANG! The pink one has a 200 GIG hard drive and 3 meg of ram. Can we say I got SPEED? :) OK, so I am SSSOOOOOOO NOT a PINK person, but ya know ya gotta do something to save a buck or two now days. :P Dude at the store acted like these creatures were not moving very fast. It was a pretty good discount. I know three girls at our house that would love this. And aren't gonna get it.

Course I know one friend I ride with that will try to steal this from me the next time I see her. Pinky was the pink power ranger at Halloween. She has a pink saddle, and every other thing that a horse could use, and every item of clothing. Luckily she is not on Multiply, but I may have to tease her a bit. Heehehehehe!

And ya know it's not really that pink when it's open. :) And now I am off to finish paying bills and working on the ranch books. YAY RIGHT! :P I'm off to figure out this web cam thing. LOL!

I did upload the new ranch site. Kinda an incentive to get the stinking site finsihed. Maybe over Thanksgiving. More later. Just had to post pictures of the new toy. UUmmmm, tool. Yay, that's it tool. Heheheheheh!

Deb in Claremore

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Thursday, November 13, 2008

We have great news... Well maybe not wonderful but at least news!

This is a picture of Ashley taken about August 2007. August 21, 2007 she decided that she jsut had to get married and pictures of that and the resulting pregnancy are on other places on this bog.

November 12, 2008 Ashely was divorced. The picture below is from the trial ride on November 1, 2008 at Praugue Lake. Dalia never got in front and didn't get any pictures of her smile, but Ashley is much happeir now.

The pink headed girl is one of Ashley's friends that has moved in with us. Both girls have contracts and are learning what living up to them means.

Ashley is not required to pay child support, since she doesn't have a stable job. She is beginning to figure out that she needs to get her GED and driver's liscense to get a stable job. And she is beginning to head in that direction. Liz is talking about reenrolling in high school. I don't think Ashley will do that, but you never know.

Ashley does have superivsed visitation until she is 21, has a driver's lisence and taken a child rearing class. Rick and I get to be the supervisors, although others can be in that role. Her mother and grandmother are not allowed to visit Rain unless at a DHS approved site. Those two people needed to be kept very far away. Justin was awarded sole custody of Rain in every effort to keep that element from her.

Over the last several weeks Ashley has shown that she does not want to be a full time mother. I think it would have been better if she had realized that 14 months ago, but some folks just have to live to realize what they want in life and what they don't. It's just a really hard lesson to learn and watch being taught.

Hoepfully the remaining lessons until Ashely is 18 (April 11, 2009) are not as hard.

Allsyon is doing better in school. She is learning that we were serious about needing to pass all her classes. She failed Algebra and is retaking it this trimester. In OK you have to pass it before youcan graduate from high school. Maybe having the two older girls around will help Allyson understand what she needs to do. :)

Well, better get back to work. Hope you have a wonderful week. We feel a large relief at our house. Not everyone celebrates a divorce, but sometimes it's a good thing.

Deb in Claremore, OK

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

How To Get Grant Money To Jump Start Your Business?

Ever wondered how people like yourself get tens of thousands to millions of dollars in FREE GRANT MONEY to fund their business/and or ideas - even in today's crazy economy?

Leading Grant expert Sherry Watson unveils the confidential system she has personally used to secure over $130 Million Dollars in Grant Money in our upcoming "How To Get Grant Money To Jump Start Your Business!" A Free Webinar on Wednesday, Nov 12, Noon Eastern, 11am Central, 10am Mountain 9am Pacific.

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FastTrack Signup:
http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=822732

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This is your chance to discover how so many other people just like you have used Grant Money to:

*Fund an Equestrian Center for Youths
*Fund a Horse Rescue Facility
*Fund a Therapeutic Riding Program
*Support and Empower Veterans.
*Create Affordable Housing for families
*Address Green and Energy Concerns
*Teach Entrepreneurial Skills
*Invest in Real Estate
*Start or Expand a Business
*And Much, Much More!

Sherry doesn't only talk the talk, she walks the walk. Sherry has raised more than $130 million in Grant Money for projects she has started herself, with over 20 years of experience teaching others how to do it as well!

As you well know, this is a hot topic, so don't be left out!

Click here now to register and secure your spot in this incredibly insightful look into the world of Grant Money, and how you can get a piece of it!

Sign up NOW! Lines are limited and demand is expected to be great. To secure your line, visit

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http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=822732
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Deb and Rick Stowers

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

http://www.horsehealthcollection1.com/go/sierraranch

PS. Only 200 Conscientious Equestrians Will Ever Be Able To Say They Are This.

Can You See the Difference?

To illustrate yesterdays point on bio-mechanics of horses fitting riders, here are some pictures of our last trail ride. The trailer windows are the same height, only the mounts are different. Given that MOST americans are larger and heavier than americans 100 years ago (the cowboy days) what would you ride up mountains, crossing rivers, or brush popping?

Think about it.

Rick Stowers

www.horsematch. net

www.sierraranchok. com

Monday, November 10, 2008

What Are They Thinking?

Everyone seems to think shopping for a horse is like shopping for apparel, either go cheap (like Wal-Mart) where the clothes are inexpensive and made God knows where by God knows whom, or go to the mall store and pick designer (and pricey) clothes to show your ability to pay the high price.

Well reguardless of price a horse:

Needs to eat (what does a bag of feed cost at your local store?)
Needs shelter, and possibly a blanket or two.
Needs Veterinary care.
Needs dental care.
Needs hay (not cheap anywhere these days)
Needs Farrier care.
Needs a saddle that fits, and all the tack.
ETC

So when looking for a horse, most people are looking for one who can carry them, wherever they want to go and do whatever they want to do.

Heck the payment per month on a well kept horse would lease a Mercedes and you should get your money's worth, however I have encountered just the opposite with horseowners lately. The horse that they bought is just not matched to the human or to what the human wants to do, and the two UNIVERSAL responses to "Why did you buy this one?" are either "He was cheap" or "He was pretty".

In most cases it's "he was cheap" most horses today cost about the same as the saddle on their backs, not that a bargain is a bad thing, everyone wants to get a good deal, but first make sure the horse is something that will suit your body and riding style, THEN BARGAIN.

How many of us have boots in the closet that we never wear because they were on sale, then we figured out how uncomfortable the sale boots were and left them in the closet. The good news is that boots in a closet do not require daily care, but a horse does.

Two weeks ago I was on a ride where a rider was hand carried out on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance because her "bargain" horse did not have the muscle mass to carry her and her saddle and her saddlebags up a mountain. Less than 20 minutes later the ride stopped again because the pretty black and white paint argued at the wrong time and took a tumble with it's rider, hurting the horse and breaking the riders collarbone. Anyone who has ridden for awhile can remember some stories of this type.

My point here is simply DON'T BUY ON PRICE OR COLOR. Find a horse that suits your physical makeup and the type of riding you want to do, then find a temperament that works for you, and only then start looking at colors or bargaining on price.

This might just keep you alive,
Rick Stowers

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Ride this inspiring roller coaster... at no cost!

Do you feel like you're riding on a roller coaster in life?

You know... lots of ups, and even more downs... and you can never control exactly what's going to happen when?

Well, what if I could offer you a way, not to get OFF the roller coaster (and you'll know why you don't want to get off in a few minutes), but a way to actually ENJOY the roller coaster, just like it really was a fun carnival ride?

Yes, that's right... the secret to dealing with the roller coaster of life (knowing how to ride it for all it's worth and have FUN while you're doing it) is the most powerful gift I could give you right now.

And I'm about to give it to you, here!

This gift is an incredibly enlightening talking e-book called "The Secrets of Manifesting", and one of the most profound things I learned from it is how to throw your hands in the air and say, "Wheee!" even when you think life is dealing you a hard blow.

Trust me, you've got to hear it for yourself!

You'll also discover how to manifest anything you want, faster and easier; why your relationships are like mirrors, and how to deal with the reflection; how to power up your meditation sessions so they bring you more amazing benefits than ever before; how to get the Universe to obey your every command; and much more!

It's over an hour of pure, no-holds-barred riveting content that will make you gasp in wonder and smile over a-ha moments.

And yes, it's free... but only for a limited time.

Grab your copy now by clicking here!

Enjoy!

Deborah

P.S. I know that sometimes you get discouraged over manifestation techniques you've tried, and principles you've learned. Sometimes things just don't seem to work out the way you want them to, right?

Well, this talking e-book explains to you why it doesn't, and how to overcome that. It truly lives up to its name, "The Secrets of Manifesting".

So if you think you've tried everything, just do yourself a favor and get this free talking e-book now!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The Friesians Are Coming!

The Friesians are coming, and I can hardly wait! These are the big, black, slinky light draft-type horses, often seen in dressage or exhibitions, and full of fire and personality - and tomorrow at 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, 5 pm Pacific, we'll get to "virtually" meet them!

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Fast Track signup:
http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=822732
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The Virtual Parade of Breeds is a free teleconference/webinar that you can join, view and listen to for free. Attendees are able to watch and listen to the show online, and it will replay if you aren't able to attend the live event.

We're spotlighting Brenda and Tim Johnson of Excalibur Breeding, from Deerwood MN, talking about the Friesian horse, looking at pictures of their Friesians and Friesian crosses, and even if you have one, I guarantee you'll learn something about the breed you didn't know before.

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Fast Track signup:
http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=822732
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Plus, if you breed or promote Friesians, you're qualified to get a free listing in the handout! You may also upgrade to the One-Time registration, for less than the cost of a pizza, and never have to sign up for the rest of the Parade of Breeds series. If you're a breeder/promoter, you get an enhanced listing as well.

Got a friend that should see this? Forward it on-they'll appreciate it!

Happy Trails!

Deb and Rick Stowers

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

http://www.horsehealthcollection1.com/go/sierraranch

Only 200 Conscientious Equestrians Will Ever Be Able To Say They Are This.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

American Drum Horse

What weighs most of a ton, is black and white all over, and feathered? No, it's not some kind of giant, prehistoric bird - it's a new American horse breed - The American Drum Horse!

Inspired by the horses that DO carry the huge kettle drums in royal parades and ceremonies for England and some European countries, Americans are now breeding American Drum Horses for their own use.
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Fast Track signup:
http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=822732
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You're invited to join the First-Ever Virtual Parade of Breeds at EquineTeleseminar.net as we explore the world of the American Drum Horse on October 15, at 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific. This is an online slideshow and tele-cast - and 100% free to join!

Plus, if you breed or promote American Drum Horses, you're qualified to get a free listing in the handout! You may also upgrade to the One-Time registration, for less than the cost of a pizza, and never have to sign up for the rest of the Parade of Breeds series. If you're a breeder/promoter, you get an enhanced listing as well.
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Fast Track signup:
http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=822732
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Got a friend that should see this? Forward it on-they'll appreciate it!

Happy Trails!

Deb and Rick Stowers

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

http://www.horsehealthcollection1.com/go/sierraranch

Only 200 Conscientious Equestrians Will Ever Be Able To Say They Are This.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Don't waste your energy on worrying

Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere.

- Anonymous

Too many of us worry about things that we cannot change. Although worrying gives you something to focus on, there are more productive ways to spend your time. Instead of worrying about the things you cannot control, remind yourself that worrying doesn't bring change. If it is a situation that you can control, then there is no reason to worry! Find a solution and spend your energy fulfilling it. If nothing else, just talk to someone about your concerns. Getting them out in the open tends to help put your mind at ease.

This is another SparkPeople's Healthy Reflections. I guess you should know by now why I read them everyday. Or at least try to. The 17 yo was worrying a lot the first week she was here. This week she just has been making our lives mirseable. You know it's bad when the 15 yo wants to kick her out. :P Just reinforces the Let Go Let God approach.

We have our first all day visitation today. I have no idea if Ashley is looking forward to it or not. She is pulling the not be at home much when her dad and I are home thing. She was home some yesterday, but according to her sister, so annoying noone could stand her. We will see how this goes. Rain is to be here from 9AM to 9PM. Should make for an interesting day. Justin is to come and go riding with Rick and others. Can you say FUN? NOT!

On a brighter note, we may take Rain to see my mom. Mom has not gotten to see Rain in person. And I have not seen my new little brother. Don't Panick. This is not something you will see on the news. :) My mom and stepdad adopted an Affenpinscher from a rescue place in Tulsa. (Yeah, we had to go look that one up too!) Dillon is very cute and tiny. Mom is adjusting to the new dog well. Jerrell is getting to know him bit by bit. Jerrell is out of town some and Dillon is a bit stand offish. Dillon came from a puppy mill in the KC area. She got him and then went new car shopping. So I have yet to see either her new Jeep or Dillon. I figure this should be a good time. And get Ashley away from the house while Justin is playing with the horses.

I found this site last night and have listened to one video. I am looking forward to listening to more. Rick listens to Zigler all the time. I just have never heard him speak. He is very thought provoking. Thought you all might be interested.

http://www.webbasedwealth.com/successvideos/Zig-Ziglar/

We are stating to get more interest in our ranch. Rick is hoping to be able to quit the real job soon and work only the ranch. We will be developing a list of things for the kids to work on until then. That should be interesting. We went to another ranch's open house. It was very well attended. We gave away a gift certificate for a lease on a horse. It should be interesting to see what kind of responce we get out of this. It has been hard to ramp up advertising with not knowing when Rick will be out of town. Maybe is Ashley does settle a bit she can help with lessons. Right now she seems to be on hyper active mode. Not sure where that is coming from, but she is being evaluated by some professional help. We will see.

I have had some kind of wierd cold/allergy thing. Yesterday afternoon talking became interesting. Guess that's why I have typed so much this morning. LOL! Funny thing is my typeing seems to come out with a stuffy head also. I figure I should be safe around Rain since I don't have a fever, but you never know.

Well, I best get. I have over 300 email to read. Still need to pay bills and get caught up on those things. In addition, to finishing the business plan, finishing the Sierra Ranch website, updating the Hooves website, making a contract for Ashley to live by while living in our house and a bizzlion other things. The joys of small business owner, mother, and engineer. :) Have a great week!

Deb in Claremore, OK

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

What you really learn from hardships

Suffering is the tuition one pays for a character degree.

- Richard M. Rayner, M.D., SparkPeople member

"Perhaps you think this isn't very 'positive' sounding, but I find it helps people (patients and friends) put hardship, which is inevitable, to good use," says Richard. "People can use their suffering either to gain character or become bitter. The ones who choose bitterness live a long, slow death. The ones who choose character truly live." Richard is right on the money. Happiness and sadness don't happen to us--they come from within. The story of your life will be written with or without your help. The next chapter is happening while you read this. Will you wait to see what it says later, or will you help write it?

This is a SparkPeople.com Healthy Reflection. Man oh man, is this not the truth. And the No. 2 Kid is finding this out and will find more out as time goes on.

As Dr. Rayner mentions, sometimes you can't avoid a bit of hardship. The kid is wanting us to make her feel good. She told me she couldn't study or concentrate to study without feeling good about herself. Again that is where she and I are different. I would study just to avoid all that. But again I am a nerd. I admit it. Not everyone reads text books for fun. :) Mom actually forced me to read romance novels when I was in high school. I relented to King Arther literature, but reading for fun was beyond what I wanted to do.

And Allyson is taking all this in stride. She had some math homework the other day. It said to solve the equations. I told her she had done them all wrong and she insisted this was the way the teacher told her to do them. Found out yesterday I was right. DUH! I know math and do it for fun. :)

Well, I am tons of emails behind and playing the secretary job at work, so guess I better get back to it all. Hope you all have a wonderful week. More as it becomes available. (You know this is keeping me sane, right?)

Deb in Claremore, OK

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Monday, October 6, 2008

Life... The Emotional Roller Coaster

I have been wanting to add somethings to the blog and other places, but have not had time to actually get anything done.

This is our reason we are being tortured. OK, not really, but isn't she cute. Yeah, I am partial.

As was expected, the mother of this wonderful child is getting divorced from her father. Her father filed and since the mother (Rick's No. 2 child) is not educated, underage, and without a driver's liscence and car, the father has custody. We allowed Ashley to move back into our house with a few rules. No contact with her mother. She needs to get her GED and driver's liscense. She needs to help around the house until she gets a job. We will see how long this lasts.

We have convinced her that she doesn't need a lawyer right now. The father hired the one we used to get custody of Ashley and Allyson. We all want what is right. We want Rain to be safe and right this second that is with her father not Ashley. Ashley was running to her mother's and that was not good.

We had our first court date and things went pretty well. I wish the kids could be civil, but I know that's a lot to ask for from 17 and 19 year olds. I don't like all the stupid high school he said she said crap. But then I didn't really even like that crap in HS. :P I was just old for my time. Pretty much knew my mind from a very young age. I know totally wierd. And so not today!

Alas, back to court. We agreed to Justin having temporay custody. Ashley gets visitation Wen. evening and one weekend day. Rick or I have to be present. Partially to keep them civil and partially to keep her from doing something stupid. We go back to court in about a month (11/12). We can arrange to have the final agreement then, but she is acting like she wants to drag this out. She just doesn't get it.

We went to the J-D Trailriding Camp Hooves for a Cure ride. We were looking for big foot, but figured he stayed in his cave due to the stinking rain. :) We had fun even if we only rode for a couple of hours. Rick and the kids slept in on Sunday and we came home without riding again. We are looking forward to returning over a longer weekend. We will see how that goes. :) Rick, the kids and Andrea had fun entertaining everyone with the karoake machine.

Ashley came back with the cold that Allyson had earlier in the week. So that made court not so fun. Ashley has not been helping tons with stuff around the house, but it's only been a week. Hopefully we can work on that, but it's impossible to yell at her when she is asleep. So, as with all things, this to will pass.

Oh, and to make things EVEN better. My secretary found a better job within the City and I have a temp again. One of my engineers is moving to transportation design. So as one of the remaining ones said it will now commence to rain about the time the other engineer's wife goes into labor. Ain't life grand. Oh, and I got the evil work blackberry and the silly thing even worked in Octiva. Life is ssssoooooo not fun right now.

And I have been trying to work on the Sierra Ranch website. And not getting anywhere... Oh well!

I wanna get on my horse and ride into the sunset and not return for a very long time. But I won't. I will continue to try to right the world that we live in and hopefully earn a few more jewels for my crown as my brother in law says. Someday soon I will post pictures of our trip to the hurricane. :)

Hope you all have had a not quite so eventful couple of weeks!

Deb in Claremore, OK

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Whispers of Wisdom

Get a leg up Deborah, and release me to run today! I will move heaven and earth to create our perfect run for the day.

You? All you need to do is your all out best with today....hanging on, smiling and believing that each decision takes you into the creation of your future. Make it a bright one!

Hop on and let's ride!

Wisdom

Whispers of Wisdom from a Horse's Heart from TouchedByaHorse.com.

I get these emails each day. Reading through the hundreds I got behind on this week I found this one. Might fitting. I can picture Maverick telling me this. :) And I know Rick has said this to me a time or two. :)

Rick and I are celebrating our 11th anniversery today. And they said it wouldn't last. :P Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. More tomarrow!

Deb in Claremore, OK

www.sierraranchok.com

www.horsematch.net

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net

www.sierraranch.multiply.com

Cool ride for help with rescue horses!

Check out the link to the National Rescue Ride Org in the article below. It looks pretty cool. Thing is you need to register by OCT. 1 and must do it online. They will not be taking registration at the rides. (That is interesting, but from a different way for me...) And the best part is there are 7 pages of organizations and rides all over the US. So there should be one near everyone!

As every horse person knows there is not enough money to help every horse. This is an awesome way to ride (or walk) and raise money to help support our rescue organizations in this time of great need. Even if you can't attend an event, find someone to sponser. Visit a rescue's website near you and donate online. Every little bit helps a horse that needs the help. And no, I am not a part of any of these rescue organizations. This is just a cause that we at Sierra Ranch belive very strongly about. We have adopted horses. We don't want to see any horse suffer and know we can't save them all. It take ALL of the horse people to do that.

Just something intersting I came across while reading email, which I am wwwwaaaayyy behind on again. :) Have a great Sat. I get to sit here and get caught up with evertything.

Deb in Claremore, OK

Blogging at www.sierraranchok.net