Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Horse News You Can Use - September 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/

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Horse News You Can Use - May 2011

We are still working on getting things going at the Sierra Ranch. Have had a few trial rides go out and expect more whe school gets out. Call us and set a time to come pick out a great horse to ride.

Here is cool news from the horse world:

DO HORSES RECOGNIZE THEIR PEOPLE?

Does a horse respond differently to "his person" as opposed to a stranger? The results of a recent French study indicate that horses use auditory and visual information to recognize specific people, and that they expect certain behaviors from those people based on previous experience. Continue reading...

BLM OFFERS TOUR OF OKLA. LONG-TERM HOLDING FACILITIES

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting an all-day public tour of two wild horse long-term holding pastures in Hominy, Okla., about an hour from Tulsa. The tour, which will take place on June 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., will give the public an opportunity to observe wild horses roaming in a natural setting across thousands of acres. Continue reading...

THOROUGHBRED 'PERFORMANCE GENES' FURTHER EXAMINED IN STUDY

The genetics behind the athletic performance of Thoroughbred racehorses has been a popular area of research in the past few years. A large-scale study was carried out recently in Japan, the results of which corroborate those of previous studies: Identifying specific "performance genes" on equine chromosome 18 could identify the ideal distance for a Thoroughbred to race. Some industry veterinarians, however, suggest that this information should still be evaluated and used with caution. Continue reading...

Hope you enjoy the news. We will be posting pictures of the horses available for lease in the next day or so. 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/

Monday, April 4, 2011

Horse News You Can Use - April 2011

We are getting Sierra Ranch, LLC back and going so you will be seeing more postings here and the newsletter should be going out more regularly. :) Here is some news that we are getting ready for at the ranch. Tomorow the vet is coming for coggins and shots. Should be a fun day. So glad I will be missing it this year. ;) VACCINATION BASICS FOR HORSES Vaccination used to be simple. You bought a couple of vaccines at the feed store and gave them once a year to your horse. Today there are so many vaccination options that if you still administer vaccines yourself without at least talking to your veterinarian, you might be selling yourself, and your horse, short. Continue reading... BATTLING BOREDOM: STUDY PROVES FOOD-RELATED ITEMS MOST SUCCESSFUL The old saying goes, "Idle hands are the devil's tools," but horse owners know an idle horse's lips can cause just as much mischief. For many owners it can be a daily challenge to keep curious horses occupied when not being ridden or handled. In her recent study, Grete Helen Meisfjord Jørgensen, PhD, of the Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research, observed horses' reactions to several types of "enrichment items" and determined that food-related items helped battle boredom best. Continue reading... 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/

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Horse News for June...

From the "and ya'll think TB's are silly" file...



HORSE THAT OVERCAME ADVERSITY ATTEMPTS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

Lukas, a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding who stands 16.2 hands, may well be the smartest horse in the country--maybe the world, and owner-trainer Karen Murdock is trying to get him into the Guinness World Records for "Most numbers identified by a horse in one minute." On June 16, Lukas was able to identify a correct number at least 18 times. Continue reading...

STUDY EXPLORES HOW HORSES VIEW THE WORLD

On the trail, in the dressage arena, at the racetrack, on the cross-country train--wherever horses may be, we've all seen it: the "Spook"--that sudden, bolting reaction of shock so particular to our equine friends. It might be because some animal runs up, or some object is blown in by the wind, taking the horse by surprise. But sometimes it's just something you're sure they've seen many times before--so why spook about it now? New research at the Aptos, California-based Equine Research Foundation now has answers to that question. Continue reading...

GULF OIL SPILL CALLED NO IMMEDIATE THREAT TO HORSES

The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico poses no immediate threat to horses residing in Gulf states, according to one Louisiana official. The massive oil leak began last month when a deep water British Petroleum water oil rig off the Louisiana coast exploded pumping millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The spill threatens coastlines in that state as well as in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Continue reading...

Hope you enjoyed this bit of news. Have a wonderful weekend!

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Join us in Riding to Save Babies!


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/

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Importance of a Tribe...

Some friends of mine have started a new site, Girly Gazatte. The site is about how women need to have positive relationships with other women, mostly. They have lots of cool articles about motherhood, fashion and many other things that make you think.

In their kick off week they posted an article about who is in your tribe. You can read it here.

I had left a comment about who I thought was in my tribe. I have a group of ladies that I have devoted a great deal of my time to in the past and I thought they would always be there for me. However, last weekend I had something happen that makes me question that.

I realize that relationships take some nurturing and work. However, I guess I may have not nurtured that relationship as much as I should have in the last year. Our family inherited a business and as any of you know that own a business the first year is often the most trying. So I have not been around for my friends as much as I used to be. Now understand that I had spent 7 years as the leader and resigned a couple of years ago to help raise my step kids. Our family was still quite involved with the group.

Our family helped with a couple of functions a year providing entertainment. Last year they came to me and said they would like to try something different at one function, and I understood. It was business and they needed to be able to pull a crowd. My hubby didn't understand and took it kinda personal. I discussed this with the group. I chalked this up to male egoism.

Then last week we offered to provide entertainment for the function we did last year and possibly the other one. I sent an email explaining the issue that that we would be giving up a gig at the new business to do these functions. I got no response. Then later in the week got a group email stating that someone else was hired.

I felt confused. On one hand I understand it's business. On the other hand just one email would have made me feel that they understood and show me the path they wanted to take. I don't expect to get every gig. I don't expect much. An email letting me know they received mine and wanted to do something different would have been the nice thing.

Needless to say this really makes me question who is in my tribe? Who has my back? Who will be there when I need something or someone? How much does a tribe need to be nurtured? Do tribes change as you move to different places in your life? Do you need a sub-tribe for work friends, mom friends, fun friends, etc.?

I have never been one to have tons of friends, kinda is part of being a nerdy engineering kinda gal. Most of my tribe growing up and through school were guys. So dealing with a group of ladies has always been interesting, but kinda thought I had made headway. Gives me some new perspective.

So how do you nurture your tribe?

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Tale of Two Tails...

If you live on a ranch you know that things can get a bit on the weird side sometimes. If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook then you know since before Christmas (maybe even Thanksgiving) I have been tormented by a possum. Well now I get to torment it, well them.


Rick laughed because I took pictures, but you need to know the situation, because I need help getting these danged things out!


See the possem in the hole?



Overview of corner.

Now there has been a hole in the heater room since we moved in April 2003. For several years there was a cabinet sitting there blocking the hole. I moved stuff around a couple of years ago and didn't realize that the hole went in to the heater room. Here is a view of the heater room.


Veiw of heater room.

The door to this room always has stuff in front of it since the washer and dryer are just outside of it. We don't store lots of things in it and I tossed some of them this morning. There was storm windows for the house, drying rack, some tables (that are ruined) and two windows to some truck that have been there since we moved in. Yeah, we are great at collecting things and not so great at tossing. LOL!

The picture above is after cleaning and spraying bleach in the area. We got to smell the bleach through out the house, but that is much better than the poo smell we had been getting a whiff of every now and then. ACK!

Last night Rick heard things moving in the garage. He had not believed me that the critters were in there, until he saw the one last night. We started looking and there were actually two possums. What fun. NOT!

We tried to get them out last night, but they got between the wall and the heater and us nor Bubba could get them to leave. So we left the door open thinking, OK they will leave since they have been found. NOT!

Silly critters did not to appear to be in there this morning. I got the old horse beet pulp soaking and started cleaning out the closet. I finally found something to put between the wall and the chest. I started moving said things above, when stuff moves. Yeah, fun. NOT! I keep pulling things out and get down to the big glass from some truck. The critters are sleeping on a towel back behind the smoked glass. Still not sure how the towel and other nesting stuff got in the room.

The possum were not so happy that I found them. I tried to shoo them out the door. Not thinking about the fact that the escape route that they were used to was the hole I blocked up so freaking well. (Sometimes it doesn't pay to be smart!) So the smaller one moves and I am thinking "Just please don't run up my pant leg!" and the silly thing runs into the wall and is clawing in the wall trying to get out. Dang!

The bigger one just sits there. I don't have any thing that I could loop him with and he is not scooping well with the shovel. So I figure I will leave them alone, go feed the old horses, wait for Rick to get up, and regroup.

Where they get in...


I go out to start laundry and finish this thinking the danged things have left. Rick sees the silly critters up in the wall. So we place the auto glass between the heater and the wall. It's pretty heavy and I don't think they will move it. We blocked it up against the hole on the inside wall as best we could. I tried to get it tight and broke one pane. Oh well, not like we were ever going to use them. And with the coating it should not totally shatter. We will see.


I sprayed the area down really well with bleach hoping to run them out into the garage, but I think it just made them mad. I heard lots of hissing. LOL!


Later I looked the silly critters are still holed up on the wall, but I don't think they can get back into the room. I know these guys have been eating the cat food and I think they are moving onto the dog food. So, I may have to get the food source to go away for them to actually leave. I am hoping they don't have babies, and probably don't yet, but they so need to leave.


And yes we have the fire power to kill them. And we have numerous ways to kill them, but I can't do it. Even Rick was touched by their cute faces last night. Between that and running the risk of hitting the heater or TV (if it went through the wall). He is considering using the cross bow. Might sic the girl that feeds on the target. She likes killing small woodland critters, so maybe she could get them out. It's worth a try.


If anyone has any tips on getting the silly things out of our wall I would be willing to listen. Hate the waiting game, but right now that's the only way to do it. Hope you have enjoyed life on the ranch. Yes, some days are good ones and you get to ride a race horse. Other days you get to chase possum out of the cat food. All pays the same.


Hope you enjoy. Make it a great day!

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Check out these interesting articles...

These are from the Tulsa World.

This first one is about how a network to fix up hurt rodeo folks has been set up. And it's based in OK. Is that not cool?

Rodeo RX By KIM ARCHER World Staff Writer Stan Williamson of Okmulgee, a two-time world rodeo champion, has been hurt plenty in his steer-wrestling career

This one is about Remington Park changing owners for our race horse fans.

Chickasaws begin changes at park By RANDY ELLIS The Oklahoman At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, a Chickasaw Nation subsidiary took over ownership of Oklahoma City's Remington Park racetrack and casino, ushering in a new era of local control.

Hope you enjoy. Make it a great day!

Deb Stowers

Sierra Ranch, LLC

Http://sierraranchok.com

http://sierraranchok.net

Monday, January 11, 2010

January New to Use...

I know many of us have already been through the worst, or hopefully the worst, part of winter, but these are good tips to keep in mind. remember you can ride in the winter, it just takes a bit of preparation!

COLD WEATHER HORSE CARE REVIEW Winter has an icy grip on most of the United States, and with even sunny Florida facing record freezing temperatures, horse owners across the country need to keep a close eye on their herds to prevent cold-weather related ailments. In cold weather, horse owners should be thinking "water, water, water," said Jean T. Griffiths, extension horse specialist at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Continue reading...

WINTER WORKOUTS Come May, Trisha Dowling of Saskatchewan, Canada, is ready to take on the challenges of competitive endurance--and, equally important, so are her horses. The same can be said of Carey Williams of New Jersey. Her sport is eventing, in which she competes spring through fall. Andy Kaneps of Massachusetts used to raise and compete hunters and jumpers; today he prefers riding noncompetitive dressage year-round. Continue reading...

WINTER HORSE CARE RESOURCES What to do when the weather turns bitter? Bring the horses in or leave them out? Blankets or no blankets? Hay or grain? Or both? While bringing your horse into the house might seem like the simplest option, TheHorse.com offers a wealth of information on winter horse care to help you handle the dropping temps. Continue reading for the highlights.

You may have to create an account with The Horse to read these articles, however the account is free.

We apologize for the interruption of our newsletter. We have been working on getting another business online and hope to be posting more regularlly now we have it going. Thanks for your understanding.

Until we meet on the trails!

Deb Stowers

Sierra Ranch, LLC

Http://sierraranchok.com

http://sierraranchok.net

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Its a go! Just Unveiled :)

My friend Patricia Reszetylo just released the internet's most massive equine/equestrian digital gift giveaway ever:

http://FreeHorseGifts.sierraranchok.net

Simply sign up and get the scoop.

-tons of ebooks
-audios
-memberships
-tons of everything you've ever wanted

Where did all these goodies come from?

I teamed up with Patricia Reszetylo who has called in some favors from a whole bunch of top online equine/equestrian marketers and convinced them all to give you TONS of Products at no cost to you.

It is our way of saying "thank you"!

These products are worth thousands and thousands of dollars and have already made their users and their horses happier and healthier.

I just can't hide the excitement. This is probably the most exciting news I've ever shared with you.

Go get it now!

http://FreeHorseGifts.sierraranchok.net

Warmly,

Deborah Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC

www.sierraranchok.com

www.sierraranchok.net

www.horsematch.net

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Ten Commandments for Horses

These are things people both new to horses and those that have had them for a while need to remember.

1. My life is likely to last 20 or more years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you take me home.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long. Don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when it is speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.

7. Remember before you hit me that I am powerful enough to hurt you, but choose not to.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I have a problem that you are not yet aware of.

9. Take care of me when I am old. You too will be old one day.

10. Go with me on the last journey. Never say "I can't bear to watch or let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember that I love you. Here is something to pamper your horse with:

$10 off orders of $100 or more at Horse.com (some restrictions apply)

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
Http://sierraranchok.com
http://sierraranchok.net

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Are YOU Ready to Ride and Camp?

It's getting cooler outside and folks begin to want to go riding and cmaping more. And after a great ride in the woods what is better than great food. Check this out: campingrecipesebook

It's a fact that food just tastes better outdoors. Now with 101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes, even campers who have never cooked anything more complicated than S'mores can make great meals and snacks over the campfire. You no longer need to sacrifice eating well just because you are not in your home kitchen. 101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes provides you with 101 delicious, and easy-to-prepare recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are sure to make you a hit around the campfire.

And itf you do want to go riding and don't have a horse. Contact us here at Sierra Ranch. We love to ride and have many horses that would love to take you out riding and camping.

Just one of the many things we do at Sierra Ranch.

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
Http://sierraranchok.com
http://sierraranchok.net

Monday, August 3, 2009

Horse News to Use - August

BARN FIRES: AVOID HAY BALE COMBUSTION

Experienced agricultural producers in the southern Great Plains know that low wind speeds, high humidity, moist hay, and hot temperatures can be a recipe for disaster. Under such a set of circumstances, tightly stacked hay bales have been known to combust. Without proper preventive measures, hay barns or any other structures close to the blazing bales potentially might be lost. Continue reading...

AGED HORSE HEALTH SCREENINGS RECOMMENDED

Lameness, weight loss, colic, and equine Cushing's syndrome are the four top reasons for euthanizing an older horse, said Catherine McGowan, BVSc, PhD, RCVS, European specialist in equine internal medicine, who presented research by Thomas McGowan, BSc, DVM, PhD, at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held June 3-6 in Montr�al, Quebec. Continue reading...

CRIBBING: CAN YOU STOP IT?

Many horses kept in unnatural environments and subjected to the stress of performance careers resort to repetitive behaviors (called stereotypies) such as cribbing, weaving, or stall walking. The cribbing horse grabs a surface with his top incisors, arches his neck, opens his throat, and swallows air with a grunting sound and a backward pull of the head. This activity wears down the top incisors and develops unsightly muscles under the neck that can interfere with proper neck flexion when ridden. Serious cribbers might lose weight because they become so addicted to their habit they'd rather crib than eat. Once the habit starts, many horses keep cribbing even when turned out to pasture. Continue reading...

Hope you enjoy these tidbits of information. Check out this:

$15 Off All Orders of $100 or More at Horse.com (some restrictions apply)

Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
Http://sierraranchok.com
http://sierraranchok.net

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

1993 Dodge One Ton Dually Diesel Truck - $7995

This is my pride an joy, but I have found a new hauler for my trailer that is much more comfy. Never thought I would find something that would haul like this truck, but did. So now my baby is for sale.

This 1993 Dodge 1 ton dually diesel is set up for hauling. It will haul most anything. Guys at the feed store would come off the dock to see what it was. You can put 2 tons of feed and the silly thing won't even go down. Over load springs are awesome! It has 411 gears on the rear. Top speed empty is about 70, but makes it great traveling the mountains with four horses in the Sundowner. It has a gooseneck ball with rings. The ball folds down. It has a bumper pull ball as well as a tractor attachment (for lack of better term). We have used it to haul fertilizer from the feed store. It's a 5 speed manual. Jump seats in the crew cab. AM/FM CD player. Great tires.

We bought the truck in 2000 with 138850 miles. We replaced the engine shortly after buying the truck (within a year) and about a year later had to rebuild the rear end and transmission. It now has 183,650 miles on it. We keep synthetic oil in the motor and change it regularly.

This truck is ready to start pulling your horses to your next playday, trail ride or other event. Email us for more details. We are negotiable on the price, but this is a fair price for the work this truck will do for you!
I will try to get more pictures to add to the Multiply photo album:
Deb and Rick Stowers
Sierra Ranch
Rick's Cell 918/688-0665

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Goings on at our house...

I know I have been out of touch a bit. Had a billion things going on and no time to write. But today gotta get stuff off my chest. :) Hopefully you have seen the countdown. We are down to 2 weeks and it can't be soon enough. For both parties. Others might have followed my Twittering (http://twitter.com/sierraranch) and know about what has been happening.

In the mean time things have gone from bad to worse to normal again. Last Sat. (3/21) we got a call that Rick's dad was in the hospital and not doing well. We needed to be in Agleton TX before the youngest brother got on the plane to go back to NC. The middle brother was flying in later on Sun. So we made a 9 hour driving trip and got to the hospital about 2AM and visited a second. We couldn't find his house even with the GPS. How many cattle paths can be named Bastrop Drive??? Stayed 4 hours in a hotel, got up and visited with Dick and others at the hospital. We followed a neighbor to his house and went back to wait.

Greg got in about 11PM Sun. They stayed at a hotel. Doctors would not really give us a good time frame for the end. The friends had arranged for Dick to come home on Monday since nothing could really be done. The boys got things worked out on Monday and their dad came home. Several step kids and many friends came by the house to see him. We stayed there with him and the nurse. One set of step kids slept in the downstairs.

Tuesday Dick got quieter and we thought this might be the day, but he held on through another great gathering and the morning. Greg's daughter got in and said her goodbyes and shortly later the nurse came out and let us know he passed. Dick was diagnosed with lung cancer. As they were looking they found cancer in his bones, spine, lythm system, and who knows where else. He just wanted to die at home and did. He didn't want to linger and didn't. The nurses made sure he was comfortable.

Greg was listed at the executor, but wanted to pass this on to Rick since we live closer, so know we get to oversee the disspurment of the estate. Any one want a nice house on the Bastrop Bayou? We have a court date in about a month.

So far we have inherited a no tailed cat named Bob. Allyson is taming him. I think he may have been an inside cat at one time, but he was an outside cat at Dick's. He is at least nuetered. And he is not a manx. It feels like something cut his tail off. I even snuck Bob into a hotel room to get him home.

We will also be taking over Dick's gun show business. They boys split up the guns he had, but we currently have all the parts, gun smithing tools, and other stuff. Rick is researching what to do with this. He might actually get to quit work sooner which we would all like. :) He can see this as a great side business to have with the horse operation.

We went through most of the stuff in the house and have a big job ahead of us, but we will take the challenge. That's what the oldest do. Middle children are so funny. :) We got things tied up pretty well and headed out on Thursday evening so that we could be home to get Allyson ready for the prom. Rick told the family that we need to focus on Allyson now that his dad is gone. Everyone agreed. We hope to bring her down with us when we go next.

The whole week that we were in TX the kids were being watch over by our version of a village. :) Allyson stayed part of the weekend with my Mom. Our neighbor that lives behind us and takes Ashley to work made sure that Allyson got ont he bus every morning before taking Ashley. I called each morning to wake Allyson and got to talk

to her all the way to the bus. :) She is so funny. Then after school mom made sure they had food. Mom even spent Sunday trying to teach the kids to clean house. (What Fun!) I don't know that it worked , but after a week of stepping into my shoes, my Mother has much more understanding of what I go through and what works. Now she even understand the count down. LOL!!!

Allyson had fun at the prom. She was taken out to eat at Olive Garden, petted fishes, danced to death, and then went to the after party. Ryan got to go to the after party some and they had fun. It went from rain to snow and by the time I went to pick her up from a friend's it was snowing buckets.

OMG it is SO NOT suppose to snow like this time of year! For freaking sake it's SPRING! We got at least four inches and will have the world's largest muddiest mess, but at least it's moisture. We needed it so bad. Just this all at once thing is a bit much. What is so funny is seeing the green grass sticking out of the snow. LOL!

Well, I better get to my ratkilling. I am 1100+ emails behind in one email account and 12,000+ behind in another. All my IM stuff is falling behind and I really need to get all the bills and estate stuff up to date. But my desk is a total mess. LOL!

And my cat is mad she doesn't have place to sit. :P And just 14 more days until Ashley's driver's test. We can't wait. OK, enough rambling. Must go do something. Not sure what, but something! Now it makes sense that the newsletter for the ranch has not gone out and the million other things I need to do.

Hope you had a quieter week than we have! Hope you have a wonderful next week!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Patricia Reszetylo's 40th Birthday

My friend Patricia Reszetylo's birthday is March 17th. She's committed to having that day mark the start of a lot of exciting things for her home business. (Just like many of the rest of us are doing!)

And what I want to tell you about is how YOU can benefit.
( There is a LOT of WIIFM for you here. )

WIIFM = What's In It For ME?

You do like horses, right? You're on my newsletter list - so that's an unnecessary question.

Do you have any interest in running a successful website? What's successful? How about one that brings you visitors from the search engines, and one that makes you money?

[ Hey, let me sign up for that call already!
http://sierraranchok.net/ClubHorseTalk]

And building a website isn't an overnight thing. How about another partner of ours that has been teaching his students to make 4 figures from eBay with a simple, blueprint-style paint-by-numbers program? He has students that make eBay sales in 24 hours after getting started with his program. And he has people making up to $5,016 in 6 weeks - and that was a person who had never sold anything on eBay before.

Did I mention that an 8-time national champ at Dressage is pitching in! Get access to HER Q-n-A calls as part of this, too.

The doors will be opening after Patricia's Parade of Breeds call Wednesday dealing with the American Drum Horse. Prices will be going up after Patricia's birthday - Tuesday the 17th of March.

Check this out! Join the preview call if you'd like more details, or if Patricia or Tim can answer any questions for you.

Attend the Preview Call:
http://sierraranchok.net/ClubHorseTalk

We'll keep you updated on this special deal:
http://sierraranchok.net/ClubHorseTalk

Best of wishes,
Deborah Stowers
Sierra Ranch
www.sierraranchok.com
www.sierraranchok.net

P.S. Patricia wants me to ask if you'd like to borrow her $2,000 Laser Dressage saddle for a year? Check out the new HorseSalt site at: http://sierraranchok.net/HorseSalt

Monday, February 23, 2009

Couple of Countdowns at our house!


Created by OnePlusYou


Created by OnePlusYou

Asley will turn 18 on April 11th, but Monday she will take the test. After this we feel we have done what we can. You don't want to know waht the next step is with her. :)

Rick has told me that June 1 he will be full time at the ranch. So this count down is to remind me what are the most important things to be working on.

Hope you have a great week!

Deb Stowers
www.sierraranchok.com
www.sierraranchok.net
www.horsematch.net

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Horse News to Use!

If you have read our newsletters before you know we are about how to protect you and your horses from disaster. We have lived through at least one. You can still see our barn pictures from last summer. And we feel everyone is better to at least think about these different possibilities before these things happen. Happy reading!

Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Barn Fires

At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., Rebecca Gimenez, PhD, noted that barn fires are the No. 1 local emergency that affects everyone from horse owners to veterinarians, and property owners to the horses themselves. Barn fires kill more horses annually than any other type of nonmedical emergency. Of 11,500 agricultural storage facility fires per year, 88% are barns or stables with animals, resulting in about $250 million in property losses annually. In 87 horse-barn fire incidents reported in 2006 and 2007, 461 horses died and an unknown number were injured. Read More...

MRSA More Common in Horse People

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterial infections have become hot news lately, especially among horse people. This topic likely won't die down soon because recent research shows that MRSA is up to 10 times more common in equine veterinarians than in the general population--and that it can spread from horses to humans. "MRSA appears to be an occupational risk factor for large animal veterinarians," noted Maureen Anderson, DVM, DVSc, postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pathobiology of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Read More...

Managing Horses in Icy Conditions

Ice is an unavoidable part of winter in many parts of the world, but there are ways to minimize slipping incidents around the barn. Heather Sherratt knows something about keeping horses in icy conditions. Her farm, Elphin Mountain Connemaras, near Ottawa, Canada, was hit hard by the 1998 ice storm that caused weeks-long power outages and several deaths in Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. "My ponies are barefoot, and that helps," she said. If going barefoot over the winter isn't an option, farrier Pat Sweeney of Mandan, N.D., recommends applying borium to shoes to increase their grip. Sweeney also said that snowball pads and rubberized rim pads will help keep snow from packing into the foot. Read More...

Hope you enjoyed reading more about horses in the news! Have a great weekend and look for our full newsletter soon! You can also sign up for our newsletter below and receive it from our aweber service!

Name:
Email:
Thank You for signing up with the Sierra Ranch Newsletter!

Happy Trails!

Deb and Rick Stowers
Sierra Ranch
deb@sierraranchok.com
www.sierraranchok.com
www.sierraranchok.net

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue - February 2009

skysmall11
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
February 9, 2009
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.
RESCUES:
Blaze’s Equine Rescue is currently caring for 59 horses. We were able to adopt out 8 horses in January. We still need to place many more into loving forever homes. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting a rescued horse, please contact Natalee at any of the contact numbers above.
Blaze’s Equine Rescue has started off the year very busy with animal cruelty cases. On Sunday, January 25, 2009, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office contacted us regarding 2 horses, extremely emaciated and 1 was down and unable to get up. We immediately contacted our Veterinarian requesting her assistance. We arrived at the location at 3:30 pm and immediately started trying to save the down mare. We tried to get the mare up and tried to save her for a little more than 4 hours in the freezing weather. She was just too weak and unable to stand. It was apparent that this poor girl, named JoJo, was not going to survive. We made the painful decision to let her go and end her suffering. JoJo was extremely emaciated and her companion Willow was in equally bad condition.
We brought Willow home and started her rehabilitation process, but 2 days later Willow went down. Once again we started trying to save Willow, even placed her into a sling and lifted her to her feet, but she was unable to stand. She just couldn’t place her feet underneath her. She was showing neurological signs. Unfortunately, Willow did not make it. We began to panic and worried for the other horses in the barn with Willow and prayed that it was not something that was contagious. We sent Willow to OSU for a necropsy to confirm that our horses were safe. The necropsy found screws, bark, and porcelain type material in Willow’s stomach and colon. These poor girls were eating anything that they could find trying to survive. The former owner of these horses spent 10 days in County Jail before being baled out. It is just so sad what these two girls had to go through. It was heartbreaking that we were not able to save them.
IN LOVING MEMORY SWEET JOJO AND WILLOW!
On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, we were contacted by the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division to pick up 7 horses. Most of these horses are emaciated, infested with parasites, lice and in need of dental work and feet trimming. Please consider making a donation towards their rehabilitation. In 2009, we have picked up a total of 9 horses from the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division alone and this is only February. pacman
This is Pac-Man, a 6yr old, Paint, Stud. He is extremely emaciated and weighing in at 656 pounds. This poor boy should weigh at least 1000 pounds. Such a sweetheart! Please consider making a donation towards Pac-Man’s rehabilitation.
molly
This is Molly, a 22 year old Thoroughbred, Mare. Molly is very thin, has a tattoo, so we know she is a former race horse. Please consider making a donation towards Molly’s rehabilitation.
porter
This is Porter, a 15 year old gelding. He is emaciated weighing in at 862 pounds. He is such a sweet boy. Please consider making a donation towards Porter’s rehabilitation.
paisley
This is Paisley, a 6 year old mare. She is emaciated weighing in at 706 pounds. She is a sweet girl. Please consider making a donation towards Paisley’s Rehabilitation.
DONATIONS NEEDED: Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue needs your assistance. Please consider making a donation, in any amount, to help us with our efforts of rescuing neglected horses. These horses can not speak for themselves and we need to be there voice. Please help us continue to save these magical animals from such horrible neglect. Donations can be mailed to:
Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue 17667 Markita Drive Jones, Oklahoma 73049
Or you can donate on-line at www.blazesequinerescue.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We are seeking volunteer’s to work concession stand at the Oklahoma City Fair Grounds during different events throughout the year. If you are interested in helping Blaze’s raise some extra money and would like to work concession stand about once a month for a few hours, please contact Desiree Walling, our volunteer coordinator, at dwalling@hintonet.net.
ADOPTABLE HORSE OF THE MONTH:
Layne is our adoptable horse of the month. She is a sweet 3 year old, sorrel, Quarter Horse, filly. She is halter broke and broke to lead. She is very well built, would make an excellent horse whether for pleasure or performance. She is ready to train and willing to please. Layne has been in our rescue program since June of 2007. She was a neglect case when she arrived. She is a beautiful horse and needs that loving, forever home to call her own. If you are interested in giving this sweet girl that special home, please contact Natalee at any of the above numbers or submit an application on line. Layne can be seen at www.blazesequinerescue.com under rescued horses.
Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue Thanks You in advance for your continued support! We simply can’t do this alone and your help is greatly appreciated. Please support a rescued horse today!
Remember, “SUCCESS COMES ONE BIT AT A TIME”.
These folks do wonderful work. Please help them help the horses if you can.
Thanks,
Deb Stowers

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

HorseMatch.net Website Updated!

I have updated the website. I added a few horses for sale, some legal stuff, and the coolest things...
You will now be able to get the newsletter via an Awber email service. Just go to this page:
Fill out the form and about the 15th of each month you will get the newsletter.
And you can also subscribe to Rick's Lessons! Just go to this link:
Fill out the form and once a week you will get a lesson on riding from Rick.
Let us know what you all think about the upgrades and if you have other horses or riders to add.
Nothing like being snowed in to get stuff moving one the websites!
More later!
Deb Stowers
Webmaster