From the Horse's Mouth

Have you made your Valentine's Day plans?

2012-02-07T13:35:00.000-08:00

Have you made your Valentine’s Day plans?

Take your sweetheart on a unique Valentine’s Day outing that they will remember for years to come. Enjoy a romantic sleigh ride then treat them to a delicious, five-course dinner in an intimate, candle-lit setting with live music. Extend the evening into an overnighter when you book one of our rooms or cabins. Your overnight lodging includes a full, hot breakfast.

On Valentine’s Day, Tuesday the 14^th, the menu will include:

Appetizer – Shrimp Cocktail
Soup – Roasted Butternut Squash
Salad – Watercress Salad with Shaved Mushrooms and Radishes, dressed with a Sherry-Honey Vinaigrette
The main course buffet will include:

Roast Prime Rib of Beef with Aujus and Horseradish Cream
Slow Baked Salmon with Honey-Dijon Marmalade
Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli
Scalloped Potatoes
Warm Bread
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Dessert: Chocolate French Silk Tart with Almond crust or Frozen Lemon Mousse with Raspberry Sauce

Prices for this evening are as follows:

Dinner - $37.50 per person

Sleigh Ride for two: $75.00

Dinner, sleigh ride and cabin package - $310.00

Dinner, sleigh ride and lodge room package - $270.00

*Reservations Required

*For sleigh rides of four or more persons the price is $19 per person

Can’t celebrate on the 14^th?

Join us Saturday, February 11^th for a Mediterranean dinner. Make the evening even more memorable by adding a sleigh ride or an overnight stay.

Dinner on Saturday, the 11^th will include:

Appetizer – Suvlaki with Slow Roasted Olives, Oranges and Almonds served with Grilled Crostini
Soup – Middle Eastern Red Lentil Soup with Yogurt and Lemon
Main Course –

Grilled Lamb Kebobs served with warm pita and Tzatziki Sauce
Maussaka with eggplant Tomatoes and feta or Greek Grilled Vegetables dressed with a sauce of fresh lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, paprika and cayenne
Spanakopita
Tabouli
Greek Salad

Dessert – Baklava

Prices for this evening are as follows:

Dinner - $25.50 per person

Sleigh ride for two - $75.00

Dinner, sleigh ride and cabin package: $291.00

Dinner, sleigh ride and lodge room package: $251.00

*For sleigh rides of four or more persons the price is $19 per person

*Reservations Required

The Western Pleasure Guest Ranch does not have a beer and wine license so we cannot provide you with alcohol on either of these evening, however, you are welcome to bring your own.

This is a BYOB event

For more details or to make a reservation call:

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

(208) 263-9066

email: stay@westernpleasureranch.com

New Shipment of Western Merchandise

2012-01-16T13:20:00.001-08:00

I just got in our biggest shipment yet of western handbags! After pricing them and setting them out on display, I have to say I am coveting a few of those bags. So please, for my sake, stop by and buy yourself a new handbag (you deserve it!) before I spend the rest of my paycheck on them. Do you think I can justify one handbag for each day of the week?

We also have bling belts, necklaces,wallets and bling cadet hats.

Has Spring Sprung in North Idaho?

2012-01-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

Has spring sprung here in North Idaho? Well no. The only thing you can be sure of about the weather around here is that every year it will be different. So if someone tells you, “winters in Idaho are mild”, or “Idaho winters are treacherous”, don’t believe them. The truth is, we never know what to expect! One winter may bring skiffs of snow and horseback rides on dry ground by Valentines Day. Others lead you to believe that earth’s pole has shifted and a new ice age has begun.

For now we have too much ice and too little snow for sleigh rides or horseback rides. Those of you who love to ski, however, are in luck! Schweitzer still has some of the best snow-pack in the nation with 92 runs and 8 lifts open for traffic. Rumor has it that snow is on the horizon so don’t give up on your cross country skiing, snowmobiling or sleigh riding winter get-a-way plans. According to the Weather Channel, the Sandpoint area should see snow in the air beginning Sunday. The chance of precipitation rises as the week goes on, however so do the temperatures. The average yearly temperatures for the following week (Jan. 22-28) range from 54^oF to -22^oF. So if you are visiting the area or a seasoned native, plan on warm sunny days spent outside enjoying the fantastic scenery, or bitter cold spent inside stoking the crackling fire, drinking warm hot coco, and counting the layers that you will need to prevent frostbite.

Don’t let the diversity of the weather scare you away. It is these changes that amplify the beauty, wonder, and adventure that is North Idaho. No matter what season you choose to visit, summer; winter; fall; spring or mud, you are sure to be enchanted by what I believe to be the most beautiful place on God’s green earth.

Christmas Tree Sleigh Rides

2011-11-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? It’s already the time of year to start thinking about getting your Christmas Tree. Everyone seems to have a very different idea about the perfect time to get a Christmas tree. Some set up their tree on Christmas Eve, which, I must say, is not enough time to enjoy the dazzling sight and soothing fragrance of a Christmas tree. Some get their tree up sometime after the first of December because, of course, you can’t start thinking about Christmas until the calendar says “December”. Others set their tree up the day after Thanksgiving as family is still about to enjoy decorating together. And then there is the crazy, way too prepared, extreme few who decorate their tree before Thanksgiving. That’s just not right!

Whatever your Christmas tree tradition, consider adding a new tradition that will gather the whole family for some simple old fashioned enjoyment. Consider this memorable outing, where you will load up on one of our horse drawn sleighs and enjoy a scenic ride to the tree lot. There you will pick out a fresh cut locally grown Christmas tree. Then gather the family and your tree and ride the sleigh back to the lodge where you will be served fresh popped popcorn, hot chocolate, and coffee.

We will be offering these rides starting the day after Thanksgiving, running through December until we run out of trees. Call to make a reservation at (208) 263-9066. $90.00 for a family of four (this price includes the tree), $15.00 for each additional person.

Isaac and Libby's Wedding

2011-11-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

On September 10, 2011, Isaac and Libby tied the knot! For those of you who don't know, Isaac is my little brother. Their beautiful, country wedding (complete with a tractor) even made it into the Spokesman Review. Rather than spend several pages describing the beauty and uniquness of the wedding, below I have shared several of my favorite pictures to tell the story.

I just had to share this picture of my little girl, Emily. She was the flower girl.

I know I am a horrible slacker!!

2011-11-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Well, Summer and Fall have come and nearly gone and I have not written one new blog. I am a horrible slacker. In an effort to make up for my shortcomings over the past two seasons, the following is a list of topics I look forward to sharing very soon:

Isaac and Libby's Wedding

The Hermiston Horse Sale

Quilting Retreats

Fall Color Rides

Riding Lessons

Christmas Tree Sleigh Rides

New Arrivals

Horses for Sale at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

2011-05-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some horses we have up for sale at the ranch. We hate to see them go but they are ready for a forever home.

Barney is a twenty something year old Appaloosa who is looking for a home where he can take care of the littlest cowgirls and cowboys. Barney has been and excellent babysitter for the little ones that come to visit the ranch, but now Barney wants to find a family with kids who will love and care for him the rest of his days. Barney is sound, gentle, and quiet. If you are looking for a first horse for a small child, Barney is perfect for the job.

Will He Cowboy - “Willie” is a 1994, 15hh, registered Paint gelding. Willie is an excellent, go anywhere, do anything kind of horse. Would be great horse for a beginner but has enough training for an advanced rider to enjoy him. Needs a home that will use him for light work. We hate to have to let him go. Listen to what Danielle, one of the wranglers, has to say about why Willie is one of her favorite horses: “If I am headed out to move cattle, horses, or people, I can always count on Willie to get the job done right. He has got the speed, power, and agility to chase down a stray cow, but he is laid back and level headed enough to mosey down the trail with a 6 year old on his back.”
Call for price

Highspeed Dun Lapped Um’
“Checkers” is a 14.2 hh, registered Appaloosa mare born on April 9, 2004. Has been showed Western and English pleasure, and halter at local shows. Has been to a trail challenge as well. She has been ridden extensively on trails and in the mountains. She would be perfect for 4-H or Pony Club. We owned her sire and still use her dam and both are excellent, solid horses. This is a gorgeous little mare who we are only selling because she is just not going to be a “dude” horse. She would be perfect for a small woman or good youth rider. No soundness issue. Will only sell to the right home.
$5000

Red/Skippy
Red is a 15hh, sorrel, registered Quarter Horse gelding. This is a very athletic gelding who as an amazing stop on him. With slide plates you could really slide! Is in training with Isaac Schoonover. Has been through several Pat Wyse clinics as well. He is great on trails and moving cows. This is a fun gelding to ride. Not a beginner horse.
$5000 (Price negotiable)
Call for pictures

If you are interested in purchasing any of these horses you can call us toll free at (888) 863-9066. Our email is stay@westernpleasureranch.com. You can also view these horses on our web site at http://westernpleasureranch.com/about-the-ranch/horses-for-sale.html.

Recreate Romance Valentine Dinner

2011-02-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

"There's no cure for love sickness and nobody really wants one."

Come enjoy a extraordinary evening with the one that you love. We will be serving a five course dinner with live music on the nights of Sunday, February 13th and Monday the 14th. The price is $37.50 per person. Please call (888) 863-9066 to make a reservation or if you have any questions. Check out the following. It is sure to make you hungry!

Seetings are available at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 pm.
This is a BYOB event.

How to Get on Your Horse Bareback

2010-11-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

The art of mounting a saddleless horse is something I have tried to master for years. I am sorry to report that...well...I still really stink at it. However, with my years of experience at trying, I have learned a few techniques that I will share with you today.

The models in the pictures will demonstrate these techniques, however I must apologies to them ahead of time because they don't know that I am using these lovely pictures of them on this blogg.

It is vital that your horse stand completely still while you attempt to swing onto their bare back from the ground. I find that it is best to first whisper to your horse your plans. In this case, I decided to make sure my horse was paying complete attention to my whispers by taking her head in my hands and speaking directly into her eyes. Here I am imploring her to stand still and think small (very small) while I attempt to get on.

Here, Sammi Jo Gulickson (one of the ranch's past wranglers) is swinging onto Lil' Horse. She began by standing next to Lil' Horse's head facing her hind quarters, then swung her right foot up and over Lil' Horse's back. Note that Sammi uses her left leg, wrapped around Lil' Horse's front left leg to help her climb onto her steed's back.

Once Sammi has swung her leg on top of Lil' Horse's back, she uses her arms to pull her the rest of the way up. Her left hand pulls on a chunk of mane, while her right elbow is hooked over the withers.

This next horsewoman is Melissa Peck, another past wrangler at the ranch. Please note that her horse, Rhythm, is 16+ hands tall. Melissa begins with the same technique as Sammi by facing her horse's hindquarters and swinging her right leg over her horse's back.

This is where Melissa's technique varies from Sammi. Notice Melissa is using her right leg to grip Rhythm's right hip and pull herself onto his back. A word of caution here: if you are wearing spurs make sure you have very calm horse or be prepared for a large movement forward!

Congratulations Melissa on successful and graceful bareback mount onto a very tall horse.

As I mentioned at the beginning I have not yet mastered this skill. I would now like to demonstrate a bareback mounting failure. Yes, that is me, and yes that is a pony whose side I am clinging to. Not my finest moment here. Let us dissect my form, or lack there of. Had I used Sammi's left leg method and climbed Lil' Horse's leg like a ladder, I might have made it on. Or had I employed Melissa's technique of using my right leg and spur like a climbing axe I may have succeeded. Or could the real problem be that my horse just didn't think small enough? Yes , I am going with that one.

Grandparents are Great!

2010-07-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

As I grew up, my grandparents lived only minutes away from me. This is a blessing for which I am eternally grateful. My grandparent's home was a second home for me.

But many children do not get to experience this geographical closeness to their grandparents. This summer at the ranch I have witnessed many grandparents reconnecting with their grand kids on a horseback vacation. Is there a better way to spend precious time together? I think not.

When Grandpa and Grandson search the banks of a shallow creek together in pursuit of an illusive frog to add their stash of scavenger hunt finds, memories are made that last a lifetime. When Grandma and Granddaughter trot through an open field of wildflowers laughing together as they go, memories are made that last a lifetime.

Thank you to the grandparents who have brought their grandchildren to vacation at the ranch this summer. Your grandchildren will cherish the memories forever.

Spring Break Day Camp at Western Pleasure

2010-04-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Today we had our first Day Camp here at the ranch. Five hardy youngsters showed up today to enjoy a day filled with horseback fun. The rain, hail, sleet, snow, and 30+ mile an hour wind didn't damper their spirits one bit. The horses were as ready to go as the kids today. We are looking forward to tomorrow when another group of horse crazy kids comes in to mount up!

Idaho Forest Legacy Program

2010-03-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

I am very proud to announce that my family’s ranch is now an Idaho Forest Legacy Program property. For the many of you who have never heard of this program, like myself when we first started into this endeavor, the Idaho Forest Legacy Program is “established to ascertain and protect environmentally important forest areas that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and to promote forestland protection and other conservation opportunities.”

We celebrated the completion of this project on January 30, 2010. With the family gathered, we listened to my Grandpa, Grandma, my uncles, and my mom tell hilarious and moving stories about their childhood on the ranch. Here is what my mom, Janice, had to say about the project completion:
“Last night we celebrated the conclusion of a seven year project to put the land known as the Wood V-X ranch, which is also the land that Western Pleasure has the privilege to operate on. The state of Idaho and the Clark Fork Pend Orielle conservancy have put many, many hours into this project and it is now done. The land is protected from future development FOREVER."

This land has become a piece of each and every one of us in the Wood family. We are all so excited to know that this piece of paradise will forever remain as it is, so that our children, friends, and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from this land.

The following pictures of the event were taken by the very talented writer, Marianne Love. You can read and see Marianne's take on this occasion at her blog, http://www.slightdetour.blogspot.com/.

Recreate Romance this Valentines Day

2010-02-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

I love going out for a nice dinner with my sweetheart. Valentines Day is a perfect excuse to dress up a little and enjoy a dinner that I didn't throw together in between changing diapers. When I am looking for the perfect place to go for this romantic night I look for an establishment that has great food, a quiet atmosphere, is unique, and won't break the bank.

This year, the ranch is offering a special "Recreate Romance" Valentines Dinner. If I wasn't working during this dinner, it would be the perfect place for the hubby and I to share our Valentines Day together.

If you are looking for a place to take your Valentine this year, I recommend the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Not only will you experience an excellent dinner and the best of service, you can reserve a cosy room in the lodge or secluded cabin to make your romantic evening even more special.

For more information visit http://www.westernpleasureranch.com/ or call (888) 863-9066.

Brad Yunek - A talent you may not have known.

2010-01-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

Many of you have met Brad Yunek when visiting the ranch. Brad has worked here full time as a Wrangler, Maintenance Man, and Sleigh Driver for over a decade. You have probably witnessed his talent as a trail guide and for fixing machinery while you visited the ranch. You may have even had the pleasure of listening to him play songs around the fire while entertaining guests. But did you know that he is a very talented song writer as well?

He first discovered his musical talent of song writing in 7th grade. Over the years, his repertoire of lyrical creations has grown to number in the hundreds. Most of his songs are Country or Contemporary Christian, with a few comedy pieces thrown in. He began to write more seriously with the goal of becoming a pro-writer in 2004. Since then he has become a member of a few song writing associations which help him to refine his song writing skills.

Brad says that his goal is to "begin to derive income from my songs through artist cuts, film/TV placements, or any other source that I can find. " This winter he took a giant step toward reaching this goal. Brad sent four of his songs to Nashville to be cut by a pro studio. Now that he has these songs in a professional recording format, he is more prepared to pitch these songs to professional artists.

I wish the best of luck to Brad in his goals. I have no doubt that he will accomplish them. If you would like to listen to the four newly recorded songs, or any of Brads other songs, visit http://www.songu.com/yearbook/songs.aspx?id=3426.

Emily Joy Otis is here!

2009-12-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

For all of you who have been waiting to hear the update on Emily and I, here it is.

On November 30, Landon and I headed to the Labor and Delivery wing at the Bonner General Hospital to begin my scheduled induction one week past my due date. Since Emily wasn't showing any signs of entering the world on her own, we were having her evicted. We spent all of Monday at the hospital with me on a drug to help get things rolling. I had just enough contractions to make me very uncomfortable for our overnight stay at the hospital but not enough to encourage Emily to come meet us.

Tuesday at 11:00am they decided to start the pitocin. By 1:30pm the contractions were bad enough that I decided

to plan ahead and ask for my epidural knowing it would take about an hour before the anesthesiologist could get to me. Two hours later I was more than a little frustrated that I had not gotten the epidural yet, however by 4:00 I was resting comfortably and unable to feel the increasingly strong contractions. You know the feeling of being under a bunch of really

heavy, warm blankets? Well that's what it felt like. I have decided people should get epidurals just as a relaxation tool. Epidurals are pretty much amazing. At 6:30 pm the doctor came in and announced that I was ready to have this baby. The doctor exited the room to take a phone call and I tried to pull myself from my two hour long relaxation period and come to the realization that I was about to meet my little girl. To say that I pushed for 5 minutes would be an exaggeration. At 6:43pm Emily came into the world. She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

Emily is beautiful! Landon and I spent the next two nights in the hospital recovering and getting to know our little girl. Landon is absolutely loving being a Dad. While

we were in the hospital he commented that having Emily made him feel like he either wanted to have five more, or only Emily so she could be extra special. He couldn't decide. He was like super dad while we were there. I did not change one diaper! Even my grandpa was impressed with the way Landon cared for Emily. The first night, he stayed up most of the night just to watch over her and make sure she was okay. He is amazing!

She is now 6 days old and is still doing great. Landon and I are suffering from a little lack of sleep but still going strong.

Thank you to everyone who has visited us and given Emily gifts. Your support is wonderful!

Freya Ford, Miss Rodeo Idaho

2009-11-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

The first time I met Freya Ford she was attending horse camp here at the ranch for her very first time. She was your typical horse crazy girl who didn’t have horses of her own. This first camp would

be the first moment of the many long hours she would spend at the ranch before heading off to college years later. I am sure Freya had a blast at t

hat camp because, despite her stepsister breaking an arm, Freya returned year after year. She was soon invited to participate in 4-H

with one of our horses, Joker. Not many people were huge fans of Joker, but Freya loved him and made him really work. As her years in 4-H went by, she used other horses as Joker was needed in the “dude string”. The other younger horses she used were DD and Rocket. Even after a major accident at the 4-H Horse Show with Rocket, her determination to do great things with horses was not diminished.

Today, Freya is doing great things. The first rodeo title she held was Miss Bonner County Rodeo, then Miss Pro West and now she is Miss Rodeo Idaho. As the 54th Miss Rodeo Idaho, she is the first young woman to hail

from North of Lewiston. For the past year she has been traveling far and near representing and promoting Idaho rodeo. Freya’s Platform as Queen is that “anything is possible”. Freya says, "I set lofty goals for myself and give it all I've got to obtain them." It is because of her faith and determination to achieve her goals that she is where she is today.

Sunday, November 29, Freya and 28 other state rodeo queens will check into the Miss Rodeo America Competition at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout that week the ladies will compete in events ranging from Horsemanship to Speeches to a fashion show. The coronation of the 2010 Miss Rodeo America takes place on December 5, at 9:45 am.

All of us here at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch wish Freya a safe trip to Las Vegas and the best of luck in the Miss Rodeo

America Competition. I can’t think of anyone better to be representing our great state in this heated competition.

If you would like to help support Freya at this competition, text to 40841 – type ‘MISS RODEO ID’. Send a text now to vote for Freya for the People’s Choice Award.

There is no limit on how many times you can vote for your favorite but it does cost $.99 per vote!

To learn more about Miss Rodeo Idaho visit http://www.missrodeoidaho.com

To Learn more about Miss Rodeo America and the Pageant visit http://missrodeoamerica.com.

Star

2009-11-16T11:20:00.001-08:00

As another group of quilters pile into the lodge for a long weekend of non-stop quilting, Star assumes her position in the middle of the Great Room floor. She knows that it is her job to care for, entertain, and act as tour guide for the weekend.

When I was nine years old, my dad and I headed out to the far off town of Coeur d’ Alene in search of a new puppy. We arrived at the home of the owner of two litters of puppies. One tiny fluff ball was outside of the kennel and I immediately scooped her up into my arms. The tiny puppy cuddled into my arms, happy to remain there as long as possible. I socialized with the 14 or so other puppies but that first little female Border Collie had stolen my heart. I had decided, before ever even seeing the puppies, that I would name my new dog “Star”. So that afternoon, I brought “Star” to her new home. As the years passed, it became obvious that Star was less than interested in anything I or my other family members did. I even took obedience and agility classes with her. To my dismay, she was the most unenthusiastic participant in the class. I was nicknamed, the “cheerleader”, because of the way I had to be so overly energetic just to get Star to move out of a lazy walk. Despite my jubilant attitude, on the final day of class, Star demonstrated the full amount of her interest in agility. As I directed her to run through a long curved tunnel, she lumbered in and proceeded to lie down in the middle. Needless to say, I have not attempted to do any other such activities with Star.

Star may not have an interest in competitive ventures, but she is always more than ready to entertain the guests here at the ranch. I cannot think of a more perfect guest ranch dog. As soon as an unknown car arrives in the parking lot, Star arrives to greet the newcomers and show them the way to the lodge. For those guests who stay in a cabin, they have the special treat of an adopted dog for the duration of their stay. Are you interested in going for a scenic hike on the ranch? Star will be more than willing to show you the way. Would you like to spend some time lounging about the landscaped yard? Well, Star will make sure that you never bore. A game of sticks will certainly be on her agenda.

Star’s version of sticks may be a little different from what you have played with other dogs. First of all, she always has to have the perfect “hiding spot” to crouch in while you throw the stick and to return to after retrieving her stick. This hiding spot may or may not be near your location. Second, you mustn’t throw the stick too far, because, remember, she is almost 13 years old and doesn’t enjoy running about to retrieve her sticks. Thirdly, you mustn’t throw it in the wrong spot or she will simply wait for you to retrieve it and throw it again in the correct direction. Don’t worry. If this seems confusing to you at all, Star is sure to have you trained by the end of your visit.

As the cold weather sets in, Star prefers to spend her time indoors. You will often find her curled up on one of the couches when she thinks no one is looking. I think she looks forward all week to when the quilting ladies arrive on the weekend. Not only do they provide her entertainment, she is allowed to stay inside with them most of the day, and often spends the nights with them in the cabins.

Star has become a living legend here at the ranch, ranking up there with Tulip the Goat (another story for another time). Star receives more fan mail and gifts than anyone else at the ranch. Guests make return visits to the ranch, often, because of Star. Year after year, the legend of and love for Star grows. After traveling and estimated 17,664 trail miles in all her summers and 6,856 sleigh miles in all her winters at the ranch, for a total mileage of 24,520, she is still going strong.

So the next time you visit the ranch, be sure to give Star an extra rub behind the ears; a small gift for her years of service to all those who have enjoyed their time here at the ranch.

Grounded

2009-11-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

I have been grounded!

It has been 70 days since I last rode a horse. One thousand, six hundred and eighty hours since I have sat astride the most magnificent beast ever to walk the earth. One hundred thousand, eight hundred minutes since I have been grounded.

For many people, this period of time off a horse’s back is of no consequence. For me, it is becoming torturous. During the third week of September, the ranch put on an adult horsemanship clinic. For the duration of the week, I found myself in either the office answering phones or in the kitchen cooking meals for our guests. All the other employees at the ranch were outside on horseback. As the week drug on (for me), I became more bitter by the day. By the end of the week I was not the most pleasant person to be around. I wanted to be outside riding my horses. But, no. I was almost 8 months pregnant and no one was letting me get anywhere near the back of a horse, especially my father.

I am now 38 weeks pregnant; just 2 weeks away from giving birth to Landon and my first wonderful little girl. I have recently begun planning for my first ride. Hopefully I will be horseback no more than three weeks after our little one is born.

To those of you who are getting in the last rides of the season before winter hits, please take advantage of these beautiful Fall days and take a ride for me.

The Herd

2009-10-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

As a wrangler, I really appreciate the quality of horses at the ranch. From a 13.2 hand tall pony to the gentle giant draft horses, they are all a joy to work with.
Those horses ridden by our guests are the saddle horses. This group consists of 31 Quarter Horses, Paints and Appaloosas. A few of these, Reed, Checkers, Chance, Blue, Dusty, and Sinco, are still young and in the training stage. These six are ridden primarily by the ranch wranglers. The other 25 horses are enjoyed by our guests in every season excluding winter.

The ten draft horses are a great source of

entertainment no matter the season. These giants are great workers, whether pulling the wagon or sleigh. Another super fun thing about four of the drafts; Bill, Larry, Justice, and Selma, is that, unlike many draft horses, they are able to be ridden. Nothing else compares to setting astride that much power! Their movement is so unique from that of a stock horse. We are hoping to have a couple of them going well enough for guests to ride next summer.

Our youngest horses are the half siblings, Pearl and Duke. Both are 1½ years old and will begin some light training this fall. Since Duke is half Percheron, and huge, he may get some saddle time before the fall is over. Pearl is a more normal sized variety of Appaloosa. I am looking forward to seeing both of them going under saddle, but I am especially excited about Duke.

It is always thrilling getting new horses, and I am especially excited about the new additions this fall. “Zippers” is a big, 11 year old, roan Appaloosa mare that the ranch purchased from Mary Snedden. Zippers was trained to a highly competitive level in Western and English Pleasure. Roley (my dad) has ridden her in two horse shows this fall and did extremely well. I have recently been “grounded” from riding due to my pregnant belly so I am especially excited for next spring when I will be able to begin riding Zippers in preparation for the summer show season. The newest addition this fall does not actually belong to the ranch; she belongs to me. I purchased “Lil Horse” about a month ago and unfortunately, because of my “grounded” status, I have not been able to ride her. My mom, Janice, has however, taken her on a couple rides. “Lil Horse” is a 10 year old, 13.2 hand tall, Pony of America. My hope is that after a summer of me riding her on trails and teaching horse camps she will become an excellent children’s horse.

If you haven’t had a chance to see or ride some of these amazing steeds, be sure to stop by for a ride before the snow flies or a sleigh ride when winter sets in.

NWBRA Finals 2009

2009-10-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

One of the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch wranglers, Sammi Jo Carter, recently competed in the North West Barrel Racing Association Finals October 8-11 in Gillette Wyoming.

For those of you who don’t know what the NWBRA is, here is a little overview. Their mission is “To promote the sport of barrel racing as a family activity at all levels of competition”, and their goals are “To have a professional barrel racing association that recognizes all levels of competition”, and “to host a National Finals each fall that will allow its members the opportunity to compete at grand prizes as well as money.”

Sammi competed in the 5D division and made 2 runs on her mare “Beaner”. In her first run she had an excellent time of 18.1. However, she knocked over the first barrel so she was disqualified from that round. In her second run, she and Beaner were a perfect team and had a time of 17.816. Sammi and Beaner held the first place position for 160 competitors. The total number of contestants in the 5D division was 319 so when all was said and done, they were 50th in the rankings. Sammi considered the event to be a success because, “I improved by a full second from last year and bumped up 2 divisions.”

The most thrilling part of her week, it seems, was not the speed, the adrenaline, or the “turn and burn” attitudes. The most heart pumping part of her trip appears to be the ride home. The weather was not very favorable with snow, wind, and black ice. While her crew held back in Gillette, some people tried to press on into the snowy night. The result was two flipped and one jack-knifed horse trailers. As I write this, it is 3:00pm on Tuesday the 13th, and Sammi is still making her way back to Sandpoint very slowly and cautiously.

Congratulations Sammi from all of us here at WPGR!

An introduction to "From the Horse's Mouth"

2009-10-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

“In horse racing circles tips on which horse is a likely winner circulate amongst punters. The most trusted authorities are considered to be those in closest touch with the recent form of the horse, i.e. stable lads, trainers etc. The notional 'from the horse's mouth' is supposed to indicate one step better than even that inner circle, i.e. the horse itself.” -Garry Martin

I am a genuine cowgirl, daughter, wife, sister, soon to be mother, friend and all around hand at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. I live and work here surrounded be the constant beauty of North Idaho and can not imagine myself anywhere else. It is my times spent at, and love for this place that makes me “one step better than the horse itself”. Please enjoy the stories and tales of Western Pleasure Guest Ranch that come “from the horse’s mouth”.