LOS PIÑOS POST 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 

Los Piños Equestrian Center is thrilled to be ringing in a New Year!!  We hope that 2012 finds all of our clients in a wonderful state, and we wish you all the best in the coming year. And, as everyone knows, a new year means resolutions to make and hopefully keep…..Here are 5 resolution ideas to help you get the most from your horse this year: 1. Get Fit: Being in shape will help both of you have better balance, prevent injury, and be more athletic. Increasing your fitness will improve your endurance and you allow the most the most from the time you have in the saddle. Exercise is not only essential for you, but also for your horse. The more fit your horse becomes, the easier it will be for him to perform the tasks you ask from him. 2.Diet and Eat Right. The New Year is a great time to review your horse's diet as well as your own. Many owners tend to over feed their horses. Make sure that you don't feed too much grain, and that you are feeding grain that contains the right amount of fat and protein content -- your horse may not need "high-octane" fuel. Also, you should work with your vet to ensure that your horse is getting the vitamins, minerals and supplements that it needs. Do make sure that you feed high quality forage and hay. Roughage is a critical part of your horse's diet (like fruit and vegetables are important to your health). 3. Try New Things: Variety is the spice of life, and if you are getting bored with your riding program, it might be time to shake things up with something new! 4.Enjoy your Time Together: Make time in your schedule to spend quality time with your horse. You and your horse will become a better team when you spend time together outside of your regular training routine. If you spend friendly, relaxing time together with your horse, he will be happy to see you visit! 5. Make New Friends: The more fun you have keeping your resolutions, the more likely you are to stick to your plan. Meeting new people and making new friends will make riding more fun! Trying new activities will help you meet new friends who share your interests and goals.

 

 Till the cows come home!    

Or….The Cattle are here!! For those of you who have been awaiting the arrival of cattle here at LPEC, well, your wait is over.  We currently have 12 head on-site, with another 10 expected to arrive in the next month. Having cattle on-site means a variety of event and lesson options available to boarders and non-boarders alike. 

Cattle events will consist of ranch sorting, ranch cutting and possibly some roping.  As usual, LPEC boarders are eligible for 50% off entry fees for any event that does not pay back monies. Please watch our website and calendar for information on these events.

Cattle lessons are available as of January 1.  Lessons range from introducing your horse to cattle in general, working the herd, learning how to sort or cut, and MORE!!  For the serious competitor, private lessons start at $85/hour and for those who prefer a more casual group setting, group lessons are offered at the following rates:  Group of  5 riders = $90 for 90 minutes (that’s only $18 per rider!!) or Group of 3 riders = $75 for 90 minutes (breaking down to $25 per rider).  Working cattle is a great way to improve your horsemanship skills as well as your relationship with your horse, so call Scott and schedule your lesson TODAY!!!!   719-784-1177 

 

Fun at the Jingle Bell Ride and potluck!! 

To kick off the holiday season,  as well as a new era in LPEC events, the first ever Jingle Bell Ride was held on December 17th.  Daryl and Denise Miles traveled up from Oklahoma, so all the new owners were in attendance.

Saturday proved to be the perfect day for an event, as the sun was shining, the temps were warm, and of course, the jingle bells were ringing!  Riders started out shortly after 11:30 am, and proceeded to hunt for bells Easter-egg hunt style.  As they rode through the arena, and out on the trail, bells could be found on fences, in trees and hidden in various other places.  The bells were of different colors, and each color represented a different treat, so riders were encouraged to hunt for more than one bell. 

Scott’s sense of humor was apparent, as he hid a “Big Bucks” bell on the trail, as well as a black jingle bell.  The rider who returned the Big Bucks bell was rewarded with a special treat ( A Big Buck Chocolate bar as well as some gold coins) while the rider who came back with the black bell was given several lumps of (candy) coal!

Once the riders were finished on the trail, the group moved into the arena for a cakewalk-like finish to the riding.  When the music stopped, riders were instructed to ride to the closest number on the arena rail. As numbers were called, those riders were eliminated until only one was left. Freia Bradford-Hooper was the last rider in the ring, and she received the grand jingle bell, which she then exchanged for the grand prize— a goody bag containing several horse-related gifts. 

Remaining bells were exchanged for a variety of horse treats, people treats and Christmas tree ornaments. Once the exchanging was done, everyone gathered around for some chili, cornbread, and assorted other goodies during the Holiday Potluck. 

It was great to see everyone out enjoying their horses, the great day, and great friends!! Thank you to all who came, and we can’t wait to do it again!!

 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

      JANUARY 2012

1/14           Ground Driving Clinic   11:00 am  (Free event!!)

1/28           Colt Starting I Clinic         9:00 am

   FEBRUARY 2012

2/4                Ranch Cutting Clinic       9:00 am  (Raindate of 2/25)

2/11            Sweetheart Terrain Course Ride   1:00 pm  (Free event!)

2/18   Colt Starting II Clinic                        9:00 am

FOR SALE 

Bumper pull trailer, new mats, pulls great, in great shape. $2100

13 yr old Sorrel AQHA Mare, great for trails, overnight camping, good bloodlines: $3200/ OBO

13 yr  Sorrel AQHA Mare, great cutting bloodlines—would make an AWESOME sorting or penning horse. $3400/ OBO

4 yr Bay Roan APHA Filly, fabulous start on her, ready to go in any direction you choose!  14 hh, rides English and Western.  Flashy AND smart!!  $3200/ OBO

For info on sale items, please call LPEC @ 719-784-1177

 

 Barn Rules

 

The new ownership at LPEC strives to create and maintain a safe, fun and educational equine based environment.  To further that goal, we request that ALL barn based clients adhere to the following rules at all times.  Thank you.

· No horses to be stalled or turned out with halters on.

· Every horse in a stall, pen or turnout will have it’s halter at the gate of said stall, pen or turnout.

· Please clean up after your horses. This includes manure, hoof trimmings and hair clippings.

· If you find a gate open, leave it open.  If you find a gate closed, please close it behind you.

· Smoking is prohibited on LPEC grounds.

· Please park in designated areas only.

· Do not leave horses tied unattended for long periods of time.

· Helmets are required on the Jumping Course.

· Cattle is to be used on a SUPERVISED basis only.  Please do not accost, approach or attempt to move LPEC Cattle without LPEC staff.  Failure to observe this rule may result in immediate termination of boarding contract, and removal from property. Should you have any questions regarding these rules, please don’t hesitate to speak with the barn manager.