Ranch Life in Full Swing: Rivers, Clinics, and Blue Ribbons

(Well... Green Actually, Because in Mexico First Place is a Green Ribbon)

The rainy season has transformed the ranch into something almost unrecognizable. Everything is impossibly green, the air is fresh, and the river, normally a gentle ribbon, has been roaring so strongly we haven't been able to cross it for weeks. But when the water finally lowered enough, we saddled up and rode into the canyon, crossing the river with friends. It felt like the land itself was celebrating, showing us its wild and beautiful side.

The Canyon Ride

That ride into the canyon was unforgettable. The trails shimmered with green, and when our horses stepped into the river, you could feel the thrill ripple through everyone. There's something grounding about crossing water on horseback. It feels ancient, like tapping into a memory of how humans and horses have always traveled together. We took photos that day, but even they can't quite capture how alive it all felt.

Community & Clinics

This season hasn't just been about the ranch. A little while back, we joined friends for a ranch sorting clinic, a day full of learning, laughter, and a good dose of friendly competition. It wasn't at our ranch this time, but being part of that community always reminds me why I love this lifestyle. Horses bring people together in such a special way.

Play Day at the Ranch

Not every day with horses has to be serious training or competition. Recently, Brett set up a playful obstacle course in our arena, and we invited some of our horsey friends over for a casual ride day. He hung rings around the arena, and we took turns trying to spear them with the garrocha pole, a little nod to working equitation, but mostly just an excuse to laugh and cheer each other on. It turned into a lighthearted competition, and the horses seemed to enjoy it as much as we did. Days like that remind me how much joy there is in simply playing with our horses, building trust, and sharing the fun with friends.

The Horse Show

And then last weekend... something amazing happened. I brought Flynn and Kalypso to a working equitation show, and for the very first time, I won first place on both of them. I'm still smiling about it. Competing is never about the ribbons for me. It's about partnership, growth, and showing up with your horse. But that feeling of everything clicking, of all the practice and patience paying off, was incredible. Flynn and Kalypso gave me their all, and I couldn't be prouder of them.

Whether it's splashing through the river, testing our skills in the show ring, or just laughing with friends in the arena, these moments weave together the rhythm of life at the ranch: a balance of challenge, play, and the simple joy of being with our horses.