Dear Emerald Hills Ranch Community,
Welcome to the April edition of our newsletter! As the vibrant colors of spring paint our landscape, we reflect on the events and developments that have shaped our ranch community over the past month. From welcoming new members to addressing various improvements and preparing for seasonal challenges, there's much to share and celebrate.
Let's dive into the happenings at Emerald Hills Ranch!
General Happenings at the Ranch
April has brought a vibrant mix of weather and activity to Emerald Hills Ranch, infusing new energy into our pastures and community.
Spring Weather: The unpredictable weather has ranged from hailstorms to intermittent rain showers, challenging our operations but also rejuvenating our pastures. The fresh growth has been a boon to our cows, who are happily grazing on the lush, green grass. This rapid growth has also led to diligent efforts from our grounds team to maintain tidy pastures, ensuring a balanced and inviting environment for our animals and visitors alike.
Staff Additions: We’re delighted to announce that Morgan Whitehouse has officially joined our ranch team as a general laborer. Morgan's hard work and dedication, coupled with his friendly demeanor, have made him an invaluable member of our community. Be sure to greet Morgan and introduce yourself when you see him around the ranch!
Kathy Martin has also been training diligently over the past month, taking charge of Sunday and Monday night feedings, and assisting with various projects throughout the week. Her seamless integration into the team, stellar work ethic, and positive attitude have contributed significantly to the ranch's smooth operations.
Animal Welfare: Our equine residents have been thriving, thanks to the diligence of both our staff and boarders. Spring vaccinations have been completed for most of our horses, ensuring their protection against common diseases. Our deworming program continues to yield positive results, helping maintain the health and safety of our entire equine population.
Monthly Projects: Beyond the immediate benefits of spring growth, we've been addressing infrastructure and maintenance needs across the ranch. Additionally, a new hot water heater has been installed at the wash rack station, a 8-foot chalkboard in the barn was installed to facilitate communication, and many other improvements listed below.
Welcome New Ranch Members
We're thrilled to welcome Chris and Nicole to Emerald Hills. They have brought Domino, their lovely black and white pinto, to join our ranks. Domino's striking appearance adds a touch of flair to our bay-dominated gelding pasture, and we're delighted to have him with us.
Fond Farewell
This month, we bid a fond farewell to Ace and Gracie, who have embarked on a new journey at a training facility. Nikki made the difficult decision to find them new homes as she relocated her elderly mother and horses from Idaho to Davis. We extend our best wishes to Ace and Gracie in their new endeavors and thank Nikki for her dedication to their well-being.
In Loving Remembrance
Thankfully, no members of our equine family crossed the rainbow bridge this month. Let's continue to cherish the time we have with our beloved horses and celebrate their presence in our lives.
Improvements
Manure Management: To enhance cleanliness and reduce fly populations, we've begun the process of relocating the manure pile from the trailer parking area. This will not only create more space for trailers but also contribute to a more hygienic environment around the ranch.
Installation of New Hot Water Heater: Despite initial installation challenges, a new hot water heater has been successfully installed at the wash rack station. Despite some initial hiccups, the heater has been well-received and is effectively providing warm water upon request, thanks to the dedication of our ranch staff in resolving any issues.
Fence Repair to Prevent Cattle Escapes: We've undertaken significant efforts to repair fencing to prevent our cows from wandering into neighboring fields. This involved the installation of five wooden posts and six T-posts over a 20-foot span, ensuring the security of our pastures and the safety of our livestock.
Upcoming Arrival of New Tractor: In anticipation of the arrival of a new tractor in mid-summer, we're eagerly awaiting a solution to the ongoing challenges with our current tractor. The new addition will greatly enhance our operational efficiency and allow us to tackle tasks with greater ease.
Preparation for Fence Painting Projects: As we prepare to resume our fence painting projects, we're replacing old fence boards and installing new posts to ensure the structural integrity of our fences. This will not only improve the aesthetics of our ranch but also contribute to its overall maintenance and upkeep.
Addressing Water Leaks: We continue to address several water leaks that arise each month, with additional leaks already identified for repair in May. While these may seem like minor issues, they require constant attention and maintenance to prevent larger problems from occurring.
Underground Irrigation and New Live-in Paddock: We have started the process of relocating sections of underground irrigation piping in preparation to build a new multi-horse live-in paddock. This early jumpstart allows us to stay on schedule, ensuring pasture irrigation begins on time.
Installation of Chalkboard for Communication: To facilitate staff communication and horse management, an 8-foot chalkboard has been installed in the barn. This centralized board will be used for scheduling and recording horse requirements, while a separate whiteboard will be designated for boarder notes to staff. Please refrain from altering information on any of the boards in the back of the barn near the grain areas.
Creation of Lost and Found Buckets: To prevent confusion and streamline organization, separate buckets for lost and found items have been introduced in the barn during the off-rainy season. Please avoid leaving items on the table, as it can lead to mix-ups. Let's work together to keep our communal spaces organized and efficient.
Boarder & Horse of the Month
Boarder Name: Kelsey Seminoff
Horse name: Latin Brew “Ricky”
How long have you been riding horses: I started lessons when I was about 10 years old and have been riding off and on throughout the years.
What is your favorite movie: 300
What is one thing you like to do outside of horses: Ultra running is a huge passion of mine. I love getting out on the trails for hours at a time, exploring places only few people can see. From huge landscapes to small details nature has so much beauty to offer us.
What breed is your horse, and why did you choose this breed? Ricky is a thoroughbred. I worked with him for a few years at UC Davis before deciding to take him home. Thoroughbreds are such an adaptable breed with such willingness. Plus, they like to add in a little spice from time to time.
What is your favorite food dish? A good deli sandwich! Or Thai food! Or Mexican food!
Name one thing about your horse that most do not know: Ricky is on his third career in life. He was a racehorse, then a research participant for three years and now he just gets to be a horse.
What would your dream vacation be: A mix of adventure with relaxation, Portugal is on my bucket list.
What is one word that best describes your horse: Weirdo
Why do you enjoy horse riding? Riding is just one small portion of horses that I love. Being able to communicate with a 1000 lb. animal whom you don’t speak the same language and then build a partnership is pretty amazing. The barn is one place I can decompress and relax. Time moves differently out here in the best way possible.
Fun Facts about Horse Care/Health
This month, we’re delving into an important topic: grazing management for horses with metabolic, age, and weight concerns. Proper grazing management is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of our equine companions. Here are a few insights and resources to consider:
The Risks of Spring Grazing: Fresh spring grass, while nutritious, can pose health risks for horses with metabolic disorders such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Cushing’s Disease. The rapid growth and high sugar content of new grass can lead to weight gain and even trigger laminitis in sensitive horses. For this reason, it’s essential to monitor the grazing habits of these horses and, when necessary, limit their access to pasture during peak growth periods.
Timing is Key: The sugar levels in pasture grass fluctuate throughout the day. Generally, they are at their lowest in the early morning before sunrise, making this an ideal time for grazing sensitive horses. Conversely, the sugar content rises as photosynthesis progresses throughout the day, reaching a peak in the late afternoon or early evening. Understanding this cycle can help tailor grazing schedules to minimize health risks.
Exercise and Activity: Regular exercise plays a vital role in managing a horse's weight and metabolic health. Encouraging turnout and supervised exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of metabolic issues. For boarders and horse owners, incorporating a variety of activities like riding, lunging, or ground exercises can enhance both physical and mental health.
Additional Resources: For more in-depth information on grazing management and equine health, consider exploring the following articles:
"Don't Gamble with Green Grass": This article delves into the risks associated with spring grazing and offers strategies to manage grazing habits for at-risk horses.
"Pasture Grass Sugar Levels: When Are They Lowest?": This resource provides valuable insights into the daily fluctuations of pasture grass sugar levels, offering guidance on timing grazing sessions to minimize health risks.
Photos of the Month
Safety Issues
With warmer weather comes the onset of fly season. Replenishing fly spray bottles, regularly checking for sores or fly-related issues, and providing protective gear like fly masks can significantly improve our horses' comfort and health. Regular grooming and treatment routines are essential to preventing fly infestations and keeping our equine companions comfortable.
Reminders
Fire Drills: Mandatory fire drills are scheduled for two weekends in May, covering all aspects of emergency preparedness. These drills ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency, reducing panic and increasing the safety of our entire ranch community. It's especially important for those with new horses or who haven't participated in previous drills to attend, as it helps both the horses, and their handlers get familiar with the procedures. For those already familiar with the plan, please sign off with Laura to confirm your participation.
Vaccination Verifications: Please send in your vaccination verifications if you haven't already. Keeping accurate records helps protect our entire equine community from preventable diseases, maintaining the health and safety of our ranch horses. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in keeping our records up to date.
Maintenance and Repairs: Remember to report any maintenance or repair needs to the ranch staff, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly. This proactive approach helps maintain the safety and functionality of our ranch, from infrastructure to facilities, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
Cartoon of the Month
Final Thoughts
As we bid farewell to April and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of May, let's continue to foster a culture of collaboration, safety, and care within our ranch community. Together, we can make Emerald Hills Ranch a place where both humans and horses thrive. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
Warm regards,
Laura & Eric
Emerald Hills Ranch