❄️ Winter 2026 Newsletter
- Eric Haraga
- Jan 27
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Emerald Hills Ranch
Date: January 2026
A Fresh Start to a New Year
Welcome to 2026. We ended and started the new year off with lots of much-needed rain. The pond is filled with geese basking in its fullness. The mountains have turned from golden to emerald green, which has us thinking about the origin of the ranch’s name. It’s hard to imagine changing it to anything else during these lush winter months when the beauty of the land really shines. Looks like no rain forecasted until mid February, so enjoy the green hills and the dry grounds for a few more weeks.
🌿 General Happenings at the Ranch
Every day brings new tasks, challenges, and moments of gratitude. Because we care for each horse as an individual, our daily work requires an incredible amount of planning, problem solving, teamwork, and heart. We take pride in that level of attention and customization.
During the month that Laura was away on a meditation retreat in Montana, the staff really came together. We want to thank everyone who stepped up and helped ensure the ranch ran smoothly. Now that Laura is back, the calm you experience at the ranch is no accident. It comes from dedication, coordination, and the people behind the scenes. A big thank you to our managers Laura and Eric, who both bring balance and peace to the daily operations.
👋 Welcome New Ranch Members
Christina Smith and Deo
Handsome Deo is back at Emerald Hills Ranch — welcome home! Deo lived here once before and clearly remembered his old stomping grounds, settling in immediately like no time had passed. His new owner, Christina, is new to our ranch community, and we’re thrilled to welcome her as well. Christina is a talented equine photographer who captures beautiful images of horses and their people at events and through private sessions. We’re lucky to have both of them join us and look forward to seeing them thrive here.
🌈 Fond Farewell
Claire Cichocki and Whiskey
Claire moved home to Mendocino where her family built a pasture for both Whiskey and Spantik. The two best friends are now reunited and living their best life together. A happy ending all around.
Audrey Weinstein and Trillion
After some healing and a few delays, Trillion is finally joining Audrey at her new home. Audrey had every detail lined up and waited patiently as he took his time getting ready. We’ll miss them both.
Olivia Clouser and Poppy
Olivia and Poppy have been part of the ranch family through several chapters. We’ve watched Poppy grow from a filly to a stunning gray adult with agility and intelligence to match her beauty. Olivia also worked with us feeding dinners and was always responsible, kind, and committed. We’re sad to see them go, but wish them the very best in this next chapter.
🕊 In Loving Remembrance
No losses this season.
🏅 Boarder of the Month
Lauren Maas
Horse name: Rain
How long have you been riding horses: In February it will be 20 years that I’ve been riding horses!
What is your favorite movie: Top Gun
What is your favorite hobby or pastime besides horse riding? Reading or playing piano
What breed is your horse, and why did you choose this breed? Thoroughbred; They have been my favorite breed since I was a little girl
What is your favorite food dish? I can’t pick! Maybe tacos or something Italian
Name one thing about your horse that most do not know: Rain was born with neonatal maladjustment syndrome and generally had a really rough start in his first 2 years of life
What would your dream vacation be? Egypt or somewhere in Australia
What is one word that best describes your horse? Cheeky
What accomplishment are you most proud of? Keeping Rain comfortable and healthy
Why do you enjoy horse riding? The clarity and peace it brings
What is something on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish soon? Graduate vet school
What advice would you give to someone new to horse riding? Enjoy the ride :)
What do you do for a living? I’m in my second year of vet school at the Royal Vet College in the UK
🔧 Ranch Improvements
Emergency Response Plan
We created a more detailed plan to respond to emergencies and illness outbreaks. After the recent multi-state EHV-1 outbreak, we put together clearer documentation and protocols to handle equine illnesses like pigeon fever, ringworm, West Nile, and more.
Gelding Pasture Corral Repairs
The corral used for hard keepers in the 15-acre gelding pasture was reinforced to handle the hillside drainage. Posts, leveling platforms, and gravel were added to protect it from flooding. So far, it’s working well.
Barrier and Pathway Upgrades
We added fencing to separate the gelding and pond pasture horses more clearly. We also created a safe walkway for staff feeding Mixer in paddock 25, which involved relocating a water tank and installing a window in his shelter for easier access.
Mud Control
Heavy rain led us to spread mulch at gates and in traffic areas to improve footing and reduce slipping.
Hay Storage Restack
A hay squeeze helped us restack all the hay bales. Gaps in the stack made it hard to tarp properly, so this work now protects the hay better and improves access.
🧰 Completed Projects in 2025
2025 brought several important upgrades to the ranch. These projects laid the groundwork for smoother operations and better care for the horses, while also improving the overall experience for boarders and staff alike.
Turnout Pasture Irrigation System Upgrade
We undertook a significant overhaul of the irrigation system in the turnout pasture. The new setup gives us better coverage and efficiency, and while there are still a few kinks to work out, we expect everything to be fully operational by spring. This upgrade will help ensure greener pastures throughout the year and make maintenance far less time-consuming.
Pathway and Landscape Lighting Around the Barn
New lighting was installed throughout the main barn area, including the cross ties, hitching post, wash station, and surrounding walkways. These lights not only add beauty and ambiance in the evening hours, but also improve visibility and safety during early mornings and after-dark routines.
Pond Aeration and Water Treatment
A full aeration system was added to the pond, along with water treatments to help reduce aquatic fern and improve water quality. This project has helped restore the natural balance of the pond and makes it a much more pleasant feature for all who spend time near it.
Fire Safety Tree Removal
We hired a crew to professionally remove all dead trees across the ranch. This was a major step toward increasing fire safety, reducing hazards, and maintaining defensible space in accordance with best practices. It’s one of those improvements that’s not always visible day to day, but plays a big role in long-term ranch safety.
📍 Planned Projects for 2026
Several exciting developments are on the horizon for 2026. These projects are a direct response to boarder feedback and are part of our continued investment in making Emerald Hills a top-tier facility for both horses and humans.
12-Acre Mare Pasture Across the Bridge
After multiple boarders requested a dedicated full-time pasture option for their mares, we’re responding with a new 12-acre pasture located just across the bridge. Unlike the larger herd pastures, this will be designed specifically for mares who thrive in a pasture lifestyle. We had originally hoped to complete this project last year, but we are now set to begin construction in the coming month.
Over One Mile of Riding Trail
We are building a new riding trail that will stretch over a mile and wind around the ranch’s outer perimeter. This will offer our boarders more variety, quiet space, and a scenic route for both light conditioning and relaxing trail rides.
Fully Enclosed Hay Storage Structure
We are planning a new fully enclosed hay barn to protect our feed from the elements year-round. Once complete, this structure will improve hay preservation, reduce waste, and streamline access and storage for the staff.
On-Site Employee Housing Unit
Plans have been submitted to the city for the development of an on-site housing unit for a key staff member. While we are currently waiting on permits, this project will eventually allow one of our team members to live at the ranch full-time — improving security, supporting emergency response, and deepening our staff presence and commitment.
Arena Painting with New Color Scheme
We’re planning to repaint the main arena later this year using a fresh new color scheme that will tie into the ranch’s evolving identity and branding. We’ll share more details on the design and timing as we get closer.
📚 Fun Facts About Horse Care & Health
Isabel, Amaia’s owner and our Monday night dinner feeder, is raising money for children in Mongolia and participating in a long-distance ride across the Mongolian steppe. It’s a powerful mix of equestrianism and altruism. Learn more and support her journey here:
📸 Photos of the Month
⚠️ Safety Issues & Reminders
Blanket Checks
Please regularly check your horse’s blankets. Missing leg straps or broken buckles can create serious safety risks. If your horse is on our blanketing service, provide a bin for us to store blankets during the day. Leaving them on the ground can lead to dew saturation and unnecessary wear.
Cat Awareness
We have several ranch cats, including our beloved Jasmine. Always check under and around your vehicle before moving. Slow driving is expected in and around the ranch at all times to protect our furry friends.
Daily Awareness
Paying attention is one of the best safety tools we have. Whether it’s watching for gates left open or footing conditions after rain, staying mindful helps keep people and horses safe.
🖼️ Cartoon of the Month
💬 Final Thoughts
Rules at the ranch are not about control. They come from experience, necessity, and the shared responsibility of caring for a large property with dozens of horses and people. Every guideline is intended to protect your horse, your community, and your ranch. Updated ranch rules will be posted at the bulletin board by the bathrooms by next month. Familiarize yourself with them and help us keep Emerald Hills Ranch a peaceful, safe, and beautiful place for all.
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