Fall was busy with a lot of weekend events as well as preparing for Angie’s wedding which was in Las Vegas on October 12th. As soon as her pictures arrive we will put some up on the site. It was a beautiful wedding and the weather was cooperating, not too hot.
We did manage to finally locate hay, with the last of it being secured just a few weeks ago. It was a pretty stressful few months as I phoned everyone I have ever dealt with and no one had any to spare. Seems quite a bit was sent to Alberta and a lot of the farmers are keeping their cows this winter and need all they have for themselves. We also have a drought here in the Okanogan as we received very little rain and the farmers who do not have irrigation were unable to meet their quotas. At Aspengrove we were feeding hay in the field the second week in July. Never before have we ever had to feed hay that early, usually we can go right into September. The prices have been higher than we have ever experienced. All we can hope for is a better year next year, although we still have not had any rain this fall.
We finally put our 2 moms and colts out into the big field last week. Hailey had no problem but Teneka was very worried. When a new horse arrives the whole herd runs over to check it out which is very scary for the moms. Of course no one wants to hurt anyone just curious. We had to feed Teneka and Nikko away from the herd for about 4 days but I noticed this morning they are finally in the same line as the rest for feeding. Decided not to wean the foals and let nature take its course. We did that last time and they seem to wean themselves when the time is right, which is not a problem when the mare is not bred again
Our pets are all doing well. Timmy needs a house by the dog houses as he does not like his pen which is away from the house. I swear he thinks he is a dog, and even sneaks into one of the dog houses when Rudy and Hershey are not around . He was trying to get into our house again last night and sticks his head through the pet door just like Hershey. Hope to have one built in the next week before the weather changes. Last Sunday Mike, Angie and Lorne went on a long trail ride on the neighbor’s property (Crastor Canyon now changed to Canyon Stables) and the dogs and Timmy went along. They were gone about 2 hours and the goat just went along.
Lorne and I took the motor home to Spruce Meadows for the masters. Had a great time as usual. We parked right at Spruce Meadows, so could go back and rest every once in a while. That is sure the way to go. Lorne picked up some ideas for some new jumps, so if it’s a long winter we may see some new jumps next year.
We picked up a new horse last week named Jammer, a 12 year old Thoroughbred. Seems to be a very talented jumper. Jodi bought Ellie, a horse we were using this summer. She road her for her lessons and fell in love. We had her shipped last week.
After we finish the videos, we will be doing our yearly mail out. I would like to thank everyone who registered early to take advantage of last years prices. It will make my winter a little easier as the hay expenses have made it a little tight. We have had to do a $50. per week increase from last year. If you register and pay in full by March 1st, the cost will be $750. plus GST. If you do not pay until June 1st the new cost will be $800. plus GST. We are very sorry for another increase but due to ever increasing costs and especially the hay this year we had to do it. Hopefully everything will stabilize from now on.
We will be looking for some ponies for next year as probably not be able to use Snickers or Freckles. Jackspot, Storm and Drummer are also going to be used less. So, if you know of any good ponies in the range of 12 to 14’2 hands, let me know.
If you have any good pictures of the staff or any other good ones please send them as we need some changes on the web site. Also please take time to complete our Camp Evaluation. I always like to have your input on what you liked and didn't like.
I would like to take this time to say thank you to everyone who made us have another successful year. To the staff – thank you for the great job of helping everyone enjoy their stay. Hope to have you all back next year. I will write again soon.
Bye for nowPS
I would like to thank everyone for all the wonderful Testimonials
It's great to read all the positive feedback we have been receiving. If you attended camp and have not yet filled out our Camp Evaluation please do so as we want your comments and ideas so we can make sure everyone has had the best experience and goes home with a more knowledge and many fond memories.
Hello to everyone,
I would like to start out with an apology for the delays in getting the videos out. With October’s great weather we just did not spend any time in the house and worked outside doing the all menial chores like picking rocks and sticks and all around work on the land. We never seem to get time in the spring, so consequently did not work on the videos. We are just getting started so hope to have them all out in the next month, well before Christmas.