Marc Wells called and asked if they could shoot the closing scene of his film Courage of Two at Mystic Ranch.  He told me that Courage of Two was based on the true story of his son’s meeting a young boy suffering from cancer in the hospital, forming a deep friendship and, after his friend died from cancer, deciding to make a crusade to earn money to help fight childhood cancer.  Of course, we agreed and he asked if he could use our Tori girl as his son’s mount in the movie.

We bid a sad farewell to our Australian Shepherd, Ruby, who had a stroke and died today.  Ruby had originally belonged to our next door neighbor, but when the husband and wife broke up, somehow Ruby fell between the cracks.  She came over to visit Mocha for company, we fed this hungry girl and she asked if she could stay.  She never looked back.  She took over as ranch guardian and made all the decisions as to when Mocha needed to bark.  He was grateful for her direction since it freed him up to focus on being the ranch diplomat and meeter and greeter.  We loved this little dog. So smart, so loyal.  Thank you for the years and joy you gave us.  We will miss you Ruby.

New Year’s play day fun with Karen, Nadja & Katie doing liberty in the trail course, jumping, sideways, pedestals, horse soccer, pairs riding, leg yielding through the cones, carrying tarps and playing with the garrocha pole. Mary Ann Kennedy’s “Horsin Around” and “Horses and Life” are perfect for our play day fun. Music included with the permission of the artist.

We had a blizzard blow into the Rogue Valley, carpeting everything in snow. The horses had a blast playing in the snow and Nadja, Katie and I had a fun time riding in the winter wonderland. Mary Ann Kennedy’s Hoofprints in the Snow is the perfect accompaniment to this video and is included with the permission of the artist.

John brought his molly mule, Samantha, over and asked me to help the two of them get a better understanding of each other.  Samantha was happy to carry John as long as someone led her, but if he tried to ride her on his own, she wouldn’t budge.  Spanking her or kicking her resulted in her looking at you as though you were demented…. and she still wouldn’t budge.  I asked Mystic to nip her butt, which did get her to move, until Mystic declared himself unwilling to do such a silly thing. I then thought to pony Samantha off of Mystic down the road, then unsnapped the lead line and headed home myself. Samantha thought about that and carried John home.  We went further afield day by day and finally, Samantha no longer needed to be ponied. She would simply walk along.  Great mule and loving owner, now on the same page.

Nadja, having lost the connection with Prince, waits to re-establish it

Prince re-establishes his connection with Nadja

One of the unique parts of Nadja’s relationship with Prince is the way in which he will leave her when she becomes either unhappy or too direct line.  She has developed the habit when he leaves of dropping to the ground and taking a moment to center and balance herself, often by playing with Lacey.  As Nadja returns to relaxation and happiness, Prince returns to her and they resume their play.  It is beautiful to behold.

Nadja and I took Prince and Kami up to the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene for the Mountain Trail Clinic and Beginning Cow clinic.  Prince was a rock star, acing every obstacle for Nadja.  Kami was good at everything except a few of the more exotic water crossings.  Very proud of Nadja and the two horses!

Watch Prince doing a tricks, liberty dancing and bridleless riding demo for the Rogue Valley Manor seniors to the music of Mary Ann Kennedy. Music is used with the permission of the artist.

Nadja Rietdorff, our new German exchange student joins Robin Keeton and I as we ride our horses at Crescent City, CA on the ocean beach, up the dunes and in the redwoods to the music of Mary Ann Kennedy.  Music is used with the artist’s permission.

Anne has taught Maia to swim in our pond. She started by walking Maia deeper and deeper into the pond until Maia had to swim. Next she rode Maia into the pond and Maia went into the deep end and swam with Anne on her. From being a source of doubt, swimming has become their favorite thing to do on hot days!  This mare will do anything for this girl!