Fox Tales, June, 2017
THANK YOU!!!
Yes, thank you for your patience and help, as we successfully coped with the wettest rainy season in decades. We got 21 inches of rain, almost four times as much as prior years.
SUMMER IS HERE!
We’ve enjoyed a truly remarkable Spring, with cool temperatures and lots of wildflowers on the trails.
The ladies at the barn helped clear the trails and we got lots of work done. Mike took the tractor into the flooded West turnout, filled in the holes and ruts, and started making it a nicer and safer place for our critters. There is more to do, after the creek stops running.
Summers often begin with May Gray and June Gloom, but afterwards they are usually hot, dry, and dusty. The horses may be a little lazy. HFF is lucky to be on a mountain with cool breezes directly from the ocean, which keeps our temperatures bearable.
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Clothing:
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Hot weather means thinking about clothes, for both you and your horse. For riders, lightweight breathable clothing is recommended, and protection from the sun is a MUST. For horses, fly masks and other protection will make them a lot happier.
Water.
During hot spells, the horses will need to drink more, and we need to make sure they do. Clean fresh water and salt blocks will help. Our white plastic paddle-type waterers insure that a thirsty horse gets plenty of cool, fresh, clean water from the underground system. Check and clean waterers daily. Some horses may need water buckets too, but remember that buckets need regular cleaning, or the water in them will be warm, stale, dirty, and full of mosquito larvae. The threat of West Nile Virus is real!
Please remember that we still live in a desert, and water is precious, and one wet year does NOT mean we don't have to conserve water.
Riders need lots of water, too. Please bring your re-usable bottles of cool water with you. Our little refrigerator in the office is for your use.
Welcome Gianna:
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“Thrilled” doesn’t describe how excited we are to share our summer with Gianna Stover, former HFF worker, rider, and friend. Gianna is home from college in Colorado and will be our Assistant Barn Manager this summer, helping Katy and Jenny Minniti with, well, everything! In addition to feeding, grooming, and taking care of the horses, you’ll find GS teaching lessons, camps, and exercising horses for us. She’ll usually be around to offer any help you may need.
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Watch Out!
There are rattlesnakes and gopher snakes out and about. They’re hunting mice and other small rodents and doing their part in the ecosystem, controlling the small animal population. Let’s try to live with the snakes and not bother them.
If you see a snake at HFF, please let the staff, and everyone else, know immediately. We will see what kind of snake it is and warn people to keep away, if necessary. General snake rules include: Don't let little children wander unattended. Don’t step or put your hands where you cannot see. Don’t get into wood, rocks, or brush (or jumps!) without checking for snakes first. Wear good shoes and long pants. Don’t tease, poke, goad, or provoke the wildlife! Most bites occur when a person tries to kill or move a rattler.
Horse Show Season:
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April 9, Pot of Gold Horse show in Ramona Report: First horse show of the season - Maya and BC brought home a Champion and Helena and Scuba were Reserve Champion.
April 30 ECHO Report: Sierra and Snickers showed how far their partnership has come with a nearly-perfect hunter round and a couple of very good ribbons in a competitive division. Sharona rode hard but BC has officially retired from jumping oxers. They did get a great ribbon in the under saddle class. Maya and Helena made their debut in the Crossrails Division. Helena and Hummer were practically perfect, as were Maya and BC--great ribbons in the over fences for both girls. Thanks to the team for all their help, especially Anna, who warmed up HV and lent a hand everywhere it was needed!
Sign-up sheets are posted at the barn for the coming shows.
Summer Camps:
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June 26-30 Novice Camp is open for enrollment. Please call Katy or Jenny to reserve your spot.
July 10-14 Novice Camp still has room for more riders. These girls will be taking daily lessons in equitation and jumping, plus trail riding, gymkhana, stable management skills and knowledge, and, of course, horsey games!
Aug. 7-11 Beginner Camp riders will be working on their basic skills and riding techniques. They’ll also get to experience trail riding, bareback riding, horse feeding, and maybe help out the veterinarian and farrier. This camp is full but please call for other options.
Camps run from 8:30 – 12:30 each day and cost $375.00 with a $100.00 deposit.
HFF is offering Novice Level FUN Week for our current riders and friends, Aug. 22-25. Each day will offer a different activity, such as a Beach Ride, Mountain Ride, Jumping Lesson, Dressage Lesson, or Fun Show. Riders may sign up for the whole week, or just the days they choose. More information, with schedule and fees, will come out soon.
More Summer Activities:
We've got some exciting SUMMER activities in the planning stages - Horse Camping trips to the Cuyamacas, Trail Rides around the county, Beach Rides and Picnics, and our annual Campout in the Arena
Adult Ride and Get-Together at the barn! Last Wednesday of each Summer Month. Come after work, have a relaxed hack or just hang out with your horse, then join us for munchies and drinks. See you May 31! Potluck and BYOB. We might have to bump the July night to Aug. 2.
Horse Camping at Green Valley Falls in the Cuyamacas, July 18-20. We’ve had great fun camping with the horses in past years, and look forward to another three days of riding, hiking, swimming (yes! There’s water in the Falls!), and socializing. Let me know if you’re ready to join us. HFF horses are available also.
Sleepover in the Arena, August 19. We’ll start the evening with a Grand Potluck, then bring out our guitars and kazoos, and hang around the campfire. Pitch your tent by the stone wall, or maybe the green oxer. Sleep under the stars, listen to the munching of happy horses, watch for coyotes, owls, and the Hidden Foxes! Everyone invited, but young kids need at least one parent in attendance.
Beach ride – sometimes it’s just too hot to work your horse in the arena. So let’s throw them in the trailer and go to the beach! We may go to Border Field State Park or maybe Fiesta Island, or maybe both!!
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