Rafter TK Ranch & Arena

05/31/2024

Progress not perfection. 🧡 Trust the process.

Don’t be afraid to fail.

Be fearful of never trying.

Strive for progress.

Not perfection.

Stand tall in the face of adversity.

Let resilience be your greatest weapon.

And perseverance your guiding light.

05/30/2024

Pictured here is Alysha with Surely (lesson horse extraordinaire) learning how to lunge for the first time. One of the many fundamentals of horsemanship in the Equine Canada Learn to Ride program I teach. So proud of you Alysha, keep up the good work! Posted with permission. Natasha Robinson

04/11/2024

Happy spring everyone! My lesson schedule is almost full. I have two time slots left on Wednesdays. 3:30-4:30 and 5:30-6:30. PM the page if you want a spot. 🤠

01/10/2024

Super important to know the difference!

You may wonder why we pull back into the syringe when giving injections in the vein. This picture explains why. We don't pull back to make sure we're in the vessel, we do it to make sure we're in the RIGHT vessel. Today I went to give an injection and pulled back and saw blood brighter than I wanted. I decided to go and get a new dose of sedation and once again pulled back and then gave my dose of sedation. The syringe on the left was my first injection and the syringe on the right was my second injection. Does anyone know why I shouldn't have injected that first syringe? And had I injected that first injection, what would have happened?

01/08/2024

Shout out to CP Custom Tack. She custom built these mohair breast collars for the girls for Christmas. She was so easy to work with while designing them and did a beautiful job!

11/02/2023

So proud of this independent little cowgirl! She has been a very dedicated student in preparing herself and her horse Waylon for rodeo. She is a fierce competitor and her and Waylon are a great team.🐴 Congratulations Taiya!! We look forward to cheering you on at all the rodeos! 💕 # cowgirltothecore

07/27/2023

Exciting to have a driving class at a horse show!

07/26/2023

A great Gymkhana club filled with wonderful people. Well deserved. 👏

Congratulations to the 2023 Clear Hills County Outstanding Recreation Club/Facility Cleardale Riders Club

We celebrate a remarkable achievement, an honor that is presented upon an organization that has truly made a difference in our community. It is my absolute pleasure to announce that the recipient of the 2023 Clear Hills County Outstanding Recreation Facility Award is none other than the Cleardale Riders Club!

Recreation is a vital aspect of any community. It is the heart and soul that fuels the joy and happiness we experience in our everyday lives. It is what brings us together, strengthens our bonds, and creates unforgettable memories.

Recognizing the profound impact of recreation on our community, Clear Hills County has established the "Outstanding Recreation Facility Award." This tribute, submitted through nominations, aims to honor those exceptional facilities that have left an indelible mark on our community. Today, we proudly bestow this prestigious award upon the Cleardale Riders Club.

For five decades, the Cleardale Riders Club has been a steadfast presence, catering to riders young and old, with diverse horse-related sport backgrounds. With over 75 members hailing from various locations, including Grande Prairie, Fairview, Worsley, Cleardale, Dawson Creek, and Fort St. John in British Columbia, they have created a strong and inclusive community.

As an active Gymkhana Club, the Cleardale Riders consistently operate and maintain the arena at the bottom of Clear River. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in their busy schedule, which includes 13 Gymkhanas planned for the year. Recently the 18th annual Heavy Horse Days drew contestants from all across northern Alberta and British Columbia, showcasing the reach and impact of their events.

But their dedication doesn't stop there. The Cleardale Riders Club also organizes a family horse camp, a remarkable initiative that provides members and their families with invaluable information on horse-related topics, safety, and riding. Through engaging activities such as games, lectures, and crafts, participants widen their knowledge on various horse sports, from jumping to roping, while also promoting the well-being of both themselves and their equine partners.

The Cleardale Riders Club embodies the very essence of what a recreation facility should be. They have fostered a sense of belonging, provided opportunities for growth and learning, and created a vibrant community that uplifts us all. Their dedication and tireless efforts have had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Today, as we present them with the Clear Hills County Outstanding Recreation Facility Award, let us express our deepest gratitude to the Cleardale Riders Club. Let us acknowledge their invaluable contribution to the quality of life in Clear Hills County.

And to all the recreation facilities that enhance the lives of Clear Hills County residents, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your dedication and passion have transformed our community into a place where joy, laughter, and lifelong memories flourish.

Congratulations once again to the Cleardale Riders Club on this well-deserved recognition. May your legacy inspire future generations to continue creating vibrant and inclusive recreation facilities that enrich the lives of our community.

07/24/2023

Congratulations to Tessa Roberts on her successful weekend at the Manning rodeo! Tessa has been a student of mine for almost 3 years now and this little cowgirl is all heart. It has been a privilege witnessing her improve and grow in her horsemanship. Can’t wait to see what this dream team does next! 🦄

07/13/2023

Some great advice here….

Is your horse overweight?

23% - 51% of horses are reported to be overweight or obese. Since owners can sometimes underestimate a horse’s body condition score obesity rates may be even higher. Obesity is associated with many negative health consequences. Take a preventive stance against obesity by reviewing the Henneke Body Condition

10 Tips for Weight Reduction in the Overweight Horse

As a horse owner, you play an important role in controlling your equine companion’s weight. Sound nutrition management, a regular exercise program and veterinary care are key to keeping your horse fit and healthy. Maintaining the ideal weight is not always easy, however.

When implementing a weight loss program for the overweight horse, it’s important to do it gradually and under the supervision of an equine veterinarian. Follow these guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to get you started:

- Be patient. Weight reduction should be a slow, steady process so not to stress the horse or create metabolic upsets.
- Make changes in both the type and amount of feed gradually. Reduce rations by no more than 10% over a 7- to 10-day period.
- Track your horse’s progress by using a weight tape. When the horse’s weight plateaus, gradually cut back its ration again.
- Step up the horse’s exercise regimen. Gradually build time and intensity as the horse’s fitness improves.
- Provide plenty of clean, fresh water so the horse’s digestive and other systems function as efficiently as possible and rid the body of metabolic and other wastes.
- Select feeds that provide plenty of high quality fiber but are low in total energy. - -- Measure feeds by weight rather than by volume to determine appropriate rations.
- Select feeds that are lower in fat since fat is an energy-dense nutrient source.
- Switch or reduce the amount of alfalfa hay feed. Replace with a mature grass or oat hay to reduce caloric intake.
- Feed separate from other horses so the overweight horse doesn’t have a chance to eat his portion and his neighbours too. In extreme cases of obesity, caloric intake may also need to be controlled by limiting pasture intake.
- Balance the horse’s diet based on age and activity level. Make sure the horse’s vitamin, mineral and protein requirements continue to be met.

Once your horse has reached its ideal body condition, maintaining the proper weight is a gentle balancing act. You will probably need to readjust your horse’s ration to stabilize its weight. Exercise will continue to be a key component in keeping the horse fit. Because obesity can affect a horse’s health, communicate regularly with your veterinarian. Schedule regular check-ups, especially during the weight reduction process.

For more information about caring for the obese horse, ask your equine veterinarian for the “Overweight Horse” brochure, provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners in partnership with Educational Partners Bayer Animal Health and Purina Mills, Inc., or visit the AAEP’s website at www.aaep.org/horseowner. Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

05/18/2023

This guy was an incredible horseman. On my list of people to meet dead or alive, he is one of them.

05/18/2023

No lessons today. Air quality is at 188 right now.

04/28/2023

Words to live by. Just picked up this gem of a shirt at Frayed Knot Western Consignment. If you are ever in the Olds, AB area make a point to stop in and see CJ. She has a fine assortment of consigned tack and saddles as well as new and consigned western clothes, boots and hats. And she ships! 🤠

04/21/2023

A good reminder as the show season begins…….

Stressed about your first show season and all the unwritten rules? Well we are here to help!

𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 📝

Today’s topic 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝑬𝒕𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆

We love to see so many new faces at our shows! With so many new faces around, stress about proper etiquette in warms up pens happens! But we are here to help!

Looking at this diagram below, we can point out a few important notes;
1. Fast circles are for the furthest outside of each circle.
2. Loping / Extended Trotting happen in the middle of each circle.
3. Walking / Trotting happen inside each circle.
4. Standing / Spinning happen as close to center as possible in each circle.

A few other key points to remember are;

- Do not stop at center / the middle of the two
circles. Other riders may be working on lead changes or hitting their center marker and being stopped at center may cause an accident.

- Each circles are on different leads. If one set of circles is on a left lead, the other set should be on the right or vise versa.

- If the warm up pen is too small for two sets of circles and you want to switch directions, call out “switch directions, making sure everyone has heard, proceed with change of direction.

- If you are slowing speeds in a circle, changing to a different circle, or are trying to get out of the warm up pen please look over your shoulder before you do anything to make sure you are giving other members ample time to see you and adjust accordingly.

Show season is fast approaching and we cannot wait to see everyone at the shows!

04/11/2023

Thanks for the blow drying wind Mother Nature!

04/04/2023

Kinda excited over here! When I originally registered our brand, the left hip on horse was taken, so I settled for the left shoulder. But as luck would have it the location became available and I snagged it! So now we are registered left rib on cattle and left hip on horses. 🙌

03/16/2023

Anyone interested in camping with their horses in the Peace area check this place out. Great place to take your kids. The trails are nice and easy and they have an equestrian campground where you can stall, self pen or high line your horses. Located near La Glace and Hythe, AB.

09/09/2022

"They have no idea what happened. If you got first or if you got last. They don’t even care. They aren’t sure why they feel your heart race in the show pen, or why they are in an arena in the first place and why people cheer. They don’t care. They don’t know why you’re happy or disappointed. They don’t even know they are in a contest. But after it’s over, they know your tender touch, they know the feel of your hand as you pat them gently, they know how good it feels to get a bath and rinse off the sweat that appeared while working so hard for you. They can feel your love, long after you hang those ribbons, or review your mistakes and highlight reels. Take care of your horse, in between those runs. He will continue to give everything you ask and never ever know why, but when he feels your love he will always try."
*copied

08/11/2022

07/13/2022

😂

06/19/2022

We had a fantastic day of learning with our horses! Thank you Derek Shaw Horsemanship for sharing your knowledge and wisdom! Lots of smiling people and happy relaxed horses at the end of the day. 🤠

06/18/2022

I love my mares but Digger is just so uncomplicated. He probably thinks I’m crazy.….😆🤫

06/15/2022

15 inch Western Rawhide trail saddle in great shape. $600.

06/13/2022

The man, the myth, the legend. His legacy will live on….

May you Rest In Peace Buster Welch. Thank you for all you have done for us, your wisdom will never be forgotten and your legacy will live on forever.......
Buster Welch (May 23, 1928), born near Sterling City, Texas, is a cutting horse trainer and inductee into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Buster was chosen as the recipient of the 2012 National Golden Spur Award for his "outstanding contributions to the ranching and livestock industry".

Buster won the NCHA World Championship four times, and the NCHA World Championship Futurity five times. The most notable horses he trained include Marion's Girl, Chickasha Mike, Money's Glo who he trained and in 1962 won the first NCHA World Championship Futurity, in 1963 he won it on Chickasha Glo, in 1966 on Rey Jay's Pete, in 1971 on Dry Doc, and in 1977 on Peppy San Badger. He won the NCHA World Championship on Marion's Girl in 1954 and 1956. He trained Mr San Peppy and won the NCHA World Championship in 1974 and 1976.

Honors include:
2012 National Golden Spur Award
2006 Western Horseman Award
2004 American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame
AQHA's 30 Year Breeder Award
American Cowboy Culture Working Cowboy Award
Charles Goodnight Award
Foy Proctor Memorial Cowman's Award of Honor
Zane Schulte Trainer of the Year
Stephenville, Texas, Walk of Fame
National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame
National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Ride on cowboy.....

06/02/2022

Only a couple of spots left. 1 day mini clinic for saddle horses. BBQ lunch and lots of fun included!

04/16/2022

Horses walking where they should be loping makes my eye twitch! 😆

𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 📝

Today’s topic 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝑬𝒕𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆

We love to see so many new faces at our shows! With so many new faces around, stress about proper etiquette in warms up pens happens! But we are here to help!

Looking at this diagram below, we can point out a few important notes;
1. Fast circles are for the furthest outside of each circle.
2. Loping / Extended Trotting happen in the middle of each circle.
3. Walking / Trotting happen inside each circle.
4. Standing / Spinning happen as close to center as possible in each circle.

A few other key points to remember are;

- Do not stop at center / the middle of the two 
circles. Other riders may be working on lead changes or hitting their center marker and being stopped at center may cause an accident.

- Each circles are on different leads. If one set of circles is on a left lead, the other set should be on the right or vise versa.

- If the warm up pen is too small for two sets of circles and you want to switch directions, call out “switch directions, making sure everyone has heard, proceed with change of direction.

- If you are slowing speeds in a circle, changing to a different circle, or are trying to get out of the warm up pen please look over your shoulder before you do anything to make sure you are giving other members ample time to see you and adjust accordingly.

Show season is fast approaching and we cannot wait to see everyone at the shows!

Stay tuned for our next 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 📝 as we will be looking at 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐄𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞.

03/24/2022

If you are looking for quality custom made tack and leather goods Camp Shaw does fantastic work!