Cairns Ranch-Equestrian Division

09/16/2024

09/11/2024

First pasture cleaned out and headed to town this morning.

07/15/2024

What a fun weekend at the Saskatoon Dressage Club show. Rhiannon’s Tango put forward two very good second level tests. No Championship pictures but we have the ribbons and tests to prove it😊my highlight was all the visiting with friends I haven’t seen for awhile.

07/03/2024

Wallstreet, created by my kids, offers our horses practice before CNC. Although not the current herd sire, he has potential. 😂😆

06/24/2024

Rhiannon’s Tango “Bu**er” and I had the best time at the High Performance Clinic with Belinda Trussell. Thanks to Saskatchewan Horse Federation
for creating opportunities for Saskatchewan riders. Prairie Star Stables
is an amazing facility. Also huge thanks to my travel buddy and partner in crime, Jen for the super handling of the details.

04/17/2024

No distractions here…….when the men decide to do maintenance during your ride time you just carry on!

04/04/2024

As we gear up for lesson and clinic season please refrain from using your phone during equestrian events, clinics, or lessons as it shows disrespect to the coach and the horse. In group lessons, respect others' time and pay attention to their portion of the session. Group lessons are intended for some riding and some observation of the others in your group.
PC Tammy Davies

03/21/2024

Words of wisdom from Nolan

Two days ago while riding my big horse I asked him to do a lead change down the long wall. Tracking left with a change from left to right. This is this horse’s easier change but previously in this position in the arena it’s always been a smidge late behind. I have never disciplined him for making poor changes. I just don’t believe in that. So he’s always been game to try and he nailed it! I was so excited I said to Nolan something like “I’d like to try the other side bc that was just awesome.” Nolan responds with “well, Old Lady, I’ve never seen a horse’s training go backwards from quitting early!”

It’s been a haul getting to this stage with this horse. He’s a powerhouse mover and around 17hh. I’m just under 5’4, 50 yo and pretty tiny. No video bc…..too busy having a blast riding I wasn’t thinking about video.

03/21/2024

03/19/2024

🐴 As seasoned riders, let's uphold the tradition of classical training methods to ensure the long-term soundness of both horse and rider. By nurturing our equine partners with patience, consistency, and respect, we cultivate a bond built on trust and harmony that stands the test of time. Let's prioritize the well-being of our horses' minds and bodies, fostering enjoyment and fulfillment in our shared journey. 🌟🐎

03/07/2024

"Embrace the beauty of every stride, finding joy in each training session with your equine companion. 🐴💕 Taking a moment to appreciate the journey – the bond, the growth, and the shared moments of grace. It's not just about the destination, but the incredible ride we're on together. Cherishing every step of this journey with your four-legged friend. "

02/03/2024

Beetle. This little guy grew up good! Coming 4. This is about 20 rides.

01/31/2024

Pferdetraum Iron Man getting educated.

12/31/2023

🌟 Galloping into the New Year with a heart set on meaningful equestrian goals! 🐎💫 Focused on nurturing deeper connections with our incredible equine partners and building a supportive community among fellow riders. No room for toxic vibes—this year, it's all about pursuing victories with integrity and not falling into the "me" mentality. Let's ride together, lift each other up, and make 2024 a year of positive strides in and out of the arena! 🐴✨

11/20/2023

If you are a young trainer, chin up carry on. It’s a haul to make it in this industry. There’s no money, no fame, no fortune, no credit and little thanks. I’ve been in this game coming into 30 years. There’s not much I haven’t seen or heard. I never had the extra funds to participate in the many awards programs available to riders. Nor have I kept a talented horse long enough to climb beyond PSG. I have payments so when a buyer that matches comes along the horse has to be sold. That means I’m almost always mounted on a green or young horse. It rarely makes sense to enroll these horses in programs. This year I decided to make some of these things that have always passed me by a priority. I know this is for a lower level but this post is for the young trainers coming up as encouragement to keep going. Many thanks to the breeder of this fine critter Rhiannon’s Tango (fondly and appropriately dubbed Bu**er), Lesley Rhys Williams and to all who came before him who scored just as well but came at time when the stars did not align. Slick, Kenny, Juno, Skeeter, Bastian, Prince, Char, Easy, Sun, Jakarti, Leandro, Burt. Too many to name but you get the idea. They all played an important role.

🌟with honours means every score submitted was over 68%. Most of ours were low to mid 70🌟thankful for this little red sport pony!

10/17/2023

Things your coach/trainer loves:

🐴 Passion for Horses: Your coach's heart belongs to these magnificent animals. He/She can spot others with the same passion a mile away.

🐴 Teaching Riders: They thrive on sharing their equestrian knowledge and helping riders grow.

🐴 Winning Spirit: Success stories in competitions and goals realized fuel their enthusiasm.

🐴 Connection to Nature: The outdoors and riding in beautiful landscapes is their fuels them.

🐴 Lifelong Learning: Committed to always improving their own skills and staying updated.

🐴 Building Confidence: Seeing their students and horses gain confidence is a source of joy.

🐴 Future Champions: They value the dedication and hard work of kids in the sport, shaping the next generation of riders, coaches and trainers.

🐴 Community: They cherish the equestrian community and the bonds it creates.

Tag your coach to show your appreciation! 🙌 🐎

10/12/2023

Today in the scary bay eating corner we have the arena lion, Wilma.

10/10/2023

Things that drive your trainer and coach nuts:

🐴Cancelling lessons last minute for no apparent reason. Pay for these lessons. You will stay in good standing on his/her client list.

🐴Getting upset bc you did not get a lesson spot exactly when you wanted it or at the location you wanted it. Coaches are some of the busiest people out there. Most days they are scheduled to the minute. They love helping people and have a hard time saying no. Honestly they’ve done the best they possibly can with the schedule.

🐴Booking your horse for training and then sending it somewhere else without saying you did and acting all sheepish when your horse gets called up. Be up front. Make a call. We know you are impatient, everyone is. The reason it takes time is we do not boot horses out just bc their time is up. If they need more time they get it. Your horse will receive the same courtesy. It’ll keep you on the client list.

🐴Students who lesson 4 times a year that suddenly want priority booking over ppl that ride weekly. Regular riders always get priority. Regularly is good for the coaches and the students to gain the overall feeling of success. Have a conversation with your coach. They get it, not everyone can ride weekly. They will get you in.

🐴Not being upfront about your fears, goals and commitment level or your horses past history.

🐴Not giving full disclosure on bad horse behaviour prior to begging your coach or trainer to ride.

🐴Parents that coach from the sidelines.

🐴Clients that blatantly do the opposite of what you suggest and keep coming back for more suggestions they don’t use. This only frustrates everyone involved.

🐴Making social media posts about how amazing the clinician last weekend was but never making mention of your regular hometown coach that has done most of the coaching and stood by you through thick and thin. This is just disrespectful and degrading.

🐴Always blaming the horse, the tack, the coach, the conditions. Deal with those things and get riding. Make plans to better YOURSELF for your horses sake and your riding enjoyment.

🐴Late payment.

🐴Habitually showing up late to lessons.

🌟🌟Stay tuned for things your coach/trainer loves🌟🌟

10/03/2023

Sometimes the most important job of the trainer is to determine if your horse has a hole in their training or a flawed temperment. Give me the great character anyday. Those guys always turn out well.

09/18/2023

A huge thank you to Westman Dressage for putting on such a lovely show in a welcoming environment. Rhiannon’s Tango had a great last show of the season. He was the recipient of the highest score award with a 71.852. This horse has the very best mind and attitude. We also stepped out of our comfort and baby zone and did a second level test resulting in a 68.429. I wish I had it on video bc it really was very good. I asked for him to sit a bit more and carry himself a bit more and he responded beyond expectations! This is his high score test. First Level test 3

09/18/2023

Congratulations to these fine equestrians!