Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls at the WNFR Contract Personnel Banquet

The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls recently returned from the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo an Specialty Act Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The girls all had a great time catching up with old friends and making new ones, and also had a pleasurable experience at the 1st and 3rd go rounds.

One experience the Cowboy Girls will not take lightly is the contract personnel meeting. Lecile Harris gave an amazing accent to a question asked. The basis of the speech was that specialty acts can not just expect hand outs and contracts; in order to secure rodeos, one must continually improve, modify, break down and build back up their act. Being hired is an accomplishment, a testament to all the long hours one puts in perfecting their craft. You were hired based on the individuality, appearence and appealing aspect of your act, not because a committee was forced by contract to hire you. The rodeo isn't just about the specialty acts either, it's the prCa for a reason, Pro Rodeo COWBOYS Association, one should never forget that. Do for yourself; work hard and be rewarded by getting hired, for then you know that you have earned it.

Each Cowboy Girl slowly smiled and looked at one another. Isn't this what Riata Ranch has taught since 1957? To never stop working, progress and push yourself to the next level, beyond limitations. To give the best possible performance every time, for every committee, for every rodeo, every venue. To exude professionalism whether getting a bottle of water or standing in front of 17 000 people Texas Skipping. Lecile Harris touched on the very foundations of what Riata Ranch is built upon, and it was refreshing to hear someone that shares our thoughts, beliefs and ideas. What an honour to be in the same room with those people, one that a Riata girl does not take lightly.

Not only did the Girls get to see old friends like Dale and Carol Miller, Bob Tallman and other acts such as Max Reynolds, but they also got to meet new and upcoming talents that were very inspiring, such as Abigail Petersen and the Wild Rose Trick Riders. Courtesy of Sean Davis and with the help of Kenny Petet, Brandi and Aly were able to attend round 3 as spectators that got to get the crowd motivated (you know how good the girls are at that!). As usual, a cowboy girl's adventures are never ending.

Now is the time for rejuvination, revitalization and resurrection of the act. Time to improve, tone and tighten. Boy, are we ready.

Friday, November 13 2009

Friday the 13th!

To most people, friday the 13th is an unlucky day. But not to a Riata Ranch Cowboy Girl!! The number thirteen happens to be Riata's lucky number.

After much hard work in the past few months, rehearsels and countless practices, the younger girls will be appearing in a Christmas Show as the Five Golden Rings!Accompanied by director Jennifer and new member Mindy, the girls will definitely get their time to shine :). Of course the older team will be there to assist and support their younger team mates, from completeing show makeup to helping with choreography, Riata girls stick together.

There are many great things about being a Riata Ranch Cowboy Girl, but one in particular stands out today as we recieve pictures from Mr Mathieson, who took great shots of the girls interacting with troops and their family at the airforce base, to shots backstage by Tami Jo Gramont, friend of the team and phenomenal photographer. The pictures are not only of performing, but of a softer side that isn't made public often; not only are these girls true show people, but are also exceptional young people outside of the arena. Pictures of Brandi holding a little girl that just wanted to be a part of the fray, to pictures of them prepping horses for practice, with silly grins and not an ounce of tired etched on their faces, even though they had done many school appearences the day before and a Bass Pro Shop appearence earlier that day. These girls understand the hardwork that goes into making Riata Ranch what it is simply because they are the ones that do it. There are no grooms, no agents, no managers (besides Dad Chad!); only young women that are joined together, drawn in by the tricks and stayed on for the values, that know hard work equals success.

On such an "unlucky" day, Riata Ranch continues to do what they do. Ranch tomorrow, with practice for the team and some riding as well.

Tuesday, Nov 10 2009

Welcome Back!

With some time off, the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls are back in action! During some well deserved time off, the Cowboy Girls met some amazing people from Ayala Farms and were honoured to ride some of their fantastic mounts. Also, in early October, the team welcomed new member Mindy Garrison, 2008 Ms.Woodlake Rodeo Queen.

This previous weekend the girls performed at the World's Toughest Rodeo in Glendale, Arizona. A great show, (and Mindy's first) for Jennifer, Brandi, Spencer, Aly and Mindy. Friday being a great media day, the girls got the pleasure of entertaining at the Luke Airforce Base for those that serve this country and their families. Interacting with those brave people really left an impact on all the girls.

Life Lessons Learned from Horseback

As always, there was a lesson to be learned at this performance. The girls got to work with some experts that have helped make performing an art, and a lot was learned. Jennifer also gave many inspirational and motivational coaching points to the girls, one being that you get back whatever you put in to the show. For example, if you only put in 50% of the dedication and hardwork into the show and show prep, your only going to get 50% of your abilities in the arena.

After much time off, the Girls are back at it! Next up, Kidsfest and the WNFR Specialty Act Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Welcome back, Aly, and welcome on Mindy! Stick around for more entries!

Saturday, August 29 2009

Life Lessons Learned on Horseback
Today was definitely a day out of the norm at Riata Ranch. A television film crew had taken interest in the Ranch and decided to come out and do some test shooting for a possible project. As the Riata way, the girls made sure the ranch was spic and span for the coming crew. Cobwebs dusted away, hay stacked and banners put up, the ranch was cleaned top to bottom. As the film crew set up and the girls got used to them being around and doing takes, Jennifer gave a very important coaching lesson. Say your name! Take control of the situation! Dont let your emotions control you, control them! Your given one thing in life that only you can own, and that is your name. Even in the least formal of occasions, you should always be proud of your name and who you are. The door to oppertunity is marked push; your character and your work ethic are what keep that door open.

Overview of Trick Riding and Shooting

We welcomed back from St. Louis, Missouri, Shaye Bouckaert a 7 year team member. A wonderful personality and a great hand, Shaye jumped right in and helped out, even though her flight arrived at 11 pm the previous night. She partnered up with Cisco and worked on getting back into her stroud layout.

Brandi, Aly, Ashley and Spencer worked with the four show horses Jesse, Buddy, Cisco and Cochise, doing the tricks done in the show as required for shots.

Bresia and Nicole hopped up on the horses after for some coaching, a big congrats goes out to Bresia for completeing her first Backbend at a run! Great job Bresia, you really rode well today. Nicole continued to work on her hippodrome stand and did a nice job on Cochise. Alyssa also came out later in the day to help out at the ranch.

The shooting went really well, everyone carried on like professionals in the 102 degree heat. A big thanks goes out to the production crew for their patience with us goofy gals. We're really NO fun at all ;).

A very successful day for the girls, many lessons learned. A great eye opener and another page to add to our "summer novel". Hopefully many more days like this to come!

Moses Lake, Washington and R2 Ranch, Madras Oregon

Performing at Moses Lake, Washington

Credit Miller Photo

August 20th, 21st, and 22nd in Moses Lake Washington

After a lengthy drive and some troublesome tires, the Riata gang arrived in Moses Lake, Washington at 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Cleaning and freshening up, the group was asked to perform some rope tricks at the demolition derby that night on top of the winning cars. Going with the flow, the Riata girls didn't skip a beat as they texas skipped and big looped on top of those cars!

The actual rodeo began on thursday August 20th. The ring was in great condition for some roping and trick riding. With school starting, Riata girls have had to buck up, and this show was no exception. With Brandi, Spencer, Aly and Jennifer, they pulled of a normal routine that would have taken 6 girls and still managed to get a standing ovation before the trick riding had even begun. Every night went excellently, with the antics of JJ Harrison and the great announcing Will Rasmussen lighting up the arena.

After such a long haul, the group decided to stop off and see some old friends at the R2 Ranch. If there's ever people to learn from, it's the R2 company. Real ranchers by day and night, they work from dawn until dusk, tending to 60 000+ acres and livestock. They showed real cowboy hospitality by taking the gals out on the lake, teaching balance through some wake boarding and strength while clinging on for dear life to an inner tube. We also found out that our Canadian is deathly afraid of open water and fish, not a good combination for the day, that Jennifer is good at everything BUT wake boarding, Brandi has the stickiest hands and stayed on the longest on the inner tube and Spencer doesn't last too long when it's cold and she's tired!!!

With our summer winding down, the days start to blend together as everyone slowly drifts back to their everyday lives. Aly returns to Canada in a week until NFR in December, and the team will be slowing right down until then. Bear with us as the days get a little less exciting and the time we have off is used to push harder and produce a better show for next season.

Thanks for keeping track of us everyone! We'll try to update whenever we can, stay tuned!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday Aug 14,15,16 Napa Valley Mexican Rodeo and Tehachapi PRCA Rodeo

Spencer with Cochise
Brandi with Jesse
Aly with Buddy
Bresia and Jennifer with Cisco

Napa Valley, California Rodeo
After visiting the wrong fairgrounds, the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls arrived at the Napa Valley performance. With a few hours to spare, the girls introduced the horses to the sights and sounds of the fair. The Riata horses have been exposed to just about everything, but sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry when in a new environment. Cisco had a small sensory overload which Jennifer helped work him through in order for Bresia to trick ride on him. All of the horses did very well on the straight away pattern, Cochise especially excelling.

The group number down to four for this performance, Bresia Aguleria was asked to step up to the plate and was given the oppertunity to perform in the trick riding and roping, for the first time. Having little practice in the roping, Bresia did a great job making sure all the horses were in the station and lined up. She rode extremely well under the circumstances, with lots of help from the older team members.

About 8 p.m., the team loaded back up and headed down to Tehachapi, California for a PRCA rodeo.

Tehachapi, California PRCA Rodeo
Back again to Tehachapi for another great rodeo with better friends. It was like spending time with family out in Tehachapi, with Dale and Carol Miller of Miller Photo, and "Uncle" Mike Hayhurst, the barrelman/rodeo clown, as well as the great folks from Dodge.

After experiencing some highly stimulating circumstances in Napa, Cisco calmed right back down and became his old self. The parade started at 10, which meant girls had to be up by 7:45 to be parade ready. After driving all night and falling into the trailer at about 5 am, the girls put on the makeup and rode with their regular, cheerful greetings to the audience and kudos to Brandi for Texas Skipping on top of the trailer!

The first night was both trick riding and trick roping, seperated. Bresia did amazingly well again, remaining cool and calm under pressure and catching on to the intricate dance steps quite quickly. The horses ran smooth and sure, Cochise and Buddy needing a little guidance with the transition from straight away to normal trick riding pattern, but they pulled it together and rode it right.

The second night was strictly trick riding, and boy, was it a good one. All tricks went really well, Bresia even doing the suicide drag for the very first time in her first show! Everyone worked communicating with the audience and really selling the act to them. Overall, Tehachapi was a great performance, a lot of fun times singing around the camp fire with people we consider family.

Life Lessons Learned on Horseback
Driving down the road gives the girls a lot of time to think upon their lives and where it's going, what's happening in it and how to get where you need to go. Jennifer gave a great thought while driving up to Tehachapi; sometimes oppertunity knocks when you least expect it. Referring to Bec leaving, Jennifer remarked that even though it's hard to close that door, you have to
in order for the next to open, because you never know, it could be a greater oppertunity. Bresia received oppertunity this weekend, because she was at the right place and the right time and look what happened; she proved herself a quick learner and a cool head that prevails.



Look out Moses Lake, Washington. The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls are headed your way!

Thursday August 13, 2009

Prep for Napa Valley Mexican Rodeo and Tehachapi PRCA Rodeo

Today was a good day out at the ranch. We brought Bresia home with us from Disneyland, and had her work on some tricks today. Bresia is the level 5 state champion for uneven bars in gymnastics, so she has a great wealth of strength and stamina. Bresia is currently working on the backbend, one foot stand and hippodrome stand. Look out for her in Napa Valley!! Spencer did a great job coaching her.

Not only did those two practice, but Aly and Brandi washed the horses and loaded up the trailer with saddles and other equipment. Wardrobe was sorted and everything was put in it's place.

Now the energy is mounting. Like electricity before a storm, charges go through the air. everyone knows what comes next. No strangers to long hauls and late nights, Riata girls pull up their bootstraps and put on the best possible show. And believe me, audience, the next few weeks are going to be grueling. Not the shows, per say, but the hauling and the wear and tear of going from an emotional high in the arena to the long nights of caring for the horses, cleaning up tack, packing up and moving on out to the next show. But for a Riata girl; that's the joy. That's what we work so hard for. We practice and take care so that we can share our passion with every one who comes to the venue, be it the prestigious Reno Rodeo or a local school that needs some girls doing rope tricks to come say hi to an after school group of kids. Impressing on them the pride, dignity and confidence all in yourself that comes from being a Riata girl. Riata doesn't just teach you some tricks; it teaches you to believe in yourself, to become who you want to be. Those are the kind of lessons you will take anywhere with you, any time, and any place.

Everyone is really looking forward to the next couple of weeks. We've got some exciting times ahead. Who knows what will happen?

Wednesday,August 14, 2009

Bec, Our Aussie!

Well! We saw Bec off to the airport today, and boy, was it a sad departure! Yesterday was also Brandi's birthday, so the girls went down to Anaheim and visited Disneyland for Bec and Aly's first time. A great time with many memories made!

The atmosphere in the truck on ride home was a gloomy one. With Bec, a ray of sunshine if you've ever met one, gone, it seemed like our team had gone down a step. Jennifer gave encouragement to the girls that was very uplifting and helped ease the loss. With every person that enters your life, there is always an imprint. Bec has imprinted everyone she has met in a positive, cheerful way. She brought so much leadership, confidence and charisma, the very essence of Riata, to the team. She not only helped others grow, but grew herself. The team chemistry this summer was so pleasant, and much of it was due to Bec. The summer of 2009 will never be forgotten by any member of the team; there were great chapters (Reno Rodeo, Prescott Rodeo and Estes Park Rodeo) but there are still a few left in the great book we are writing of '09. Three performances remain, and tomorrow, August 15th, we must start a new chapter; work towards a new ending.

Having said that, tomorrow is a preparation day! Cleaning horses, tack and packing it all away into the trailer. We leave early friday morning for Napa Valley, leave friday night for Tehachapi, California and then take off back to Moses Lake, Washington. The team plans on stopping in Madras, Oregon, to give the horses a rest and meet up with the great folks at R2 Ranch. Shortly after we will be losing another member for a few months; Aly will be returning to Canada to settle some business at home, but will be back at the end of November.

A sad day, but none the less, an end to a great chapter. Tomorrow is a new sunrise, and tonight we are turning the page. Come home soon Bec!

Monday, August 10 2009

Sorry it's been so long bloggers, but the Girls had to take a little breather after all that hard work. With Bec preparing to leave and business to attend to, things have been a little slow out at the Ranch, but not with the Cowboy Girls. Here's a look at August 10, our last team practice.

Brandi with Jesse

Bec and Alyssa with Cisco

Aly with Buddy

Jennifer with Wyatt

Bec with Taos

Life Lessons Learned on Horseback

While recounting old stories about the Ranch, before many of the group had been born, Jennifer noted that a lot has changed since the time she joined the Ranch. One thing that hasn't changed is the level of horsemanship that needs to be executed in order to maintain the standard set by Riata Ranch. Since taking over and having the professional career of 33 years and couting, Jennifer has set the bar a little bit higher this year with horsemanship. Not only do the girls have to trick ride, they have to use the skills taught to them throughout their lives to communicate with the horses; read the horse, feel the horse and think just like the horse. Horsemanship is not only a requirement for a Riata Ranch Cowboy Girl; it's a necessity.

Overview of Trick Riding

Today was a great day for everyone. Progress is a mountain that we climb by putting one foot in front of the other. The group did much like many practices before and continued on to deviate from the normal trick riding pattern. Using stops, circles and bending, the horses were asked to be soft and supple; riders alert and keyed in to their horses.

Buddy did well with this exercise. Bending around the pressure isn't Buddy's favourite task, and that's exactly what Aly asked him to do today. After a long, tiring workout for the both of them, Buddy worked excellent into the bridle, and rounded very nicely. Later, he ran smoothly for Aly as she worked on some vaulting skills, and again for Bec as she tried out shoulder stand.

Jennifer put Wyatt through his paces, and once again ladies and gentlemen, this is not an easy horse to ride. He hasn't had much riding besides trail riding, so it's like starting from square one. His biggest obstacle to overcome is collecting himself, using his body to give impulsion and drive into his lope. Who better a rider to help him than Jennifer?

Brandi and Jesse worked on station issues today. Jesse is the most honest running horse on the team; he knows his job and does it with little to no hesitation. Brandi has been noticing that Jesse tends to lean away towards station; that he wants to do his job as fast as possible and be done with it. Brandi had a great day with Jesse.

Bec and Taos make an amazing team. They really work as one, rider blending seamlessly with horse. Taos is such a sensitive horse that if one shifts weight ever so slightly, it will cue him to switch leads. We found that out the hard way, wondering WHY Taos was crossfiring in the back! But with her usual horse sense, Bec zoned in on the problem and had him straightened back out. She also trick rode a little on Buddy, and has improved so much on her vaults.

Alyssa is a fantastic girl, and each day gets better and better. She worked on her stroud layout today with Cisco, and was right back into her old ways. Cisco ran very true in the trick riding, but is a sneaky devil in the riding. He senses a rider's weak spots and exploits them, leaving Alyssa on the wrong lead a few times. With encouragement from the senior girls, Alyssa had him back on the correct lead in no time.

It's always great to get back out to the Ranch and work with the horses. The air and the sun combined with the good feeling coming from the work done really cheers the soul.

Tuesday and Wednesday, August 4&5

We're Back!!!
Hey Bloggers! Santa Rosa was a great time for all the girls, lots of laughs and a fun couple of nights at Judy and Dennis Welch's place (Jennifer's parents). The show went really well, the roping and the trick riding were seperated. A twist was that the roping wasn't like a normal roping; the group had to perform to mariachi music! The crowd loved the routine and Buddy laying down at the end was icing on the cake. The trick riding was very well recieved, and it was Bec's first trick riding show! Everyone had good runs, and the horses ran straight into station. All that practice paid off!

Horses and Riders:
Bec with Taos
Brandi with Jesse
Spencer with Cochise
Alyssa with Cisco
Aly with Buddy



Life Lessons Learned on Horseback
After coming off the road and a slight lull in the action at the ranch, reality set it for everyone. Bec would be going home, school would be back in session and Aly would be going home shortly after. Jennifer encouraged the team to exercise free will in the ring today, letting the group decide what they wanted to work on that day. After practicing, Jennifer brought to everyone's attention that the horses choose what they want to do sometimes; you merely have to listen and direct them in a positive way. Like us, the horses all have certain points of weakness that one can pick up on, if listened to carefully. Even though there was no structure, it was a productive practice, which provided a life lesson for the day. Not every aspect of your life needs to be planned and drafted, ruled by what someone THINKS is good for you. Trusting your intuition and knowing yourself will help you make educated choices that will take you where you truly want, and in the end need, to go. Exercising like we did today also helps to realize that we all have special traits and characteristics that will help us in life whenever we get kicked down. Even though if we're not a lawyer or a doctor, we all know that we can rake, and that's where it all starts.

Overview of Practice

As stated before, it was a free practice today. All the girls got to decide what it was they wanted to work on.

Bec and Alyssa did a fantastic job, just working on horsemanship skills today. Bec guided Alyssa through circles and straights, helping her to understand the finer points of horsemanship. Bec and Alyssa accomplished much today. Alyssa continued to work on her shoulder stand and hippodrome after the lesson, while Bec videotaped some trick riding and working for her TRIP home. She has really been fine tuning a lot of her tricks, and it shows.

Brandi and Jesse are a great team, and it is amazing to watch them ride together. Brandi is so in tune with Jesse, and that comes from many long, hard days put under the sun. Brandi had a few issues with Jesse wanting to just do his job and get back to station, so she worked with him on patterns and "got rid of half of the problem; one piece at a time.". Brandi understands, like any great horse person, that you can't attack all problems at once.

Aly and Spencer teamed up today and shook up the norm. They decided to synchronize their trick riding, vaulting on time and hippodroming side by side, much like they do at "Cavalia". It was a good change for Buddy and Cochise, and had Spencer and Aly really thinking.

A bit of a somber tone has enveloped the girls as they come to terms with Bec leaving. A big part of the team is going home, and we will all be sad to help her on that plane. Bec really was a hidden gem that has sparkled brighter than the sun itself.

Friday, July 31 2009

Preperation for Santa Rosa, California, August 2

Cleaned and ready to ride: Cochise

Willie

Cisco

Buddy

Life Lessons Learned on Horseback

Not every day is filled with horses and lessons that are verbally taught, but with lessons that come from going out to the Ranch and just living it. Today the group worked together as one, some cleaning the horses while others helped pack the trailer. Teamwork makes the dream work is the motto around Riata Ranch, and when we all pitch in, so much more is accomplished. Another point made today, was that even though it's one performance, we still clean our tack and take pride in cleaning our horses just like it was a month long tour. Our equipment and our equine partners are treated with respect and care, cleaning and conditioning until they literally shine. After all, where would we be without them?

One of the reasons we accomplished our duties today so quickly and efficiently was that we had purpose. We had a goal to tackle and over come, and we did it. You see, bloggers, Riata Ranch isn't just a trick riding school; it's so much more. We come to be a family, sisters united in a passion for the lifestyle Riata Ranch has created. No matter how many grudges, angry words or slights, we always know that someone on that team always has our back. We can count on every single member to do their part, play their role, and help anyone who needs it. Every girl demonstrates leadership, young to old, new to seasoned.

Tomorrow we leave for Santa Rosa. Knowing this team very well, every girl will give 100%, and come away with something from this show. In two weeks we will lose Bec, back to her native Australia, and it's going to be a hard couple of shows without her!

Life by design is our chosen style, and we live it to the letter. Off we go to Santa Rosa, California for a Sunday night performance. Catch up with you all monday!

Thursday, July 20 2009

Extra Practice For Santa Rosa, California August 2.

Horses and Performers practiced:

Buddy with Alyssa and Bec

Willie with Aly

Cisco with Bec

Cochise with Jennifer

Life Lessons Learned on Horseback

Today was a day off, but some of the group decided to put in a few extra hours. While driving up to the ranch, Jennifer discussed with the group about the many obstacles in life and how to take each hurdle at a time. When asked the meaning of life, Jennifer answered "The meaning of life is to have a meaningful life.". A simple, yet powerful statement. Life achievements are not gauged on worldly possessions, but on personal triumphs and what you get out of your own life. Meaning comes from the person within, not what you are told to be.

Overview of Trick Riding

Alyssa was superb with Buddy today. She really focused on keeping him straight down the pattern and right into line. She needed assistance getting him backed and turned around from Bec at the start, but by the end of practice she had it all on her own. Her vaults are getting cleaner and her hippodrome was fantastic at a lope today.

Jennifer partnered up with Cochise today. She really schooled him in backing straight out of the station and keeping collection. Cochise is the greenest horse on the team, and his naivety is often mistaken for trouble.

Aly had a very interesting day with Willie. They started out on a good foot, Willie has made some progress with leaving the station calmly. When practicing one foot stand, Aly had trouble keeping Willie at a trot. Rider error caused Willie to collect up into a lope, throwing Aly forward and to the side. After safely returning to station, they continued on with practice. When you make a mountain out of a mole hill, things don't get accomplished!

Bec practiced her shoulder stand on Cisco, and is looking stronger and stronger each day. Her partnership with Cisco is going very well, he knows just how to take care of those that are just learning the ropes of trick riding. Bec also had a great practice with Buddy and his trick horse work.

An impromptu practice that went really well for everyone. Tomorrow is cleaning day for Santa Rosa!!

Wednesday, July 29 2009

Training For Santa Rosa, California performance on August 2.

Horses and Performers:

Taos with Jennifer

Buddy with Alyssa and Bec

Cisco with Bec

Wyatt with Brandi

Aly with Willie

Spencer with Cochise

Life Lessons Learned on Horseback

Today started a little hectic and rushed, the group didn't have as much time to work as the last couple of days, but made due with what we had. Jennifer had some errands to attend to, and also had to pick up Chad Nicholson, her husband and our biggest fan (also professional voice talent and announcer to many PRCA rodeos) up from the airport, as he was returning from a few PRCA rodeo announcing engagements in the Central States. Today was focused on taking what we have and appreciating it. In today's world everyone's on a cell phone or clicking away on keyboards, accomplishing everything in an instant; horses are not that way. We have to remember that good things take time, and accomplishing something as small as flexing to right is something to praise. Appreciating the wealth we have in horses is one of our top priorities.

Overview of Trick Riding Practice

Jennifer and Taos did an awesome job today, and with Jennifer's guidance, Taos will make an amazing trick riding horse. She also came up with the excellent idea of combining the last two practices, making equitation patterns that included trick riding.

Spencer and Cochise had a good practice, working on some croupers and run besides. Cochise has had a hard time adjusting to the concept of a station, and Spencer has been working very diligently with him on this. Today was a big step forward for Cochise, he stood quite still, even with an extra horse in the line up. Spencer was able to do all of her tricks on Cochise successfully, as well as many run besides and patterns that involved different tricks.

Brandi obtained a huge victory for herself and Wyatt today. Wyatt has been a project horse for some time. Initially, Wyatt had been selected with the intention of joining the cast of "Cavalia", the international horse show, much like Cirque de Soleil, that interprets the evolution of the bond of man and horse. Now he is under the Riata Ranch training program, and is doing beautifully, guided by the skilled Brandi Phillips. Today they accomplished bending and flexing, loping circles collected and driven from the back end into the bit.

Bec had another great trick riding day with Cisco, ending practice on an excellent shoulder stand at a trot. Bec is fearless and has some clean, straight lines. Her vaults are improving very much and Cisco tolerates her height nicely. Trick horse work with Buddy today went smooth and she had little to no difficulties laying him down and keeping him down there.

Aly and Willie worked today on their speed and communication. Learning a new horses's quirks is always a challenge, so today was all about connecting and relaxing on Willie. Some horses you just can't change their personality; you have to accept and roll with it.

Alyssa continued to work with Buddy, and great improvements have been made in the last few days. She has grown very confident yet again and has started loping Buddy when she does her vaults. Alyssa is a very talented individual, and is very advanced for her age. We are glad to have her back working with us

Today was a great day again for the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls. If it wasn't for the versatility, determination and just plain heart our horses have, we wouldn't be where we are today. We are forever grateful of our equine partners.

Tuesday, July 28 Santa Rosa Prep

Training for Santa Rosa, California performance, August 2

Horses and Performers

Buddy with Alyssa Pratt and Bec Circosta

Cochise with Spencer Elizabeth Rose

Taos with Jennifer Welch-Nicholson

Willie with Aly Love

Cisco with Bec Circosta

Life Lessons Learned on Horseback

Today, Jennifer taught the group about change. Life is about changes, from change between horse partners to graduating high school and starting your life as an adult. Jennifer wanted to express to all that you have to roll with the changes; work with them, and above all, don't let them defeat you. Life is about changes; Riata would not be where it is today if director Jennifer hadn't decided to change how the program was to be run when she took over teaching the Riata way. She was not only speaking about changes in your personal life, but changes in your professional life as well. Now that the majority of the girls have graduated high school and are now on their own, there are many changes coming their way, changes that when met will now be faced with confidence, poise and a positive outlook .

Overview of Trick Riding Practice

Just like yesterday, it was hot. The group strarted practice at 82 degrees, and ended in 102, but as usual, they got the job done.

Jennifer continued to ride Taos on the straightaway pattern. She changed it up today, adding a small equitation pattern to help focus some of the horses more on their rider than the station.

Alyssa, partnered with Buddy, was welcomed back into the Riata family! A little rusty at first, but Alyssa quickly fell back into the riding groove. She worked with Buddy very well today, really concentrating on stopping Buddy square and keeping him straight while backing.

Bec continued to shine in the arena on Cisco, accomplishing much in the two hours of riding. She did beautiful suicide drags and didn't forget to sell! Bec also worked with Buddy intensely for an hour. Every day can't be perfect; working with horses one comes to understand that, just like people, they have their "off" days as well. Buddy was giving Bec slight difficulties in laying down, but Bec stuck with him and by the end of practice, Buddy had laid down on cue successfully 3 times. Way to go Bec!

Aly and Willie had a different goal today than just trick riding. They worked on leaving station calmly, and more importantly, listening to rider cues instead of Willie's cues! Willie is in show mode all the time, so today was about teaching him to calm down and focus not so much on running hard, but to respond more to his partner. Overall, Willie did an exceptional job keeping his trot (and his cool!), and really progressed in leaving the station calmly.

Spencer and Cochise did amazing today, there's simply no other words for it! Cochise has had little training, and what little he had was put to the test today as he was asked to run a straightaway while Spencer did the tail drag, around-the-horn vaults and shoulder stand, all very successfully. Nice work Spencer!

Even in the heat, we've still got the heart! Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls know how to buck up and keep smilin'! See ya'll tomorrow!

July 27, 2009 Santa Rosa prep

Good Afternoon Riata Fans! Welcome to the first edition of the Riata Ranch blog spot! The Cowboy Girls are all very excited to begin our blog, letting our fans, friends and family know what we get up to out here in sunny California!

Horses Used and Performers Practiced
Buddy with Jennifer and Bec
Cisco with Bec
Cochise with Spencer
Taos with Jennifer
Willie with Aly

Life Lessons Learned on Horseback

Today was a very productive day for Riata Ranch, not only in riding and roping, but in team building and chemistry as well. We started promptly at 8 this morning, catching Cisco, Buddy, Cochise, Willie and Taos for some hard work after a long weekend off. After saddling our partners and having a quick warm up, executive director Jennifer have the team a great life lesson learned on horseback. Jennifer explained to the group that not only are we out in the 109 degree weather to ride the horses and get better at trick riding, we are there for a purpose; to give our lives meaning, a reason to wake up and want to work hard. Not only do we come out here to work on our horses and make them better, we work on ourselves better through acknowledging our weaknesses and defeating them.

Overview of Trick Riding Practice

The team started work feeling invigorated and motivated, to say the least. To prepare for our next show, Santa Rosa, California, we used the straight away pattern. It had been Cochise's first time attempting straight away and Spencer did a great job coaching him through. By the end of practice she was able to do her around-the-horn vaults with ease and confidence, which Cochise picked up on, allowing him to run cool, calm and collected.

Jennifer saddled with Taos, one of Riata's newest trick riding prospects. Taos is very well schooled, but just needs a little time to get used to the commotion of the trick riding ring. Jennifer did beautiful patterns with Taos, and lead the group.

Bec, our Australian intern, partnered up with Cisco for this practice. Bec's trick riding grows in leaps and bounds, and today was no exception. She gained her footing with a warm up of run besides and single vaults at a trot, and progressed to parallel fender drags and a suicide drag that was, well, to die for! Her calm demeanor and excellent horsemanship skills shine in the arena, whether schooling herself or her horse. Cisco responded so well to Bec's gentle guidance and ran a great pattern, even though straight away isn't always his favorite.

Aly, also an intern, from Canada, joined up with Willie for this practice. Previously she had been partnered with Buddy, and before that Cisco. Today she progressed from run besides and single vaults to parallel fender drags, suicide drags and stroud layout on Willie at a gallop. The biggest adjustment was the speed and intensity Willie provided that Buddy and Cisco did not, and by the end of practice, Aly's confidence was back up.

Jennifer and Bec have been working on some trick horse with Buddy, and today was an exceptional day for him. He laid down with little to no hesitation, and hardly batted an eye as Jennifer rode Cisco bridle less around him. Bec has been an amazing attribute to the team this summer, and we are all sorry to see her go in August, she will be sorely missed.

Overall, today was a success. The team really gelled together and got some work done, helped each other with tricks, and in the end pitched in to feed, water and care for our guys. Also, our life lessons can be used not only in the saddle, but outside of the ring. Coming prepared, well informed and with a purpose to any interview will always be emblazoned in our minds, thanks to the tutelage of Riata Ranch.