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!