Fall Comes Early on the Ranch

As September sets in here in the Colorado high country, we’ve already seen the first signs of fall—frosty mornings, golden aspens, and horses donning thick, fuzzy coats almost overnight. It’s a bittersweet time of year, with the vibrant colors and crisp air reminding us that winter is on the way. The horses certainly feel the change coming and begin preparing in their own way. One of the seasonal decisions we must make is which horses to blanket for the winter, a choice based more on our convenience than their comfort. If a horse is going to be ridden regularly indoors, keeping the haircoat thin with blankets makes it much easier to manage sweat. A damp, sweaty horse in winter is a recipe for chills, even in a barn. So, we consider each horse’s role in our winter work plans and make the call.

Herd Updates

Annie has changed in a notable way since becoming a mother. She’s no longer quite so herd-bound and doesn’t mind when Rip or the other horses come and go. Where she used to be a nervous wreck when separated from her companions, she now stands quietly when Rich takes his geldings out of the pen, showing surprising independence. I sense she’s ready for more attention and I’m looking forward to bringing her back into riding shape this winter. She’s still one of the soundest horses I’ve ever known, and now that she’s entering her twenties, it’s more important than ever to keep her moving and muscled. I don’t have big goals for her right now—just to keep her healthy, comfortable, and feeling useful.

Rip continues to mature rapidly—right before our eyes. He’ll be two years old in January, and his transformation from baby to young horse is well underway. I haven’t done much hands-on work with him lately, mostly because his manners and groundwork are right where I want them to be. He’s easy to catch, leads politely, loads in the trailer, stands tied, and cooperates fully for grooming and hoof care. When it comes to young horses, less is often more. Rip is a quick study, and once he learns a task, he remembers it. So we let the training “stick” and just revisit it casually, reinforcing the habits as part of his daily handling. These days, Rip lives in a separate pasture from Annie and has grown more independent because of it. He’s always eager for attention and seems to truly enjoy our interactions. I’ve always said I like to leave him wanting more, and with Rip, that strategy has really paid off.

Casper, Rich’s seasoned gelding, continues to be the emotional barometer of the herd. While he’s beautifully trained and a joy to ride, he’s also a highly sensitive horse. Changes in the herd dynamics or his daily routine can be hard on him. When we separated him from Rip recently, we were surprised to see how deeply it affected him—more so than Annie, even. Casper had bonded strongly with Rip and didn’t take the separation well at first. We’ve made a point to engage with him more consistently, ensuring he feels included and valued. With sensitive horses like Casper, structure and routine are everything. Thankfully, we’re already seeing a positive change in his demeanor.

Tomcat has been Rich’s focus this summer as they worked toward their final cutting show of the season. Tom’s athleticism and talent continue to impress us—not surprising considering his bloodlines. As the son of Highbrow Cat, one of the most legendary cutting sires of all time, Tom has big shoes to fill, and he’s rising to the occasion. We’ve kept his conditioning up with regular rides, plus occasional tune-ups on the cutting machine and live cattle. With his show season wrapping up, we’ll give him some well-earned rest but keep him fit and engaged through the winter months.

Rich and Tomcat loading up for another adventure!

That’s the latest from our little herd as we head into autumn. The rhythms of the seasons guide much of what we do with our horses—from blanketing decisions to riding goals to adjusting routines for sensitive souls like Casper. I hope this glimpse into our world helps you in yours.

Until next time, enjoy your horses and savor the beauty of fall.

—Julie