Julie and Lucy Riding on the Ranch

It’s still technically summer here in the high country, but fall is whispering in on crisp mornings, with overnight temps dipping into the 30s and the aspens just starting to glow. I’ve been savoring these late-summer days—getting out on the horses whenever possible, squeezing in mountain bike rides, and soaking in the beauty of this in-between season.

Rip’s Big Day Out

Earlier this month, we made the nearly two-hour haul to the farrier with Annie, Rip, and Rich’s two geldings. Long outings like that always test everyone’s patience—but I couldn’t have been prouder of Rip. At just over a year old, he loaded like a veteran, stood quietly tied to the trailer munching hay, and showed impeccable manners with the farrier—no mouthiness, just calm curiosity and respect for the personal space of others. For a yearling colt, it doesn’t get much better. He’s showing that those early habits we’ve been building are sticking, and I couldn’t be happier with his progress.

Bachelor Herd Life

Back home, Rip is living his best yearling-life in a three-acre paddock alongside his pasture buddies: Scotch, a quiet two-year-old Quarter Horse gelding here for training, and the ever-steady Uncle Abner. Abner—featured in my most recent podcast—is doing his part to mentor the youngsters and keep everything secure and peaceful.

Training Updates

Scotch continues to be a joy to work with. I’m helping T Cody with his foundation training—getting him used to saddling and bridling, and teaching him how to respond to cues. He’s calm, willing, and fun to train—exactly the kind of partner we love to start from the ground up.

I’ve also been helping to keep Rich’s geldings “legged up” with occasional rides around the ranch or in the arena. A little tune-up from a pro-rider now and then keeps them sharp and ready for whatever comes next.

Upcoming Clinics & Events

As the ranch transitions toward fall routines, like stacking a year’s worth of hay, prepping for cooler weather, and savoring every last bite of green pasture—I’m also preparing for some exciting horsemanship events in October:

• Ranch Riding Adventure at C Lazy U Ranch
  October 2–6 • Granby, Colorado
  Join me for a four-day exhilarating riding experience. This all-inclusive clinic features trail obstacles, cattle sorting, mountain trail rides, evening horsemanship workshops, and time to relax and re-energize, with luxurious accommodations and gourmet meals in the stunning Colorado Rockies.
  Register directly with the ranch at CLazyU.com.
• CHA International Conference
  October 9–11 • William Woods University, Fulton, MO
  I’ll be presenting two sessions at the Certified Horsemanship Association’s annual conference:
  • New Horse, New Rules
  • Need for Speed
  Both sessions are packed with practical tools to help riders and instructors improve safety, confidence, and performance. The CHA Conference is open to everyone.
  Learn more at cha.horse.

Grateful for the Ride

As we welcome fall, I’m reminded again how fortunate I am to work with horses each day—and to share what I learn with all of you. Whether in the arena, out on the trail, or on the road teaching, I’ll be carrying that gratitude with me.

Until next time, enjoy the ride—and I hope to see you in October!

—Julie