Learn More Add This Feed to Your Homepage
|
13 Prairie Wind Road |
|
| Horse Training Secrets For Busy Horse Owners Short On Time by Andy Curry Horse Training Secrets For Busy Horse Owners Short On Time Andy Curry Picture this. Youre late for work one day. You look at your watch and notice you have about three minutes to feed your horse before you have to leave. Plus, it seems to worsen every day. You notice your life getting busier and you have little time, if any, to spend with your horse. Should you sell him Should you keep him What do you do. It depends. If you only want a pet that eats a lot of hay, then you can keep him if it is affordable. If you want to ride him but you know you wont have time then consider selling him. Ouch! However, if you know you will eventually have time to ride then you can keep your horse "tuned up" by doing some "quick and easy to do" horse training maneuvers on him. For instance, you have about two minutes to feed your horse before you go to work. So you rush outside and get some hay for him. Just before you feed him you get beside him and practice his backing up. Backing him up is a great way to keep him "tuned up". Why You get your horse to move. When you get your horse to move you earn more and more of his respect. Getting a horse to move is using the horses psychology to get it in his brain that you are the boss. The chief. The head-honcho. There are more exercises to do than just backing. Say you have a horse that wont come to you. The reason he wont is likely because of fear or doesnt trust you. But for the next few weeks go feed your horses with a halter and brush in hand. Horses love to be brushed. Once you get it in his head that seeing the halter means pleasure you will almost never have trouble getting him to come to you. Heres a good one many people dont know. When you go to feed your horses whistle loudly if you can. If you whistle a certain way and if youre consistent in the way you do it...then you can usually call horses in from an open field and theyll come a runnin. Want another tip Try this. Before you feed your horse, approach him and pet on his withers. Assuming you are standing on his left side poke your finger into his flank around the rib/hip area. Hold it there. If he doesnt move, increase the pressure and hold it. If he doesnt move, increase the pressure even more and hold it. Repeat this process until he moves away from the pressure. When he moves reward him with a petting on the forehead. Do it a couple more times then repeat on his right side. Doing this teaches the horse a couple things. First, it teaches him to move away from pressure. Since pressure is a tool we use to communicate with the horse, we want him to know how to move away from it. Secondly, you are doing ground work of teaching your horse to move his hindquarters away from you. Thus, when you sit on the saddle and apply pressure with your boot in that same area, you have primed him to move away from that pressure - he moves his rear end away from your foot. This is a tremendous tool to not only disengage a horses hindquarters, it is also part of how to teach a horse to sidepass. There are more "quick to do" horse training tips you can do. These are but a few examples of what you can accomplish even if you have just minutes a day.
About The Author Andy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beerys horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com/Jesse_Beerya.htm. |
| Best Recipes: Southwestern Mango Smoothie by Donna Monday Best Recipes: Southwestern Mango Smoothie Donna Monday Looking for a great mango smoothie Try a Southwestern Mango Smoothie. The mango goes west for this variation of the popular fruit smoothie drink. Mangoes are becoming more common in the U.S. and other western countries and this is the perfect smoothie for all you mango lovers. This Southwestern Mango Smoothie uses lush tropical fruits. Instead of the mango, you can use either papaya or guava. Add a banana and yum. This is a simple way to get your mango on! Southwestern Mango Smoothie 1/2 cup banana, sliced 2 cups milk 1/2 cup mango, papaya, or guava 1 tablespoon honey Directions Use only one kind of tropical fruit mango, papaya or guava above. Place all ingredients in food processor. Cover and process on high speed until smooth. Strain if using mango.
About The Author Copyright 2004 Donna Monday Easy to make – fun to drink http://www.1st-milkshake-n-smoothie-recipes.com |
| Farm To Market Days by Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes Farm To Market Days Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes Summer may begin in June but, for many parts of the country, gardens don’t reach their peak until August. Modern grocery stores manage to keep us satisfied with produce year round, but there is nothing like the flavor of farm fresh tomatoes, peaches, or sweet corn. And there is nothing like the experience of buying from local growers who are proud of their wares. The first farmers’ markets started over a century before the Declaration of Independence. Since then, it has become an American tradition to buy fresh produce, flowers, eggs and cheese from markets and roadside stands. In the beginning, farmers would brave muddy roads in their horse-drawn wagons. As time went on, farmers made the weekly trek to town in pick-ups, where they’d pile bushels of fruit and vegetables high on the tailgate of their trucks. Today, many lucky city dwellers visit markets that are open every day. My favorite though, is our county farmers’ market held on the courthouse grounds. It’s open only on Saturday mornings, and only June - October. It may sound inconvenient but, for my family, it’s a summer ritual. We wake early and arrive disheveled, rarely taking the time to comb through our hair. For breakfast, we buy scones from our favorite bread stand and snatch up the best looking fruit we see. My son is an expert at choosing “chin dripping” peaches, always looking for the most fragrant and the heaviest peach that can sit in the palm of his small hand. My husband lounges on the grass and watches the people go by as I scribble a list of what is available, anticipating the culinary treats that only summer brings. There is nothing like fresh corn on the cob, cold gazpacho with homegrown tomatoes, or homemade fruit sorbet. We always have a batch of sorbet on hand, each week a different flavor. Sometimes we experiment by combining fruit with fresh herbs, but most of the time we simple puree 2 cups of fruit with a little citrus juice and a bit of honey, and then freeze it in an ice cream maker. My boys and their friends think it’s a decadent treat. Summer vacation is about to end, and our weekly ritual will soon give way to soccer games and birthday parties. Lucky for me, the farmers will be back next year with their trucks piled high, just as they’ve done for generations. MARKET FRESH FRUIT DIP This makes a terrific afternoon snack on a warm summer’s day. When entertaining, serve in a honeydew melon half and decorate the rim with fresh blueberries and mint sprigs. Ingredients 1 Pint Strawberries 2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice 3 Tablespoons Honey 4 oz Cream Cheese, Room Temperature 1 Cup Plain Yogurt Assorted Fruit Slices Directions 1. Wash the strawberries and remove the green tops. 2. Place strawberries in a blender or food processor with lemon juice, honey, cream cheese, and yogurt. Puree until smooth. 3. To make a honeydew melon bowl, cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Slice a 3 inch diameter circle off the rounded bottom of the rind so your bowl will sit flat. 4. Serve with slices of your favorite summer fruit. Peaches, plums, apples, and melons all work well and make a colorful presentation. Copyright 2004 Nine Twenty Press You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is: Printed in its full form with no changes Includes an active link A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article:
About The Author Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website thats jam packed with family ideas, visit http://togetherparenting.com. info@togetherparenting.com |
| Mosquito Farms Is That What Water Gardens Are by Scottie Johnson Mosquito Farms Is That What Water Gardens Are Scottie Johnson What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The lush growth rising above the water, graceful fish darting about and the soothing sound of the water. These are just a few of the reasons people are drawn to water gardens. But when you think about adding a water feature to your garden, you are torn, because you know that a charming pond can also be a mosquito hatchery. And, everyone is concerned; rightly, about mosquitoes and the diseases they spread. It is true, mosquitoes do need water to breed, but at the same time, there are so many effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in ponds, you should not let that stop you. Water gardeners are in a unique position; they can have wet spaces that can actually help stop mosquitoes from breeding. Just a few simple precautions are all you need to feel safe and enjoy such a wonderful addition to the landscape. If you have a water garden, or want one, try these suggestions. Have moving water in your water garden. Mosquitoes will not lay eggs in running water. The newly hatched mosquito must rest on the water’s surface for a few minutes to let its wings dry. If the water is moving, the female mosquito will not lay eggs there. Get some mosquito fish for your pond. Mosquito fish, or gambusia affinis, are very aggressive predators of mosquito larvae. They are also aggressive to other fish and will also eat dragonfly larvae, or nymphs. If mosquito fish are too predatory for your particular tastes, several other types of fish readily consume mosquito larvae, such as guppies, killifish, and small goldfish. Koi are too large and will not target the larvae. Add Bti to your pond. Bti is a naturally occurring type of bacillus that is eaten by the mosquito larvae, and rapidly kills them. It is not harmful to fish, pets, wildlife or humans. It is sold under such names as Mosquito Dunks, or Mosquito Bits. Add dragonfly larvae, or nymphs, to your pond. They are voracious predators of mosquito larvae, and while the mosquito larvae stay in that stage for only a few days, the dragonfly nymphs stay in the larval stage for up to two years, and can prey on many generations of mosquito larvae. And, when they become adults, the dragonfly feeds on adult mosquitoes too. Invite toads into your yard. One toad can consume up to 100 mosquitoes and slugs per night. They lay their eggs in water, so the pond will attract them. If happy with its environment, a toad can grace your garden for up to 20 years. And the tadpoles will eat mosquito larvae also. As an overall precaution, get a propane powered mosquito trap, such as the Mosquito Magnet, to reduce the mosquito population in your garden area. These are the most effective mosquito killers around, and they will capture and kill the mosquitoes that your natural controls miss. With the growing concern about mosquito diseases, like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue fever, it is natural to feel reluctance to add any water source around your home. With the right precautions, you can beautify your garden and still feel secure that you are not inviting mosquitoes into your immediate environment. If water gardening appeals to you, just educate yourself, take the needed precautions, and get ready to enjoy the beauty and serenity a water feature adds to your home.
About The Author Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito warrior and freelance author. For more detailed information about mosquito kill and having a mosquito free life, please visit her website at www.mosquito-kill-net.com. Copyright 2004, all rights reserved. This article may be duplicated for use provided all biographical information and web links are preserved. article@mosquito-kill-net.com |
| Discover Knott's Berry Farm by David G. Hallstrom, Sr. Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland in Anaheim, but did you know that less than ten (10) minuets down the freeway, in Buena Park, is another great amusement park, Knott's Berry Farm.Knott's Berry Farm, America's first theme park, is located at 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620, telephone number (714) 220-5200 and has over one hundred fifty (150) rides in six themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village®, The Boardwalk, Indian Trails, Wild Water Wilderness® and Camp Snoopy which is the official home of Snoopy and the Peanuts characters. The park is home to the high-flying 3,125 foot Silver Bullet roller coaster which sends riders climbing to a height of 146 feet and soaring back down an initial drop of 109 feet. It has a top speed of fifty five (55) miles per hour and riders will experience spirals, corkscrews, a cobra roll, and overbanked curves. It is also home to the 118 foot tall GhostRider, one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world with a 108-foot initial banked drop, 13 additional drops, sudden dips, banked turns and maximum G-forces of 3.14Wild Water Wilderness is home to Bigfoot Rapids which "is a thrilling, outdoor whitewater river raft ride that will bounce, toss, spin and splash passengers as they brave fast moving currents and dodge soaring geisers as they experience the unforgettable fun of shooting the rapids". Towering cliffs, huge boulders, cascading water falls, soaring geysers and trees, shrubs and wild flowers--all indigenous to California--combine to create an authentic setting for Bigfoot Rapids. At Camp Snoopy, the whole family can enjoy many of the rides, "made for the young and the young-at-heart. Ride our new Charlie Brown Speedway, or Woodstock's Airmail (the kid-size version of Supreme Scream®), have the kids take you for a spin at Rocky Road Truckin' Company, or check out Timberline Twister the smallest of our rollercoaster family".The park holds numerous restaurants and shops and has it's own first class hotel, The Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel, which offers a variety of packages to suit your needs, including Snoopy themed rooms for children where Snoopy himself will visit and provide "tuck in" service.Check out Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, where 20,000,000 guests have eaten Mrs. Knott's traditional chicken dinners. "Each dinner is made from the "just-right" plump birds she insisted upon, and the fixin’s still include lighter-than-air buttermilk biscuits, fluffy mashed potatoes, rich chicken gravy and mouth-watering farm-fresh vegetables". The menu features other items as well including various lunch and dinner entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches and a complete Farm breakfast featuring French toast, pancakes, and daily specials.Knott's Berry Farm is an amusement park and resort for the whole family, try it.For more information about the city of Buena Park, California see http://buenapark.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Buena Park, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more. About the Author David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information. |
| A To Z Of Successful Agricultural Farming by fermage dagric |
| Biocontrol Agents for Organic Farming… the terminology by A.O. Kime The following article is available for publication on websites, ezines or newsletters. Permission is granted to anyone to reprint for free provided the Resource Box at the end of the article accompanies it and the links within it remain active hyperlinks. I would appreciate simple notification of such use… send to allen@matrixbookstore.com Article Title: Biocontrol Agents for Organic Farming… the terminology Author: A.O. KimeCategory: farming/gardeningWord Count: 1,180Format: 65 characters per lineWebsite Source: http://www.matrixbookstore.bizArticle URL: http://www.matrixbookstore.biz/biocontrol_agents.htm Author's Email Address: allen@matrixbookstore.com------------------------------------------------Biocontrol Agents for Organic Farming… the terminology: by A.O. Kime If you haven’t been keeping up on the latest developments in biocontrols… wait a minute, what are biocontrols? Oh, shoot, you know, ‘environmental friendly’ products which aren’t agricultural chemicals that are used for controlling crop pests. If you haven’t, then this article may surprise you. During the past 15 years, the latest in biotechnology, along with ancient pest-control methods, now provide a respectable arsenal of weapons in, well, you know, ‘biocontrols’. What are biocontrols exactly? Is it stuff you use for organic farming, like ladybugs, sulfur and maybe soap-spray? Right on folks, but much-much more. Things change fast nowadays, ya know. The biotechnology which produces many of the relatively new and growing list of biocontrols for the American farmer (and gardener) has ushered in the next era of pest-controls… at least as a viable alternative anyway. It’s growing so fast however, it’s the new terminology, not the technology, which you have to contend with first. I think we need a quick review. To begin with, the term ‘biocontrols’ is slang for ‘biocontrol agents' and defined as “biological derived or identical to a biological derived agent”. That means the term covers all types of environmentally safe products. Watch out though, some of the terminology might get confusing. ‘Biological control agents’ is a more specific term… meaning only beneficial insects, nothing else, although these bugs are often just referred to as ‘beneficial insects' or 'beneficial organisms’, somewhat slangy terms. Within that, there are sub-categories, insects which might be classified as ‘predators’, ‘parasites’ or ‘weed-eating invertebrates’ which are “living organisms used for controlling the population or biological activities of another life-form considered to be a pest”. If you noticed, the industry prefers to say ‘control’ instead of ‘kill’… a hedge maybe? Today, there are about 30 commercially available predators, like spiders, mites and beetles, which seek out and kill other bugs. They are hatched, raised and sold by companies called ‘insectaries’. The number of parasites put to work has grown also, about 60 of them critters, the likes of tiny wasps, flies and a myriad of other parasites, parasitoids (host-killer parasites) and also a few protozoan. Parasites live on (or in) various ‘hosts’ (their victims) which impede the host’s development or generally causes them injury. A protozoan, however, is a ‘microbial control agent’, a different kind of agent, which are not to be confused with biological control agents. There are about 25 biological control agents (good bugs) which control weeds although they’re often just called 'beneficial insects', the most common slang term which farmers use. By whichever term, even though they don’t eat or live off other bugs, they go around doing good deeds by controlling weeds. Anyway, these weed-destructive bugs consist of moths, weevils, beetles and flies. A fungus or two are also available for the control of weeds and fungus, like a protozoan, is also a ‘microbial control agent’. As you might suspect, the honeybee is also considered a beneficial insect but since the Africanized bee began infecting some of their ranks, they can also cause problems. I remember once when all bees led a dignified life within their beehives but today many are terrorists and live in weeds. In addition, the industry has identified about a dozen different beneficial nematodes, which, if you didn’t know already, are tiny little wormlike-looking creatures that live underground. Nematodes usually just eat roots and are normally considered destructive but these little guys like to eat other bugs. The industry has no interest in employing any vegetarian nematodes that are non-selective, they just want bug eaters. From here on, it starts to get more complicated and scientific sounding. Microbial control agents, like fungi and protozoan, also mean other teeny-tiny microscopic things like bacteria and viruses. Farmers use about 25 different kinds to control undesirable bugs and fungi. The use of viruses and bacteria can sound kinda scary but don’t worry, microbial control agents in Arizona are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Environmental Services Division of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Plant Quarantine Act (PQA) but you still need permits from the State of Arizona, USDA, APHIS and from Biotechnology and Environmental Protection (BEEP). Only then can a farmer apply the stuff… if his crop ain’t already ate up. We’re not done yet, we still have ‘biochemical control agents’. These are semichemicals such as plant-growth regulators, hormones, enzymes, pheromones, allomones and kairomones which are “either naturally occurring or identical to a natural product that attract, retard, destroy or otherwise exert a pesticidal activity”. Impressive, huh? But that’s still not enough already… the EPA wants to push a stupid term called ‘biorational pesticides'. And this is where they get picky… you can use the term if you’re (1) not talking about bugs or (2) not talking about synthetic-made stuff they don’t think is identical enough to a given product of nature. Anyway, I hate that term, there is nothing rational about causing more confusion. In all, there are over 200 biocontrols of which some have multi-use applications which equates to about 300 specific uses and there are at least 400 of these 'products' on the market. Competing companies supplying the same product accounts for this discrepancy. A lot of biocontrols have hard-to-pronounce, stuffy-sounding scientific names, which, I think, are thought-up by laboratory-shackled scientists who jealously hate farmers and like to see them get tongue-twisted and embarrassed. One such case is ‘bacillus thuringiensis’, a bacteria widely used and marketed in different variations but to spoil their fun, farmers just call them ‘B-Ts’. Another thing farmers can use are made of ‘nuclear polyhedrosis viruses’ but they don’t sound very environment-friendly to me. What I really think is dumb are those goofy brand-names the distributors use for these biocontrol products such as ‘Doom’, ‘Condor’, ‘Futura’, ‘Grandlure’ and so forth. I think they hired the same marketing guys that work for the car companies… they think brand names gotta sound ‘cool’. Farmers also use juvenile hormones and behavioral modifiers. Juvenile hormones keep bugs from maturing, thus denying them their adult and reproductive cycle. It should be obvious what behavioral modifiers do... it makes them less destructive. Agricultural firms sell plant-growth regulators too, made from cytokinins and gibberellic acid. There are also sex hormones on the market to confuse and attract bugs. Confusion and bugs I don’t need. In summary, these biocontrols are incredibly diverse but they don’t include genetically engineered plants which have disease or insect resistant qualities, but that’s another story. See Genetically Modified Food (external link) or else genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (external link) Well, that sorta brings you up-to-date, so consider yourself ‘bio-informed’. Remember though, you can’t go around saying ‘biological’ anymore because people might think you’re talking about bugs. If you’re still confused, talk about something else or you could end up getting mighty embarrassed. Some words might even sound organic when they're not. I knew a farmer who, when he first heard the term ‘entrepreneur’, asked… “What kinda manure is that?” (A.O. Kime is a former licensed pest control advisor)------------------------------------------------Resource Box: © A.O. Kime (2003) A.O. Kime is an author of two books plus some 70 articles on ancient history, spiritual phenomena, political issues, social issues and agriculture which can be seen at http://www.matrixbookstore.biz --------------------------------------------------- end --- About the Author Resource Box: © A.O. Kime (2003) A.O. Kime is an author of two books plus some 70 articles on ancient history, spiritual phenomena, political issues, social issues and agriculture which can be seen at http://www.matrixbookstore.biz |
| MOSQUITO FARMS? IS THAT WHAT WATER GARDENS ARE? by Scottie Johnson What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The lush growth rising above the water, graceful fish darting about and the soothing sound of the water. These are just a few of the reasons people are drawn to water gardens. But when you think about adding a water feature to your garden, you are torn, because you know that a charming pond can also be a mosquito hatchery. And, everyone is concerned; rightly, about mosquitoes and the diseases they spread. It is true, mosquitoes do need water to breed, but at the same time, there are so many effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in ponds, you should not let that stop you. Water gardeners are in a unique position; they can have wet spaces that can actually help stop mosquitoes from breeding. Just a few simple precautions are all you need to feel safe and enjoy such a wonderful addition to the landscape. If you have a water garden, or want one, try these suggestions. ØHave moving water in your water garden. Mosquitoes will not lay eggs in running water. The newly hatched mosquito must rest on the water’s surface for a few minutes to let its wings dry. If the water is moving, the female mosquito will not lay eggs there. ØGet some mosquito fish for your pond. Mosquito fish, or gambusia affinis, are very aggressive predators of mosquito larvae. They are also aggressive to other fish and will also eat dragonfly larvae, or nymphs. If mosquito fish are too predatory for your particular tastes, several other types of fish readily consume mosquito larvae, such as guppies, killifish, and small goldfish. Koi are too large and will not target the larvae. ØAdd Bti to your pond. Bti is a naturally occurring type of bacillus that is eaten by the mosquito larvae, and rapidly kills them. It is not harmful to fish, pets, wildlife or humans. It is sold under such names as Mosquito Dunks, or Mosquito Bits. ØAdd dragonfly larvae, or nymphs, to your pond. They are voracious predators of mosquito larvae, and while the mosquito larvae stay in that stage for only a few days, the dragonfly nymphs stay in the larval stage for up to two years, and can prey on many generations of mosquito larvae. And, when they become adults, the dragonfly feeds on adult mosquitoes too. ØInvite toads into your yard. One toad can consume up to 100 mosquitoes and slugs per night. They lay their eggs in water, so the pond will attract them. If happy with its environment, a toad can grace your garden for up to 20 years. And the tadpoles will eat mosquito larvae also. ØAs an overall precaution, get a propane powered mosquito trap, such as the Mosquito Magnet, to reduce the mosquito population in your garden area. These are the most effective mosquito killers around, and they will capture (and kill) the mosquitoes that your natural controls miss. With the growing concern about mosquito diseases, like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue fever, it is natural to feel reluctance to add any water source around your home. With the right precautions, you can beautify your garden and still feel secure that you are not inviting mosquitoes into your immediate environment. If water gardening appeals to you, just educate yourself, take the needed precautions, and get ready to enjoy the beauty and serenity a water feature adds to your home. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito warrior, freelance author and organic gardener. For all the information you need about killing and repelling mosquitoes, visit her site at http/www.mosquito-kill-net.com |
| New Hope for Old Farmers: Americans Long for Life 'Down on the Farm' by LeAnn R. Ralph Imagine my surprise when I read an article in the April 2005 edition of Reader's Digest informing me that membership in Future Farmers of America (FFA) has hit a 22-year record high.Since 1994, the number of farmers' markets around the country also has more than doubled, the article said.I find these two bits of information especially interesting because small family farms have been disappearing from the countryside at an alarming rate over the past 30 years. According to statistics from the U.S. Census of Agriculture and the American Farm Bureau Federation, since 1969, the United States has lost 85 percent of its dairy farms.Why do I care that the United States has lost so many dairy farms? I grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, which has always been known as America's Dairyland. Except that today, in areas where there used to be farms all up and down the roads, there isn't a single farm left. During the same time period in which the United States lost 85 percent of its dairy farms, Wisconsin has lost 70 percent of its dairy farms.So what is going on here?Family farms have disappeared. Subdivisions have taken over what were once cornfields and hayfields and pastures. Creameries have been abandoned or converted to other uses. Feed mills have been torn down to make room for parking lots. And yet -- FFA has the highest membership that it's had for the last 22 years? And in the past 10 years, the number of farmers' markets has more than doubled?The Reader's Digest article speculates that the reason for the increases in FFA membership and farmers' markets is that as the United States has lost more and more farms, and as more and more people live in cities or suburbs or subdivisions, farm life has become a fascinating subject for those who have never experienced it.I have discovered through my own research that agricultural tourism is on the rise, as well. It used to be that if you wanted to visit a farm, you had to have a grandma and grandpa or an aunt and uncle who owned a farm. Now all you have to do is go to the Internet, type in "farm tours" on Google, and websites come up that direct you to farms which have been converted to bed-and-breakfasts, farms that conduct tours of their day-to-day operations, farms that have been made into museums, and farms that give hay rides and have pumpkin patches and corn mazes.Through a series of political, cultural and social decisions, Americans created an atmosphere that forced small family farmers to go out of business. Although now that the family farmers are all but gone, Americans have decided they are interested in knowing more about life on the farm.What's next? One-room country schools? Or how about little white country churches?Be that as it may, the increased interest in farming could mean new life for the small farms still in existence. Perhaps the adult children who left because there was no future in farming will return -- not to farm the land and milk cows, but to turn those farms into bed and breakfasts, museums or to grow pumpkin patches, construct corn mazes and give hay rides.********************* About the Author LeAnn R. Ralph is the author of the books "Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm)" (trade paperback; July 2003) and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam" (trade paperback; October 2004) and "Preserve Your Family History (A Step-by-Step Guide for Interviewing Family Members and Writing Oral Histories) (e-book; April 2004). http://ruralroute2.com |
| So You'd Like to. . .Learn More About Living on a Farm by LeAnn R. Ralph Forty years ago when I was a little girl growing up on our dairy farm in west central Wisconsin, I thought everyone lived on a farm. Then again, many of my kindergarten classmates lived on farms, too, so maybe I wasn’t completely off base. Later on, however, after I had graduated from high school and started traveling around the United States, I was hard-pressed to meet anyone who had ever been on a dairy farm, much less lived on one. People would ask me where I was from and when I told them Wisconsin, they’d say, “I suppose you lived on a dairy farm.” After a while, it became clear to me that for people in other states, ‘Wisconsin’ and ‘dairy farm’ were synonymous. I would explain that not everyone in Wisconsin lives on a dairy farm, and then I would find myself answering questions about what it was like growing up on a farm. Today, most of the small family dairy farms like the one where I grew up are gone. My parents milked 20 cows, but farmers can no longer make a living that way. Milk prices have essentially stayed the same since the 1970s, and many small farmers decided to sell their dairy herds when their business expenses ended up exceeding their gross farm income year after year. Even though most of the small family farms have disappeared, the evidence that they once existed remains—in the empty dairy barns scattered around the countryside—in the pastures that have been turned into residential subdivisions—in the creameries that have been abandoned or converted into other uses. And in my stories about growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. My books "Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm)" (July 2003) and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam" (October 2004) each contain 20 true stories about growing up on a family farm 40 years ago. Christmas in Dairyland includes a number of family recipes (lefse; sugar cookies; bon-bons; Christmas bread; fattigman; and several others). Both books are appropriate for readers of all ages. Christmas in Dairyland -- Celebrate Christmas during a simpler time 40 years ago when happiness was baking cookies, decorating the Christmas tree, or even just getting out of wearing snow boots to school. Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam -- Stories set on a small family dairy farm in Wisconsin 40 years ago at a time when small family farms still dotted the countryside and summertime meant learning to drive the tractor, making ice cream, and riding a pony to the hayfield. Here are what some of my readers are saying about the books: I have to tell you I feel a little sad. Just read the LAST page of "Give me a home where the dairy cows roam." I enjoyed every word. . .I wish your book went on forever . . .now, bring on "Cream of the Crop!" I'll be waiting! Anita(Wisconsin) I really have enjoyed both of your books so much! As I mentioned before, this is my life between the covers of your book and it really takes me back to the good life we had growing up. Your father sounds like he was a very compassionate and caring individual, as my father was and I think most small-time farmers were: always putting their family and cows first. I also loved all your haying stories, as I could also relate to all of your events. Well done and I look forward to your next book! Carol (Massachusetts) I have read both of your books ("Christmas in Dairyland" and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam")and thoroughly enjoyed all the stories! I think my favorite is the one when you FINALLY got your horse, Dusty. What a wonderful writer you are, as I feel like I'm right there with you on all of your adventures! My mother-in-law loved the books, also. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to more books! Danielle (Indiana) I'm in the middle of reading "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam." I also enjoyed reading "Christmas in Dairyland" You know how to make the reader feel like we are right there. When is your next book coming out? Carol (Nebraska) Visit http://ruralroute2.com to find out how to order "Christmas in Dairyland" and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam." More Books About Farms: Books that are appropriate for younger readers (ages 4 to 8) include: "Living on Farms" (Allan Fowler; 2000) "Moonstruck: The Story of the Cow Who Jumped Over the Moon" (Gennifer Choldenko; 1997) Another book that tells more about the country lifestyle is "Country Style: Living the Farm Life" (Doris Stensland; 2004) Here are some other classic books of true stories that relate to country life and farm life: "All Things Wise and Wonderful" (James Herriot; 1998) "All Creatures Great and Small" (James Herriot; 1998) "The Lord God Made Them All" (James Herriot; 1998) "Every Living Thing" (James Herriot; 1993) "James Herriot's Dog Stories" (James Herriot; 1990) "James Herriot's Cat Stories" (James Herriot; 1994) "Once Upon a Farm" (Lois Stark; 1992) "Farmer Boy" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "On the Banks of Plum Creek" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "By the Shores of Silver Lake" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "Little House on the Prairie" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "Little House in the Big Woods" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "The Long Winter" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "Little Town on the Prairie" (Laura Ingalls Wilder; 1953) "The Land Remembers" (Ben Logan; 25th Anniversary edition; 1999) "One Room Country School" (Jerry Apps; 1996) "Barns of Wisconsin" (Jerry Apps; 2001) "Humor from the Country" (Jerry Apps; 2001) "Rural Wisdom: Time-Honored Values of the Midwest" (Jerry Apps; 1997) "Every Farm Tells a Story" (Jerry Apps; March 2005) Country Ways and Country Days: From Windvanes and Tractors to Auctions and Outhouses: Remembering Rural Life (Jerry Apps; July 2005) "Cheese: The Making of a Wisconsin Tradition" (Jerry Apps; April 1998) "When Chores Were Done" (Jerry Apps; January 1999) ABOUT THE AUTHOR LeAnn R. Ralph is the author of the books "Christmas in Dairyland" and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam." http://ruralroute2.com |
| What is Organic Farming? by Jeremy Pickles Organic farming is the production of food using all natural methods - avoiding all synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Its' core philosophy is that of sustainability or 'zero impact'. The organic farmer seeks to leave the earth in its' natural state after the harvest. The focus of organic methods is on soil quality. Crops are grown without artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and livestock is reared free of drugs and hormones. Proponents of organic food believe it produces food with higher quality and nutritional value than conventional chemical-based methods. Many countries including the US and the EU have certification programs to control the use of the term "Organic". This benefits the consumer by ensuring best practice has been followed. This varies from region to region but includes things like the minimum length of time a field can be left free of chemicals before it is allowed to be used for organic farming. There are many different styles of organic food production but they all adhere to the same principles: * no artificial fertilizers or drugs * no genetically modified organisms * prevention of soil depletion * 'bio diversity' - the growing of a range of crops not just a single species. One recent researcher found that vegetables in the 1950s contained more than eight times as many trace elements as modern crops, which he attributed to the excessive use of nitrate fertilizers. You can read all the latest research at http://www.ge-free.com/ Organic farming has come about as a consumer reaction against the chemical based methods that have been used so widely in 20th century food production. Really though it is simply a formalized definition of traditional agriculture as it has been practiced for thousands of years before 20th century chemicals were invented. So far, organic farming has been limited to small businesses growing for local markets. Organic farming methods are very expensive compared to their chemical counterparts, and the production yields are low when compared to 'conventional' farming. Consumers of course are willing to pay a premium for the improved flavor and nutrition value of organic produce but it remains a premium market. This will change as more large scale organic producers enter production. Most countries now have 'all organic' type food stores in the larger cities. So long as there are people who enjoy healthy living and an alternative to the chemical ridden norm, these businesses will continue to flourish. Jeremy is the owner of http://www.ge-free.com/ and publisher of Organic News. His site reports on all the latest news and research articles to do with Organic Food. |
| What to look for in a farmers market by Shauna Hanus It is time for farmers markets. They are popping up all around the country. They can range from a true farmers market with farm fresh produce locally grown and sold by the farmer to more of an arts and crafts show. When shopping at a farmers market the consumer needs to be wary of anyone selling fruit or vegetables that are not locally grown or are out of season. It is becoming common practice for some marketers to purchase the same produce that is available at the grocery and sell it in the farmers market venue. Here are a few tips on what to look for in a farmers market.•Fresh local fruit and vegetables, no commercially grown produce.•Good prices, the price should be comparable to the grocery store. You may find that in some areas the farmers market is a bit higher but this can be well worth it if the produce is local and fresh.•Look for moist fresh looking produce. If the corn was picked yesterday it will begin to dry out at the bottom. Look for signs that the fruit and vegetables have been harvested within the last day. Do not be afraid to ask when the produce was picked. If it is the farmer you are talking to they are likely to take pride in their selection.•Stay away from produce that has been dumped out on a table. The display should say that someone took time to care for the produce and ensure that no bruising has occurred.•Look for clearly marked prices. If it is hard to find out home much that apple is you may be dealing with lesser quality produce. •Avoid farmers markets that have a lot of crafts. This may be a sign that the area is not based in agricultural and the farmers market may contain mostly commercially produced fruit and vegetables. About the Author Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet meal plans. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter. Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips and trivia you can use everyday. http://www.gourmayeats.com |
| The Best Way to a Farm Loan Success by groshan fabiola Makeing a succes loan and ensuring your mortgageThe most important and difficult part in farm mortgage shopping is to compare the farm loans of different lenders. To understand better you have to know that the farm mortgage contains more than interest rates like quoted rate, points and closing costs. Now you have to understand each part, so the points equals the percents of the farm loan amount. These percents are used to make a higher rate of the farm loan. You will notice that you are able to choose a large mass of points and rates for only one loan product. So, the best solution when comparing different lenders is to compare the associate points. The final amount of the farm loan consists almost everything, title, farm loan related fees, escrow fees.One other thing when building a farm loan is to investigate the different lenders and compare all farm loan features like the farm mortgage insurance payments, or the requirements of credit and cash, etc. A special attention should be paid to prepayment penalties and, of course to the availability of conversion option.Although, you still have to compare the lock-in period, that means the period when all the quoted points and interest rate will be guaranteed. The usually lock-in period are 30 to 60 days, but you can find some of them offering only a short period of 15 days. You have to have in mind, the longest lock-in period, the highest price of the farm loan. The lock-in period should cover enough time to allow for settlement.One final thing good to know is to compare the interest rates of the same day, because these kind of rates are changing daily. So, the best way to compare farm loans from different lenders is to compare farm loan products of the same type. It really doesn't make sense to chose from different types of farm loans program.There are still some fees you have to pay in connection with the farm loan, these fees usual containing the farm mortgage insurance, the tax services, the wire transfer or any other fees given by the lenders. A good fact is that these fees can include discounts based on points, so the higher the number of points, the higher discount of the total fee. About the Author This finance article was written by Groshan Fabiola, who is a proffesional writter since 1990. If you want to know more about farm loans and farm mortgages please visit http://www.farmloans.com/ |
| Country Pastimes 3: Impromptu farm concerts by Simon Mitchell Since the demise of foxhunting and hunting with dogs in the countryside, there are thousands of dispossessed toffs wandering around with nothing to do. To compensate we offer here the new shape of country activities. I was in the garden playing a guitar that attracted the attention of a small bird. It positioned itself overhead in the willow tree and proceeded to drop caterpillars from the leaves onto my head - feeding me as a reward for the music. It made me wonder how much wild or farm animals might like music. The photographs here evidence an impromptu harmonica concert given to a field of bullocks. I played No Place Like Hometo the lead bullock, who warmed up gradually and called his mates over for a gander. I positioned myself safely in the hedgerow, well out of reach in case they should mob me in their fervour for the music. Slowly the moshing pit formed as they edged in to listen. They nodded along to Frere Jacques keeping surprisingly accurate tempo with their tails. It was not until I played Going to Alabama with a Banjo on my Knee that a couple of them started dancing, doing a little shimmy with their front hooves that was very similar to the dance Hank Marvin and the Shadows used to do. With As the Saints Come Marching On one of them peeled out for a little canter round the field. Yes it was getting hot and the temperature was rising. These wonderful bovines were so appreciative of music and gave me a bigger audience and better reception than I received in the village. When I played a Blues Train Coming piece a couple of them started mooing, providing startling animal lyrics in accompaniment. I played some music from a 'Simply Red' song and they rushed forwards aggressively, pawing the ground. Farm animals really enjoy music and even if you play the simplest instrument you will find an appreciative and uncritical audience with sheep, cows, bullocks or horses. Just remember to position yourself carefully out of reach or you may get mobbed. Flushed with success I performed the set again by the pond on the way home and attracted a crowd of what must have been 100,000 gnats who swirled in time, particularly liking the D#, so much so that they flew into the harmonica, blocking the notes. No responsibility for any injuries incurred by anyone undertaking this activity are accepted by this author. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Secrets of Creativity is a revolutionary new ebook from top internet author Simon MitchellThis ebook provides you with a concise, structured course to improve personal creativity.Preview Secrets of Creativity at this address:http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/secrets.html |
| Used farm tractors by Chris Over 100 tractors in stock on . Find the finest tractors in our stores. Reliable quality assurance./ http://www.kofo.nl/ About the Author #18, Nijverheidsweg Loas NL / US/767132 +31-546-564926 /hmsblrnub005@yahoo.com |
| Draaksbad Ranch in Lassen National Park by Pam Draaksbad Ranch in Lassen National ParkRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.comhttp://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/drakesbad/drakesbad.html"There are no keys at Drakesbad," says Billie, our hostess, while introducing us to the lay of the land. "We're on the honor system." This applies to everything from the sodas and beer in the ice buckets to the items in the concession store. Candy bars, sweatshirts, and books about the history of Drakesbad - you sign your name and room number on the roster and settle up upon your departure.Not that you'd be in any hurry to leave Drakesbad Ranch. The guests that have visited year after year for generations know that Drakesbad is a place you'll want to spend some time.It's not easy to get to Drakesbad, but that's part of what makes it so worthwhile. Hidden in the southern side of California's Lassen Volcanic National Park, the ranch is accessible only by a narrow country road that winds over three one lane bridges before losing its pavement before turning up a gravel track. The last few miles are unpaved, but easily navigable by careful drivers. Nope, no need for four wheel drive.We arrived in time for lunch and dined on a buffet of fresh salads and deli fixings. Meals are included with the price of your stay. The staff understands that you might want to spend the day hiking in the surrounding splendor; they will pack a sack lunch for you if you sign up the night before. The kitchen is happy to accommodate any special dietary needs if you let them know before arrival.After dining al fresco in the afternoon sunshine, we headed out to Devil's Kitchen. The lodge sits on the edge ofLet's Soak in Volcanic Hot Springs an expansive meadow frequented by dragonflies, mule deer, and red winged blackbirds, to name just a few of the remarkable denizens. We crossed the meadow to the forest and hiked up a moderately easy trail shared with horseback riders. (The ranch maintains a corral of horses and offers rides for all skill levels.) The two-mile hike ends in an array of steam vents and boiling mud pots. Deposits of sulfur coat the rocks and the air is filled with steam. Yes, there is a strong smell, described to us in advanced by two little boys on the trail: "It's really stinky up there!" This is just one of a number of hiking destinations and the ranch even keeps a canoe at one of the nearby lakes - but you have to take advantage of that early in the season. The lakes are formed by snow melt and evaporate by the end of summer.When we returned to the ranch, I poured myself a glass of cold lemonade that's available all afternoon outside the dining room. Then we explored the possibilities the ranch offers for the most essential of vacation activities: doing NOTHING. A covered porch offers comfortable seating and a shady place to rest. There's a hammock hanging above a circle of wild trillium. My favorite place was the bench swing on the edge of the meadow where the deer came to graze. And of course, there's a pool for lazy soaking and sunbathing.It's not just any pool, though. It's fed by the hot springs up the valley. For over 100 years people have taken comfort in these healing waters.Accommodations at Drakesbad are rustic but very clean and comfortable. Our room, paneled in knotty pine, had its own half bath, but for showers, we used the bathhouse down by the pool. A few of the cabins have full baths, and seasoned Drakesbad guests were heard to suggest that taking such a cabin would be "copping out" on the Drakesbad way of life. Mind you, the same guests were heard to suggest that brushing your hair for dinner was also copping out.Drakesbad is plenty kid friendly, with games and puzzles in the common lodge, a ping pong table, and a terrific tire swing in the shape of a pony. Even swimming pool toys are provided.The dinner bell rings promptly at six, but there's no hurry. Show up any time before seven and you'll be fed, and fed well. We dined on tilapia and fresh vegetables, prepared with an Asian flair. Our hosts, Ed and Billie, made the rounds, welcoming the new guests and sharing pictures from previous years with the regulars. The youngster at our table bolted his food and rushed out to join the sunset horseback ride with the other kids while his mom enjoyed her meal at a more leisurely pace.The kids returned as evening settled in around us. Dusk hours at Drakesbad are quiet but still social, with families playing board games in the lodge or sitting around the campfire. Drakesbad generously supplies the makings for s'Mores, but you'll want to get there quick if there are a lot of kids around - any that weren't on the ride had rushed to the campfire to build their own toasted marshmallow treats. The lights go out around 10 p.m., leaving you to the starlight and the glow of the kerosene lanterns. You can soak in the pool under the stars or curl up in the comfort of your room.Gourmet Dining at Drakesbad - Ranch StyleBreakfast follows the same routine as dinner, with a bell to let you know that it's time to fuel up for the day. We had 'scrambles' just the way I like them (and I'm fussy about my eggs!). Ed poured hot chocolate for our young table mate with the flair of the finest of European maitre 'ds. The sack lunches, ordered at dinner the night before were stacked on the stairs, ready for hikers and riders.To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/drakesbad/drakesbad.htmlPam, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com About the Author Pam, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter. |
| Dude Ranch Tourism by Dani Martin Dude Ranches have since become a fixture in the U.S., as American as apple pie and baseball. Many tourists are drawn to Dude Ranches for the same reasons they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the chance for a wholesome and healthy good time.The Dude Ranch embodies the ideas of self-reliance, living off the land, and wide open spaces. Forget about the TV and the Internet, and turn that cell phone off. Once on the ranch, these distractions will happily be put aside.Dude Ranches first gained marked popularity in the 1920s. As more and more tourists started arriving from the east, and overseas, many cattle ranches opened themselves up to accommodate the visitors. Some working ranches allow visitors to get a true taste of the cowboy life, with the opportunity to help with the chores required for the daily operation of the ranch. Dude Ranches have also evolved with the times, and many boast every modern amenity one can imagine. Horseback riding is offered for all skill levels, and lessons are almost always available. Although it varies from ranch to ranch, numerous other activities, such as swimming, fishing, hiking, square dances and campfires are usually offered.There are, of course, more modern reasons to spend time at a Dude Ranch. Without the neon lights of the city, you can see the stars at night. Without the noise of the highway, you can hear the crickets and birds. And when you’re sitting atop your horse, you can look around and see land that stretches for miles, without a mini-mall or condominium complex to obscure the view. About the Author Dude Ranch is a comprehensive guide to dude ranches in the USA, providing information on popular dude ranch tourist destinations as well as dude ranch employment opportunities. E-DudeRanch.com presents an accessible interface where users can determine what type of dude ranch experience would be best for them. |
| Riding and Rafting the Rockies at the Rawah Ranch by Cymber Quinn Riding and Rafting The Rockies with Rawah RanchRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.comRead this entire feature FREE with photos at:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/ranches/colorado/rawah/rawah.html"What happens at a dude ranch?", he asked the clerk who was helping Bob buy new cowboy boots. She said that her husband had been a wrangler — a horse handler — at a dude ranch for years. We were at Big R. in my hometown of Greeley, Colorado, just a couple of hours east of the Rawah Guest Ranch. The farm and ranch store, Big R, is something of a local institution. It's where you take your out-of-town guests to buy cowboy hats and boots. On the other side of the store is all manner of hardware for repairing your Zimmatic irrigation equipment, watering tanks, corrals and fences, and lots of riding mowers and tractors. It's Home Depot for ranches. Bob strolls around the aisles before setting to the task of boots. Now he is asking the simplest of questions, and one of the slipperiest of answers. What exactly does happen at a dude ranch.The clerk said: "It's a resort with horses." It was a great place to start our exploration.Rawah Ranch is counter sunk inthe Laramie Range of Colorado.=Rawah Ranch (pronounced RAY-wah) is nestled in the Colorado ’s Laramie River valley, adjacent to the Rawah Wilderness, an enormous area of pristine mountains. Named for a Ute word for "abundance," the wilderness is available to everyone who is on foot or horseback only. Wildlife is all around the ranch. Moose, deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, big horn sheep are in the backyard.Rawah Ranch hosts a maximum of 32 guests and boasts a high staff-to-guest ratio, with 20 on staff. Our week, we are outnumbered because we arre among only 19 guests. We drop off our luggage in our cabin and change for the pre-dinner reception. With so many boots and hats, it is difficult to distinguish the guests from the staff. We first meet a large man in an apron. He thrusts out a meaty hand and says, "I'm Ray. Welcome! How would you like your steak cooked?" A friendly hello followed by a dinner order. Things arre shaping up quite nicely.We also meet Nick, who is a wrangler and had worked the previous year at Rawah on the grounds crew. Equally welcoming is Ben, the head wrangler who orchestrates our rides for the week. Pretty quickly, we meet all the staff and our fellow guests. If we had been the least bit nervous about spending a week with a bunch of strangers, we quickly realize that we aren't going to be strangers for long.At 6:30 the dinner bell rings as it will for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. We sit at the table with one family from Massachusetts, who are returning for their third vacation at the Rawah Ranch. Kathy and Steve brought their two sons, Jeremiah and Josh, who are both in their early twenties. It makes me wonder, when was the last family vacation I took with my parents and siblings? I couldn't remember."We like it because it's not all tarted up," Kathy said. "It's the closest to the real thing that you can get." Rawah Ranch offers something that almost no other guest ranch offers: custom rides every day. At many ranches, the rides are prescribed. Thursday might be the all-day ride day. Not at Rawah. Each morning and afternoon, we have the choice of two half day rides, a full-day ride, or a riding lesson. Then we tell Ben what type of scenery we want to see, and he recommends a particular ride. Often there are multiple full-day rides going to different places. And of course, we always have the option of not going. We try to do it all!What about the steaks? They are cooked to perfection and served outdoors on the back picnic tables along with potato salad, rolls, salads. The Laramie River gurgles happily in the background. We chat with the other guests: Steve and Sheri are from southern California; Cathy and Steve, and their children, Matt and Kristen are from Pennsylvania, as well as Sue and Cindy from a nearby Pennsylvania town; and Pat and Jon and their children, William, Nicole, and Chris, who turns out to be the charmer of the group. I was the closest thing to a local, having grown up nearby and hiked and camped in these mountains as a kid.Just before we turn in for the evening, one of the kitchen folks asks if we'd like coffee and cocoa delivered to our room in the morning before breakfast. Now that's about as civilized as it gets.Every morning, Pete's daughter, Kristin, and Ray, cook a hot breakfast to order. You can go all-cowboy and get eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, along with cold fruit, cereal, juice, coffee and tea. And each morning features a different special of the house — breakfast burritos, chorizo (a Mexican sausage), Eggs Rawah, omlets, and so on. By about the third day, we realize we can not eat everything they have to offer, and slow down considerably on the beefy breakfasts. It is already too late. We have each gained at least 10 delightful pounds.After eating at the main lodge, we gather at the stables to get a refresher course on horsemanship basics. My one and only riding lesson was when I was 11 at Girl Scout camp, so I am happy to be reminded of how to walk around a 1,200 lb animal and how these particular horses like to be handled. We all are assigned a horse for the week. Jasper is my horse, a reddish Appaloosa, who had been Pete's horse when he rode more often. A few years back, Jasper lost an eye to cancer. The wranglers worked with him, and he returned to regular service. Universally, the wranglers thought he is among the best horses at the ranch.We go for a short meadow ride where we see two huge moose lying in the field. Moose can easily weigh more than a ton and stand more than eight feet high. We arre awed and reminded that we are 60 miles from the nearest town, out in the wilds of northwestern Colorado. A wave of respect and humility moves through the group.Lunches are the most casual of the three meals. A buffet of soups, sandwiches and salads are placed on a sideboard and we tend to ourselves. For those who have gone on an all day ride, a cold lunch buffet appears after breakfast where we make our lunches for long days.After lunch, we ride out to the Lily Pond, an easy afternoon hike as well. We are reward with peaceful surroundings, and a stunning view of the Laramie River Valley. We return around 4 p.m., giving us plenty of time to soak our city-slicker behinds in the hot tub, catch a quick nap, and dress for appetizers and conversation at 5:30 p.m. The dinner bell rings at 6:30, and we line the tables in the Main Lodge for a family-style dinner. Pete tells us that the ranch has arranged top-flight entertainment for the following evenings, and we should enjoy Monday evening, as it is our only evening free.We collapse into our king-sized bed with crisp white sheets and slept like the out-of-shape cowboy wannabees that we are.I can't tell you how wonderful it is to never be on a nose-to-tail ride the entire week. Our riding groups are usually 4-8 people, just enough to have wonderful conversation, but not too crowded. Every day we ride with different guests and wranglers, and get to know everyone. There is never any pressure to ride or do anything at all, so Bob takes the morning off, and I ride the Skyline Ride. What amazing views of the valley, the 240 acres the ranch owns and the millions of acres of the Rawah Wilderness, and Roosevelt National Forest . A well-maintained dirt road leads to the ranch, making access easy in any type of car.All week, we encounter absolutely bizarre weather for August in Colorado — frequent daily showers. On a typical Colorado day, you get a 20-minute shower, a thunder and lightning storm around 4 p.m. But we have spring like rains all week. At a time when everything should be brown and readying for autumn, crazy mountain flowers are still blooming all over the place and grassy meadows ache in green. It is wonderful, and worth all the ponchos, soaking hats and gloves and mud.When we discover at lunch that one of our riding options is to skip a trail ride and get a riding lesson, we leap at the chance. Another wrangler, Annie, shows me the correct way to ride when the horse is trotting, something called "posting." It turns out that in my one riding lesson, oh so many years ago, I had learned incorrectly. She is such an incredibly talented teacher, and she gives us simple pointers that make the rest of the week go much more smoothly. I highly recommend taking a lesson ride early in the week.It's Wednesday: We Must Be Rafting!Read this entire feature FREE with photos at:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/ranches/colorado/rawah/rawah.htmlBy Cymber Quinn, Hawaii Correspondent, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com About the Author Cymber Quinn - Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com |
| The Dude Ranch Vacation: An American Tradition by Eric Morris Dude ranches, as they are known today, first gained marked popularity in the 1920s, in large part due to the writings of Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt spent some time working as a ranchman, and herding cattle, and he urged Americans to explore for themselves.As more and more tourists started arriving from the east, and overseas, many cattle ranches opened themselves up to accommodate the visitors. Dude ranches have since become a fixture in the U.S., as American as apple pie and baseball. The dude ranch embodies the ideas of self-reliance, living off the land, and wide opens spaces. Forget about the TV and the Internet, and turn that cell phone off. Once on the ranch, these distractions will happily be put aside.Some working ranches allow visitors to get a true taste of the cowboy life, with the opportunity to help with the chores required for the daily operation of the ranch. Dude ranches have also evolved with the times, and many boast every modern amenity one can imagine. Horseback riding is offered for all skill levels, and lessons are almost always available. Although it varies from ranch to ranch, numerous other activities, such as swimming, fishing, hiking, square dances and campfires are usually offered.Many tourists are drawn to dude ranches for the same reasons they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the chance for a wholesome and healthy good time. There are, of course, more modern reasons to spend time at a dude ranch. Without the neon lights of the city, you can see the stars at night. Without the noise of the highway, you can hear the crickets and birds. And when you’re sitting atop your horse, you can look around and see land that stretches for miles, without a mini-mall or condominium complex to obscure the view. About the Author Dude Ranch Info provides informatino on dude ranches in Colorado, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, and California, and information on dude ranch jobs. Dude Ranch Info is the sister site of Mountain Vacations Web. |
| The Smokies Only Dude Ranch by John Ross The Smokies Only Dude RanchRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.comTo read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/french/french.htmlMaybe it was the small, closely-knit communities we passed through on our way to French Broad Outpost Ranch that told us we had ventured back in time—the ones that sold handmade Indian blankets and produce from small wooden buildings that clearly needed attention but more than made up for it in ambiance. Communities where folk still walked down town and met outside the barber shop on a rusty old bench to gossip and talk about the weather.Everyone waved to my girlfriend and me as if they knew our names—not from systematic reaction, but in a sincere, simple way.But it wasn't until we passed the green draw bridge that was shrugging off paint like a piece of whittled wood in an old man's hand that our epiphany had come true. We crossed some cosmic time barrier into the simple Deep Southern life where the Smoky Mountains bellowed campfire fragrances of burning poplar and beech in a misty fog that lowered its tentacle-like fingers down the range and settling into the valleys.White-capped mountains towered over us as we snaked down the dirt road toward the ranch. To the left was an elevated train-track, which we later found out was still guiding trains every few hours. The train pulled 49 cars of cargo.On the right, the French Broad River swiftly passed by, untouched by time, seemingly peaceful and beautiful and housing more memories then anything unable to tell the stories should.The trees opened their arms at the end of the road, revealing a rustic four building complex that looked sleepy and peaceful, as if an artist had brushed a replica of a gold-rush town. Behind the office stood two buildings butted against the side of a mountain. One of the buildings contained a dining hall on the first floor that transformed into a square dance floor later at night and the second floor was a saloon, complete with barstools made from horse saddles.Cool mountain air makes you sleep great at French Broad Outpost.The building to the left of the dining hall housed the sleeping quarters for the weary traveler. There were four rooms in the building, each with bunk-beds and a main bed with head-board and foot-board made of wood.A black and white cat scurried in front of us as we pulled up to the office, holding a prize in the form of a field mouse in its lips.The smell of the wooden building illuminated our ideas of a peaceful weekend as ranch owner, Shawn Gannon greeted us in traditional fashion—firm handshake and smile peering past a cowboy hat attached by a long dangling string that hung down his chest. His was old-worldly and simple with a Confederate-style ten button shirt, jeans and boots that rapped of golden days when the spurs jingled as he walked, but yet educated and understanding of people and personalities other than his own.His wife charmed the area she walked in with a vibrant smile and soft spoken voice that made the whole experience feel more like a visit to distant relatives than a two-day squat around strangers.Dinner was said to be at 6 p.m., so with a few hours to kill, we dropped our bags by the room, grabbed some amazingly large carrots and headed out to the numerous fenced in areas where over 50 Arabian horses were kept.The horses were amazingly tame and trained to the sight of the carrots as they all converged, heads stuck over the fence praying for a taste. They were a collage of colors and sizes and mainly female.Surprisingly free, our walk never uncovered a closed door or keep out sign, but it did reveal some very friendly goats and dogs, one hobbling on a bad leg, but curiously pouncing forward looking for a good rub behind the ears.We rendezvoused at the dining hall after the dinner bell was sounded, where we all sat down at the same table and stared at a feast of food. I learned Shawn was vegetarian and had been since the early '80s. "I don't believe in killing animals and eating them," he said frankly, as he rolled what looked like soy meatballs onto his plate.The other workers of the ranch were introduced to us. Jade, the 18-year-old fellow that another guest had so correctly stated his looks as a carbon copy of Billy the Kid, grinned and tipped his hat in a shy manner—spoon full of food. Jade, I later learned, hailed from Texas and had spent more of his teenage years traveling the country during the summer and working at various ranches.Our cook, Scott, was from Colorado and made the most amazing homemade bread I had ever tasted.There were two other couples on that evening, one from Kentucky who owned a few horses and was living the cowboy dream but was there as a Valentines Day present to the husband. The other couple was lively and exuberant, neither being an avid rider but served as comic relief the whole weekend.We retired to our respective rooms after dinner—all couples tired from their drive and ready to wake up in the morning and ride some horses.Breakfast was at 8 a.m., consisting of eggs, bacon and biscuits. Shawn told us he started the ranch because he couldn't part with any of the horses he had and after acquiring so many, the ranch came to him as a means of financing the upkeep on the horses. To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/french/french.htmlJohn Ross, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com About the Author John Ross, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter. |
| Dude Ranch Golfing at the Double JJ in Michigan by Jetsetters Magazine Dude Ranch Golfing at the Double JJ in MichiganRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.comTo read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/golf02/michigan/tbred/tbred.html"Well," Evan Burt said, squinting in the afternoon sun, "I came here seven years ago for a summer job. And I'm still here."Evan and the other ranch hands that epitomize the superior customer service evident everywhere at the Double JJ Ranch and Thoroughbred Golf Resort in Rothbury, Michigan made me want to stay there, too.The ranch and golf resort are just north of Grand Haven on Michigan's "left coast". It prides itself on being the only full-service dude ranch in the Midwest, according to a press release. The ranch opened in 1937 as the Jack and Jill Ranch and expanded its operations in the mid-90s. Facilities include the Back Forty, with a general store, ice cream parlor, a "Waterin' Hole" swimming complex with a 150' waterslide and a dining hall complete with a mechanical bull; and the ranch, offering horseback riding, archery and rifle ranges and canoeing on the Big Wildcat Lake. Winter activities are offered at the ranch also, from tubing and cross-country skiing to dog-sledding and snowmobiling. Cabins are available for lodging, as well as teepees and Conestoga wagons for families with children aged seven and older.Unusual accommodations at the Double JJ include teepees and Conestoga Wagons for kids only; right - secluded Back 40 cabins. Below - The rustic "Loft" on the Thoroughbred Golf Course.Other accommodations include the Thoroughbred Loft and Homestead Condominiums, both bordering the golf course. I stayed in the Loft, a gorgeous three-story rustic hotel with - gasp! -running water, television, telephone, a minifridge and even Jacuzzis in select suites. Don't expect plush carpeting or mahogany furnishings, but after a day on the ranch, you will welcome the room for what it was designed for - sleeping.According to the literature, I was "minutes away, miles from the ordinary" attending the annual Media Golf Round-Up at the 1,500-acre ranch with its adjoining championship golf course. So I was ready for anything that weekend, including taking part in my first rodeo on Friday. The ranch holds about twenty rodeos a year, and this particular weekend marked the first of the 2003 season.During one of the audience participation portions of the rodeo, I was coaxed into the rodeo ring, only to find myself chasing baby bulls with ribbons tied to their tails. The object was to snag one of these ribbons, and the winning ribbon would win a cute lil' statue commemorating the feat.All but one of the bulls had been stripped, and I found myself uniquely poised to rip a ribbon off the running ribeye.So, there I was, standing with my left shoulder a few feet away from the fence that encloses the ring. A crowd of people are chasing the last piece of beef counterclockwise, and it's running along the fence, towards me. Without thinking, I slam my hip into the beast and slide my left hand over its back and gripped its tail, still sliding my hand downward.A kick and a snort later, my cow dung-encrusted hand holds a ribbon up high over my head.No, I didn't win the prize, but I felt like I had.The rodeo clowns performed amusing skits, and the real cowboys busting broncos and bull riding were amazing to watch. Other audience participation moments included trying to ride wild donkeys and an impressive display of skill from some of the more regular attendees, galloping atop steeds from one end of the ring to secure a rope on the other end in a rodeo-style elimination game.To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/golf02/michigan/tbred/tbred.htmlBy the staff, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com About the Author Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com |
| One of the Oldest Traditions of the American West: The Dude Ranch by Dani Martin E-DudeRanch.com presents a brand new Website showcasing one of America's oldest types of holiday resorts. Whether you're interested in getting your hands dirty working the ranch, or vacationing, E-DudeRanch.com will help you choose the ranch that's right for you.Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large part due to the writings of Teddy Roosevelt. Working as a ranch man himself, Roosevelt not only spent time herding cattle, but he also urged Americans to explore for themselves. The popularity of dude ranch increased after WWII and soon became a main tourist attraction in the Rocky Mountain area around the 20's and 30's.Now a days Dude Ranches have become a staple of American culture, right along side baseball and apple pie. Many tourists are drawn to Dude Ranches for the same reasons they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the chance for a wholesome and healthy good time. If you're looking to truly get away from it all, and make memories to last a lifetime, look no further than a Dude Ranch vacation. Dude Ranches are as varied as the people seeking out the vacation. Accommodations can range from rustic to luxurious, depending on the experience you’re looking for. www.E-DudeRanch.com explains that at a Dude Ranch, you can enjoy home cooked meals, cookouts, wagon rides, fishing, and square dances. If you're looking for something a little more modern, many ranches provide amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and game rooms. About the Author Dude Ranch is a comprehensive guide to dude ranches in the USA, providing information on popular dude ranch tourist destinations as well as dude ranch employment opportunities. E-DudeRanch.com presents an accessible interface where users can determine what type of dude ranch experience would be best for them. |
| Picking Up A Horses Hoof by Jeffrey Rolo Picking Up A Horses Hoof Jeffrey Rolo The idea of picking up a horses hooves can intimidate some owners since a well-placed horse kick would really hurt! Such caution is good, but in reality if you pick up a horses hoof properly you provide him with no leverage or ability to kick you. This is a situation where a persons worst fears can cause him to imagine an incident that is highly unlikely to occur with careful handling. Heres how to safely pick up a horses hoof: Starting with the front hoof, approach your horse diagonally from his front so that he clearly knows you are there – you dont want to surprise him. Place yourself even with his shoulder and make sure to face his rear; you will both be facing opposite directions during the hoof picking process. Making sure that your feet arent too close to the horses hoof, start running the hand parallel to him down his shoulder and along the length of his leg, finally stopping just above his ankle. Gently grasp the ankle portion and click or otherwise verbally cue him to ask him to raise his leg. If hes well trained, that small cue will be more than enough and hell do just what you requested. Youre now free to begin picking his hoof. If your horse is being a bit stubborn or hasnt learned how to pick up his legs yet try leaning into his shoulder as you run your hand down the back of his cannon bone. You can also gently squeeze/pinch the tendons to further cue him to what you would like. As you perform these physical cues make sure you provide a verbal one also I make a clicking sound so the horse later associates your sound with the requested response. Increase the weight you push against his shoulder until he finally lifts his leg as requested. When picking a horses hoof you want to remove all debris from the hoof clefts as well as the rim and frog. Be careful around the frog because it can sometimes be a bit sensitive, particularly if the horse has thrush. Once you have finished cleaning the front hoof carefully guide it back to the floor; you dont want to allow the horse to slam it, potentially hitting your foot in the process. Praise your horse and pat him on the front shoulder a bit so he understands that you are pleased with his cooperation, then run your hand along his back to his rear leg. Place yourself in the same position as you did with his front leg and do the process over again. There is a slight difference between lifting a rear foot and front foot, even though your basic positioning and actions are nearly identical. When you lift your horses rear foot he will probably give a little jerk that you might misinterpret as a kick. This is a common reflex reaction among horses and nothing for you to worry about. Secondly, when you raise your horses rear leg youll want to step into him a bit so that your hip is underneath his leg. Rest his leg on your thigh, grab his hoof and gently flex it upwards. By doing this you lend him some support and more importantly the position of his leg and his flexed hoof will prevent him from being able to kick you. Clean the hoof, lower it cautiously as you did the first and praise him. Congratulations – youre halfway done! The opposite side will be done exactly the same way, but try to return to his front and start the opposite side rather than move around his rear. Its bad practice to approach or circle all but the most trusted horses via the rear in such close quarters since a horse would be within range to strike. When lifting any hoof try to make sure your horse is properly squared balanced evenly on all four legs so that when you lift one hoof he can easily balance on his remaining three. At no time should the horse actually lean his weight on you! Even when you rest his rear leg on your thigh youre not allowing him to use you as a crutch. Once you have picked your horses hooves a few times it will probably become very simple and take less than 5 minutes to clear all hooves. Most trained horses will raise their hoof for you the moment they feel your leg run down their leg. It is a very good idea to control your horses head while you are picking his hooves. This can be done by attaching his halter to crossties or asking a partner hold your horses head. By controlling his head you ensure your horse cant move away from you while youre trying to pick his hooves, or worse… turn around and take a bite at your rear! Visit http://www.alphahorse.com/horse-care.html to view other articles pertaining to horse care.
About The Author Jeffrey Rolo, owner of AlphaHorse and an experienced horse trainer and breeder, is the author of the above article. You will find many other informational articles dealing with horse training and care as well as games and other horse fun on his website: http://www.alphahorse.com Copyright © 2004 AlphaHorse. All Rights Reserved. webmaster@alphahorse.com |
| You Cant Fool A Horse by Jeffrey Rolo You Cant Fool A Horse Jeffrey Rolo In the dating world many men and women put their potential partners to a "dog test," whereby they introduce their date to their dog and see how the dog reacts to the stranger. If the dog reacts badly towards their date then a red flag is waved, whereas if the dog accepts the stranger instantly the opposite holds true. While many people look upon this test in a tongue-in-cheek manner, many dog owners actually do take it seriously. As they probably should! Many animals, including horses, possess an uncanny ability to detect emotion as well as the inner nature of an individual. Whereas you may be able to slap a forced smile on your face and hide powerful negative emotions such as stress or anger from fellow humans, you wont find it as easy to fool a horse! In fact I consider horses to be natural truth detectors due to their ability to read a persons emotional state as well as their sincerity when it comes to a love for equines. If one of my naturally friendly horses takes an instant dislike to someone out of the blue, 9 times out of 10 Im going to respect my equine partners instincts. Horses generally do not possess vendettas or have reason to target anyone for no real reason – they tend to call them as they see them. If a horse usually takes a liking to visitors but holds a sudden aversion to one in particular, clearly the horse sees or detects something that I may not have initially caught. When a horse enjoys your company, youll know it. When a horse trusts you, youll know it. And when a horse actually dislikes you, he will make sure you know it. I often state that the world would be a much better place if people were as brutally honest as horses. But I digress… A proficient horseman at work should be cool, calm and collected, three essential qualities to maximize the productivity of a training session as well as create an all-around positive aura over human-horse interactions. Keep in mind that you are the horses leader, and as such the horse will take his cues from you. If you are agitated the horse will recognize something is wrong and either feel you are angry with him or you are annoyed with something else he cannot detect but probably should be also be concerned about. The horse will not be able to focus on the lesson or your requests well at all, nor will he be able to draw strength from you when he becomes concerned about a foreign object or behavioral request. It is essential that you try not to visit or work with your horse when you are in a negative frame of mind since these undesirable emotions will disturb your equine partner. Try to take a few minutes, or even hours if necessary, to collect your emotions and clear your mind of lifes daily irritants. When we see a loved one is feeling down, it often puts a damper on our day too since negativity tends to breed negativity. The same will happen with your horse, so do not underestimate your horses ability to detect your feelings. Visit http://www.alphahorse.com/horse-training.html to view other articles pertaining to horse training.
About The Author Jeffrey Rolo, owner of AlphaHorse and an experienced horse trainer and breeder, is the author of the above article. You will find many other informational articles dealing with horse training and care as well as games and other horse fun on his website: http://www.alphahorse.com Copyright © 2004 AlphaHorse. All Rights Reserved. webmaster@alphahorse.com |
| How To Get Your Horse To Obey You and Look To You For Instruction by Andy Curry How To Get Your Horse To Obey You and Look To You For Instruction Andy Curry In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard Shrake points out that it’s a lot like the military. He ranks in the pecking order go from General down to Private. The General will get first pick of the food, decide where to go and when, and so on. The “second in command” will act just like the General but he won’t pick on the General because the General dominates him. This string of command continues all the way down to the bottom of the pecking order. Any time a new animal comes into the group then the pecking order shifts. Knowing this information, you can use it to your advantage. You can make yourself the leader in the horse’s eyes. He’ll look to you for instruction. He’ll obey you. If you have a dominant horse it will be instinct for him to let a more dominant being make the decisions. In this case the dominant being will be you. You will become leader by using your body language to show you are confident. Being dominant doesn’t mean you’re being aggressive. On the other hand, if your horse is the General, you may have to be more assertive. Make sure your horse doesn’t think you’re a threat. It’s easy to come across as threatening when you’re being assertive. If your horse feels threatened he’ll fight back and you can’t win. And if you are doing horse training, you will find it hard to get results. In the wild, dominant and aggressive horses will make their bodies tight and make sudden moves with fury while getting into the other horse’s space. The weaker horse will concede and move out of his space. Think of it as the General screaming an order and the Private is obeying. Slow movements tend to draw one horse to another. Horses express calmness with relaxed, slow steps. This is how they welcome other horses in their space. If a |