Back from Boy's Ranch

[Knightrider]

Katie Ann and I had a wonderful time. We got to meet Wendy F. Don't know what else they won, but her daughter won 6th in leadline cloverleaf barrels, and that was no easy feat. So, congratulations Kinsley (did I spell it right?). I was sitting in the crowd one evening watching, when another observer remarked to their companion, "These runs are about as fast as in the Nationals." I assume the person went to the Nationals, so the competition must be really stiff at Boy's Ranch. (I wouldn't know--I know nothing about barrel racing).
My colt got the chance to see things he's never seen before, like a huge pickup truck trailing 30 feet of yellow barrier tape flapping on a rear axle, and lots of both electric and gas golf carts zooming past him. And about a hundred teenagers galloping bareback past him. I got to ride my colt in the grand entry parade, which was great fun, and a great experience for him.
We discovered via the PA system that our riding club was supposed to work the whole day of Texas barrel runs, and there were only 4 of us there. No one had warned us that our club was scheduled to work any of the games. I noticed on the program that no other club was scheduled to work the whole game. Wonder why. Anyway, running out to set up barrels for 6 hours made me feel I could eat all the barbecue I wanted. Also running around those barrels with our pony. We placed about 10th every time, which was pretty darn good for an almost 60 year old lady. As NoniMe says, to finish is to win.
Boy's Ranch is really a great time. I got to see 800 beautiful horses (that's how many they announced had registered), my little girl had a fun time barrel racing, and for our $30, we got two terrific meals, free camping for 5 days, a friendly fun crowd, and no alcohol or drugs permitted--patrolled continually by the sheriffs. What a deal.
I hope, Wendy F., that you had as good a time as we had. It was great to meet you. I forgot my camera, so sorry, no pictures.

[Wendy F]

Yes, it was great to meet you too finally! I am so sorry we couldn't spend more time. I was running with all the kids since my husband is in Texas. I did have great friends that helped a bunch though! I was very surprised when my friend said that Kinsley placed! She was riding her new horse that won't hardly break out of a trot. She was ready to ride by herself by this morning though, and I had to explain the whole training thing to her. (Kinsley is 6 for those that don't know)
I was running too much for pics. I don't know if you know or not but Cottis photography takes pics and they will be available online. You can at least look at Katie's pics! She is such a doll and so friendly.
I am lucky because our riding club is very big. I wasn't needed, but saw you and Lenny out there by yourself. (Poor things!) Our club was scheduled for Fri and Sat games. But they also maintain the arena.
We had a great time with great friends. You are right too. It is a great place to season/desensitize a colt to different things. I am sure it did yours wonders!

[BarnBum]

No pictures !!

Sounds like you guys got a good work out over the few days !!! Glad you all had fun.

[Wendy F]

No one to take them! We were working! I did take a couple on my phone at camp.
We were right next to the bath house and we got so much Black dust all over us. I have a sinus infection from it! But at least it wasn't raining like last year.
My kids had a blast at the dance. We had lots of teenagers and friends that we knew also. I even got told that I was "Not like a parent, I was Cool and
it wasn't embarassing with me like some others" I took that as a compliment. I am turning 32 in Nov and have a 21 yr old step-daughter. She didn't think that way about her dad (38) and me as a teenager. Of course now she does but......
Funny story....I was going to ride in the Rodeo down the rd Fri night. Well we got lost. I told Knightrider and her farrier was putting it on. Too bad that I found out too late!

[Knightrider]

Lenny could have told you exactly where that rodeo was. Lenny seems to know everyone . . . and everything. Oh well, maybe next year.
I was going to camp down in the trees because I don't need much space with just a tent and the horses tied to the trailer. But I decided to camp near a barrel racing friend up on the hill. Boy, am I glad I did! I never saw so much dust. I have a feeling some of those tents down there will never get clean. The half mile walk to the bathroom was worth not breathing all that dust. I peed in a cup at night. Sorry you got a sinus infection. I was wondering if that dust was a health hazard to the people and horses down there. I think it was because of all the golf carts. We didn't get much traffic at the top of the hill.
Katie Ann loved the dance too. The whole weekend was a lot of fun.

[BarnBum]

Ok, for future reference, where is the best place to camp ?? I will take being away from the potty vs in a dust bowl !!

Why was it so dusty ?? They have been getting rain haven't they !!!

We have been getting tons here.

[Wendy F]

Nope. No rain. I like the trees because of shade for the horses. This is why we leave at 3:30am on Wed and wait in line. Up until the last 2 yrs we have been on the fence which makes for less panels also.
The last 2 yrs it was close to the arena and right across from bath house. Last yr it rained so it wasn't bad, but this yr even with the water hose wetting down the roads it was awful.

[BarnBum]

Originally Posted by Wendy F

Nope. No rain. I like the trees because of shade for the horses. This is why we leave at 3:30am on Wed and wait in line. Up until the last 2 yrs we have been on the fence which makes for less panels also.
The last 2 yrs it was close to the arena and right across from bath house. Last yr it rained so it wasn't bad, but this yr even with the water hose wetting down the roads it was awful.

thanks for the info. we have been getting a ton of rain here, thats why I was kinda puzzled for all the dust.

hope the sinus infection is getting better !!

glad you all had a safe and fun trip !!