Autumn Hill Equestrian Center

Information may not be reliable

Last weekend, AHEC played host to the members of our 4-H min-horse project with a BBQ and campout, and games with their mini-horses. We tossed some burgers and dogs on the grill and threw up several tents in the front yard and just had a great time. The evening was spent with the horses in the arena, running patterns and jumps, followed by much giggling, playing, and boardgames. Several of us more mature kids enjoyed some good visiting time while relaxing around the tables and chairs in The Squat Spot, and I think we even outlasted the kids in the tent before calling it a night and hitting the sheets. I’m still not sure who had the most fun, our kids or the adults, so we’re talking about doing it again after State Fair. Oh, and speaking of State Fair, our mini-horses have been invited to participate again this year so everyone who attends will be able to see and enjoy our little equine friends at the Fair!
AHEC is a proud sponsor of several 4-H programs and the mini-horse is only one of them. If you aren’t familiar with the organization, 4-H is a wonderful way to learn how to care for an animal and the program increases self-confidence, provides for positive social interaction, and teaches valuable life skills that will stay with a child for a lifetime. If you happen to have a child between the ages of 8-18, consider this your personal invitation to find out more about the programs here.

I have a 2-horse paddock with shelter that just recently came open, as well as a single gelding paddock with shelter.
But while it’s true we have limited availability, we always welcome inquiries and especially so if you aren’t happy with your current conditions. And, since transport to AHEC is free within a 50 mile radius, there’s no reason to feel trapped in a situation that isn’t working for you or your horse, even if you don’t own a horse trailer. We’re here and we want to help, particularly if there’s a feeding issue and your horse is losing weight. Times are tough right now and everyone is concerned about the economy, but there ways to cut costs without cutting nutrition. So, if you have those concerns, shoot me an email or give me a call and let’s see what we can do to help.
Once here, you’ll find there really is a difference in boarding at AHEC. For instance, breakfast includes a blend of ingredients that we affectionately call “horse soup” but the base is heavily salted beet pulp to encourage water intake during the day. And, at the evening feeding during the hot summer months, we take the extra time needed to soak every, single, individual flake of hay before we feed it. Why? To help your horse avoid a water-related colic, saving him hours of misery as well as a major hit on your wallet. And that’s only the start… as I said, you’ll find there really is a difference boarding at AHEC.
Taking care of your baby is what we do, and I believe we do it well. Consider this your personal invitation to come and see for yourself. Thanks for stopping by, hope you have a blessed day!

Well, the Sacramento County Fair 2010 has come and gone and left in its wake a surprising variety of different animals that are, no doubt, very glad to get back to their own stall, pasture, pen, and cage, followed closely by a trainload of exhausted parents, grand-parents, family friends, and just friends in general, along with the zillion workers and volunteers who stepped up to make a wonderful farm and ranch experience happen for the 4-H and FFA clubs in our area over the Memorial Day Weekend. Our 4-H members here were no exception and Team AHEC was well represented by a dairy goat, three mini-horses, and one big horse, as well as their respective young handlers and parents.
The weekend represents many things to these young people, not just a weekend of play with friends. It is an opportunity to display animal skills they have learned through hands-on work with their respective project, as well as a commitment to that animal’s care throughout the run of the Fair. I want to take this opportunity to say well done to Jennifer, Sabrina, Matthew, Bethany, and Hannah. We are all very proud of you! You took good care of your animals and pitched in and helped when the mini-horse stalls flooded several times, you shared with others what you have learned, and you represented 4-H well with your good sportsmanship and appropriate behavior. Good job! Your families and I are very proud of you and I’m glad that all of you belong to our AHEC family.
I’m thinking we should celebrate all those pretty ribbons you kids brought home so maybe it’s time to drag out that ice cream freezer in the attic and make some homemade ice cream. Whadda think?

Dr. Bartow will be doing our shot clinic this Saturday. Since he waives his ranch call fee, you’ll only pay for the actual shots and services. Boarders will start at noon, but guests who have made prior arrangements may join us about 1:30.
We will be Dr. Bartow’s last call for the day so he will be available for whatever else you need done, sheath cleaning, etc.

Primiarily held for members of Kigers de los Californios, Sue Watkin held the second of a three-Saturday series of her horsemanship training clinic here this past Saturday. The Kiger is a rare, purebred wild horse that was re-discovered in the Kiger Mountains and is a direct decendant of the Spanish mustang. They may often be recognized by the black leg stripping or other unusual body markings. Sue has ridden and trained in every equine discipline, from dressage to gymkana but, these days, focuses mostly on western horse training, trail riding, and working with Kigers.
The driveway here was pretty much loaded up with trailers on Saturday and we had over a dozen mounted riders in the arena. Since much of her second session dealt with riding at a trot, I have to confess there are certain parts of my anatomy that I are still a tad tender but Sue’s workshop was extremely helpful, especially since Big Hank and I are still working out the kinks in our new partnership.
Next workshop is Saturday, March 16th.

As we come to the year-end, I just want to take a moment to thank each of our AHEC family, both those who board with us and those who support us through prayer. Without each of you, we would not be here. Please know you are truly appreciated!
Here’s to continued financial recovery for our country, our state, our community, the ranch, and to each of us individually…may 2010 be the best year yet! HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Just wanted to take a moment to wish all of our boarding family a very happy holiday season. Thank you for being part of our AHEC family, we would not be who we are without each of you!
Due to so many being sick and December’s normal craziness, I thought we might more enjoy throwing off the winter blues at a January gathering than trying to add another holiday party to our already jammed schedule so let’s start looking at dates, shall we? Shoot me an email if one Saturday is better than another for you and/or your family!
Merry Christmas to the Christians in our family, Happy Hannakka to those of the Jewish faith, and my best wishes for the Happiest of Holidays to everyone else, along with my sincerest hope that we all have a more prosperous New Year!
God’s blessings on you and yours.

Because several of our folks and invited guests are ill, and considering the current situation with the swine flu, I believe it’s in everyone’s best interests to avoid having a get-together right now. And when you add to that, the instability of the approaching weather system, which is forecasting a chance of showers from the later part of the week through Monday evening, it’s just more prudent to cancel this Saturday’s event.
I’ll schedule something else soon!

I hope everyone is planning on being here on Saturday, the 31st! It promises to be a day of fun, frovality, and good food. And, in addition to the equine costume contest, the kids will have their own costume parade so they can show off what they’re going to be wearing later that night. And even if you aren’t dressing up your horse, feel free to decorate yourself anyway!
Y’all come early, I’ll have coffee going in the barn. Water and cans of soft drinks will also be sitting out, and the ranch will be providing burgers, dogs and fixins for lunch. (I’ll also have plates, utensils, and napkins on hand so don’t worry about bringing any.) SIDE DISHES AND DESSERT WILL BE POTLUCK.
RAIN DATE WILL BE THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY!

Dr. Bartow will be here for our shot clinic this Saturday. I need to know in the next day or two what your horse(s) need and let him know so he can be sure to pack enough vaccines. Generally, each will need the following: Either a three-, or four-way depending on the age, rabies, West Nile, and NASAL strangles.
See ya Saturday!