2010

It is hard to think about the summer with all of the snow we have had, but it will soon be here. The ice damage incurred on the mountain is like nothing I have ever seen. All the trees on the ridge were snapped like a twig and then some. Part of our fence around the barn was taken out and the ground has not thawed enough to make the repairs. I cannot even think about what our trails look like.

We lost one of our original herd horses last Monday. I will never get used to it. Little Jimmy went quickly and peacefully so I felt better about my decision. We only have 4 original left. I think it has been 15 years since we began. It boggles my mind how time has flown. Biscuit celebrated his 1 year birthday yesterday. He has done well to survive this record setting winter. Maybe next year won't be as bad, but he also knows no difference. We added Molly in November. She is a Belgian/Quarter cross and adorable. Cannot wait to see her in action. I have the vet coming next week to check out Cha Cha, a very feisty mare. My parents noticed a lump on her throat and I hope it is something simple.

I am excited to have Olivia, Scott and Micah return for another season. I call them my dynamic trio. They are so capable and trustworthy. Olivia will continue to offer clinics, lessons and guided trail rides. We are discussing the possibility of extending our guided trail ride dates. Other changes will be the cleaning fee on our rental house will go to $75.00, but the nightly rate will remain the same for another year.

Looking forward to warmer weather. The farmer's almanac is calling for another major snow mid March. I hope just this once they get it wrong. If not well it is another chance for incredible sledding, snowmen making and snowball fights!
Happy trails,
Catherine

2009 Already - Where did 2008 go?

Time flies when you are having fun. I cannot believe it is already March. This season we will keep the same rates. I will be putting together 2009 dates for some classes soon, and will have those posted. I am cutting down on the number so call if you want dates other than posted and I will do my best.

Off Season happenings:

My son, James, started kindergarten, my younger brother moving to the Congo to work for the International Rescue Committee, and my Dad and I bought a horse that could ride and drive right before Thanksgiving - figured out a few weeks later that she was pregnant! Baby born yesterday. Momma and foal doing well.
I flew out to San Francisco the weekend the east coast was expecting a massive snow on that Sunday to help my brother pack up his apartment and tie up loose ends before setting off on what will be an amazing journey. My return was timed just perfectly....snow was pounding Charlotte and we had to circle for an hour before we could land because the airport was down to one runway. Called my husband, Jimmy, to say that we had landed and his greeting was "Welcome to Buffalo." My parents got 14 inches on the mountain, and the drifts were so bad they could not make it in their truck to get to the barn to feed, so they set out on foot. Thankfully Lady didn't give birth that weekend. Temperatures were in the single digits. Now 2 weeks later we are experiencing spring like weather with temperatures in the mid 70's.

Looking forward to 2009 season. This job is definitely not monotonous, and I anticipate some hysterical moments.

Happy trails,
Catherine

2008 Season Ending

2008 season coming to an end. The camps kept me hopping and I could not have done it without my incredible staff! I started this season off with another personal tragedy, but the high pace kept my mind occupied. My staff taught me much and I am forever grateful. I am personally trying to follow the "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" mantra. Easier said than done, but one must try.

Horses are like children, and I have to remember that patience and consistency is key. I am always being challenged and it is a good thing. I have to take into account the attitude of the horses, staff and participants. It is never dull at the barn and being tested on a regular basis keeps one sharp. I have a staff member that taught me a wonderful strategy to deal with stress - tapping it out. You take your fingertips and start tapping on your forehead and say "I deeply love and respect my self even though....________________________" you fill in the blank. Repeating that phrase while moving down to your cheeks, chin, chest, etc. It really works especially when you start to think of how silly this must look. By the time I am to my chin I have forgotten why I started. Try it - you do forget quickly.

Now onto a non-barn related issue. VOTE! I do not know about the rest of you, but I have become obsessed with this election. I am amazed how politically charged this election is and the raw emotion it has sparked. We truly are on the edge of greatness and I hope that we can come together as a nation after November 4th and mend the wounds that the long cycle has opened. I have already voted and I waited for an hour. The news now reports that in some places people are waiting 8 hours to cast their vote. They are exercising their right as a citizen and good for them. Not voting because of the long lines is not an excuse it is just plain lazy. We cannot afford that kind of thinking. Every vote counts - so do it! I have a parent that has volunteered for a campaign and I have volunteered to drive people on election day. People this is history in the making and we can make a difference. As a woman it is incredible to see that we had a woman running for president and now we have one as a VP nominee. I never would have thought that during my lifetime that I would see a woman let alone a black man running for the highest office in the land. This is the greatest country in the world. Please vote on Tuesday, November 4th. Our country deserves better and we can make a difference.

Thank you for indulging me. I look forward to 2009 and the many lessons that I have yet to learn from everyone that I meet.

Happy trails and a healthy and happy holiday season,
Catherine

2008

It has been a while since I last typed in some news. The past season and off season held a lot of loss for me personally. I found out I was pregnant in July and went to have the ultra sound in August, my husband and son in tow and was told that it had implanted in the wrong place. All I remember was the doctor saying not a viable pregnancy. Still not a comfort. So what started out as an exciting visit turned into a nightmare. I was scheduled for surgery that day and when I got home that night I was one tube shy and no longer pregnant. I was devastated and the despair unbearable. Jimmy and James are my rock and the outpouring of support from family and friends comforting.

Something good came out of the whole ordeal. I was hired to do the interior of a mountain house by my husband's Aunt and Uncle and 3 other couples. I had the best time and realized this is such a passion of mine that a girlfriend and I have started an interiors and project management business.

I lost my beloved horse, Fancy. She was a 31 year old quarter horse and was with us since I was about 9 or 10 years old. She had been going down hill and let us know she was ready. The vet came up and put her down. I will never get used to it, and no horse will ever be able to fill her shoes.

My birthday has passed and my 34th year will be great. I have read quite a few remarkable books that helped me through and look forward to a great season. We are looking to purchase more horses and have a group scheduled the 17th of May. I have veteran staff this summer. First year it has happened and I am grateful to them. They are the best!

Some changes we have made: Hillside is pet friendly and instead of doing guided public trail rides we are going to host horsemanship clinics.

Fencing has gone up along our Rock Creek pasture, and we will be lucky to have another pasture with which to rotate our horses. Hay season coming soon. Got to get my strength up and back conditioned to pick up and unload bales of hay. Need to shed my winter pounds.

It has been nice corresponding with old and new visitors to Sky Valley. Keep in touch and see you soon.

Happy trails,
Catherine

NEW RATES FOR 2007

2007 crept up on me and now it is already spring! Sky Valley is turning green, trees starting to bud, and it is just beautiful. I believe spring is my favorite season.

We have posted our new rates for 2007. Hillside House is now $180/night & $950/week, minimum 2 nights and maximum of 8 people. Guided trail rides are now $30/hour and $50/2 hour. 2 person minimum and 8 person maximum. Reservations required for all.

Fence going in across from our barn and I am picking out colors for Hillside's downstairs bedrooms and living room. We have had someone donate a horse and looking forward to its arrival.

Thanks for your calls and emails. I look forward to having you with us. Before everything gets booked call or email me your dates for the house.

Happy trails,
Catherine