It must be Murphy’s Law…Dennis and I just mentioned a few weeks ago that our cat population on the ranch was dwindling. Several days later he came walking up to the house with a big smile on his face, holding a cardboard box. I was thinking, “Wow, I didn’t even see the UPS truck…” and he said, “Special delivery!” I was amazed…he found four kittens rummaging around some garbage cans at the back of the ranch AND managed to catch them! I love animals and am especially fond of kitties. We’ve lived here on the ranch for over 18 years and have been vigilant about spaying or neutering our cats. The “window” of opportunity to socialize kittens is pretty small, so I was glad to discover when he opened the box that the kittens appeared to be only 7-8 weeks old. This is really perfect because they’re old enough to be weaned from their mother and young enough to socialize.

It appears that we have two females and two males and three out of four of them are already becoming gentle and friendly. This kitty is “Jafar” as my oldest daughter Katharine named him. It was quite convenient actually, that Dennis found four kittens…one for each daughter with one left for me! Lauren, our middle daughter, named her kitty “Dot” for the little speck of black under her nose. Our youngest daughter Jessica named her kitty “Ruby” and by default, I have the grouchy little guy in the bunch, “Scout.”

So now we’re back to kitty litter box cleaning, kitten toys and lots of fun…such a wonderful surprise!

September’s seminar was such a success that we’ve decided to offer it again! This next seminar will be held on October 24th from 9-4.

The day starts at 9 AM with a general overview of the Bright philosophy of riding, handling horses safely and pairing students up with their horse for the day. (You are welcome to bring your own horse for this class.)

The morning will be focused on western riding as Dennis leads you through riding exercises that will enable you to focus on areas where you want to improve.

We break at mid-day for a delicious lunch and a chance to review the morning’s ride.

In the afternoon session we’ll introduce working with cattle and enjoy some fun games with horses and cattle to further hone our skills and ride until about 4:00 pm.

Horsemanship Seminar cost: $200.00 per rider (this includes a horse to ride, if needed)

The Bright Ranch Horsemanship Academy
The Bright Ranch Horsemanship Academy evolved from the idea of simply providing horseback riding instruction for our clients whose horses were in training and eventually led to an in-depth study of the Art of Horsemanship. The Horsemanship Academy is now composed of several distinct programs based on “The Bright Way” philosophy of training.

Contact Bright Ranch  with any questions 408-683-2041 or register online at Eventbrite.

Several times a year we offer the unique opportunity to come out and ride on the ranch all day with friends, students and people who want to get an idea of the Bright Ranch experience.

The day starts at 9 AM with a general overview of the Bright philosophy of riding, handling horses safely and pairing students up with their horse for the day. (You are welcome to bring your own horse for this class.)

The morning will be focused on western riding as Dennis leads you through riding exercises that will enable you to focus on areas where you want to improve.

We break at mid-day for a delicious lunch and a chance to review the morning’s ride.

In the afternoon session we’ll introduce working with cattle and enjoy some fun games with horses and cattle to further hone our skills and ride until about 4:00 pm.

Horsemanship Seminar cost: $200.00 per rider (this includes a horse to ride, if needed)

The Bright Ranch Horsemanship Academy
The Bright Ranch Horsemanship Academy evolved from the idea of simply providing horseback riding instruction for our clients whose horses were in training and eventually led to an in-depth study of the Art of Horsemanship. The Horsemanship Academy is now composed of several distinct programs based on “The Bright Way” philosophy of training.

Contact Bright Ranch to reserve or  with any questions 408-683-2041

Hello Salinas! The home of the best “Ro day’o” in the country, and this year the California Rodeo Salinas celebrates their 100 year anniversary on July 15-18, 2010! The California rodeo represents the traditions of early California and the American west when great herds of cattle roamed the golden hills and valleys and the vaquero was the mounted prince of the land. The annual roundup was the origin of the modern professional rodeo that is perhaps the fastest growing sport in the nation. The community of Salinas gets western as it hosts this cowboy extravaganza, offering cowboy poetry, wine tasting, dance, parades, carnival and

more. This year the Rodeo introduces it’s own Hall of Fame to preserve the heritage, history and traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas along with showcasing individuals, organizations and livestock whose distinctive contributions have helped keep the traditions of the West alive.

Today’s Rodeo draws over a thousand of the best cowboys and cowgirls as they compete for more then $250,000 in prize money. From bull riding to horse racing the action is non-stop. Professional rodeo action consists of two types of events: roughstock events and timed events. In the roughstock events–bareback riding, saddlebronc and bullriding–a contestant’s score is equally dependent upon his performance and the animal’s performance. In order to earn a score the cowboy must stay aboard a bucking horse or bull for eight seconds. In the timed events – calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing, the fastest time wins.

One of the highlights is the California Rodeo Salinas Horse parade. A Rodeo tradition, the Horse Parade travels through downtown Salinas, to the Rodeo grounds and is a featured part of Saturday and Sunday morning ceremonies. Look for the United States Marine Corp mounted color guard. They will be riding matching palomino Mustangs. Their horses are true wild horses captured in the high deserts of California and Oregon and trained by their riders.

Looking back over the years I remember the old stadium with its stucco facade and wooden benches – a far cry from today’s modem sports complex with aluminum benches. Which reminds me if you are attending for the first time, the evening performances on Thursday and Friday can get really cold, yes, even in July. The marine layer moves in and the temperature plunges. Bring a coat and something to sit on you’ll be a lot more comfortable. During the weekend performance, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat will help deflect the light bouncing off the bleachers.

One of the challenges of the California Rodeo is keeping up with the events on the track and in the arena. There is always something going on from clowns to bulls it is never a dull moment. This year specialty acts will be the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls showing off their amazing riding and trick roping skills and John Payne “The One-Arm Bandit.” who will entertain Rodeo spectators with his trick riding and even some bison along for the ride.. Another contest to follow on the track is the Barrel racing, where Cowgirls race the clock around three barrels in a cloverleaf’ pattern.

The Rodeo committee has done a great job of creating a safe, fun and family friendly atmosphere. There is a really neat play area for the kids, plenty to eat and drink and loads of shopping combined with the best Rodeo you’ll ever see, So make plans to attend the California Rodeo and enjoy the “original” extreme sport.

Share the JOY of GARDENING with elementary school aged children, ages 5-11.

This week will answer the question: How does our food grow?

With an emphasis on physical activity the children will PLAN, PREPARE, PLANT, WEED and HARVEST the vegetables from our large farm garden. Throughout the week they will create a farm notebook and will experience story times, crafts, educational videos and group games that are designed to support their farming adventure.

Daily snacks provided.
Camp photo and t-shirt packages will be available to order.

The week will wrap up on Friday with a harvest celebration where parents will be invited to the ranch for a farm tour, an outdoor vegetable taste testing and a Farm Camp Certificate Ceremony.

Cost: $140 for first child in family, $100 for each additional child in the family.Please call call (408) 683-2041 with any questions, visit our Facebook page and learn more on our website.

Register by JUNE 1st with a $50 non-refundable DEPOSIT per child and the cost of Farm Camp is $140 for 1st child, $100 for each add’l child.

AFTER June 1st…cost goes up to $160 for 1st child and $110 for each add’l child. Contact us with your mailing address & # of forms needed (1 per child) ASAP…