Aliso Ranch Stables Newsletter

December 2021

I can’t believe it’s December! The year flew by so quickly and Christmas is already upon us. This year, there have been even more changes.

Some of our bigger Aliso improvement projects have been completed. I am hoping this will further improve your boarding experience. Here are a few improvements that we’ve recently finished:

·         New barn lighting has been a hit. All the barns were retrofitted with LED lighting to improve visibility during the night

·         We finished renovating one of two tack rooms allocated to ARS. I have to say I was pleased with the outcome.

·         We completed the construction of the 6 new corrals. I designated the area “The Heights”.

But we’re not done yet. Here are a few additional improvements that we will be working on this next year:

·         Rain gutters for the corrals in the Cow Barn and stables are scheduled to be installed in January. Not all corrals in the stables will get rain gutters this round but will be on the schedule for round two.

·         We are currently working on the new 24’X 24’ stalls. I am hoping to have them completed by the end of this month. I will notify those selected to move into the available stalls.

·         We will start renovations on the second tack room allocated to ARS very soon.

I want to thank you all for your patience during renovations. I know we had to delay some of your requests since manpower is limited here at ARS. I assure you that once we finish with the new stalls, we will start addressing your concerns.

These last couple of months, we’ve had quite a few amazing people join the ARS boarding facility. Please welcome: Rebecca White with Pomm (stalled in the C Barn), Chris Dryden with Rowdy (JW Barn), and Susan Dyer with Splash, Brooklyn, Picasso, and Midnight. Splash, Brooklyn, and Picasso share a corral in The Heights with Midnight, a yearling, stalled in the JW Barn. Also, welcome Ashley Alderman with Orion and Dallas (C Barn), Janine Hook with Max and Sally (The Heights) and John Saint Ryan with Sirocco and Stevie (The Heights). We also had an amazing previous boarder return. Welcome back Rebecca Sternadel with your sandwich herd:  Butter, Jelly and (the newest to Rebecca’s herd) Margarine. They are all in the JW Barn.

Although we gained, we also lost. In the past few months, we’ve lost some well-loved horses due to different issues. My heart goes out to Tori Toaso (who lost Darla), Kathryn Christopher (who lost Ike), and John Saint Ryan (who lost Corry). I know Darla, Corry, and Ike had a wonderful life here at Aliso. They are all now in a place where the drought hasn’t affected amazing green pastures.

On a brighter, water-soaked note, the rain has arrived! We sure need it, and I am hoping it will continue. As a reminder, please be careful in the pastures, bull pens and trails. Although the ground may appear dry on top, it’s often still wet beneath the surface, which makes it easy for a running horse to fall, trip or slide. I do not close the pastures and caution should be taken when considering turning out your horses. These conditions make it easier for horses to hurt themselves when running loose.

Catherine Bowman is selling Bella and a description of Bella as well as Catherine’s phone number is provided below. We hate to see Catherine go but wish her the best.

We have an opening at the Cow Barn for anyone who wants to put their horse in a corral. Currently Rico owned by Wendy is occupying the corral and could use a barn mate. Please come and see me if you are interested.

Rafael in now selling wood for those looking for a good price. I have his number for those interested.

Just a few friendly reminders:

·         Please pick up after your horses when riding or hand walking your horse on the ARS premises.

·         Make sure you leave the saddling area the same as you found it. Please pick up after your horse before riding or leaving the tie rail area.

·         Several boarders suggested we pick up manure dropped by horses worked or turned out in the bull pen. I think it is a good gesture to do so, therefore, I stagged a manure fork and muck bucket near the bull pen.

·         Also, it’s very important to remember not to leave your halters tied to the tie rails when you walk away to ride. Other horses could get tangled. Please hang them on the wall or leave them out of the way where another horse can get them.

·         Please do not leave your horse(s) in the turnouts while going out on the trail.

·         Please close and secure all of the turnout gates when removing your horse(s).

Most importantly, I wish each one of you an amazing holiday season and wonderful New Year. Thank you all for your continued support and wonderful teamwork.

Happy trails,

Tom Torres,

Aliso Ranch Stables, Manager