June 2021 Newsletter 

From the Manger:

I cannot believe it is almost the end of June. We are continuing to make improvements around the ranch. You may see some items/structures relocated (i.e., poles next to the arena) so if you are unable to find what you are looking for, just ask and I will gladly point you in the right direction.

For those with trailers that need some work done, Karen Burch has found a local trailer repair serviceman. His name is Jason Stetler, and his number is 805-509-1586. I will be reaching out soon as our trailer is due for maintenance.

Sadly, we have lost Nancy Bohman to South Carolina. Mic and Vito were moved a few weeks ago. She will be missed, and we wish her the absolute best. She knows that she is always welcome back. Just after Nancy’s horses were moved, Ted and Kathleen’s 4 horses from the B Barn were moved into her spot.

I would like to introduce our newest boarders: Janet Pozzebon with Parker, Mariah Prouse with Sparrow, and Andrea Barker with Athena. They are in the B and C Barnes. Please join me in welcoming them to Aliso Ranch Stables.

Last month, you may have seen a blonde lady doing body work on some of the horses here at ARS. Her name is Tami Elkayam, she specializes in equine bodywork. She has been practicing for over 10 years. If you’d like to find out more about her, this is her website: https://elkayamequinetherapy.com/. She will be returning in three months so if you are interested in her performing work on your horse(s) please come talk to me. We are also discussing a possible general “straightness” clinic here at ARS.

Some friendly reminders, etc...

·         It is imperative to remember that children are prohibited from playing or sitting on ranch equipment i.e., tractors etc. at ARS.

·         Please remember to turn off the water spickets after washing the horses. Also, please limit your use of the showers.  

·         Please remember to lock your tack room doors when you are done.

·         When using any of the pastures, bull pens or arenas, please close and latch the gates when you are done.

·         We are, occasionally, still having problems with the time limits for the arenas and pastures. Remember, 30 minutes is the maximum time. If no one is around, they may be left out longer, but you must watch them to make sure no one needs the area. You are NOT to leave the ranch stable area while any of your horses are turned out.

·         Collecting payment for bedding in a timely manner is continuing to be an issue. To resolve this, payment for bedding will be due no later than the 25th of each month. If you take bedding within that month but after this date, please pay for it at the time it is taken. Those who have Alvaro attending their stalls will receive an email from me on your respective balance on the 25th which will include any future bedding required. Please note that if we are unable to take care of delayed payments, we may have to seek alternatives to resolve that may hinder the availability and be an inconvenience to us all.

Now for a little bit of fun.  I have been learning more about hay and the impact certain types of hay may have on horses so in the barn on the BBQ you will find two flakes of alfalfa with the numbers 1 and 2 above them, respectively. When you are around and about the Stables, please take a moment to look at them and tell me what you see i.e., the difference between them, which one you like the best, which one you would prefer to give to your horse(s), and any other comments you may have. If you see no difference, I would like to hear from you too. I will then share the responses to you all anonymously, the information on each of the alfalfa flakes, and what I have learned from a couple of “hay experts” in next month’s newsletter. This is for fun and learning so there is no obligation to participate, and I look forward to hearing the responses.

Announcement:

I am sad to report Rafael will be stepping down from the Assistant Manager position due to his responsibilities increasing with Aliso Ranch. If you are interested in the position, please come see me and I will provide you with the job description and requirements.

Activities:

Now that Covid19 restrictions have been lifted, a barbeque (BBQ) may be in order. I know some boarders are extremely interested in us having a BBQ and I share their sentiments. It may be fun to make this a playday/BBQ. There are a few boarders that may remember the playday’s we used to put on. A local band was also suggested to really spark up the event. Please let me know if you are interested in having a BBQ and how much would you be willing to contribute to the band for entertainment. For facility BBQ’s, the meat is provided by the ranch management and the boarders bring a side dish to share along with their choice of beverage. I look forward to hearing from you soon so that we can start preparing for the festivities.

On the Horizon:

We are still working on the details of the new corrals and stalls in the upper turnout. Unfortunately, sometimes things go slower than plan, but progress is being made. Keep you posted as we progress.

Happy trails, Tom Torres, Aliso Ranch Stables Manager