HUNGRY HORSES

  For a number of years now the Ranch horse herd has been relatively small, and was supplemented by rental horses. Through donations last year, the Ranch horses increased in number. After a great deal of discussion and experience in both directions, we’ve come to the conclusion that the advantages of owning our own Ranch horses outweigh the disadvantages.
   Financially, the cost of renting horses for the summer is now greater than boarding our own horses through the winter. In having our own herd, we also come to know the personalities and abilities of each horse, and can assure that they are well cared for.
   Boarding our horses through the winter costs $45/per month/per horse. The horses usually arrive at the Ranch in June, and leave for winter pasture in September. Along with your generous donations to help meet our other needs, Bullwinkle and his friends are wondering if anyone would like to help the Ranch by supporting a horse for the winter.

WISH LIST

  Along with our on-going need for financial support, Ring Lake Ranch has need for the items listed below. We would appreciate your thinking of the Ranch if you have access to any of these items that are in good condition.

Minivan or SUV
Comfortable chair for each cabin
Compact 4x4 pickup truck
Solar walkway lights
Doormats for each cabin
Small compasses
Small refrigerator for each cabin

  As this Wyoming winter starts to soften and the horses shed their winter wool, I begin looking forward in earnest to the upcoming season at Ring Lake. The ranch has been quiet this winter under the watchful eye of caretaker Robert Hoskins. This winter we took on a couple of major repair jobs to the ranch facilities. We knew that the floor under the bathrooms and dish area in the kitchen needed work, but we didn’t know how bad it was until it was torn up. 14 joists, as well as flooring and subflooring all had to be replaced. We’re also replacing all the locks on the cabins, as well as refinishing many of the floors in the cabins.
   We will miss our Ring Lake staff alumni who are taking different paths this summer. Darrel Glasgow is planning on staying closer to his home in Lander where he’ll be busy with teaching commitments in the church. Hike Leader John Townsend is staying around his home in Wisconsin this summer, where he can be immersed in the music world in preparation for re-entering college this fall as a music major. Wrangler Becky Harmon also rejoined the world of academia this fall as an animal science major, and she is looking forward to the possibility of veterinary school in the future. She will stay in Laramie this summer and attend summer school. Winslow Bent is pursuing his film career with a new position with the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. Margayle Weiss, who stepped into the cooking world midsummer after Janie Mickelson left in August, will stay in sunny Florida for the summer.
   Returning staff includes Elly Stewart who, along with her steed Dakota, has spent the winter here in Pinedale with us, cooking in a local café. Robert will emerge from his role as caretaker and rejoin us on staff with primary duties in maintenance and all the other things that he does. Junior staff members Kassi Leseberg, Martha Sparks, Pearl Badtke will join us for shorter stays, while Jill Bartels will be with us for most of the summer. The returning junior staff will be joined by newcomer Andrew Tolan, grandson of Sylvia Crouter. Alan Mebane will volunteer at the ranch, leading hikes and helping Robert with maintenance. Leah McCullough is going to join the staff as coordinator, helping Joan and Ann in a variety of roles. We are looking for good candidates for cooks and another wrangler, so pass the word! We have three new equine staff members too - Mo, a young Percheron cross gelding, Nubbins, a lively, big QH cross mare, and Buddy, a friendly little gelding.

~ Ann Mebane