After a Loooooong Break...We're Back!!

After a few months of transition, we're back on the blogging trail. Things have been hectic at the Ranch recently, although life at a slightly slower pace for our Ranchers has continued right on.

In October, our lovely and oh so capable director, Lorelei, moved on to bigger and better things. We've missed her so much in the last months. The interim director has been yours truly, ME! I'm doing my best to keep the Ranch on an even keel, even though losing a valuable employee is always hard on everyone. A new director will be chosen by the end of February, and whether the board hires me or not, the Ranch will stay near the center of my heart. One way or the other, it will be nice to have the transition time over.

Our Prader-Willi House opened in October and promptly closed again in December after what we're calling a false start. The primary care giver abandoned his position and the resident was found to have much greater needs than we could address at our facility. It was stressful for all involved. We're now looking for reliable staffing for the house and continuing to take applications for Ranchers with the expectation of reopening full time in late spring. I'll keep you updated on the progress.

So here we are in a brand new year, 2009, and looking forward to things settling down in the office. We're getting our new website up and running, updating our presentation materials, and keeping up to speed on our licensing requirements. It all sounds very boring, indeed, but that's what makes our world go around, some days. Obviously, I haven't figured out the picture program yet, because there aren't any in this posting, but never fear! I'll get to that eventually and the visual feast can commence.

In the meantime, the Ranchers have been busy with their winter work; making felt, drying and packaging herbs, sewing bags and mittens, feeding the animals.............attending Christmas parties, shopping trips and movies, eating out, playing games, and visiting friends. Ah, I should have a life like that!

Thank you to all of the people who donated to the Ranch over the holiday season. With the poor economy this past year, I stand amazed at people's generosity. God has been faithful this year, and I have no doubt that He will continue to act according to His nature in the days to come.

So a great and happy new year to all! May there truly be peace and good will this coming year and in all the years that follow!

Suzzanne

New Staff and New Volunteer

Today at the Ranch we welcomed our newest staff member Randee Nuse by cheering her on as she took her first solo " in years" ride on Kizee. We also welcomed our newest volunteer Hannah who will be helping with grooming, spotting, leading and riding. It was a beautiful day to ride for all our ranchers and staff as well. Under the guidance of Catlin, our ranchers are learning proper posture, mounting, dismounting, grooming and hoof cleaning as well as a great deal about feeling comfortable and safe.
Johnathan (our newest Rancher) got the opportunity to show his folks how well he rides and last seen they were off to the nearest western wear store for a hat and cowboy boots.
We are excited to see our Ranchers getting the prep work done in record time so they can "get to the fun part" of riding.
If you are interested in volunteering with our Equine therapy Program or just coming out and enjoying the day with us please contact the TCR Office.

Introducing...

We would like to welcome Caitlin Fontaine to TCR as our new Wrangler, Caitlin comes to us with a great deal of experience. She is working toward her NAHRA Instructor Certification, and has committed to seeing the Equestrian Therapy Program at Triangle Cross Ranch succeed.
Since the first week in July, Caitlin has dedicated her time working with our ranchers and staff in all aspects of equine therapy. Caitlin will be responsible for management of the riding, including safe and appropriate instruction both on and off the horses and the care and well being of our horses, Jayar and Kizee. We are very thankful and blessed to add her to the TCR team.

Grace Volunteers

We would like to thank Grace Church in Greeley and the 35 plus volunteers who graciously donated their Sunday to help at the ranch. We had terrific weather on Sunday with a brief thunderstorm that ended the day a little bit quicker than planned. Despite the storm we accomplished so much and everyone was busy doing landscaping, moving rock, grooming the horses, sanding the decks and working in our garden. Our ranchers worked right along with everyone.

Our Life Coaches Jay, Donna and Ryan helped Volunteer Coordinator Charyn, and volunteers Rebecca and Beau coordinate projects to get them completed. Everyone pitched in to make the day a HUGE success. The community is truly blessed to have volunteers such as these. To see more photos of the day visit the TCR Photo Gallery.