Rylie's Ranch Camp


 We all try to live vicariously through our kids at some point, and I am no exception.  I knew after loosing Razzle, Rylie needed an opportunity to really bond with Breeze who was to be her new horse.  Even though Breeze was still in the throws of a sub solar abscess, when I heard the opportunity of a lifetime for Rylie to join in an all girls "Advanced Ranch Academy" at the wonderful Cavvietta Quarter Horse & Cattle Co.in late June, and I rushed to sign her up. Girls 10-17, with their own horses or they could rent one from the ranch, it was a four day, three night opportunity of a lifetime.  



The greatly anticipated day arrived, except, Breeze wasn't ready yet.  She still wasn't sound.  So, Rylie had to take Ember, her younger sister Emma's horse. Photo credits to  Rustlin’ Rose Photography



The two of them got along swimmingly, as long as Rylie didn't canter (Ember only does this for grown ups, or kids who really mean it).


Ember tried to be brave tracking cows, all alone with Rylie. 


She traversed steep terrain like the experienced trail horse she is, without a second thought. 


She also does exceptionally well at standing still, waiting.  A skill that is very under rated. 


Ember and Rylie made some real miles, in the North Carolina heat this week.


Roping was not Ember's favorite,  we need to work on roping with her.  Rylie really enjoyed roping, and has pursued it this week further on the ground.  Ember's " OH NO" spot has always been her ears.


Ember still tried her best, chasing the roping dummy, and going where Rylie pointed her.


It should be noted, Rylie has spent the last five years riding her late Paso, Razzle, and had to learn to post a trot on "Sewing Machine Ember the Quarter Horse" at camp.


Ember took good care of Rylie, out on the ranch, with the other 10 girls who were lucky enough to get this immersive experience with Cavvietta Quarter Horse & Cattle Co. under the watchful and experienced eyes of Gracie Torres.

Far right: Savannah and Felicity, next to Rylie and Ember.

Of course, not all the fun and games were limited to saddle time, with many other good memories made on the ranch. How many girls fit on a golf cart, swimming in water troughs, you name it.

We are in the process of moving our whole lives this week from North Carolina to California, since my husband's Coast Guard career dictates it, and I am already thinking about plane tickets for next year, so Rylie can participate in this wonderful experience again.   



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