Dear Friends,

We're glad you've made the commitment to attend our School of Fine Horse Training. Our courses usually begin on either a Friday, Sunday, or Wednesday. This day is for arriving and getting both you and your horse settled in. We ask that students arrive at the ranch after 4:00 pm. We then gather that evening around 5-6:00 pm for an orientation and complementary BBQ. The school ends on a Saturday or Tuesday evening with a final gathering at the campfire where an informal graduation and critique ceremony is shared by all the students. You may leave that evening after this if you choose or you may stay over and leave the ranch the following morning. We ask that students be on their way by 11:00 am. Letters for arrival dates & instructions are sent out upon enrollment.

At the Oregon Home Ranch, our typical daily routine will run as follows: Folks are asked to rise around 7:00am. A home cooked garden fresh, breakfast of coffee, juice, assorted home baked sweet rolls or muffins, quiche or other organic egg dish and fresh fruit will be available at the BBQ Outside Kitchen gathering place. We'll get saddled up and started with our morning round pen sessions around 8:00 am and break for lunch around noon. Lunch and Dinner is up to the students. Potluck arrangements often occur. Afternoon sessions resume between 1 - 2 pm. The scheduling may be flexible from day to day, according to the conditions. Some days will be more involved with the round pen, arena and individual lessons, and on other days we may be out on the trail the majority of the time.

In Arizona for our winter classes, our typical day runs as follows: Since folks mainly stay off site, they have Breakfast in town, and gather for more coffee and campfire fellowship around 8:00 am and we get started shortly there after and break for lunch around noon. We serve a hearty lunch there at the OutPost in our Arizona Room kitchen gathering place. Afternoon sessions resume between 1 - 2 pm. At days end when the sun sets, folks either head for town for dinner or stay to mesquite BBQ or cook there.

At both Oregon and Arizona locations, we are only 3-10 miles from a small town with a good country cafe & Deli, motel accommodations and a General/Grocery Store for all your basic needs. For those that stay onsite at the Oregon Ranch or Arizona Outpost there is a refrigerator at the Outside Kitchen with BBQ facilities, cook stove & microwave for your use near the campfire area where we all gather nightly. A great time to relax, fellowship and discuss the days accomplishments.

Our Oregon Home Ranch is nestled in a lush irrigated valley of hay fields, pastures and cottonwood and fruit trees. It is surrounded by rolling high desert hills, dry sagebrush, rock and wild flowers. The mornings are cool, but can quickly warm up to hot, humid afternoons. The rides we'll take up out of the valley into the hills may be hot and dry. Evenings always cool off with a pleasant breeze. Although we generally expect nice weather, and beautiful Summer temps, one should remember this is the Northwest. We're close to the mountains and the weather is subject to change quickly. Consequently we may end up experiencing cooler temps and occasional thunderstorms. So come prepared and bring layers!

The same goes in Arizona at our winter location in Cochise, where we are at 4500 ft elevation. Evenings often freeze but quickly warm up to the mid 60's -70's and sometimes 80's by noon but as soon as the sun drops behind the Dragoon Mountains, so does the temperature! So bring layers and expect a desert breeze and bright sunshine.

The following is a list of items which you should bring with you to the school, to make your stay more comfortable, along with a list of things you'll need for your horse. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call. We look forward to working with you.

Personal Items:

u Layers of clothing for hot & cool weather (Be sure you have clothes & jeans you'll be comfortable riding in all day)

u Boots or riding shoes with heels. ( We prefer a good western boot with a spur ledge on heel. Lace up Packer type boots hinder your ability to use your ankles, spurs, and stirrups effectively)

u Warm Coat, Jacket or windbreaker, rain slicker & gloves

u Hat (for sun protection)

u Sun screen & chapstick

u Mosquito repellent

u Hay fever-allergy medication

u Swim wear & towels ( if you plan on swimming in creek or lakes)

Oregon Ranch Bunkhouse Needs:

u Bed roll (Sleeping Bag or Bedding, personal pillow, (we have some), etc.)

u Towels, washcloth (we supply bathhouse with some)

u Personal toiletries, (soap, shampoo etc.)

Note: If you are staying at the Bunkhouse, remember the facilities will be rugged and primitive, yet quaint and clean. Plumbing consists of a bath house with toilet and separate shower room, in addition for the adventurous, we offer a unique outside hot shower and wash basin to "shower under stars". Bunks are supplied with foam mattress and the Bunkhouses have separate quarters for men and women. Limited rooms, first come first served, so be sure to reserve your spot when you enroll.

Optional:

u Lawn chairs

u Ice cooler for extra drinks & food

u Fishing gear - Oregon Ranch (Eagle Creek runs through Ranch & Snake River is 3 miles)

P.S. Pets will be supplied by us. Please do not bring yours