End of April [Story]
WE HAD A GREAT OPEN HOUSE for all of you that missed the April 23rd visit.
The friends and neighbors who attended ate their fill of hamburgers, hot Dogs and of course BBQ, provided by Jeremiah’s BBQ, of Dumfries, VA. Jerry Burns is a great friend and fellow Marine and has provided us with BBQ for all of our functions here at WCR.
To begin, we thank all of the people who shared the day with us and although the rain monster threatened our get together, the sun finally broke through and we not only were able to enjoy each other’s company the guests fed the horses at least 30 pounds of carrots! All the horses enjoyed the attention and although they ate a lot, they still were hungry at feeding time. The get together went well beyond 3 PM; we enjoyed creating memories in our mental treasure chest.
The highlight of the day was watching the children’s courage grow as they all overcame their initial fear of feeding a horse, and as you can see from the video, they went non-stop at feeding their new found friends!!
Now the second best story is a testament to how small the world really is. On the Friday before the Open Barn, Kala, called and said she would like to attend as she had seen one of our signs. We told her to stop by and indulge in BBQ and horsemanship as she had time. Well Kala did, and stayed for most of the time. During Karen’s time in getting to know Kala, Karen discovered Kala is a niece of two longtime friends of ours from Nokesville, Kendal and Nancy. Kendal and Nancy were instrumental in helping us set up our ranch and we often visited with them to talk over issues and get guidance on how to tackle problems and overcome obstacles. Kendal and Nancy were extremely helpful in helping us to prepare for the arrival of our first two foals, now Crash and Clover, and they even came over around 9 PM on the cold night of March 17, the night Clover was born. Kendal has also helped with maintaining our pastures and helped us in our first venture in to harvesting our own hay! They are wonderful people and Karen and I are very fortunate to be friends with them.
Rachel Terfert spoke on her background and will be one of the trainers and speakers at the clinics.
Also, Rachel is very active in the community and Rachel was a speaker on behalf of Southern States at the “Save a Horse” day at the Prince William Animal Shelter, and I took a minute to speak with her.
Here are just a few snaps of the many friends who helped us devour the BBQ and as you can see, even some “Older Children” aka adults befriended the horses and received their first lesson an how to feed a horse!
Watch Mitch give you the “scoop” on our horses and horse clinics, https://westcrescentranch.com/west-crescent-ranch-seminar/
Below is a reminder of how Karen and I developed the concept of Christian based horsemanship mixed with the rich history of the great country and patriotism!
Patriotism
I (Peter) was bothered by the thousands of people who do not like the US and distort its great history. I traveled to 14 countries in my 19 years in the Marines and Army and developed a deep love for the privilege of living in the US, because of what I witnessed in those less blessed countries. Literally dirt poor people with no foreseeable help to change their lot in life because of their country’s lack of a constitutional government and honest leaders. I returned from the war, thankful I was back in the US, but I saw many people who disliked this great country and wondered why so many only understood patriotism as waving the flag on a holiday and lighting fireworks on July 4th. I could not understand why young people could recite their favorite movie or rock star, claim to having hundreds of friends on Facebook, but could not recite the first seven words of the preamble to the constitution. They could not tell me who the president of the US is or even discuss the principles that shaped the birth of this great nation guided by our founding fathers.
Christian based horsemanship
Karen and I have seen the growing attack on Christian beliefs, a breakdown of the family and a failure of young men and women to understand the importance of Christian principles during their formative years. I (Peter) saw it as an instructor in the Quantico Young Marines program and in discussions with young men and women. Young men and women, future leaders of our county, who have Christian principles taught to them by their parents, must be reinforced and strengthened. One way is to talk with them about how God entrusted us with care for horses and relate that responsibility to actions as young man and women. Additionally, young men and women should have a forum to discuss the challenges to their faith they face and how to fight back when their faith is challenged.
Young men and women are impressionable and need to have multiple venues of support to help them live their faith, with their heads held high proclaiming the Word!
They need to understand a relationship with Jesus Christ is one that will never fail them just as a relationship with a horse they have treated with respect, loved and care for, will not fail them.
Beginners
Over time as our knowledge of horses, the horse industry, misinformation with regard to horse training, and horse care grew; we felt an obligation to pass on our knowledge to beginners. We assist beginners, with firsthand knowledge of horse experiences to develop a solid knowledge base of horsemanship and to avoid the myths and misinformation regarding horse care and horse equipment. We feel it is important beginner horse owners receive truthful and accurate information on horses, horse care and the industry; otherwise they will be wasting their parent’s valuable money and time and building a weak foundation for the care of a horse.
Summary
Our vision of Christian based horsemanship is now a reality and will be a wonderful experience for young man and women and their parents. Our seminars are tailored to 8-18 years of age and for beginners with little knowledge of horsemanship and who have a desire to learn about horses, the illustrious history of America and strengthen their Christian beliefs. Come on a week long journey where your faith will be strengthened, you will learn the truthful history of this great country and LEARN TO SPEAK HORSE!!
Clinic dates are June 27 – 1 July, 4-8 July and 8-12 August.
For details on the curriculum for the clinics see our website, www.westcrescentranch.com and click on the “Horse Clinics” tab and go the calendar at the bottom of the page.
As always, come by and visit us at one of our events and God bless you and America!
Peter and Karen