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Check out this quick video recap of 2018!
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News: Life Lessons from Tea Time with a Marine
Apr29
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No Comments »Saturday at 7:50 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakArticle: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/04/19/lessons-for-life-from-tea-party-with-marine.html
This is a touching article. The author’s father-in-law was a decorated Army Ranger Captain. This rugged man of honor made many impressions with his daughter-in-law (the author), but one memory that stuck out the most was his commitment to hosting tea parties with his granddaughters. His legacy will live on for many reasons, especially this one. Instances like this remind us all of the importance of loving those we hold dear.
This article was inspired by a Marine who surprised his 4-year old daughter with a tea-party, including a precious photoshoot!
Link: http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/marine-dad-surprised-magical-tea-party-photo-shoot/story?id=46844043
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News: 20 Year Old Horse Rescued from Water
Jan13
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No Comments »Friday at 9:17 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakArticle: https://www.littlethings.com/horse-rescue-water/
Check out this amazing video showcasing the bravado of an emergency response rescue team savings a 20-year old horse from its doom. God bless the fearless men and women involved in this effort. What an amazing story!
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“Afghanistan” by Troubled Spirits
Jan13
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No Comments »Friday at 9:01 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakFiled under: Featured, Festivities -
Veterans Day/USMC Celebration
Dec3
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No Comments »Saturday at 11:04 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakOn Saturday, November 12th 2016, we celebrated both Veterans Day and the USMC birthday. Here are some highlights from our festivities!
Filed under: Blog, Festivities -
How to Move Stall Mats – Mat Gripper Tutorials
Nov11
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1 Comment »Friday at 8:32 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakThis past weekend, we took on the task of configuring stall mats throughout our 3-stall on the ranch. Normally, this would be a challenge, however, with the use of our patented Mat Gripper, it was easy as pie. Check out both videos below. One is with the handle extension, and the other is without it.
Please get in contact with us if you’re interested in purchasing a Mat Gripper for yourself!
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End of April [Story]
May8
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No Comments »Sunday at 11:25 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakWE 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
Filed under: Featured, Horse Clinics -
Mid-April Update [Story]
Apr22
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No Comments »Friday at 8:52 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakGood day and hello from once again snowy West Crescent ranch in Nokesville, VA with our mid-month story.
Well, if you can believe it we had some snow and sleet here on April 9th. I guess April snow and hail brings the sweaters back out and may be in May, flowers. Old man winter just won’t let go, but he will soon!
If you missed Peter’s trip to Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, Hawaii you can view the last newsletter (March) with great videos.
We are a few days from our April 23rd Open Horse Ranch event. We are hosting parents who have an interest in our Christian based horsemanship clinics, the first in VA.
Watch Mitch give you the “scoop” on our horses and horse clinics,
https://westcrescentranch.com/west-crescent-ranch-seminar/So how did the Christian based horsemanship mixed with the rich history of the great country and patriotism come about? Well here is our story — –
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 27 June-1 July, 4-8 July and 1-5 Aug. For details on the open house and 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
Filed under: Featured, Horse Clinics -
March Recap [Story]
Apr8
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No Comments »Friday at 12:58 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakGood day and hello from West Crescent Ranch in Nokesville, VA with our end-of-March story.
First, let me apologize for the lack of mid-March story as I was on an assignment with the Department of the Army. The good news, as part of that assignment WAY WAY out west, I was able to stop in Hawaii, that is right Hawaii, and visit Kualoa Ranch, on the island of Oahu.
What a great ranch, that has many activities for visitors. I was of course interested in their horse effort and how they care for, manage and train over 100 horses.
I regret some of the videos are not better quality, but being on the back of a horse and keeping my focus on the horse, its ears in particular, the video is sometime a little shaky!
The history of the ranch is as varied as the geography. Of particular interest are stories of its involvement in WW II, how horses came to the island, the legend of the turtle, and the rich history of Aunty Pat’s kitchen.
The ranch’s owners struggle when the cattle industry declined but thanks to the efforts of the owners, they have many activities that one can enjoy! It is a beautiful horse ranch.
We traveled past the concrete bunkers, most overgrown now, the Army used as look-out points shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Although the trees had grown in height significantly, now obstructing the view, the observers certainly had a grand view of any possible invaders approaching form the east side of the island.
You might ask how horses came to the island and here is the video showing the history of horses on the ranch. Well it is a wonderful story best captured on the plaques I too a video of and here is the history.
A historic kitchen, Aunty Pat’s cafe provides a great menu, of which I enjoyed the delicious BBQ. Here is the story of the kitchen’s founder.
The horses are well cared for and I enjoyed a two-hour trail ride. I was able to visit with some of the hands. They all enjoyed their jobs and certainly always had the interest of the horses first and foremost in their daily routine.
The young lady who guided us on the tour was passionate about horses, and shared with us her knowledge of the ranch and the different piece of geography. For example the trail ride took us past the valley where two movies were filmed in part, Lost and Jurassic Park. We even rode past the “tree” where the actors ducked for cover as the dinos jumped over the tree. Strangely though, the dinos were gone from the valley! I guess they were either back on Hollywood or taking a nap!
The horses are well cared for and are rotated through the trail ride effort. I looked closely as the hooves and they were in good shape and the horses were well fed. I was impressed with the enthusiasm of the people caring for the horses. Young man and women, passionate about horses, were very attentive to the horses and ensured they were well groomed. The ranch has a full time vet and farrier who provide great care for the horses. In all, their program is top notch and I was able to take a couple of hints back to my ranch in Nokesville.
Of course no island is complete without a legend, in this case the Legend of the Turtle Island. The legend holds that a turtle lived off the coast of Oahu, protect the island and enjoyed favor of the gods because he protected the island. He continued to grow and continued to grow and eat more fish. He got too big and began to eat to too many fish and the gods were not happy. When he got as big as you see him in the picture the he had to go farther a farther away from the island to get enough to eat and the gods were unhappy and intervened and told him not to leave the waters of the island, as he was to guard the island. He refused the gods and the gods grabbed his tail and tied it to the island as he was chasing food and there he sit today still protecting the island and trying to catch his next meal!
Well that is a little of my trip to Kualoa ranch in Hawaii! Here are a few videos that show the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the island. I hope someday you can visit the ranch and enjoy its beauty, many activities, and the horses! God bless them for providing a safe and wonderful environment where people can enjoy the love of riding a horse and the horses can live lovin’ life! I love America!
A good point of contact is kpadeken@kualoaranch.com.
REMINDER!!!
Our open house is April 23rd, and the Christian based horsemanship week-long clinics are 27 June-1 July, 4-8 July and 1-5 Aug.
As always, come by and visit us at one of our events and God bless you and America!
www.westcrescentranch.com
Peter and Karen
Filed under: Featured, Horse Clinics -
Wrapping Up February [Story]
Mar2
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No Comments »Wednesday at 12:15 am | posted by: Peter DvorscakGood day and hello from a wet West Crescent Ranch in Nokesville, VA with our end-of-February story.
Wow! “Rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey, whiskey makes my baby (Karen) feel a little frisky.” So I guess with the rain the past few days we’ll be standin’ in tall corn soon!
First, our thanks go out to Southern States of Manassas, VA and the General Manager, Christian Warner, who has teamed up with us for our open house on April 23rd and the Christian-based horsemanship clinics in June, July and August.
Also, we welcome Rachel Teufert who is a Southern States certified equine feed specialist and a Soldier in the US Army reserves!! Rachel will be one of many guest speakers at our Christian-based horsemanship clinics.
Due to her dedication to the industry and commitment to Southern States, Southern States sponsored Rachel’s attendance in a course on feed and nutrition. The course is part of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists organization. Rachel received a certification as a Feed Master, in addition to her current certification as an equine feed specialist.
The purpose of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) is to provide certification of professional status for qualified members of the society, to strengthen animal sciences among the professions, and to promote animal sciences and the profession of animal scientists. Continual education is required of all certified professionals to keep abreast of rapidly changing technology in their fields. The organization’s professional journal, The Professional Animal Scientist is an international, peer-reviewed scientific journal and the official publication of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS).
The course is extremely difficult and has a first time pass rate of approximately 30% and of course Rachel excelled and was successful on graduating on her first attempt!! Additionally, Rachel was about the 20th person nationally to receive the certification.
Here is Bugs’ Story
Sheza Dashin’ Bug (Bugs) came to us from Cross State Stables and was an inseparable “sister” to Corona’s Fast Yawl! We received Bugs when she was about 18 months old in March 2011 and Bugs was fit to be tied when separated from Corona. Additionally, Bugs was not comfortable in a round pen. Although we tried different techniques and pounds of carrots, Bugs could not stand to be in a round pen. My assessment was Bugs was probably mistreated in a round pen and all she wanted to do was get out.
We were fortunate that Ducky Keller came to our rescue and took Bugs in at Bishop Creek Ranch. In a few short months, lots of stall time with her and hours of patience, Ducky encouraged her to be her own horse. She matured quickly and in little over a year Bugs was successfully running the barrels. Ducky is a great man and a true horse lover, although for all of us that know him, I am stating the obvious. The rest of the story is history. Ducky ran her to the 2D VA State Barrel championship in 2014! We are forever grateful to Ducky, a great cowboy and Soldier!
You saw a short video of her in the mid-February story, so here are a few pictures and a video of Bugs:
REMINDER!!!
Our open house is April 23rd, and the Christian-based horsemanship week-long clinics are 4-8 July and 8-12 August. Our June date of 6-10 is changing to later in June. We will announce the new date next week!
Finally I want to thank the men of Kappa Phi Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, George Mason University, who work here on the weekends to help us create a better equestrian training facility.
As always, come by and visit us at one of our events and God bless you and America!
Peter
Filed under: Featured, Horse Clinics
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