FSMA

That would be Future Saddle Makers of America.

Well, maybe not this joker.

He's most likely headed for a career in the arts. Check back in twenty years for the verdict.

Root-a-toot-shoot!

We are some mighty lucky people, I tell ya! Today a group of over 20 children and their moms graced us with their helpful selves! Thanks to Cari, a GG regular mom, for thinking of the ranch when their service organization needed a project.

Can you tell by the picture that they're a hard working bunch? Scroll down and see how great the volunteers from Roots and Shoots were.

OK, so they're not working in this particular picture, but they're quietly listening to Max's safety speech.
I love this boy's gloves--adorable!

Hard working wee ones in action.

I realize that I get far too excited about this, but both these handsome boys are named Grant. They are so cute together. Big Grant is so great with my Little Grant. It really melts me at times. The first thing Big Grant said to me after saying hi was, "Is Grant here?" Precious child!
Cochise was very welcoming. Perhaps he remembered Kelsey and wanted to let her know. I think it was sweet and cute no matter his motivation. That's another thing that melts me--I love when horses lower their heads for the smaller children. What amazing animals they are.


Children, thanks for scooping poop and moving lumber today. You all made a big difference at Galloping Grace. Your big hearts and mighty muscles were much appreciated. Moms, thanks for instilling a spirit of service in your children.

Look how Max rewarded the lumber crew.

Just so you all know, hay is not necessary for hay rides in a trailer. Children of today are just happy not to be safely fastened in their vehicles. It's a shame--parents spend years trying to teach the importance of ALWAYS wearing their seat belts, and then in one day Max shows them what vehicular freedom is all about!

What I haven't shown is the great time they all had jumping on the hay. I was too nervous watching them in action to take their picture. I figured statistically speaking, someone was bound to break a limb. Happy to be wrong once again. All children left with their bones in the same position they started. In my book, that qualifies as a super day.

Finally, a picture for Max's brother Roy and our sis-in-law Beth who painstakingly made ten or more benches in our park area. Look guys--children enjoying!

Thanks everyone!

King Of The Hill

Poncho, the rotten little rascal, is being surprisingly agreeable lately. He made us proud last weekend when Max put a saddle on him and he didn't react. Not a care in the world. He was more interested in his buddy Hank. Max then decided to let Grant have a whirl on the stud muffin. Easy breezy. Was the wild child born to give small children rides? We just don't know. So many people have commented that he needs a job to do. This could be his calling. Claire even tried him out. All went well until she inadvertently gave him a kick. Why do I miss such pictures? Let's just say he has quick reaction time. Garrett figured he might be a little too big for Poncho, so he decided to just walk him around. There was absolutely no choler exhibited, just a pleasant little equine on a stroll with his master and his only animal friend in the whole wide world. (His choice!) Garrett later convinced Poncho to climb up the gravel pile with him. (You can barely see Garrett's head peaking over the top.)

These next pictures were taken a few days later. The man in the picture is Bear, a precious volunteer who is so sweet with all the kids. Bear also has a soft spot in his heart for ol' Poncho. Bear makes it a priority to walk Poncho every time he comes out to help. This time he invited two little cuties, Haley and Kelsey, along for the stroll. When they got back from their walk, Grant S. had a turn with him. Grant convinced Poncho that walking on mulch piles was a whole lot of fun. We have high hopes that Poncho might pull a little cart someday. Wouldn't he be so cute delivering people's pumpkins to their cars at our pumpkin stand? I don't know if we can make it work this year, but it gives us (Max and whomever else) a goal for next. Let us know if you come across the perfect little cart--we'd love to check it out.

Here's hoping your week is fantastic. If you get bored, come take Poncho for a walk. He could use the exercise.

The Never Ending Post About Really Nice People

Cochise deliberately ruined my scheduled post for Saturday by "coming down with colic." Good one! He can be such an attention hog. As if giving him a fresh coat of paint every couple weeks isn't enough!The above less than impressive picture was taken this morning as he was released from being sequestered. He didn't like the solitude in the slightest. He wanted to get back to ruling that herd and eating his fair share of the hay. I guess his, uh, digestive system is once again flowing normally. The things we take for granted!

I had the pleasure of meeting two very sweet families and two new volunteers last Friday. It was quite the day. Max had everyone start by doing the favorite activity--poop scoopin'.

Doesn't Logan looked thrilled to pieces? In his defense, I never heard him complain once. I think I just caught him in a moment of deep concentration. Sweet boy.
Not only can Brittany scoop poop, she can dump it as well. I'm going to go out on a limb after just one encounter and say she's a keeper!
This is Cindy and adorable offspring. Cindy is a photographer and fellow Blogger. (Not intimidating at all--I'm so secure with my abilities.) She did two cute posts about their visits to GG. You can check out her blog to see what she had to say. (Scroll down a few entries to get to the GG posts.) Kind woman.
Here is Tammy modeling good work ethic for her children. I wonder if she wants them to know how to wash windows, clean bathrooms, and fold laundry. Tammy, I understand instilling good habits in your children. If you need a place to instruct...

Grandma Margo even got in on the action. She decided to come out with her daughter Tammy and grandchildren to see what Galloping Grace was all about. She found out quickly the job we're so happy to share with others. I'm sure Grandma will be back every time.
Here's that wonderful neighbor again! She rescues our sick horses and cleans up after them as well. I wish Steph had Internet at her house so she could read all the times I brag on her. She should be embarrassed how great she is!
Haley knew how to get the job done in style--check out her shades! She was such a tough little girl working in that pen.
This is the above mentioned adorable offspring, Kelsey. You can clearly tell she's four. The overalls made me want to take her picture all day.

Family bonding at its finest. There really are few more wholesome activities.
That's Nancy, the volunteer I bragged about last week, helping Grant. Yes, another Grant. He is one cute kid! He wasn't about to be outdone by Brittany in the hauling department.
After that task was complete, our Grant took matters into his own hands and showed Kelsey how to properly use a hammer. He always makes us look like such good parents. Judge if you must, but hammers and nails keep small children busy for hours. And just think what great fine and gross motor skills they are developing!
Eventually, the children got their chance to ride. This kind lady is Heidi. It was her first time volunteering at GG and possibly her last. Max had her walking in circles around the round pen for a very long time. Way to go honey, burning out the free labor! Whether or not she ever makes it back, I am happy I had the chance to meet her. Heidi, thanks for helping the kids ride and giving up your time to do so.

Here's that overalls girl again. Do you blame me? From what I'm told, her first time out she wanted nothing to do with getting on the horse. This time around, she wanted nothing to do with getting off the horse. She and Crackerjack were best buds. Thought I'd throw in a picture of Mel in action. Mel has committed to helping out at the ranch on a regular basis. Guess what Max asked him to do? Yep, use a post hole digger for a very long time! That Max is a thinker! I'm sure Mel is just dying to get back out this week. Wouldn't you be? I love happy people!Here's another shot of concentrating Logan. I just love his hands in this picture!
I haven't mentioned Dan the Man in forever! Here he is helping Logan perform airplane horseback riding. Dan, again, thanks for being there!
Adorable Haley in action.

Grant and Brittany have taken right to riding. They were all over the arena by themselves. This picture is to let you see Trisha, another new volunteer. Please ignore the muffin on the horse. How did Trisha end up with her? Not my fault! Trisha, you were awesome!

Any guesses on what Max had her doing? Yep, also walking in circles for the majority of the time. In this picture she finally got released into the arena. Is that better? I'm not sure. The arena has very deep sand that can give a person a great work out!

Nancy, you are such a great teacher and so very patient. We are blessed to have you as a volunteer.

I am officially tired of listening to myself. I will leave you with a few more pictures. No, I did not include EVERY picture I took that day. How rude!

Did any of you make it through this mazy post? Yeah , I didn't think so. I know my fellow bloggers will sympathize that this riveting read was two hours in the making!! Ugh and double ugh! We love you, volunteers!