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.)
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.
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 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!
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!
Here is Tammy modeling good work ethic for her children.
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.
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.
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! 
Nancy, you are such a great teacher and so very patient. We are blessed to have you as a volunteer. 
We love you, volunteers!
