"Another Day In Paradise"

What a great morning. Casey and I tag and banded our last 6 calves. One was a fighter. It never ceases to amaze me as to how quickly those little calves can become strong and fisty.

As we were sprawled across the 90 pound bull calf, Casey says, "We will prevail, ya dumb calf". And you know what? We will prevail! Not only with this calf but in any and every thing that will rise up against us.

I appreciate so much the relationship that my son and I have. It is not often that two people are that similar in their thinking. As we were heading back to the main house, Casey tells me of his new life statement. "Prepare for Glory!" He says it comes from the new movie 300.

I thought about that statement... it is not one you can say quietly, or without passion. So, I yelled it out "Prepare For Glory!" It felt really good to proclaim it a "war cry" fashion. Something released in me-perhaps it will for you as well... try it!

Horse Rescue

We have established a program to look after horses that are in need of rescue (due to abandonment or neglect) or those horses that need placement in a good home.

We were brought a very old TB gelding, we called him "Chance". Unfortunately he was only with us a year before he passed. We were pleased to give him a good home for his final days.

We took in two older Quarter horses and soon found a loving home for them. In trade for them we received a registered Paint Stallion called “Dominee” (Dutch for preacher). We may stand him at stud to earn some extra financial support.

We were given a wonderful TB retired Race Track mare. The owner had hoped she would be breedable, but unfortunately she was unable to carry full term. To make matters worse the mare had not been riden in many years and then only at the track. Since the owner already had more horses than she had time to ride, we agreed to take her. Belle turned out to be pretty smart, within a few weeks we were riding her in the round pen. We even rode her on a few trail rides. She was the slowest race horse I had ever seen, but stood quiet enough for kids to handle and brush. Late last year a young couple came up from the coast and fell in love with her.

A deal was struck and just last month we delivered Belle to the Island where she will be pampered and loved and maybe even ridden. Happy trails Belle.

Judi received a 10 year old Norwegian Fjord called “Jethro”. He wasn't in need of rescue he was a gift. Seeing he was fully trained to drive, we purchased a sleigh. The grandkids sure had a lot of fun this past Christmas.

Often the horses that come to us are "project horses". Very few have actually been abused or mistreated. What is often the case however, is that their owners life circumstances have changed. Perhaps they have had to move, or they have become ill. Most of these horses just need a gentle hand, some TLC and a little freedom to run the range.

Very seldom is any horse completely unmanageable. We spend time nurturing them, showing them honor for their wonderful contribution to mankind.

Any donations are greatly appreciated, to help us continue to take these horses in. Since we are a registered non-profit association we can and do issue Charitable Donation Reciepts. Donations can be made to Eagles Nest Ranch, Box 914 Osoyoos, BC, V0H 1V0

Summer Training

Church Ministry: We provide training and ministry opportunities for young people in the areas of children and youth outreach.

Fire Fighting: We provide training and certification for Wildland Fire Suppression. We offer young adults (18 years and older) the full S-100 Wildland Fire Safety and Suppression course and can provide seasonal employment for successful candidates through Canwest Fire Services.

Horsemanship: We provide basic horsemanship training and work with young stock through a “trust” method of training. We provide scenic trail rides and overnighters as well as working rides (moving local cattle). Although this is a small part of our program it is probably the most therapeutic.