Our 3 grey amigos were joined by a 4th new horse – welcome Julio to the herd. What a super relaxed and capable big gentle giant he is proving to be. Although it’s making it increasingly hard to tell which horse is which in our grey Arab group now… you have to study them hard. But the 3 amigos were very welcoming to the new boy and happy to teach him the boy band moves…
He also met our lovely PIN and PON shetlands and instantly made friends.
Our chunky rescue Brownie has been learning slowly about all aspects of stables life, hacking in the great outdoors and how to move well in the school. Here she is with Rebecca being very well behaved on the lunge line, which helps with fitness and flexibility for horses.
VIDEO : Sophie used to live in Spain and ride here, but she moved back to the UK. These friends were reunited this week when she popped back and came to see us at the Ranch. And of course go on a ride out – here are our two friends reunited (Sophie and Jazmin) chasing up the gallop hill “the stairs”. Who do you think will win, Hechi or Hope?
This is Hope, a 20 year old horse we rescued in a terrible state and who has been lovingly brought back to health mentally and physically, and fitness, by Jazmin. She certainly loves to run and enjoys her new life so much. The sweetest mare and thanks to Jazmin, the most gorgeous tail at the stables!
Some great photos of our wonderhorse Dolly (Dolores) out and about and looking fantastic this summer. 
Have you met our 3 amigos? These lovely greys, all some sort of Arab cross, are absolutely the best of friends. They prefer to be right next to each other. Whether they are running, playing, chilling, eating or having a bath. And especially when out riding.
So who is who in the 3 amigos?
Sen is the quiet one. He has more brown speckled skin but looks grey. This Anglo Arab is usually found being annoyed by Garincha (Gary). Sen is one of the fastest horses at the stables thanks to Nikki taking him out on long hacks for the last year or so, building up his confidence. It was only 18 months ago he couldn’t actually step hoof outside the Ranch on his own without having a total meltdown in fear. Now he is steady, fast and pretty fearless. Although he has his moments!
Garincha is the pretty boy of the group with the sweetest, innocent little facial expressions. He’s also the “baby” of the group although not actually the youngest. Caroline rescued him and he was pretty terrified of everyone and everything when he arrived. He is still nervous of anything new although coming along in leaps and bounds every month after wonderful work with Caroline, Nikki and now Claire who is his new mummy. He is also constantly asking the others to play with him and like the annoying little brother won’t leave the other 2 alone. He recently learnt to go on the horse walker but decided being in his own compartment wasn’t fun and wanted to walk in Sen’s space! Luckily Sen does not mind and puts up with his shadow.
The final one of the 3 amigos is a Lusitano Arab called Lagri. Owned by Hayley he is the youngest but the bravest, smartest and probably most talented of the group. A terrific mover he has all the showiness for the dressage ring, the courage to tackle any cross country course and the stamina and speed to race around the mountains. He’s also pretty spectacular at showjumping already and he’s not even 6. Definitely one to watch.
We have been able in lockdown to capture some very special moments. Living in bigger herds to enjoy socialising time and play has seen some very special friendships form. Horses communicate in such subtle ways and make decisions on who they like to hang out with, share food with, play with. We have been watching some of the more grumpy alpha females actually start to relax and bond with each other. Having time and patience to let them get to know each other has seen massive changes in all the horses here during lockdown. They are all very relaxed and willing to consider new horse friendships at the Ranch.
Sharing some of these marvellous moments between friends that we have been lucky enough to see over these challenging weeks. Bringing a little smile to the hard, long and lonely days.
The Beatles (John, Paul, Ringo and Paul) have settled in really well. They are busy a few times a week on their very special Beatles Bootcamp. This is a chance for some lucky horse lovers to hang out with our fabulous four, groom, bathe, exercise, take for walks, do groundwork, lunge them and get to know everything about them. Introducing them to new experiences, finding out what they like and don’t like. Whilst learning new skills themselves. It really is quality time out with life on Beatles bootcamp! And the 4 horses love these times too and are thriving. All that pampering time also means they look great although they seem to time their mud rolling perfectly just before the ladies arrive…
This weekend saw the arrival of our new Fab Four horses – we nicknamed them the Beatles – and so we called them John, Paul, Ringo and George. Their names suit them perfectly!
John Paul Ringo & George arrive
These four boys have been together for a long time and they are super relaxed as a little group. We visited them at their previous home where the owner was injured and could not look after them/ride them so well any more. So we have given them a new home here at Ranch Siesta Los Rubios.
The Beatles are just getting to know their new surroundings – and us them – and this was their first time into the school this weekend. We plan that as they are so quiet and calm, and like being together, they’ll soon be helping beginner riders on Saddle Ups and lessons.
Although a few of them might have some other additional talents we think… John is a big lad and with a little muscle is going to be handsome lad. Ringo is very eager and the youngest and so who knows, he might fancy jumping? PS He is also super handsome!
So watch this space for more of the Beatles news!
Someone is having a little word with Lagris about their horse riding goals for 2020 together!
We had a new arrival this week – the crazy handsome Nacho. He is not only a beautiful looking boy (the mares here agree) he’s also super kind and has a wonderful personality.
Jan his human is very happy and we are happy to welcome them both to Ranch Siesta Los Rubios for some fun riding times together hacking out in this lovely area.
