From Spring Showers To Summer Monsoons

Hello Equitrekkers!

We have had an unseasonably wet spring, which has brought an abundance of wild flowers, fruits, vegetables, and grazing grasses. Our herd, including the new foster horse Dandy, are enjoying a few lazy days out in the lush South Pasture. The gardens are abundant with berries, especially summer sweet strawberries. You can see them featured in our Tres Leches Strawberry Shortcake recipe. Very decadent. Don’t miss out on our Yoga Retreats and Ballon Fiesta Ride. Spots are limited!

THE HERD

New Addition

Meet Dandy! This 10 year old, pinto gelding joined our foster program in June after placing 4th in the Volunteer In Hand Training Challenge. He originally came to WNCR five years ago with Toby, from a hoarding situation. Dandy has excelled at ground training and is on his way to working under saddle. We look forward to getting this curious little guy out on trail! Follow his progress on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

On The Mend

This spring two of our horses have had a trip to the vet. Jake bowed the tendons in both front legs and Bosley developed moon blindness in his left eye.

A bowed tendon is common in performances horses, especially race horses When people say a horse is "bowed" or that it has a "bowed tendon", they are generally referring to the tearing of the superficial digital flexor tendon in the middle of the cannon bone region. This tear causes a curved, bow-like swelling on the back of the leg between the knee and the ankle. Although the swelling is usually in the middle of the cannon bone, it may be behind the knee, at the level of the ankle, or it may extend from the knee to the pastern. While this injury is common in one front leg, its very uncommon in both front legs at the same time. Although this sounds like a grim diagnoses, our very talented vet, Dr. Dixson performed a surgery procedure to release the tension in the tendon and help speed Jakes recovery. Recovery will be a slow, lengthy processes and we hope he can make it back to his trail riding

One afternoon Bosley showed uo to dinner with his left eye completly clouded over, it happened that quickly, “Moon blindness” is a chronic, painful eye disease, and it’s the most common cause of blindness in horses. It was so named during the 1600s because people thought recurring attacks were related to phases of the moon. Today it’s often attributed to a bacterial infection. Amazingly at 36 years old, this is Bosley only affliction. It took him a few weeks to adjust at the loss of sight in that eye, but now he’s back to his Horsey Hefner ways.

We do hope that both gelding will be able to return to some light riding, but if not they will certainly enjoy their retirement here at the ranch.

FROM THE GARDEN

We have fruit! With the plethera of moisture this winter and spring our cherry, peach, and apple trees are baring tasty fruit. The grape vines, raspberry, blackberry, and goiji bushes are following suit. Can you say pies, empanadas, jelly and jams??? We also planted an apricot, plum, pear, and crabapple this spring with hopes of future produce. The ret of the gardens have been planted with corn, squash, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, melons, carrots, radish, tomatillos, potatoes, beans, okra, greens….and so much more. We’re very excited for this years harvest!

FROM THE KITCHEN

Featured Recipe : Tres Leches Strawberry Shortcake

I will admit I snagged this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. I’m always on the lookout for new spins on traditional New Mexican food and you can’t get more traditional than a decadent Tres Leches. Usually a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, this desert is light and rich. The summery strawberry gives it just the twist needed.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
⅔ cup buttermilk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-inch cake pan. Line with parchment paper. Grease parchment.
In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine butter and 1/2 cup sugar; beat on high until fluffy. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add 1/2 cup buttermilk and the almond extract; beat until smooth. Add flour mixture; beat until just combined. Spoon into prepared baking pan; spread evenly. Bake about 30 minutes or until cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. In a medium bowl whisk together sweetened condensed milk, 2/3 cup buttermilk, and 1/2 cup cream. Using a skewer, poke cake all over. Pour milk mixture over warm cake. Chill, covered, at least 3 hours or overnight. Invert cake onto a wire rack. Remove parchment. Transfer to a serving plate and bring to room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine strawberries, lemon juice, and remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes. In a medium bowl beat remaining 1 cup cream and the powdered sugar with a mixer to stiff peaks. Spread over cake. Top with berries. Makes 10 servings.

UPCOMING EVENTS & DISCOUNTS

EquiYoga Retreats

There are still a few spots available for our monthly yoga retreats! When you truly need to immerse yourself in the restorative powers of equine and yoga, this retreat balances your mind, nourishes your body, and lightens your soul.