We have a huge Extravaganza Planned for our 20th Anniversary - and YOU are invited!

This is the site that greeted us 20 years ago - October 1992 - the day we moved in to Blue Fountain Farm.  Mr Skunk was very unhappy that we were kicking him out of his territory, and the buildings were barely done (see the wood still piled on the ground).  A LOT has happened since that day, so we decided that we need to have a big soiree to celebrate our 20 years at BFF, and to give everyone a chance to re-connect with old riding companions and friends.  We are planning a fun-filled day on Saturday, October 20th, from 2:00 to ???  There will be live music, food, beverages, pony rides (it seems that many of you "kids" that I taught over the years have your own little ones now!), and a wonderful "Wall of Memories", among other things. 

Chelsea (above) is now a beautiful 21 year old, and, get this - Lil Beaver is now 42 years old! (That's yours truly holding The Beav)

 Here's where we can use your help - we need you to send us photos of your times here at Blue Fountain Farm!  Send them email, disc, or prints - just get them here!  Send us some stories as well - we want to do a great memory wall, and even possibly a DVD of all the images and stories.  I have quite a few images that I am scanning, but I know there are a lot more out there.  Between boarders, students, Pony Club members, Saddle Pals participants and workers, clinic participants, horse show participants, mare owners (you can't forget Jozsef was here) - you get the idea - there are a lot of you out there.



This is me in 1998 with our orphan foal Siegfried, and Lil Bea -his companion/chew toy. Lil Bea, like her current partner, Lil Beaver, is an old timer - she's now 17 years old - I'm told that's old for a goat!

We will be using this blog as an inter-active site where you can RSVP as well as keep up with the latest as the date gets closer. Also, check my ranch facebook site - for information - https://www.facebook.com/lesley.deutsch#!/pages/Blue-Fountain-Farm/432259256802799

You can send your images and stories to my email - horses@bluefountainfarm.com , or to my mailing address at

17761 Grizzly bear Dr, Grass Valley, Ca 95949.

I look forward to going over old memories with you, and especially to seeing all of you in the fall!

MORE TO COME!



Cowboy Dressage Clinic

This weekend we had the privilege of hosting a "Cowboy Dressage" clinic with Eitan Beth Halachmy, who resides here in Grass Valley.  Eitan has been a two time exhibitor at the prestigous World Equestrian Games, both in Germany and in Kentucky, as well as a many time champion in the show ring.  He shared with us his "Light Hands" techniques of riding and training.  

Eitan brought with him his gorgeous and talented Morgan stallion, "Santa Fe's Renegade".  Santa Fe is an incredibly well behaved stallion - it is breeding season, but he mingled with the crowd of geldings and mares without a single misstep - what a good boy.

The barn courtyard was all decked out..........

And, as usual, Dude was a big help - this time helping Sam at the sign up desk.

Eitan shared his pearls of wisdom in a very clear method..........

the riders listened intently............

well, most of them listened ................. :))

Questions were encouraged, such as Jan's.

Following are some varied images from the day............

Oodles getting supple.

Susan's horse working on lateral moves.

Laura and her "Todd" softening and bending.

"Maggie" in a soft frame.

"Maverick" falling asleep in class.

Mike's boy getting a well earned reward.

I've got a terrible itch!

"Maverick" and Laura showing that you can be a big boy and still be light!

Eitan and Santa Fe put in a long day in the saddle, and it was appreciated by all.  Be sure to check out his web site to see more about him, and to find out more about his upcoming clinics at other venues.  We will be hosting another Cowboy Dressage Clinic here at Blue Fountain Farm in August, but, before that, we will be having a Western Dressage Show on June 4th, along with our Dressage Show on June 5th.  Check out my ranch site for more information on these events (under Happenings).  There are many, many more photos from the day on my photo site   (under Proofs), so be sure to check them out!

  

Thank you Eitan, Debbie and "Santa Fe" for a great day!



Join me on a morning stroll around Blue Fountain Farm

Yesterday morning was one of those perfect mornings - the air was crisp and clean and smelled of freshly mown grass from the workday the Saddle Pals volunteers put in yesterday weed whacking and mowing (many thanks to everyone for all your hard work!)  The fickle weather had decided that Sunday was going to be a beautiful day, so - since I woke up much earlier than I needed to (hate it when that happens), I decided to take a walk around the ranch, with my camera and my trusty dogs and cat in tow.  Below is a little photo journal of my morning......

The roses off my back deck are going crazy!

Dude is always ready to be a part of things around the barn.

Jackson in a moment of repose.

Jake saying,"Why don't you go for the walk and I'll just say I did?"

The trail around the north end of the property.

Along the east side next to the vineyard.

I let Lil Bea and Jasmine out for awhile to follow me around as well.

Herbert was on the roof of the covered arena.  We love watching him stalk and then catch gophers every day!  He has something wrong with his left leg, but seems to be getting by just fine.

"Galan" taking his morning nap in the sun after breakfast.

"Maverick Blue Eye"

I call this a "Smiling Panda Cow" from next door!

Our beautiful fountain.

The courtyard looks so inviting this time of year.

"Benchely" the concrete bench next to the fountain.

Everyone should have a reading frog on their fountain!

I played around with shutter speeds with the water on the fountain.

I love my little fountain next to the tack room.

Assorted flowers from in the barn courtyard............. daisies....

....clematis.....

.....iris.....

...I can't remember - coleus??.....

....and another vine I can't remember the name of.

Nothing fancy, just a door bracket.

From the '48 Dodge Farmer's Market truck

Hood ornament from the truck.

The upper arena as seen from the mirror on the truck.

Is this a statement, or what???

Oops!  People are arriving for their lessons - time to put the camera away and get to work!

I hope you enjoyed the tour - there is really so much more to see, but this was a glimpse into my world............more later!