Welcome to the official Hill Country Equestrian Lodge blog! Here, Peter and I will post current news about the weather, up-coming events, recent events, and accounts from recent guests.
Today is Thursday, Sep. 4, 2008. I’m going to do my best to up-date our blog at least once a week. If you need more current information than you see here, please call us at (830) 796-7950.
Early Fall weather has arrived, with a little mild Norther yesterday, and mornings in the low 60's. Afternoons are still getting into the mid to high 80's, and we have our usual wonderful steady breeze to make things more than pleasant. This is a great time to visit the Hill Country. Already our mornings are chilly, and afternoons are pleasantly warm.
Late Summer rains have left everything lush and green, with plenty of pickings for the native wildlife to forage on. There is a group of 3 young whitetail bucks in velvet who graze by our entrance each evening just at dusk and later. Stepping out the door here in the mornings is a wonderful experience in itself. For the last several mornings we have had several turkey hens and their youngsters of various sizes picking their way across our driveway, or around the native garden in front of the barn. My photos of them didn't turn out, so you'll just have to come see them for yourselves!
Speaking of photos, for those who may think our part of the world is a dried-up inferno for most of the
Summer, take a moment to view these photos, taken of our
ranch within the last 3 weeks.
In September and October, a whole group of species of Autumn wild flowers will bloom. The fields in the park next door are nearly covered with wild sunflowers which we affectionately call October Daisies. Gayfeather, (pictured below), will line many roadsides, and many native grasses will bloom.
In mid-to-late October, we typically observe part of the Monarch Butterfly migration to the Sierra Madre mountains in Northern Mexico. This is an amazing phenomenon to witness, as the butterflies literally drip from the tree branches, and blanket the Ice Weed blossoms as they rest while regaining strength to fly onward.
In November, the temperatures will get lower, but still be quite pleasant. Last November, I actually took a family kayaking on the Medina River in the 3rd week on the month. It was awesome. By the end of the month, we had our first, light, early morning freeze. Typically, we will have substantial Fall color along the hillsides, and in the waving native grasses by late November.
Speaking of which, We still have limited availability for Thanksgiving Week, always a lovely time here. Give us a call if you’d still like to plan a visit here for that time.
Watch for our segment on the Equitrekking tv show, shown on many public tv stations. The series starts airing this month, and will continue through the Fall. Check your local PBS listings for broadcast times in your area.
Part 1, Groundwork and Psychology of our Whole Horsemanship Instructional DVD Series will be released next week. Part 1 consists of 2 DVD’s covering 2 sessions, and will sell for $39.95. Parts 2, 3, and 4 will be released in the near future.
The series features Whole Horsemanship creator Dianne Lindig, (formerly Dianne Tobin), and follows the Whole Horsemanship Clinic format. It is an excellent accompaniment to taking the clinic itself, or may be used alone. The methods and skills taught are applicable to all disciplines and styles of riding, and to all skill levels, from the recreational rider to the professional teacher or trainer. Contact us at (830) 796-7950 to order Part 1 of the series, or for more information.
Multi-day Private Cutting and Roping Clinics are now available by reservation for guests of Hill Country Equestrian Lodge. This is a fabulous opportunity to receive private instruction, and lots of time with the cattle while enjoying a great vacation! Contact us at (83) 796-7950 for more details, or to book your own private clinic.
In Summer 2009, Hill Country Equestrian Lodge will offer it’s acclaimed teaching excellence through young women’s horsemanship camps during the weeks of July 12 -18, and July 26-Aug. 1. The number of participants will be limited to 9 per session, in order to allow for ample individual attention and maximum learning opportunities for each student. There will be places for riders in either English, (including Jumping for those who want it), or Western disciplines, and for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced skill levels, ages 9 to 18 years. Contact us at (830) 796-7950 for more information, or to request an application.
Our guests are the most wonderful people in the world! The following are some of their kind words and photos. Enjoy!
What a great experience! Dianne is a true teacher of horsemanship as well as technique. Her pedagogy is collaborative, emotionally sound, and pragmatic. The horses are very well cared for and consistently trained to maintain their athleticism, skill-set and focus. Socks and I made a great team both in the arena and out on the trail.
I had been apprehensive about riding out in the Texas heat, but thanks to its position high in the Hill Country, the lodge benefits from a breezy microclimate that makes it ideal as a base for riding. My cabin was very well appointed and comfortable. Deer and wild turkey were frequent visitors right in front of my porch!
Dianne and Peter are excellent hosts, with great attention to detail and immense local knowledge.
I discovered the beauty and culture of a Texas far from the stereotypes of cash-cow dude-ranches and decadent ranchers-turned real-estate-barons. But it was also upsetting to see just how much of this beautiful land is no longer being correctly stewarded.
Thankfully Diane and Peter are doing just that. Long may they continue!
Kate Caldwell, Montreal, Canada
August 2008
Hi Dianne,
Just wanted to thank you and Peter for another wonderful trip.....I don't think I have felt more confident about my riding as I do now.
I wanted to thank you for the fossils, the kids (esp. Ethan) went crazy...the armadillo was also a big hit!!
Jennifer Gressin- Rybalov
Stamford, Connecticut
July, 2008
Absolutely wonderful time! Thank you all!
Sue Brown and Mark Lewandowski
Greenbelt, MD
July, 2008
Dear Dianne and Peter
We loved our vacation! The time we spent at your farm was amazing. Thanks for everything. Love,
Veronika Branhuber-Yepez, Jose Luis, Martin, and Ariana Yepez
Stamford, CT
April 2008
