As we use firewood in all the cabins during the guest season, as well as in the lodge great room and dining room, AND in both homes during the winter, we go through huge amounts of wood.  It is likely that we burn over 10 cord just during the winter in the two homes.  While a lot is cut and stacked in the fall, it is still a necessary activity in the winter to keep replenishing the pile.  So, on a nearly weekly basis, Jeff heads up the hill on the snowmobile and fells a tree, cuts it to length, and ferries the logs back on the sled behind the snowmobile.  A very slow and tedious process!  A picture below shows Bendigo assisting Jeff with this chore.

The other “logging” that takes place during the winter, is the acquisition of rails for repair and maintenance of our many Montana rail fences.  Between the posts and rails, each ten-foot section requires approximately 7 rails of between 10 and 25’ lengths.  Recently, Jeff spent several days locating suitable dead timber on the ranch property, cutting and falling them, and ferrying them back to the barn.  Here are several pictures of him engaged in this task.

“Springtime in the Rockies” is a period of schizophrenic mood changes for Mother Nature.  She is alternately gentle, warm and bright followed by angry winds, biting snow and sullen skies – often all in the same hour.  However, the work at a Montana Dude Ranch must go on, regardless of Nature’s fickle moods.  By this time, the winter snow pack is becoming sodden and heavy.  The brief periods of above-freezing temperatures only serve to exacerbate the problem of weight on the many roofs around the ranch, when the just-melted snow refreezes to ice a few moments later.  Having just wormed it’s way into every crevice, crack and cranny, the now frozen water expands joints and creates destructive water leaks inside the buildings.  The increasing weight of snow and ice also begins to take it’s toll on supporting beams and poles, allowing roofs to sag ~ often in danger of collapse all-together.

Due to this, constant vigilance is necessary to prevent major damage to the many guest cabins, crew quarters, lodge and assorted out-buildings.  Shoveling the snow and ice is nearly always the only recourse.  In a few rare instances, as this picture shows, Jeff can “cheat” a little when he’s able to get the snow-blower on the roof!

A “manty” tarp is one of the most-used items when working with our foals.  It can be useful for a variety of lesson.  This includes as a ground obstacle.  Once a foal will allow itself to be caught easily and led around the pen, it must learn to step over, around and on obstacles it may encounter.  So, the manty is laid on the ground in a small folded square and each foal is encourage to step on the tarp.  We try to discourage them avoiding the tarp, and teach them to step directly on it so they learn that white waving things are not necessarily to be feared.  As they grow used to it, the tarp is unfolded until they finally have to step on it with all 4 feet in order to cross it.

Additionally, the tarp is used to “sack” the foals out.  It is important to try and teach the young horses not to spook at things that may flap around them or touch them.  So, the tarp is flapped around their bodies, slid over and under their back & bellies, pulled up their necks and off their hindquarters and finally over their heads.  The more it’s done, the more they grow used to such things.

While most are picking their feet up readily by this point, it is important that they will stand with their foot held for several minutes.  So, again, over a period of weeks, their feet are held and cleaned for longer each day.  Eventually, Jeff will even trim their feet for the first time and also bangs on each hoof with a light hammer, to prepare them for the novelty of being shod, which will not happen for several years yet.

Hobbling can be one of the most exciting lessons for a young horse.  It must be done carefully to avoid injury of the foal OR the trainer.  Many will fight and throw themselves until they learn that it won’t hurt them and the easiest thing is to just stand.  In our case, the babies were so well gentled and trusting, that the hobbling was quite uneventful.  Most just stood and even when encouraged to walk, would only take 1 or 2 tiny steps or none at all.

Later lessons include preparation for saddling and bridling.  The sacking out helps them get used to blankets, but to foals, every new item has new potential for fear.  So, for some, it takes some time to get them used to the new fuzzy blanket that goes under the saddle.  Once they have overcome that, we use a small pack saddle to sit on their back and eventually gently pull the cinch up and work towards getting them used to something tight around their girth.  Finally, the rigging is gradually lowered into place and fastened.  This all may take days or even weeks to progress to this point.  However, once they are comfortable with all the blankets, straps, buckles and ropes hanging on them, they will be much easier to break to riding saddle.  For some, we even push on their backs a little or hang light bags of items on the pack saddle, to prepare them for weight on their back.

The last lesson is loading in a horse trailer.  While all have been hauled in trailers 2-3 times already, they’ve always been loaded loose, with Mom to help!  So, being led into an empty trailer is something new and can be very scary.  When we have more reticent babies, though, we often leave the trailer in the pen and feed some hay inside where they can learn that the trailer won’t hurt them.  Then, they again are gradually introduced into being led into the trailer, tied for brief periods, and led out.  Fortunately, again, these youngsters have learned to trust Jeff and are willing step right into the trailer.

Finally, after six long weeks, the mothers milk will be dried up, and the foals weaned and they can be taken back to winter pasture, along with Uncle Eagle, where they are reunited with Mom and the rest of the herd.  They have learned LOTS of new things, and while they will not retain every things they’ve learned, they WILL remember that they were not hurt and that new things can be interesting.  It will make the next set of lessons (to occur this summer) that much easier – for both foal and trainer!

I’ve attached several pictures from this portion of the lessons, and there are also several video’s which may be viewed on our YouTube channel at 9QuarterCircleRanch.

December 16, 2010

Dear Kim and Kelly,

I recently found this picture from 1958 which I think was a family Christmas card or included a family letter that came to my family.  I believe that is you Kim in the picture.  I also remember being present at your baptism when we were at the ranch one summer.  Maybe 1952 or 1954?  It was held in a small chapel near the ranch.  Is my memory correct?

I was Jane Rosborough then and we visited the ranch in the summer of 1952 and 1956 I think.  There were several summers that our family spent at 9 Quarter Circle Ranch.  I returned with my husband John and daughter Sarah in July of 1993.  It was wonderful!  We were there with the Coughlin’s from Missouri and Andris’s from Kentucky.  We still send Christmas cards to this day!

When I was little I used to ride but once in awhile I used to get to ride with Howard, your father, if my horse whinnied and scard me.  I also vividly remember Bonnie.  Howard always used to ask me what made me so sweet and I would reply “naps”.

I remember Rocky and Sunny.  Wonderful dogs that greeted all visitors to the ranch.

9 Quarter Circle Ranch is still my most favorite memory from childhood vacations.  I alwasy wanted to be a cowgirl but knew I could never stand the winters there.  I am so happy that the tradition continues the same way things were from the 1950′s.  We rediscovered the magic with our daughter.

Hopefully someday we will return to the ranch.  I Have so many wonderful memories from my time spent there.

I hope you enjoy this picture and will be able to include it in one of your scrapbooks.

Thanks for keeping us on your Christmas card list.  I love seeing the pictures of your children and scenes at or near the ranch.

I know I have other pictures and letters from one of the cowhands that I saved and as I find them I will send some for your scrapbooks.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jane Rosborough Jackson

My parents were Jim and Pinky Rosborough

I cannot tell you how much my Montana memories with you mean to me.  I think of so many things like: the book at the top of Mt. Lincoln; Cowboy Bob; Kim swearing at the &%#^%% horses (the highlight of the pack trips); bossy/lovable/noisy Jeff (how is he???); the Monday morning briefings at the barn and the inevitable city slicker taking a coat off while on horse back two minutes after being told not to do so; and so many treasured images like the double rainbows over the Ranch and the glacier lilies and the Indian paint brush and the elk thistle; the early morning bell (followed in short order by Dick swearing a blue streak); sharing breakfast with Connor in the dining room after 9/11; welcoming my kids home safely after riding through a hailstorm with the kiddie wrangler (and Mary at age 7 or so asking for a glass of wine and a hot bath); the square dances (sometimes on a Saturday night in the summer, I picture everyone gathering down at the barn under that beautiful sky at dusk in their fancy western garb especially that one year when one of the ladies did Mary’s hair up in a French braid!); the vintage winter mural on the walls of the barn attic in the square dance room; the “Gratis Amour” cabin that always produced a giggle; the Australian (or Kiwi?) waitress who always asked, “How would you like your ‘iggs?”; the cook outs and the rain outs; the pack horses falling down into the chasm on one of those pack trips (remember that?!?!) and, in response, Kim just saying something really animated like, “oh, bother” and Kelly’s wonderful meals so lovingly packed on those trips – and trout for breakfast; and Hawk of course (I assume he’s no longer with us?) and all the old dutiful reliables;  seeing the horses get their shoes on on that crazy tilt table; always stopping at that grocery store in Belgrade before driving up to the Ranch and me NEVER remembering the name of that stupid store (including now!) and everyone laughing about it; the standard Ranch packed lunches with the cookies in the plastic tube and the inevitable red delicious apple and the Lay’s chips; watching the branding after one of the pack trips and actually being the one to actually enter the names in the book of books (Golden, Cut Throat, Rainbow and Brook); Happy Hour; your little John Deere tractor waterers for the lawn (do you still use them?); watching the mares and foals in the front fields; the fresh smell of my laundry after hanging out in the Montana air; the playground with the horsey teeter-totters; all the wranglers(including the one who I still quote to this day when a kid on a horse looks frightened: “That horse don’t wanna fall any more than you do”); Dick doing his fire truck training for your wranglers and Billy backing the car into the fence (trying to impress Kim with his nascent driving skills); Kelly’s quilts; Tubbs and Hannah’s Hangout and Potts; the Monday night softball games; the pay phone in the laundry room and the many important calls I had there (including that morning of 9/11 before we knew ANYTHING had happened) – and SHALL I GO ON? I could….

Just having one of the largest Dude Ranch herds around isn’t enough to guarantee excellent trail horses.  Neither is relying on our Appaloosa breed which is known for it’s gentle demeanor, sure-footedness and great color.  And, while we feel breeding our own foals is essential, it is the training that ultimately determines what kind of dude horse that animal will become.  Just as every child has it’s own personality and learning method, every foal does as well.  So, training methods and time spent will vary from animal to animal.

Born in late spring or early summer on our winter pasture, we endeavor to spend a little time with each new foal in order to introduce it to people and make the training process a little smoother.  Then, after they have been moved up to the ranch and spending some time getting strong with their Mom’s, we spend another week or two with each little one at the end of summer.  At that time they are introduced to halters, and just being handled and led a little.

However, the main and most important training takes place at around 6-8 months of age when they are weaned from their dams.  In mid-winter, we separate them from their mothers, and then trailer the young ones up to the ranch where they’ll spend six weeks being weaned and getting that crucial early training. We also bring along a “babysitter” – typically an older gelding “uncle” – to give them added security.

A Montana Dude Ranch, just like any other horseback vacation destination, must ensure that their mounts are gentle and trusting.  While getting a horse to the point of being novice-ready takes years, the initial steps are what lay the foundation for everything else.  Done properly, they will help that horse learn each new lesson without fear and without losing their curiosity and spirit.

The first task is to re-introduce each foal to the halter, and to earn their trust enough that they allow themselves to be caught without needing to rope them first.  Once they begin understanding that first step, Jeff spends additional time each day with every one individually teaching them the basic for all future lessons.  For the first week or so, it’s all about touching them all over, petting them, getting them to pick up their feet even if it’s just a little, and leading.

Each foal learns that the quickest way out of the round-pen, is through Jeff.  They must be caught and do their lessons, and then they get turned out.  It takes only a few days for them to figure this out!  Soon, they are turning to him as he approaches and waiting to be haltered.

Horses are “flight or fight” animals.  Their first reaction to any situation is typically flight.  If they can’t run, then they’ll fight.  So, in order to teach them not to be spooky, we must de-sensitize them to touch on all parts of their body and also to anything that might flap in the wind, etc.  We do this by familiarizing them with someone moving all around, touching them and also with blankets and tarps.

Another part is to teach them to give to pressure on their poll (the spot between their ears on top of their head) and to allow things to go in their mouths.  These lessons will be of great value when it’s time to start bridling!

Attached are a few pictures of Jeff working with the foals.

We hope you enjoyed following Jeff as he worked with the babies this morning!  Join us for the p.m. session in a week or so, and we’ll be covering the other half of their learning!

One of the most common questions we receive here at the Nine Quarter Circle, is “What do you do in the winter?”.  So, today we’ll be starting a series called “A Day in the Life…”  to help all our friends see what a Montana Dude Ranch winter is like.

Day 1:

Just like the Nine Quarter Circle, most Montana Dude Ranches close in the winter due to weather, snow load, etc.  However, unlike the Nine Quarter, many of those ranches are not staffed all winter.  We are fortunate to be able to stay on-site and enjoy the quiet and beauty of a Montana winter, but it’s not all rest and relaxation!  We have many tasks and maintenance items to take care of and this is the best time for that.  As one of the lucky dude ranch vacation destinations located away from the main roads, our first priority has to be keeping the road open so we can come and go!  This first “Day in the Life” focuses on that large and essential chore.

The Nine Quarter Circle guest ranch is located five miles up an un-maintained Forest Service road, which follows a beautiful creek called the Taylor Fork.  It is our responsibility to keep the road open and passable for ourselves and guests.  Some winters this is an easy task and requires little effort.  Other years – like THIS winter – are another story entirely.  With all the snow we’ve received this year, plowing has been at minimum, a weekly task and sometimes, even daily!  Typically, the worst location is all the way down where the road meets the highway.  The wind is quite strong coming down the Gallatin Canyon and the road tends to drift badly right there.  This year has been no exception.  But, the wind direction and severity is an exception.  So, every 3-4 days, Jeff must drive our plowing machine all 5 miles down to that entrance and plow.

We use a 1964 John Deere crawler to plow the road.  It has been reliable for so many years that we hate to trade it off on something else.  So, we just keep trusting it and, so far, it keeps the faith.  However, it’s not the fastest machine in our dude ranch mechanical remuda.  Just driving it to the end of the road takes 45 minutes to an hour.  Then, depending on the severity of the drifts, it can take between 2 and 6 hours to plow that short section.  If the entire road needs cleared, we plan on 2 days.

Attached is a short video of what Jeff sees (and hears) from the seat of the crawler on a typical day, as well as a couple pictures up and down the Gallatin Canyon from where our road meets the highway.

We hope this “Day in the Life..” segment has been informative!  Watch for the upcoming segments on maintenance, foal training, etc.  And, be sure to check out our Facebook page for daily updates on our family dude ranch activities and scenery.

What makes the Nine Quarter Circle one of the best Montana dude ranches? Well, there are many aspects to a great dude ranch vacation including the lodging, meals, scenery, hospitality, etc. However, we believe that one of the most important parts, especially for a family dude ranch experience, is the horses. Being able to match any age and personality to the best possible mount is essential. We here at the Nine Quarter Circle excel at this. We do so by:

a) having one of the largest guest ranch herds in Montana.
b) breeding all our horses on-site
c) training all foals on-site

These allow us to truly know each and every animal, thereby being able to evaluate what type of rider is best going to mesh with it. When choosing your horse ranch vacation, make sure to pick one that has a long and extensive history with it’s horse herd. Just like we have with our 115 Appaloosas. Here are some pictures of our youngest herd members as they are introduced to having their feet trimmed, to giving their head to pressure and as they are weaned from their Momma’s. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with their milestones!