Some interesting horse facts
Horses are beautiful animals which are used all over the world for different things, from show jumping to being used on the ranch. These stunning creatures are very strong and athletic becasue they have the ability to run for hours without a break and jump very high for their weight and size. They can also effortlessly carry people on their back – it’s thought that they can pull as much as 400 lbs of weight at a time.
If you are a big fan of horses and you enjoy nothing more than going horse riding in the countryside on a lovely sunny day, then you are sure to be interested in reading some fun horse facts. So why not pause your game of PartyPoker or your MSN chat and learn some fascinating things about horses.
Did you know?
When horses want to drink water they actually use a sucking action to drink, compared to animals like dogs and cats which lap up water with their tongues.
A baby female horse is called a filly and a baby boy horse is called a colt. A baby boy or girl horse is also known as a foal.
When a foal is first born, they cannot actually bend down to eat any grass because their legs are too long for their heads to reach the ground!
Most foals are born at night and within just one hour of being born, they can already stand up.
Horses use their tails for many things including fly swatting and sending signals to each other about how they are feeling.
The Akhal-Teke horse from Russia can go for days without food or water. Amazing!
Did you know that you measure a horse’s height in hands? Each hand equals four inches.
Rather than having wrinkles to show their age, you can tell how old a horse is by how many teeth it has. By the age of five, a horse gets all of its teeth. After that they just get longer and longer.
The markings on a horse’s forehead is called a star, even if it is not shaped like a star.
A horse is more likely to be scared if it is alone – they feel more comfortable in a herd.
Horses belong to the equus family which comes from the Greek word meaning “quickness”.
Did you know that a pony isn’t a baby horse? It’s actually a full grown small horse.
Cattle Ranchers Vs Sheep Ranchers Range Wars
There was a classic episode of the old TV series The Rifleman that dealt with a sheep rancher moving next to an area that was primarily a cattle ranch settlement. Now, while those not familiar with history may not be able to guess what was the plot point of that episode, those with even passing knowledge of history realize that the plot dealt with a potential range war.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, numerous range wars were fought between cattle ranch herders and sheep ranchers. And the term war is not used as a colloquialism. Many of these range wars were very violent. So what was it that was at the basis of the range wars between a cattle ranch and a sheep ranch? Was it just the differences between the animals that were raised that were the root of the problem, sort of like an employment matter of pride.
No, the tensions between the cattle and sheep ranches were hardly based out of anything so trite as pride. The problem lay in the fact that if a cattle ranch a nomadic sheep herd were in too close of proximity to one another, the grazing area would not be enough to support both animals.
Sheep and cattle required different environments in order to survive. And a ranch, for example, that was already established, would not be in a rush to welcome a sheepherder into the vicinity. And since shepherding required an ‘open range,’ sheepherder had a tendency to cross into cattle ranch territory.
In time, civility (and legal actions) would diminish the battles between the sheepherders and the local cattlemen. Today, the legend of the range wars has been filed away in the dustbins of western lore, legend and history, but it has never truly been completely forgotten.
Selecting From Colorado Ranches for Sale
Picking The Right Choice Out Of Those Colorado Ranches For Sale
Have you been skimming the Colorado ranches for sale ads in your local real estate guide? If so, the breathtaking beauty of those Colorado ranches for sale probably overwhelmed you. Colorado is one of the most visually amazing states in the USA. The lakes, trees, mountains and rivers give Colorado a credible claim to being one of the most beautiful places on earth. So, it is no small wonder that people want to live in Colorado. The volume of people moving to the state is a testament to that fact.
Beyond just the beautiful land those Colorado ranches for sale rest upon, Colorado rests upon a tremendous amount of American history. Owning a ranch in Colorado is almost like owning a piece of history as well. And, in a way, it is owning a piece of history and the tales of the old west still whistle in the air.
When skimming those Colorado ranches for sale ads, one must realize that one must make an educated decision as to which ranch to buy and which location is the most feasible. Just being able to afford a ranch in Colorado isn’t all there is to it. One must be quite aware of the type of land and type of environment those Colorado ranches for sale rest upon.
Remember, Colorado is a state that is known for getting a great deal of snow. A great deal of heavy snow, that is. So, if one is not familiar with those kinds of conditions, one may not wan to purchase their ranch in a particular area where heavy snow can wipe out a ton of roads. One needs to direct their purchasing decision to where the ranch’s location will best suit their needs.
So, when one figures out which location best suits those needs, the decision made will be the right one.
Montana Ranches For Sale
Montana Ranches for Sale
Visit Websites that Offer Montana Ranches for Sale for Some Excellent Real Estate Deals
Some of the most beautiful areas of America are those which are still completely uninhabited. Places like Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming offer some amazingly beautiful settings that are almost completely devoid of all of the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are someone who is looking to get away from it all and live off of the land for awhile, then visiting somewhere that offers Montana ranches for sale is a great place to begin your search. There are currently Montana ranches for sale for nearly anyone’s price range – from several hundred thousand to multiple millions, you can buy the ranch of your dreams for less than the price of a two bedroom house in Los Angeles or New York. Hundreds upon hundreds of acres can be yours if you look in the right places for Montana ranches for sale, giving you and your family the opportunity to spread out and work the land for years to come.
Most of the Montana ranches for sale need a few necessities to get them up and running. Unfortunately, most of the picturesque ranch sites you will see will be completely lacking a home. This, of course, is another expenditure you will have to remember to save up for, especially if you and your family plan on using your land for more than simply raising sheep or cows. Aside from the house, you will also have to build stables for any horses you may wish to own and pens for all of your other animals. These can be costly expenditures which you will definitely want to consider when you are looking at Montana ranches for sale.
If raising and boarding animals is not your thing, you can convert a Montana ranch into a farmer’s paradise for nearly any crops you can imagine. However, most Montana ranches for sale will require irrigation in order to make the crops grow to their fullest potential. For this reason, consider purchasing property bordering on a lake or a river so you can more easily install an irrigation system.
New Mexico Ranches for Sale
Check Out the New Mexico Ranches for Sale if you are Interested in Raising Livestock or Opening Your Own Business
Amazingly enough, the market for New Mexico ranches for sale is booming. If you are looking to purchase a ranch in New Mexico, you can be hard pressed to find the perfect one for you. New Mexico ranches for sale are simply flying off the market thanks to their incredibly low prices, stunning scenery and well crafted structures. One of the great things about New Mexico ranches for sale in comparison to other states is that thanks to New Mexico’s rich history, there are a multitude of historical buildings available which you can purchase and subsequently turn into vacation destinations or roadside inns/restaurants. The opportunities are endless for the different New Mexico ranches for sale, and as long as you can find one to purchase the possibilities are nearly endless.
With tourism to ranch destinations on the rise, a great business opportunity lies in one of the several New Mexico ranches for sale. Of course, if you wish to turn your newly purchased ranch property into a vacation spot, you will most likely need to make sure you know how to do a few things first. Obviously you will need to already know how to conduct day to day ranch duties like feeding and grooming horses if you are going to turn one of these ranches for sale into a guest ranch. Also, when looking at the New Mexico ranches for sale, check out as much of the property as you can to determine what types of activities you would be able to conduct. Properties with rivers, streams or lakes will allow you to have rafting or canoing while these ranches for sale with mountains or cliffs will allow for rock climbing. However, no matter what ranch you end up purchasing, take heart in knowing that the terrain will always be suitable for horseback riding and target shooting.
Dude Ranches Make For Wonderful Family Escapes
After years of living, working and playing in the city day after day, you and your family may feel as if you are all in need of a well deserved vacation away from it all. While you could travel to some island like Hawaii or even to a foreign country, you will still not be able to completely escape from the droves of people who have all decided to venture from the city to a more “remote” vacation destination. In order to combat this feeling of claustrophobia caused by daily city life, consider taking your family on a vacation to an old western styled dude ranch. The dude ranch was a staple among American pioneers, and now you and your family can relive the rich heritage found at such a wonderfully natural place. With plenty of fun activities for the whole family, there is always something enjoyable to do at a dude ranch – no matter what your age.
The Horseshoe Canyon Ranch has earned its place amongst the best of the dude ranches in America. This particular dude ranch is a completely family oriented place that provides activities for kids and adults alike. From horseback riding to rock climbing to skeet shooting, there are fun things to do for anyone and everyone. If all of the outdoorsy stuff is too much for you and your family, you can either spend the days relaxing in your room, take a trip to the nearest town (happens to be Branson, Missouri) or take a dip in their wonderful swimming pool. The Horseshoe Canyon Dude Ranch prides itself on offering all of the fun, games and style of the old west with all of the necessary amenities and comforts of today. You can choose to stay in a room in the main lodge or spend a little extra and venture out to one of the cabins located on the property. Furthermore, with the price of your room, everything else is paid for – including tips, taxes, food and even the activities for you and your family.
A Genuine Cowboy Vacation: ‘Working Stock Cattle’ Guest Ranches
If you want to wear your Stetsons and sling on your waist a thick rope without looking foolish, you might try booking at a guest ranch. You may not just have the chance to wear your dusting western outfit; you can even be a real cowboy in a guest ranch with working stock cattle.
A guest ranch may either be a (1) vacation, also known as a ‘dude ranch,’ with pre-packaged list of activities that a guest may attend to during his stay, or a (2) ‘working stock’ cattle or horse ranch, where a ranch guest may experience the real cowboy life, that is, herding and feeding cattle or horses during the day, tying up a rope in a perfect cowboy knot, and catching a strayed horse with a rope.
A working cattle guest ranch also has the basic amenities of a dude ranch. They offer basic horseback riding for kids, fishing trips in boats at a private pond, cabins with cots and mattresses, living area, a working kitchen, for week to month-long stay, and grilling area for the early morning or night grilling party for the entire family.
June to August is considered as the peak months for a working cattle guest ranch. During summer, families and people who are in-love with the ‘Western Era’ relieve the cowboy days in these ranches that look exactly like the western movies that we have grown to watch. This is because the original look of these ranches had been maintained even after centuries of herding.
Professional riders enjoy the natural setup of working cattle ranches. Those who have a horse bring their animal with them for ‘tuning-up.’ Horses of guests are set free to gallop around acres of private grasslands and join other horses, feeding on grasses and drinking on a cool, fresh lake.
Texas Ranches For Business Events?
Texas ranches, more than any other state, are the ranches that are most recognizable in the minds of most Americans. This is do, in part, to the indelible image and impression left on many people through numerous western films made over the years. Texas ranches have become both an integral part of American history and American popular culture.
Today, in addition to the traditional purpose of a ranch, some Texas ranches capitalize on this popularity by turning the ranches into visitor spots. However came up with this idea was a genius as these particular Texas ranches draw a fairly sizable number of visitors each year.
Now, these ranches are not “phony baloney” Texas ranches made up just for the visitors. Many are functional, working cattle ranches. They do, however, provide another service: the ranches are used as get-together spots and function as the backdrop for a variety of events.
One of the most popular events these ranches are used for is that of a corporate get together spot. One would think that corporate and ranch life lie at total opposite ends of the spectrum. Well, they are. That is why they are popular spots for corporate guests. A new, unique environment is a perfect environment to stimulate the relaxation a corporate “working vacation” conference or event requires. And it beats using the cliché of Disney World. These ranches are cheaper, too. No one on the ranch is going to charge anyone $5 for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
So, when considering a place to hold a conference or business event, a ranch can serve as an ideal place for your company to visit. It is a familiar environment (well, the Hollywood version is familiar) and most individuals would probably find the idea of a ranch as a meeting place as a really novel idea.
Colorado Ranches for Sale
Finding the Perfect Colorado Ranches for Sale Can Take Lots Of Time Unless You Know Where to Look
Colorado ranches for sale are available for a huge variety of different prices. Unlike ranches in places like Texas or New Mexico, Colorado ranches have much more variety to their landscapes and generally contain more than simple dirt and rocks. Depending on how much you are willing to spend on Colorado ranches for sale, you may be able to pick up a nice sized piece of property with majestic trees outlining it or with a river gracefully flowing by the main ranch house. Of course, all of these “extras” will come at a price, so do not expect to see too many Colorado ranches for sale that have an abundance of vegetation, wildlife and waterways to cost less than one million dollars. However, in comparison to higher priced ranches in other states, such as Montana, one million dollars is not a bad deal.
One of the smallest sized ranches for sale can be had for under five hundred thousand dollars. Although there is nothing built on the property as of yet, you will have over one hundred and fifty acres to explore, any of which are more than fit for you to build your very own ranch house, barn, stables and whatever else you desire. If you are willing to spend more than one million dollars for one of the various Colorado ranches for sale, you will open a lot more doors for what you can get. For example, just over a million dollars buys you a highly secluded ranch with more than two hundred acres that you can do nearly anything on. Furthermore, a piece of property for this price will almost always come with at least one structure on it, meaning you do not have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars extra to build a house on the property. All in all, if you are looking for a great deal on lots of property in America, check out the Colorado ranches for sale for a great bang for your buck.
Ranch Vacation
Ranch Vacations are Perfect For Enjoyable Family Adventures
In this high tech world full of constantly ringing cell phones, immediate Internet connectivity and bustling highways, sometimes you and your family just need to get away from it all. One of the best ways to escape from modern day society is to go on a vacation where you and your family can relax in beautifully crafted cabins and engage in day to day ranch tasks. Located in states throughout the union, a ranch vacation can range from a luxurious weekend in your very own cabin – far away from the rest of society – or a working vacation where you do your part to make the ranch work on a day to day basis. Whatever style of ranch vacation you choose to partake in, remember that the most important thing is that you and your family have a great time and manage to take in some wonderful memories. These are the experiences that your children will always keep with them, so do your part to make them spectacular.
One of the most popular varieties of ranch vacation is available in Tennessee. Located in the highly picturesque Smokey Mountains, a Tennessee ranch is available in either the working variety or the relaxing style. People who choose to venture to Tennessee for their ranch vacation will be wholly delighted by the magnificence of the newly remodeled ranch styled hotel which comes complete with eighteen hundreds style fixings like a giant saloon and several grand dance floors. If you feel like really going all out, you can rent out one of the ranch’s fully furnished cabins so you can totally enjoy the ranching experience and the wonderful views of the Tennessee mountain ranges. No matter which type of lodging you prefer for this ranch vacation, you will be given a complete itinerary which includes specific times for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as certain goings on at the ranch. Events include learning how to do ranch tasks like roping or riding a horse as well as white water rafting and cattle penning.