Last Comic Standing

Guess our surprise when Kay received a call from the producers of NBC's "Last Comic Standing" series to see if we could provide the host, Bill Bellamy with a little flavor of the Texas western lifestyle. After the first few minutes of skepticism, it sounded like the real deal so off for our 15 minutes of fame (ok probably more like 2-3 minutes, but we take what we can get.) NBC wanted to get some film of Bill learning to be a cowboy to highlight Texas's Western heritage. So after getting Mr. Bellamy into the proper attire, we got him on horseback, introduced him to roping and then the proper mucking of a stall. His interview with a cow was hilarious.... We look forward to watching what parts will make it into the show which should air on NBC in April. Though time was short because of production and filming schedules we thoroughly enjoyed working with Bill and his filming crew - y' all come back when ya got time to sit for a while -

Another French Invasion

It was once again our pleasure to host the French Association of Houston's "Day in the country" outing on the 3rd of February, 2008. This year's event was bigger and better than ever with over 100 of the association's members attending the event. As with the past 2 years the horseback and trail riding was the focus, in addition we had several aspiring young ropers practicing on the 'dummies'... then on each other, a fantastic Texas-Style lunch consisting of superbly smoked brisket with all the trimmings and for those who wished to see the ranch other than on horseback - a hayride. The weather once again cooperated, while not the sunny skies we were hoping for, the predicted rain did hold off till after the event. As always, we had a grand time and enjoyed sharing our little slice of the Texas country side with them. Of course we could not have hosted so many with out the help of our friends - Thanks go out to the Sara Robinson and Sara Bowse and the Free Spirit 4H club for providing the lunch services, the Hickman Ranch Speed girls for being the leaders for the "lead-line" rides and providing their horsemanship demonstrations, Scott Fisher and his roping students for the roping demonstration, and Lupe Ortega for providing the much enjoyed hayrides. A special thanks to Patricia Sterbenz for her keen organizational skills and keeping the riders rotating through so all could enjoy. We thoroughly enjoyed the French Association's visit and look forward to our continued friendship in the future.

If you would like to see more pictures of the event, please click on the picture below to be taken to the web album.

French Association of Houston's 2008 "Day in the Country

Alaskan Clydesdale

Only in Alaska ...... This fellow raised an abandoned moose calf with his horses and has trained it for lumber removal and other hauling tasks. Given the 2,000 pounds of robust muscle, and the splayed, grippe hooves, he claims it is the best work animal he has. He says the secret to keeping the moose around is a sweet salt lick, although during the rut he disappears for a couple of weeks, but always comes home... impressive!

Now my only question... can it chase cows or run barrels. This picture was forwarded to us from one of our boarders - Angela Guy who is quite an accomplished photographer ... though this image isn't one of her own. Her gallery can be viewed on her web-site www.horsephotoguy.com

Inspirational Ride

The following is linked to download one of the most awe inspiring rides I've have seen. Stacey Westfall's Championship Freestyle Reining - Bareback, "Bridleless Reining." We, at Hickman Ranch however still recommend saddles and bridles. And please do not attempt to stand on your horse - Stacey Westfall is a professional trainer and is well aware of the risks. Her website is www.westfallhorsemanship.com

Southern Texas Playday Association Results:

During the Summer and Fall of 2007, the STPA held a Saddle Series and under the tutelage of Jim Howell seven riders from Hickman Ranch participated. The first two events fell to the rainy weather we are so use to here in Southeastern Texas with the remaining 5 events stretching from August till the last event November 17th. It was an exciting series with all the girls showing remarkable improvements in their skill through faster and cleaner runs. The competition was fierce and first place wasn't decided till the very last run. When the dust had settled, Kyle Robinson finished in second place, Michelle Goss took fourth, Kate Meyer was 5th and Sara Hunter secured 6th place. Lynn Robinson and Emily Opperman, while not finishing in the money as they say, did show great improvement and what is most important, had fun. In the younger age group Abby Cousins participated in her first show ever and was by far the best color coordinated one at the show. Pictured at right Kate Meyer, Kyle Robinson, Olivia Robinson, Melissa Warwick, Sara Hunter and Michelle Goss. Congratulations to all.

Halloween 2007

Disregard the posting date, just want to share the photos I had from the last Halloween party held at the ranch. For those who would like to view larger pictures, please click the picture below to view the album. Use the back arrow key in your browser to return here

Halloween 2007

If anyone who attended the event has pictures they would like to include, please send them to jrhick@gmail.com