Welcome to the Ranch!

The other evening the Grimes County Jr. Deputy Sheriff’s Mounted Posse threw its annual end of the year banquet.  A catering company served hamburgers and all the fixin’s, beans, and peach cobbler.  A guest speaker from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo informed us about the opportunities offered by the organization.  She also made us laugh by listing off the ten most important things she had learned from her horse.

Jake, Kyla, and Clayton with their medals and belt buckles.

We said goodbye to one member who is beginning the next phase of her life at Texas A&M University.  Other members were recognized and given awards for their service.  Clayton, Kyla, and Jake all received a medal for completing their first year as members.  Kyla and Jake were both recognized for being top-sellers at a plant sale fundraiser in Navasota.  Additionally, all three were awarded fancy belt buckles for perfect attendance at all Posse events.

The belt buckles are huge!  They are nice, too.  Even each child’s name is on his/her buckle.  Kyla is going to need a wider belt to hold the buckle properly.  When Jake wears his new belt buckle, he receives a lot of attention.  People remark on its size.  So, can you grow into a belt buckle?  I think, they can.

Until then, all the kids are proud of them and are looking forward to another year of Posse events.  In fact, Cross Creek Cattle Company is hosting a trail ride for the Posse in October.  We all have some work to do before the ride.  Trails need to be cleaned up.  It is going to be fun and we are all looking forward to it.

Kyla, Clayton, and Jake in Posse uniform.

Hey, this is Jake again.  I love to ride my horse, Ladd, especially in the Grimes County Sheriff’s Jr. Deputy Mounted Posse with my dad, sister, and older brother.  My horse get a lot of exercise riding with the Posse.  One time we rode about 12 miles on a trail ride.  Ladd loved every minute of it.

Jake with Ladd in Plantersville Parade.

We ride in many parades.  The Christmas Parade in Navasota was at night.  Ladd was a little spooked with the loud Christmas music, the sirens on the fire trucks, and the flashing lights on the police cars.  To help calm my horse down, I spoke to Ladd in a calm, soothing voice.  I also patted him on the neck.  Ladd settled down because he trusts me.

Clayton and Jake with Posse on Pony Express ride through Grimes County.

Trust is built by riding and working with your horse.  You need to bond with your horse.  It is in both of your interests.  It will keep you both safe.  Also, I highly recommend finding a group of friends to ride your horse with.  Ladd and I really enjoy riding with our friends.