Q1 Newsletter
Dear New Branch Ranch Members,
As we move into 2026, we are grateful for your continued commitment to the ranch and our horses. As a part of the revitalization plan for the new year, we are streamlining operations and improving communication with clients. This newsletter will be shared at least quarterly. We are also working toward launching a member forum on the website in the upcoming weeks–more details will be shared soon.
Please review the following updates carefully. Several action items are required to allow continued participation and ensure safety for clients, horses, and guests.
Member Contracts
Updated member contracts will be distributed in the coming weeks. These contracts will include revised policy agreements and stipulate competency checks to ensure the safety of our horses, members, and staff. All members must review, sign, and return the updated contract by February 1st.
Tack Care and Fit
All tack must be properly fitted to each horse to prevent sores and injury. If you are unsure about fit, ask before riding. After use, clean and store tack correctly. Proper tack care protects the horses and extends the life of ranch equipment.
Tack Repairs
We are working on having a designated tack repair box. Any damaged or unsafe headstalls, reins, saddle pads, and girth straps must be placed in this box and reported so items can be evaluated and repaired. Until the box is placed and given a permanent designated location, please place all damaged tack in the side room. If a saddle is damaged, please alert Melissa immediately and place it on the saddle rack in the side room. Do not continue using damaged equipment.
End-of-Ride Etiquette
Before leaving, please sweep, remove manure, clean buckets/holding pens and return all supplies to their proper places. Keeping shared spaces clean is expected and reduces unnecessary work for others.
Herd Updates
Bandit displays aggressive behavior, including kicking and biting. Extreme caution is required. Do not enter his space without authorization. At this time, Melissa is his designated handler. We request that nobody bring him up front, groom, or feed him until we can reassess for improved behavior.
Hercules recently experienced a colic episode and will no longer receive grain per veterinary instruction. Do not feed him outside of approved protocols.
Ricky and Iceman will be heading back into training for the next few months and throughout the show season. While we will certainly miss having them at the ranch each day, this time in training will be an important investment in their emotional, physical, and mental health and well being.
Feeding Guidelines
In light of recent health scares, we are tightening feeding protocols. Approved feeding plans must be followed exactly. In the coming weeks, feed will be individually bagged and labeled to ensure each horse’s needs are met without waste. Do not add grain or supplements without management approval. Please limit treats and do not give them to horses who act pushy about them–if a horse cannot take a treat calmly, continuing to give treats may increase the likelihood of biting.
Security
Due to a recent threat of illegal repossession of abandoned horses, security measures at the ranch are being increased. Cameras will be installed in all shared spaces including around the pen area, at the gates, and in pasture. If you or guests plan to be on the property, it is now mandatory to add your visit to the calendar (even if you do not ride) and include names of everyone present so we have a record of all visitors. Guests must be approved in advance and must sign waivers upon their first arrival to the ranch. Report any suspicious activity immediately to management.
Motorized Vehicle Use on Property
Motorized Vehicles must be operated responsibly at all times. Maintain safe speeds, remain aware of horses and riders, and limit noise. Motorized vehicles are to be used for horse related activities only (ex: retrieving horses for trail rides, checking on the herd or trail conditions). Motorized vehicles may not be used in the pastures and on the trails for entertainment purposes.
Thank you for your cooperation, accountability, and continued care for the horses and the ranch. These standards are in place to protect everyone and ensure the long-term health of New Branch Ranch. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please continue to communicate so they can be addressed in a timely fashion. Kyle has graciously accepted the position of member liaison and from this point forward will be the point of contact for non-emergent comments or concerns.
Sincerely,
The New Branch Ranch Foundation Team