Thoughts, Ramblings, and dreams of Stache Ranch

  Understanding Communication: Human vs. Horse Interaction Humans and horses interact within their own social structures, each guided by a different set of principles. People are taught from a young age that social interaction requires restraint and gentleness—hitting, biting, and other forms of aggression are discouraged. Instead, human societies rely on verbal communication, laws, and social norms to maintain order. In contrast, horses establish hierarchy and maintain social cohesion through physical actions, including bites and kicks, especially in their early years. These contrasting approaches to communication and discipline may explain why humans often struggle to adopt a natural and effective communication style when working with horses. The Social Structure of Humans vs. Horses Human societies are built upon rules, ethical guidelines, and social expectations that promote harmony and cooperation. From childhood, people are taught conflict resolution through discussion, compr...

  Bridging Precision and Intuition: The Parallels Between Intraoperative Monitoring and Horsemanship In my day-to-day work as an intraoperative monitoring technologist, I am responsible for ensuring the safety of patients undergoing spine and brain surgeries. This role demands an acute awareness of physiological signals, real-time decision-making, and seamless collaboration with surgeons and medical teams. When I step out of the operating room and into the world of horses and riders, I find that many of the same skills apply—albeit in a different setting. At first glance, neuromonitoring and horsemanship might seem worlds apart. However, both fields require a keen sense of observation, a deep understanding of biomechanics, and the ability to respond to subtle cues. Whether I’m monitoring nerve pathways during a delicate spinal procedure or helping a rider refine their communication with their horse, my approach remains the same: precision, adaptability, and respect for the subject ...

The Top 5 Things People Say Make Them Unhappy and How to Flip the Script Life can feel overwhelming at times, and many of us find ourselves dwelling on what we’re missing. We focus on the things we don’t have, the time that slips away, or the goals that feel just out of reach. But what if we shifted our perspective? Here are five common struggles people say make them unhappy along with ways to flip the script and turn them into opportunities. 1. I Don’t Have Enough Time. The Struggle: Life is busy, and between work, family, and responsibilities, it often feels like there's not enough time for the things we love reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. Flip It: Instead of focusing on the lack of time, evaluate how you're spending it. Often, time isn't the issue prioritization is. Can you wake up 30 minutes earlier? Swap an hour of TV for a book? Set boundaries with social media use? Small changes can help you reclaim your time. Example: If you struggle to find ...

  A Good Ride Is Not Easy I've heard people say they got into the Ranch discipline because it’s easy. And yes, the Ranch discipline is accessible to newcomers because it’s not about how much your horse costs, what clothes you wear, or who made your saddle; it’s about the quality of your ride. While it may be easier to get started in this discipline, don’t be mistaken—it’s far from easy. When I first encountered the Ranch discipline in 2015, I was that kid who showed up in a wade saddle, a hackamore, and an outfit that made me look like I had just stepped out of a John Wayne movie. Sure, I had some good rides, but it quickly became clear that the gear didn’t define the horse’s performance. Now, while my perspective is rooted in the Ranch discipline, the core of what makes a good ride applies to any discipline. Whether you're in your work jeans, a t-shirt, or your everyday ball cap, the essence of a truly great ride isn’t about the outward appearance—it’s about the heart of th...

  Ranch Riding is not the Ranch discipline I have been showing in the ranch discipline since 2015 when most shows only offered Ranch riding, Ranch pleasure, and ranch confirmation. I’ve attended many AQHA shows that only offered Ranch riding. I understand the confusion, but I would like to let y’all know that The class “Ranch Riding” IS NOT the standard for a great ranch horse. Ranch Riding is one class in a group of classes (That make up the Ranch discipline), each class measures the horses ability to complete maneuvers that you may see on the ranch. I have heard these phrases recently “I am making a Ranch riding horse” or “I will just show my ranch horse in the ranch riding class.” These statements just say that you, the rider/trainer/teacher, are limiting you and your horse's ability. Ranch horses are made on the ranch, covering the country, and completing tasks to keep the ranch operating. If you're limiting yourself to just making a horse for a specific class then it has b...