Desert Rose Ranch Arabians

Bob participated in the Father’s Day Car Show held annually in Warrenton.  Some great old cars were on display with many friends like Fred Furtado (who brought his own car) and Dean Eckleberry stopping by to say hello.

Bob & Linda (along with Linda’s sis Lauren and bro-in-law Ken) visited Niagara Falls on the Canadian side to celebrate their 45th anniversary in June 2009.

Bob & Linda attending the Warrenton Va June 21 2009 Father’s Day Car Show along with their 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 two door hardtop (stick shift with O/D and 312 cu engine but who is counting????

DRR Bocephus (Bo) is presented here with his new owner Carolyn York winning the blue ribbon at his first dressage test of the year.  We always feel like proud parents when one of our off spring does well and our congratulations to Carolyn for all of her fine efforts with him.  We look forward to much more success from this classy pair in the future.

We wish to thank Stephanie Harding for purchasing our beloved Percheron mare ” Maggie Degas”.  Maggie has been our gentle giant favorite here at The Desert Rose Ranch and she has produced some beautiful 1/2 Arabian foals for us over the years.  It is always a bit of a sad day when it is time to sell one of our treasured horses, but in this case - Maggie has found a wonderful new home and we have met some new friends in Stephanie and her husband Brent.   Thanks again Stephanie and we hope you have many pleasurable years with Maggie.

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of John Sharp at his home in Prineville Oregon this February 2009.  This picture was taken when Frank Bell and I visited John in 2005.  It was a real privilege to finally meet John after years of reading about his horsemanship feats and further to learn that the majority of his adult life was spent near my childhood home in the high desert country of Oregon.  Frank’s words say it best in that “I’ve lost a great friend but will retain wonderful memories forever”.

John Sharp is a somewhat unsung Oregon cowboy who is finally getting the recognition he deserves at age 92. John is featured in the December issue of Western Horseman beginning on page 100 and the article is a tribute to his contributions to the horse training world. He first perfected a technique back in 1936 of training wild mustang horses that never had human contact with the use of a 12 foot bamboo pole and this method is proving useful in other instances as well. His grand daughter is now carrying on the tradition taught to her by John and she has produced an excellent video in her own right. The article attributes John first gaining international recognition after he attended a clinic put on by Frank Bell in 1997 after which the two linked up to participate in several Wild Horse Work Shops. Frank then produced his own video with John using the pole technique and Frank has now passed on that information to his accredited instructors like myself. I participated in one of Franks clinics in Oregon at the grand opening of another of his AI’s in 2005 and then he and I visited John at his Prineville ranch where the above picture was taken. What a pleasure it was to learn from and listen to the stories of a true no frills but honest to goodness real life cowboy trainer.

Our good friend, mentor and legendary horse whisperer/gentling specialist Frank Bell will return to Virginia for another one of his clinics that have been so successful in the past.  The clinic will be held at Diana Graves Moonraker Stables in Catlett Va. again on May 2nd and 3rd.  For more information about the clinic and to sign up - contact Diana at 540/788-4458 or email at moonrakerstable@earthlink.net.  Accredited instructor Bob Claymier will again assist with the clinic and can be contacted through his website for further details.  The rider portion of this clinic usually fills up quickly so those interested should not hesitate in securing their reservation.  Spectators are always an integral part of the presentation and are most welcome as well.

The Desert Rose Ranch held a client appreciation day on 21 September 2008.  We were fortunate to have beautiful weather for the event and welcomed some 100 guests from near and far.  We roasted a lamb, goat and deer plus were entertained by the wonderful sounds of “From the Heart” band.  Our thanks to all of those who chose to honor us with their presence.

Our two year old colt - Al Rakkad (Rokki) is really starting to come into his own and trying to convince us that he is stallion material which only time will tell.  We really like his temperment and gentle attiitude which - coupled with his gorgeous looks - is leaning us in the direction of retaining him as a breeding stallion.

The new owner of DRR Formal Affair (Flair) - Gretchen Pugh - has advised that she recently won Grand and Reserve Championships in H/A Sport Horse Mares in Hand.  Flair also is receiving training in reining and showing expectional promise.  We look forward to hearing about her future progress and success.