Cielo Ranch

10/01/2024

Bittersweet. There isn’t a more appropriate word to describe this next chapter. After 25 years of boarding Cielo Ranch will be sliding the barn doors shut for the last time at the end of 2024. In two and a half decades we’ve had the privilege of caring for many unique and talented horses. We’ve met great horsemen and women, skilled providers, and lots of friends in the industry. We’re grateful for the partnerships we’ve formed along the way, and for the trust that was instilled in us to care for these majestic animals.

Over the years we’ve learned many valuable lessons, and we also look back with wonderful memories. We will miss the horses and the people, but also the beautiful land that was not just our business, but our home.

We want to specifically thank each of our wonderful boarding clients - many who became like family, as well as a special thanks to Janssen Veterinary Clinic for being a trusted partner of ours since day one. They are the best in the business.

As for future plans, Ellen stays very busy raising her seven young children along side her husband Matt, and Bob will be downsizing to a less demanding home close by to his grandchildren. He looks forward to spending his first winter in 25 years, warm and indoors.

06/18/2024

Cielo is very grateful for our 25 year partnership with the team at Janssen Veterinary Clinic. We can appreciate the tremendous demands of the veterinary profession. Their dedication never goes unnoticed.

Words cannot describe the admiration we have for our team of doctors. We are amazed by how they continually go above and beyond for our clients, patients, and fellow teammates. They even maintain their sense of humor when we ask for a picture in their crowns (from Burger King 🤣). We invite you to share words of support and encouragement with them in honor of Veterinarian Appreciation Day on June 18th. Many thanks to you, our clients, for your part in providing the opportunity to have such a great team! https://jvc.vet/veterinarians

12/11/2023

This morning we experienced an emergent, freak situation that required the help of Dr. Lydia Mudd of Janssen Veterinary Clinic and the Westfield Fire Department. We are incredibly grateful for their help, and we are happy to report that the very brave, calm mare who is in our care came away with only minor surface wounds.

07/14/2023

COOL SCIENCE (pun intended)!

An old myth wants us to believe that horses should be walked until they cool completely after exercise, even in the summer. However, a study from 2020 looked at five different ways to cool a horse after exercise: walking, walking with fans, walking with intermittent cold water application, walking with intermittent cold water application and scraping, and stationary with continuous tap water application. As it turns out, the method that resulted in the quickest return to normal body temperature was stationary with continuous tap water application (2 minutes), while walking alone took the longest time for recovery (25 minutes).

Bottom line: enjoy your rides in the sun this summer but remain vigilant for signs of heat stress in your horse. If they look tired, it’s time for a drink, a cool bath, and a break in the shade.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

03/31/2023

02/09/2023

Barn help needed. Full or part time position available Monday - Friday at Westfield horse barn. Duties include
general horse care such as feeding, turn out, stall cleaning, restocking of hay and bedding, operate farm machinery,
maintain arenas and other duties as assigned. Must be able to lift 50 lbs, work well independently and as part of
a team, and be willing to work outside as duties require. Hourly wage will vary with experience. Living quarters
available. Experience preferred, but will train the right person. Please message for contact info and to schedule an interview.

12/23/2022

Get the Horses Through the Night

To all my friends from near and far who care for equine beast:
May the winter chill that bites to bone still allow some peace

May all the fuzzy coats, whether God or human made
Hold tight their blessed body heat and keep shivering at bay

May water in faucets and spigots flow free, not turn to frozen stone
If nothing else, may buckets feel light as we tote them from cozy homes

May forage be dry and fragrant and plentiful in their favorite form
Keep their mouths and bellies busy, making fuel to burn for warmth

May their shelter be steadfast, whether forest or treeline, stall, run-in, or shed
Hold them strong and standing tall to shield from gnashing wind

Last, not least, keep their handlers calm-ease their worried heads
These frigid times have a way of making them worry for four-legged friends

May the warmth of bath or fire or drink ease the ache of all their strain
Help them know they’ve done the best they could, their work is not in vain

May their overall wish be granted when the morning does arrive
Greet them with nickers and grateful nuzzles: just get the horses through the night

-Jessica Joyce

11/12/2022

Cielo ❤️ Team Echo!

Lexington, Ky.—Nov. 11 Echo has been a part of Alison Dodd’s life for more than 10 years, and when they cantered down centerline at the U.S. Dressage Finals on Thursday for the open Intermediaire II championship, they weren’t just competing fo...

06/10/2022

WE'RE HIRING!

Do you have experience with horses and a passion for serving kiddos? Consider joining our team of talented and dedicated horse handlers!

We're looking for a part-time horse handler to longline our horses during therapy sessions, ensure best practices in safety, and assist with barn and equine care.

👉Learn more and apply here: https://www.childrenstheraplay.org/careers