The Dude and his dogman Chris

begun with the dogs here pulling our ATV’s down the dirt roads and trails around the wilderness lodge.   It is great to be running the dogs again after a long and warm summer up here in the mountains.   The Dude Is really growing up fast so come on up and visit him and all his friends here soon.

Jay Meets Jack llama

Ruthie and Jay sharing some laughter with Jack and Sweet Grass

Jay and Ruthy from NYC had a great time today getting a very intimate introduction to the our friendly llama’s- Jay is one of NY’s finist- and it took a little courage for him to go nose to nose with his very first Llama.. Jack Llama was willing to take a pepperment from Jays lips- bringing great laughter from his… wife Ruthy.. Ruth went next sharing affection and mints with Jack the super llama- then it was off for a hike up into Grafton Notch state Park for some water slides and exceptional views. Only one day in their NYC escape and they have already forgotten about the heat and the crowds and for real life city folks they are well on their way to becoming “Country Bumpkins” themselves. Tommorrow it is time to become Horse people.     We are thinking that after a day with our horses and Leo’s instruction Jay will be ready to join the mounted police down there.

The Seven week old Pups – Crossing this small brook for the first time ever– Is a very big deal for this little puppy  named “Chippy”  .. she and her siblings all made it across this brook somehow. Everything that they learn in these “early developement” trips here are very important later in life- If the pups get used to and comfortable with water now,  then later in life when they are crossing rivers while dog sledding here in the New England or in a long distance race in the Yukon Territories- the fact that they got comfortable with water young is very very important. One in a long list of things to acclimatize our pups to.   We spend a lot of time here at the Telemark Inn Wilderness Lodge “training” our animals to new and different experiences that they will be subjected to in the course of their mature lifes, whether it be the llamas or the horses or our sled dogs-   every new situation that they comfortably work though  and survive and then turn into a playful experience (such as this brook crossing)  will build trust into the animals toward our (us humans) decision making abilities- therefore our animals with be more prone to follow our “suggestions”  in the future.    comman sence..   once again in animal training.   simple stuff..   straight forward and linear in nature.

July 18th riding lessons in our new Adirondack Riding Ring

Jessica and younger sister Caitlin came over  for their bi-weekly horseback riding lessons and trail rides yesturday.   These two girls are really improving their riding skills and confidence as well-  something that working and being with large animals helps develop in  people of all ages.  Jessica rode “Red”  our Appendix Quarter Horse and Caitlin rode “Piper” our government line Morgan mare.      And of course after the riding it was all about the new pups.     It is great to see the evolution of young children into responsible and conscience kids-  tending and working with horses leaves no other alternative-   one cannot be irresponsible and unattentive and ride a horse at the same time-   horses help children of all ages develop into more understanding adults-  if they choose to listen to what the horse is saying to them…..   Listen to what the horse is whispering to you:     can you hear it???   These two kids are really starting to learn the language.  It starts slowly and then becomes a way of life..   Listening to species other than our own- and understanding what is being communicated.    Horses are a big start in this direction..  And It’s a great and fun learning process to be part of.    Summertime Horse Camp at the Telemark Inn Wilderness Lodge.