Cielo Ranch

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.

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.

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