Adult Horseback Riding & Yoga Week with Emily Seymour
May 31st-June 7th   (adults only)

…..a week to ride, move cattle and improve your core strength on and off the horse!

Come join us and take advantage of working with Emily Seymour, a certified yoga instructor who will work with you each day to enhance your horseback riding experience. In yoga, the definition of the Sanskrit word “asana” means seat or posture. In the riding world, the seat is used to describe posture in the saddle. Emily will use a series of asanas to help the rider develop a solid, balanced seat, increase flexibility and strength and enhance movement from the body’s core. Breathing will be emphasized as a tool to bring awareness into the body. Whether you are an avid rider, occasional rider or a want-to-be rider, the morning yoga sessions will heighten your riding experience by enabling you to loosen muscles and thus better engage the horse.

Rich Poley, author of Self-Massage for Athletes says:

 “Her class is challenging, she is insightful…she plans her classes well. Her yoga presents a powerful physical workout…She leads a great shavasana... If you have an opportunity to practice    yoga with Emily, do it.”

More About Emily Seymour….
Emily is from the small coastal town of Camden, Maine. She has been studying yoga since 1995, initially as a part of her dance training. From ages 19-21, she apprenticed with an in-school African dance residency program that traveled throughout Maine, Arizona and New Hampshire. During this time she was involved with teaching dance and Hatha yoga to thousands of children, young people and adults. This experience inspired her to continue her formal education, and in 2004 she enrolled with Brockport College as a dance major. Between school sessions, she studied Ashtanga yoga and martial arts, noteworthy because these teachings influenced her decision to transfer to Naropa University in 2004. In 2006 Emily obtained her bachelor's degree in Yoga. At this time, Naropa is the only college outside of India where it is possible to receive accreditation in yoga. In May, 2007, she completed Naropa’s 1000 hour Yoga Teacher's Training certification. Emily has been teaching in the Boulder community since 2006, and has just accepted a position as the Yoga Manager for Boulder's newest climbing gym!

“Emily is my favorite teacher at Boulder Fitness….She focuses on the energy and inner body in her classes as well as the physical form…..Her class environment has no pretension and is as comfortable for   beginners as is challenging for long-time practitioners.” (Elle)  

More about the Week…

It will still be early spring in the Rockies, especially since we are at the 7000ft. elevation. The Little Snake River and creeks should be running full, grass growing with the warmer temperatures, wildlife returning with their young in tote or soon to deliver. The 1300 head of yearling cattle will have arrived and will be on forest pasture. In this early part of the season, we move the herd every few days to fresh grass. Guests who come this time of the year enjoy the riding, as it is done with a purpose.

This is a great time to come and ride as much as you would like and to participate in some of the other ranch offerings: hiking, birding, visiting local museums or mountain biking (bring own or rent).

The yoga sessions will be available to those who want to participate. Emily plans to teach an early morning session, before breakfast in the heated Ranch Hall. This spacious room has hardwood floors and paneling, with a view of the Middle Meadow and river. Mats and props will be available for those who do not have their own.

 Riding begins after breakfast and can include shorter rides, morning or afternoon rides or all day rides. After the last ride of the day and before dinner, Emily will offer a brief yoga session to relax and soothe mind and body.

All levels of riders as well as non-yoga to advanced yoga students welcomed. All other ranch activities available and as customary, you may participate as little or as much as you like.

Regular weekly rates apply and include group yoga.

Emily will also be offering private lessons for people who are new to yoga and need some help getting started, for people who are interested in fine tuning their practice, or for those who want to explore new ways to progress.  Her private sessions include gentle hands-on adjustments and bodywork (fully clothed), as well as yoga-centered life coaching. 

Private lessons are an additional charge and not covered in the weekly rates:

Fly Fishing Clinic with Cliff Watts
Week of July 5th-12th, 2009
(Regular weekly rates apply and all ranch activities available)

Cliff will be offering his fly fishing clinic again in 2009.  Whether you are new to fly fishing or just needing some tips, this clinic is designed to teach the fundamentals of fly fishing while providing practical experience. It is geared for those who want a thorough introduction to the sport. Topics to be covered include: fly casting techniques; gear; knot tying; trout behavior; water entomology and flies; river anatomy; fishing strategies and trout fishing techniques.

• Half Day Classes with the other half of the day for fishing or other ranch activities
• Classes limited to 6 people
• 5 half days of instruction
• 5 half days of fishing at Focus Ranch in the Little Snake River
• (1 full day trip to nearby waters if that fits)

Half Day Class Schedule:

• Day1 - Fly Casting Techniques
• Day2 - More on Casting, Gear, and Knots
• Day3 - Trout Behavior, Water Entomology and Flys
• Day4 - River Anatomy and Fishing Strategies
• Day5 – Trout Fishing Techniques

The flow of the scheduled programs will depend somewhat on participant’s knowledge and skill level ---- as well as the local hatches, best fishing time of the day and everyone's self-control.  Practicing can only be done so much, and then you just have to go fishing. It’s a great excuse to drop out of any class!

Where and when we fish will be weather and water dependent.
Participants will be emailed a list of equipment that they need to bring to the ranch including rod, reel, waders, flies and other gear.

Cliff Watts began fly fishing as a teenager, in north Georgia, and now in his 50’s, continues with the sport in Colorado and Wyoming. Trips to Russia, Argentina and Brazil have added to his resume along with his yearly outings to British Columbia. He has been coming to Focus for over 35 years and in that time, we have watched him teach kids and adults.

En Plein Air Painting Workshop
with David Haskell

August 23rd -28th, 2009

We are excited David Haskell has chosen Focus Ranch as one of his 2009 workshop sites. We know he will not be disappointed with the array of painting choices including creeks, river, aspens, cottonwoods, meadows, wildflowers, old cabins, and much more within a stone’s throw of the front yard! In setting up this workshop, we discussed the creative benefits to plein air painting while experiencing a ranch vacation. He is looking forward to this and we hope you are too. Read a little more about Dave and the week. If you have questions, get in touch. Dave will answer the workshop questions and we will answer the “week at the ranch” questions.               

~~~~Maureen & Terry~~~~~

“My paintings are the result of experiences in the field that have inspired my sense of awe and appreciation for the incredible beauty of the Western landscape.  I am particularly drawn to moving water and the power of vast open spaces…. Whether painting on site or later in the studio, I attempt to capture the quality of light and mood that inspired me at the time I witnessed the scene.” (David Haskell)

About the Instructor:  David Haskell has been teaching plein air painting workshops for five years.  He is a faculty instructor for Sedona Arts Center, Arizona and founder of the Sedona Plein Air Painters (SPAP). He is currently the President of the Arizona Plein Air Painters (APAP), and regularly participates in juried plein air festivals.  His painting style is referred to as representational with a soft, yet vibrant palette. Dave enjoys teaching and provides a great deal of personal attention in his workshops. Although best known for his dynamic paintings of the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Monument Valley, he takes frequent painting expeditions to other locations including the mountains of Colorado and the central California coast. Majestic, expansive scenes are often the subjects of his larger paintings while plein air and smaller studio paintings frequently feature river and creek scenes, colorful tree studies, and seascapes.  

For additional information, galleries and events, visit Dave’s website: www.dhaskellart.com

Workshop Description: This plein air artist workshop has been designed to take advantage of the variety of outstanding scenery and historic subject matter available on the Focus Ranch.  The workshop has a structured agenda that will be helpful for beginning as well as intermediate and advanced plein air artists.  Each day will feature teaching and demonstrating an important aspect of creating a successful plein air painting including: selecting the subject matter, simplifying reality, creating a powerful value design, color harmony, creating a center of interest, and enhancing distance perspective.  A primary focus will be on mastering the painting of river scenes and moving water by selecting several painting locations along the Little Snake River.

Other Activities: This is a beautiful time at the ranch, as we begin the transition from summer to fall. The daytime temperatures have moderated and at 7000 ft., the mornings and evenings are cool. Wildlife and livestock are adjusting to the seasonal changes, offering opportunities for scenic horseback riding. The ranch has an abundance of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging….the same holds true for mountain biking. With the river improvements made in 2008, fishing holes will supply sport for fly fishermen. Birds are beginning to migrate and so once again, we will see our feathered friends from the north. All in all, it is a great time to be at the ranch, either as a participant in the workshop or as a companion in tow, merely wanting the ranch experience.

A typical day at the ranch usually starts with a hearty breakfast-forewarned by the wake- up bell. After breakfast, guests will have options.Since early morning and late afternoon lighting is conducive to plein aire painting, Dave will organize and head out with participants. Others can choose to go riding, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, relaxing…. Lunch is the next scheduled meal and after this, everyone can choose again, an activity for the afternoon. This will enable workshop participants to enjoy a ranch activity such as horseback riding or fishing. Dave will determine the time to reconvene for the afternoon session.
After dinner, activities are flexible. This may be a time for discussion, reviewing work or time to just enjoy each other’s company and the ranch. We have learned over the years that less structure leaves the door open for accommodating each group’s preferences.

Deposit: $500 per person to confirm reservation. Cancellation 60 days prior to the workshop will allow for a full refund. Cancellation after that time may result in forfeiture of the deposit unless we can fill the space.
Maximum Number: 12  Minimum: 4
For additional information about a stay at the ranch, contact Focus Ranch,
 Maureen or Terry Reidy.  Phone: 970-583-2410 or mailto:roundup@focusranch.com

Workshop Information- David Haskell…mailto:dhaskell2@msn.com
Phone: (928) 567-9873; website- www.dhaskellart.com

Focus Ranch with Jerry Sieve Present
2009 Fall Photography Workshop
September 20th-26th

Focus Ranch in the fall abounds with the colors of autumn, for which the Rocky Mountains are famous. The ranch headquarters is nestled in the Upper Little Snake River Valley and is surrounded by the peaks of the Sierra Madre Mountain range, providing spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The Little Snake River flows lazily, breaking the stillness of the ranch. The horses, cows, calves and even the pigs seem to sense there are few of these glorious days left before a blanket of white covers the ground. It is these sights and many more that we invite you to experience in a variety of ways: horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking or just relaxing. We are certain you will find endless photo ops both during the workshop and while enjoying the ranch.

JERRY SIEVE :
“I have had the honor of searching the North American landscape for moments in time which express the essence of the natural world. Certainly I have experienced many more "moments" than I could ever record. However, the ability to respond to most of these natural events is a skill learned over time. What is required? A precise understanding of light and its various effects on the landscape.”

Jerry has worked 30 years as a professional scenic/nature photographer. Over 2500 of Jerry’s images have been published worldwide. His work can be found in books, publications and calendars as well as in numerous corporate and private collections. To name just a few:                                                    
Arizona Highways Magazine, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation and National Geographic…..
Jerry has taught over 40 photography workshops in various locations across the nation. Since 1990, he has taught many workshops for Friends of Arizona Highways. Arizona Highways Magazine has published over 600 of his images with at least 11 of them featured on the cover.

Workshop Details:
Dates: Sunday, September 20th – 26th
Check in is Sunday afternoon, September 20th.
(It is best to arrive in the afternoon to have sufficient time to settle in and become acquainted.)
This workshop is designed for beginners to semi-professionals, using digital or film. (Film development unavailable but Jerry will review workshop photos submitted to him on a dvd). The participant should be familiar with the operation of the camera so that instruction can focus on technique.
Workshop Objectives:
Jerry will evaluate each student’s skill level so that he can direct his instruction towards improving technique and creativity.

The student will spend time in the field during the day. Evenings will be reserved for review and lecture. The workshop is designed to maximize Jerry’s ability to observe, teach and to make the experience enjoyable. You will have time during the day for other Ranch activities.

Ranch Activities: This is a beautiful time at the ranch, as transition from summer to fall. The daytime temperatures have moderated and at 7000 ft., the mornings and evenings are cool. Wildlife and livestock are adjusting to the seasonal changes, offering opportunities for scenic horseback riding. The ranch has an abundance of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging….the same holds true for mountain biking. With the river improvements made in 2008, fishing holes will supply sport for fly fishermen. Birds are beginning to migrate and so once again, we will see our feathered friends from the north. All in all, it is a great time to be at the ranch, either as a participant in the workshop or as a companion in tow, merely wanting the ranch experience.
A typical day at the ranch usually starts with a hearty breakfast-forewarned by the wake- up bell. After breakfast, guests will have options. Since early morning and late afternoon lighting is conducive to photographing, Jerry will organize and head out with participants. Others can choose to go riding, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, relaxing…. Lunch is the next scheduled meal and after this, everyone can choose again, an activity for the afternoon. This will enable workshop participants to enjoy a ranch activity such
as horseback riding or fishing. Jerry will determine the time to reconvene for the afternoon session.
After dinner, activities are flexible. This may be a time for discussion, reviewing work or time to just enjoy each other’s company and the ranch. We have learned over the years that less structure leaves the door open for accommodating each group’s preferences.
 

Cost for 4 day workshop:
Arrive Sunday (9/20) afternoon and leave Friday morning (9/26) - total cost for workshop, 5 night stay, food, ranch activities, including tax and gratuity:
Single: $1360
Double occupancy: $1121/person
Full Week Stay including workshop:
(Sunday to Sunday stay)
Single: $1900…all inclusive
Double occupancy: $1570/person…all inclusive
(This week is available to non-workshop participants too so you don’t need to travel/vacation alone). Transportation: There will be a $50 per trip charge for transportation to and from Steamboat Springs airport or town.

Deposit: $500 per person to confirm reservation. Cancellation 60 days prior to the workshop will allow for a full refund. Cancellation after that time may result in forfeiture of the deposit unless we can fill the space.
Maximum Number: 15; Minimum: 4
For additional information about a stay at the ranch, contact Focus Ranch,
 Maureen or Terry Reidy.  Phone: 970-583-2410 or mailto:roundup@focusranch.com

Photography Information:  Jerry Sieve Phone: 480-488-9561 or
 email: sieveimages@qwestoffice.net
Website: www.sieveimages.com