As the New Year rolls in, it is a good time to reflect on the year past and anticipate the year ahead. At Black Mountain Ranch, we are excited about what is in store for 2012! The horses still have a few months of holiday in warmer pastures while we are busy prepping for the 2012 season. We began construction on our two newest cabins this past September and we look forward to having them available this summer! We are, also, using this time to reflect on why we do what we do. This much is certain, we are passionate: About horses, a good pair of cowboy boots, hot coffee, a crackling fire, and people. One of the greatest gifts the past 20 years has given is the multitude of people who have crossed our paths and played in our paddocks. Black Mountain Ranch gives to so many people the opportunity to slow down & unplug. Recently the New York Times featured an article The Joy of Quiet, speaking to how our culture is lacking just that, quiet. You won’t find cell phone reception or an Internet connection that is worth using up at the ranch, so for many of our guests at the ranch, we are just that. A space for reflection, adventure, and a little less noise. Henry David Thoreau stated, “We have more and more ways to communicate but less and less to say.” The possibility Black Mountain Ranch gives for so many families to gather for an un-rushed dinner together without the constant hum of the TV, the chance to reconnect. For some kids, their time here is their first camping experience. We have plenty of couples who simply love horses and come to spend some relaxing time. Others choose us to celebrate an anniversary filled adventure. Getting to create hundreds of small moments every week for all kinds of guests makes this one of the best jobs on the planet. It helps that we are pretty darn good at it.   Cheers to 2012! From everyone at Black Mountain Ranch