DIY Décor

VisitNicaragua

CaliforniaDreaming

STYLEWe head out on Route 66 looking to capture that

unique American style. Two girls , One Mustang, and the

Open Road.

Featuring: Amber Scholl (Left)

Riria Niimura (Right)

Make Up by Priscilla Miranda

of Beautified Artistry

The Wannabe Cowgirl shows us some great tips on bringing the western vibe inside with simple DIY Tablescapes.

Central America’s best tourist hot spot, surf, sun, and adventure.

Equestrian Lifestyle events in the Golden State

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CONTENT

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Editor’s Letter

Hello everyone,

I am thrilled to be taking over as editor of Cassidy Magazine and I hope you like the direction we are going. I know we can make Cassidy the magazine of choice for those who love American style, adventure, and living life the cowgirl way. I have grown up around amazing cowgirls and I am so happy that I am a part of a publication that celebrates the American Woman and the West.

Please feel free to contact me with suggestions, story ideas, or anything else you can think of at mike@cassidymagazine.com

Mike SatterfieldEditorCassidy Magazine

Mike Satterfield has worked in media and design for over 15 years. As co-founder of western lifestyle company RBR Wholesale Mike is deeply connected to the western fashion community. Serving as a contributor Mike has photographed events like Santa Fe Fashion Week, WESA, and Magic Market Week for Cassidy. His work has been published I magazines and books in the UK, France, Australia, Japan, and the US.

Born and raised in Southern, California Mike grew up on a small ranch in a agricultural preserve. Mike likes to spend his down time working on his classic race car, traveling, and volunteering with the NGO the Harvest Initiative. He resides with his wife in Southern California, not far from the ranch he grew up on.

ContributorsBri Seeley

Olivia Berg

Kathy Satterfield

Abigail Miles

Michelle Blixen

Amber Scholl

Riria Niimura

Priscilla Miranda

of Beautified ArtistryOlivia Berg

Amber Scholl

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The Inspirational Woman Project was born out of Bri Seeley's eponymous fashion line, which was focused on inspiring real women in their passions, businesses, personal lives, and more. It was a fashion brand to help women BE women. But what Seeley found was that women were not comfortable stepping into their femi-ninity and embodying their womanhood. This inspired a 31 day blog series wherein women were interviewed about what it meant to be a woman, when they feel most feminine, and their favorite thing about being a woman. Two weeks into this series, Seeley was inspired to expand the project into a coffee table book and a movement.

Seeley conducted 99 interviews over a course of 8-weeks for the coffee table book content. Shortly after conclud-ing the interviews, the project was launched on Kick-starter and after successfully raising $15,000 in five weeks the transcript was sent off to the printer. It was exactly six months between the first interview on 7/7/2014 and the delivery of 500 books on 1/7/2015.

Since the delivery of the books, Seeley has been working diligently on expanding the project into a movement. There are many developments in the works (including a second volume of the book!), so be sure to stay connect-ed with the project through their website (www.briseeley.com) and social media.

Facebook.com/theinspirationalwomanprojecttwitter.com/inspwomanprojctinstagram.com/inspwomanprojct

"The Inspirational Woman Project believes that every woman is inspirational - it's our mission to tell their stories!"

The book can be purchased at www.briseeley.com

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Jalapeno Bacon Sandwich Photo by Steve Buissinne

Jalapeno Bacon Sandwich

4 jalapeños sliced8 slices thick bacon4 buns/bread4 tablespoons unsalted butter1/2 White Onion Cut in rings

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Place jalapeño onto the prepared baking sheet, cut side down. Place into oven and roast just until the skin has blackened around the edges, about 6-8 minutes. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.Grill Sliced Onions in bacon grease until golden brown around edges..Toast buns/bread slices in oven to liking.Spread 1/2 tablespoon butter over 1 side of each bun/bread slice. Top with roasted jalapeño, 2 slices bacon, onions and then top with bun/slice of bread, buttered side up, to create a sandwich.

Serve immediately!

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AmericanStyle for Spring

American and western style have become some of the hottest trends in the world of fashion, for most of us, it’s just how we’ve always dressed. Brands both big and small are recreating classic American styles with modern twists and we like the look of it.

Photos by Mike Satterfield

Rain is a Good Thing Sweatshirt by TumbleRoot

Red Tank top by Cowgirl Tuff

Boots by Durango via Urban Western Wear

Adventure is Out There Sweatshirt by Original Cowgirl Clothing Co.

Boots by Lane Boots

Tunic by Tasha Polizzi for T.P Saddle Blanket

Boots by Durango via Urban Western Wear

Gemstone Desert Flower Bracelet by Ollipop Goes Country

The Tucson buckskin fringe bag By Triesta for Wild Bleu Boutique

Tunic by Tasha Polizzi for T.P Saddle Blanket

Gemstone Desert Flower Bracelet by Ollipop Goes Country

Shirt by Roar via Urban Western WearTank Top by TumbleRootJeans Turquoise Sunset in Spitfire by AriatBelt “The Apache” and Leather Cuff “Cowboy Canyon” By Triesta for Wild Bleu Boutique“Sunshine” Boots by Lane

Shirt by Roar via Urban Western Wear

Tank Top by TumbleRoot

Jeans Turquoise Sunset in Spitfire by Ariat

Belt & Leather Cuff By Triesta for Wild Bleu Boutique

“Muzzel Loader” Bag by Original Cowgirl Clothing Co.

Thunderhill Skull Necklaceby Ollipop Goes Country

“Aztec Print” Tank Topby Cowgirl Tuff

“Free Sprit” Tank Topby Original Cowgirl Clothing Co.

2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Convertible

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Olivia BergIs a former former-career-woman-turned-country-girl…after ditching her corporate job in favor of a quiet life on the farm, she started The Wannabe Cowgirl blog, where she chronicles her adventures in rural living, DIY projects, and the process of building her family’s dream barn-house. In her spare time, she loves talking to her horses, hunting, running her graphic design company, and work-ing outside with her hubby and lil’ cow-girl-in-training.

HOME

Photographs: Olivia Berg

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The Wannabe Cowgirl CREATE A STYLE THE IS ALL YOUR OWN

Howdy! I’m Olivia from The Wannabe Cowgirl Design, and I’m so excited to be joining Cassidy Magazine to bring you some fabulous DIY projects and home decor inspiration! This issue’s theme inspired me to create a southwest tablescape for y’all…and I’m excited to share some simple tips for creating a beautiful table; on a budget, of course!

When I think southwest, I think of sunsets, sagebrush, and warm tones. This tablescape incorporates all of those elements without looking too overdone! Putting together a table setting is kind of like a puzzle…

you need to figure out which pieces fit together in order to complete the picture!

To begin the puzzle, I like to start in the middle and work my way out. I chose to center my tablescape on this pretty blush-and-gold geometric candle holder and my decor staple: antlers!

Next, I wanted to add some chic greenery. Nothing is trendier right now than succulents! I didn’t want to make things look too balanced, so I chose to use matching glass vases, but mis-matched plants. Next, I threw on some frosted-purple mercury glass votives too add some glow factor. I kept my glassware to muted tones of purple and bronze, and then wove them together with extra long, orange silk flowers.

See how everything just works together?

My simplest tips to piecing together your own tablescape puzzle are:

1.Start in the center and work your way out

2.Think about symmetry, but occasionally stray away from “matchy-matchy” balance

3.Work with different heights and textures (shimmering glass contrasted against rustic antlers, for example)

4.Less is more. Choose one or two fabulous pieces with a little wow factor (like my geometric candle holder) rather than a lot of little trinkets!

I hope this helps de-mystify tablescape design a little! I could definitely see myself pulling up a chair and enjoying a margarita at this table! Oh, and the total cost of this southwest-themed beauty? $35! Thrift stores are a great spot to check for glass ware and silk flowers…and I raided my personal collection for those pretty antlers!

“To begin the puzzle, I like to start in the mid-dle and work my way out”

HOME

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CaliforniaDreaming

If you are not from California, you might not think that California as Horse Country. From Dude Ranches to Western Museums, California has something for everyone.

by Kathy Satterfield

When someone says California, what are your first thoughts? Is it sun-kissed beaches, palm trees, the wineries of Temecula and Napa, or is it Hollywood? Yet here in California, according to the American Horse Council, there are 698,000 horses, with over 70 percent being involved in showing and recreational ac-tivities. There is an entire city in Southern California, the small town of Norco, also known as Horse Town USA, which claims to be the Horse Capitol of America and is largely dedicat-ed to the equine lifestyle.

Horse EventsBesides having lots of horses, California is also know for great weather. Because of that ideal climate, California has year round horse events in all sizes of towns and cities; Rancho California, San Diego, Indio, Santa Barbara, and Sacramen-to are just a few. With all the equine events, the question be-comes which fun events can we squeeze into our schedule and which new events will we get to see this year? All across California, North, South, East and West equine related events are taking place; horse shows, rodeo’, show jumping, endurance riding, reining, vaulting, racing, mounted shooting, trail rid-ing, western pleasure, ranch sorting, scurry driving and races abound from small are-nas hosting a gymkhana event to National and International competition in every genre you can imagine.

I have cataloged a few events be-low, some are celebrating anniver-sary years, and all are fun events to attend with friends and family. Just north of sunny San Diego, the Del Mar National Horse Show celebrates their 70th year, from April 16th to May 3rd. At this three week event you can see almost every breed of horse and discipline in the horse world; from Hunter Jumper, Dressage, Western Pleasure, Reining to Barrel Racing. The venue is breathtaking with its historic buildings, its close prox-imity to the beach, perfect weath-er and gorgeous grounds. Heading north to the Capitol of California, Sacramento, you will find the Sacramento International

Horse Show. Held at the Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Mu-rieta this show is one of Northern California’s premiere equestrian events and takes place this year Sep-tember 22-27, 2015. This gorgeous facility features four indoor are-nas, thirteen outdoor arenas with bleacher seating to accommodate 3,000 spectators. The show attracts sell-out crowds for the Grand Prix and other special events. Riders on the international circuit regularly attend the Sacramento International on their way to qualifying for the World Cup and Thermal Million.

RodeoGrowing up on a ranch in Califor-nia, we participated in local horse shows and gymkhanas, but it was

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the thrill of Rodeo that captured our family’s passion. My father and brothers were team ropers, calf ropers or bull riders while I liked to barrel race. Rodeo made for great family time as we cheered each other on to per-form at our best. Throughout the year, in every California County, there is a Rodeo of some kind to attend. In cities like, Oakdale, Brawley, Livermore, Redding and Potter Valley, you will find an annual Rodeo Weekend. We have chosen four rodeos in the state to highlight. Each one has their own tradition, style and purpose.

July 16-19, 2105, marks the 105th year for California Rodeo Salinas, the largest rodeo in Cali-fornia. California Rodeo Salinas is one of the top 20 Professional Rodeos in the United States. They are known the rodeo world for their big arena, beautiful buck-les, and for being a non-profit organization that gives back over $350,000.00 each year to local non-profits. Besides the rodeo, Miss California Rodeo Salinas will be crowned, Cowboy Poetry will be performed, a concert by Aerosmith this year will rock Sa-linas Sports Complex with their

Blue Army Tour, a fun time is to be had at the Family Carnival, Cow-boy Golf Shoot Out, Mutton Bust-ing, and Hall of Fame Inductions. Every day of Rodeo week brings a new adventure in SalinasFor over 90 years the city of Santa Barbara has held the Santa Bar-bara Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo. The Fiesta Stock Horse Show was once a Saturday after-noon only event dating back to 1924. It involved showing stock horses, some cattle work, and roping. During the early fiestas, a “competencia de vaqueros” was the highlight of the festivities.

Santa Barbara, Fiesta Rodeo

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Cowboys from surrounding ranches came to town to show off their roping and riding skills and the young horses they were training. Rancher J.J. Hollister sponsored a handmade saddle to the winner of the stock horse class as a way to encourage the development of superior cow working horses. The main en-deavor of the Fiesta celebration is to bring to town the cowboys from the many local ranches in the Tri-Counties. You must live within the Tri-Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or

Ventura to be eligible to com-pete. The objective being to get local amateur horsemen com-peting among themselves to see who has the best horse, or is the best roper, brander, etc.

Traveling a little farther south from Santa Barbara, in a town known as Horse Town USA, Norco Horse Week arrives every April beginning with Easter Sunrise Services this year on April 5th. Then, on April 17th, the Extreme Ranch Rodeo begins, with events continues

through April 26th. Every rodeo performance you will see Drill Teams perform, Bull Riding and Team Roping. Enjoy the culinary delight of the food truck festivals, watch the skillful team sorting, or participate in the fun poker ride. This will be their 47th year celebrating the horse in a town that has more horses than human residents. Bishop Mule Days happens every Memorial Day weekend since 1969. The town of Bishop is nestled on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and

comes alive with the annual pre-sentation of Mule Days. The out-fitters and packers of the region wanted an event to start off the packing season and the business-men wanted to draw vacationers to the Owens Valley. What began as an informal gathering and a test of skills has grown into a fun filled, world class event.These four events are each differ-ent, yet the same, each one cele-brating the Horse, Cowboy’s and Cowgirl’s and the Ranch lifestyle. Plan for a fun time and you won’t be disappointed.

If rodeos aren’t your thing and horse shows don’t fit your sched-ule you can find your particular genre such as Cutting/Reining Horses, Team Penning, Roping, Western Pleasure, Extreme Trail Events, Barrel Racing, Dressage, Ranch Rodeo’s, ….or by a partic-ular horse breed such as, Quar-ter Horse, Paint Horse, Arabian Horse, Miniature Horse… oh my the list is long; there is an event somewhere in the state for almost every horse lover’s interest; to de-light the audience, to participate in as a contestant or stir the desire to enter into the amazing horse lifestyle.

All this to say that horses are a big deal in California! If rodeos and horseshows don’t peak your inter-est then maybe Horse Camping and Trail Riding will. California is home to expansive redwood forests, arid deserts such as Death Valley, long stretches of coastal countryside and mountain ranges including Cascade Mountains, Tehachapi Mountains and the Sierra Nevada’s. This all makes for

excellent horseback riding. For several years my father, brothers and a few other cowboys would ride up to Kennedy Mead-ows, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Sequoia National Forest, packing in with horses or mules for a week near the South Fork of the Kern River. It has made for great fishing and bear stories for many years now.

California offers the perfect cli-mate to saddle up and ride over grasslands, along mountain trails or ocean beaches. More than 270 state parks, ranging from red-wood forests to deserts dunes, are managed by the California De-partment of Parks and Recreation. Spanning 1.4 million acres of rec-reational lands, California’s state parks feature 15,000 camp sites and 3,000 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Reserve a site at one of several campgrounds with horse trails and spend the day taking in the scenery with your favorite equine friend.

We found several State camp-grounds that offer horse tie-up areas, water, stalls, corrals, and toilets; not every park has ameni-ties such as water, so come pre-pared with water for your animals.Beach Campgrounds are fun to explore and can be done almost year around in California. At Half Moon Bay State Beach, between Roosevelt and Francis Beach, you can ride a three mile costal horse trail. At Russian Gulch State Park near Mendocino, you can see the Devil’s Punchbowl cave and stroll along nearly a mile and a half of Pacific shoreline.Folsom Lake State Recreation

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Area has 80 miles of horse trails, including the three-mile stretch between Rattlesnake and Horse-shoe bars where gold was often found by miners. Millerton Lake State Park in the San Joaquin Valley has horse campgrounds and trails located near 40 miles of lakefront shoreline. Head south to Cuyamaca Ran-cho State Park, which is 50 miles east of San Diego, and you will find over 100 miles of trails, oak woodland forest, a few pines trees and meadows with creeks. Chino Hills State Park offers Mountain Valley campgrounds and is 40 miles east of Los Ange-les, with 14,102 acres to horse-back ride on over 65 miles of trails. This park spans the Santa Ana Canyon and features valleys, wooded areas, ridge tops and scrub land. It was here at Chino Hills State Park that our family would go on an annual trail ride and BBQ for several years…so many great memories with fami-ly are with our horses.

At California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park you will find 500 miles of dirt roads and 12 wilderness areas. Numerous equestrian trails traverse the Coyote Canyon area. Horses are permitted on all of the park’s primitive roads.Just 80 miles east of Bakersfield is Red Rock Canyon State Park. Horses are allowed on all the park’s roads, which wind through rock formations and near scenic desert cliffs.

Maybe this all sounds very intriguing; you love horses, but

don’t own one yet. Well here is an option to consider. There are many private guest ranches, dude ranches, and stables that dot the landscape of California where you can bring your own horse or rent one of theirs.

California has many guest/dude ranches to choose from; Rancho Oso Guest Ranch and Stable is located in the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara. Here you have all the creature comforts of home, including a heated pool and meals. Trail horses are avail-able for guided tours, hand-led rides for children 5-8 plus many more amenities and experiences.Rancho Oso Guest Ranch and Stable3750 Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105(805) 683-5686

At Marble Mountain Ranch they offer several different riding va-cations. They combine horseback trail riding vacation with thrill-ing guest ranch activities such as whitewater rafting, sporting clay, fly fishing , kayaking and other adventures. Set in the Klamath National Forest the ranch terrain is rugged, remote, heavily forested and unequalled in beauty. Email: guestranch@marblemountain-ranch.com Marble Mountain Ranch92520 Hwy 96Somes Bar, California 95568

Others Guest/Dude Ranches to consider: Rankin Cattle Ranch in Caliente, Stagecoach Trails Resort in Anza Borrego, J.T. Ranch in Joshua Tree, El Capitan Ranch in Santa Barbara, Alisal Ranch in

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nal Victorian-style brick two-sto-ry home built in the 1860’s and sits on the banks of the Calaveras River.Visitors are always welcome at the ranch, 9700 N. John Tone, Stock-ton, California. Call the ranch at (209) 931-4972 for more infor-mation. Or log on to http://www.jacktoneranch.com.

Heritage Museum-California Rodeo Salinas This museum is open daily during the rodeo celebrating the history of California Rodeo from its days of being a semi-annual round-up to its modern day adaptations.

Angels Camp MuseumThis California museum has a humble curb presence, yet houses one of best collections of carriages representative of the Mother Lode country, all contained in a 10,000 square foot building, the Angels

learn about the history of Califor-nia at the same time in local muse-ums and at historic horse ranches.

Jack Tone Historic Horse Ranch Jack Tone, came to California from New York with the Audubon party during the Gold Rush in 1849.The Jack Tone Ranch has been a valued historical site in the Central Valley and is historically recog-nized at the “oldest family-owned horse ranch in continuous opera-tion in the State of California.” The Tone family has a long history of horse-lovers. John H. Tone bred Thoroughbred horses on the ranch in the 1800’s. A certificate hangs proudly in the trophy room in the “Old Barn” won by his yearling colt name “New York”. The trophy room also displays over 50 years of Arabian horse trophies, memora-bilia and plaques commemorating 160 plus years of family ownership. The 1,100 acre ranch has the origi-

Solvang, V-6 Ranch in Parkfield, Cowgirl UP Ranch Retreats for Horse Lovers in North Fork, Circle Bar B in Goleta, Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs in Des-canso, Lakeside Frontier Riders in Lakeside. You can even rent a private cabin that accommodates 6 people and 6 horses at White Horse Cabin, only a mile from the mountain town of Idyllwild. A guest or dude ranch will offer you the experience of being on a ranch but will also include other experiences such as the ocean, deserts and mountains and styled in high end luxury, casual outdoor life or true roughin’ it working cattle ranch. It would be close to impossible not to find something to suit your fancy.

Day Trippin’Day trips without your horse offers many opportunities to ex-perience the Horse lifestyle and

Autry National Center

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Camp Museum Carriage House located on the museum grounds. The collection even includes a stagecoach driven by Hank Monk, one of the most famous “knights of the lash”. There are all man-ner of logging wagons, a hearse, pleasure vehicles and a display of horseshoes used to keep the wag-ons moving in the deep snows of the Sierra. The carriages have been collected from local families. 753 South Main StreetAngels Camp, CA 95222Tel. (209) 736-2963

Autry National CenterLocated in Griffith Park northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Cal-ifornia and across from the Los Angeles Zoo, this history museum is dedicated to exploring and shar-ing the stories, experiences, and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West with the Autry’s collection of over 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts.4700 Western Heritage WayLos Angeles, CA 90027Tel. (323) 667-2000

Carriage and Western Art MuseumFounded in 1972, this equine museum’s collection consists of over 50 saddles once belonging to famous people, such as Cisco Kid, Will Rogers, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and many others and car-riages you will see in the collection are mud wagons, army wagon, circus wagon, and more.129 Castillo StreetSanta Barbara, CA 93101Tel. (805) 962-2353

Oakdale Cowboy MuseumPromotes and preserves the west-ern heritage of the Central Val-ley in California by honoring its ranching and rodeo traditions.355 East F StreetOakdale, CA 95361Tel. (209) 847-7049

W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse CenterWith an Equine Research Center and the Kellogg Arabian Horse Library, this horse lovers destina-tion is home to approximately 85 purebred Arabian horses used in Equine Sciences’ teachings, out-reach, research and internationally recognized breeding and training programs. You can tour the Horse

Center on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona University, as a visitor from Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. 3801 W. Temple Ave. Pomona, CA 91768-4076Tel. (909) 869-2224

Slip on your Cowgirl tee shirt and jeans, dig out those cowboy boots, get out your GPS and plan a trip; venture out to see a new event, hook up your horse trailer, visit a museum, or rent a horse, all different ways you can experi-ence the horse life in California, Horse Shows, Rodeo’s, Museums, Trail Rides, Camping…..Cali-fornia’s horse world offers some-thing for everyone.

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W. K. Kellogg’s Arabian Horse Centerby Michelle Blixen

The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center was established by entrepreneur W.K. Kellogg, best known for his Corn Flakes Cereal. W.K. Kellogg sought out the finest Arabian bloodlines for his breeding program that was established at his ranch in Pomona, California in 1925. The Kellogg ranch became well known in southern California not only for its horse breeding program but also for its enter-taining, every Sunday the ranch would host horse exhibitions, open to the public, a tradition that carries on to this day.

In 1932, Kellogg donated the ranch, which had grown to 750-acre to the University of California, with the stipulation that the Arabian horse program and the weekly shows continue. Today the facility, located on the grounds of Cal-Poly Pomo-na, is home to approximately 85 purebred Arabian horses used in Equine Sciences’ teachings, outreach, research and inter-nationally recognized breeding and training programs. Facil-ities at the center include 38 acres of pasture, three barns, foaling stalls, a breeding area, a veterinary clinic, a farrier shop, four arenas and a grandstand. The University operates the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Library, which is open to the public

“members

of a local

amputee

support

group, are

already

scheduled

to visit

Dudley”

The mission statement at The Gentle Barn is simple: “Teaching peo-ple kindness and com-passion to animals, each other and our planet.” Cassidy Staff

The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit organization located just north of Los Angeles in Santa Clarita, California that was founded in 1999 as a safe haven and place of recovery for abused farm animals. The charity gives inner city, at-¬risk and special needs children who have suffered physical, mental or emotional trauma a chance to interact with farm animals who have also had lives fraught with trauma. By in-teracting with The Gentle Barn’s one hundred and seventy-five animals and taking a hands¬-on role in their welfare, those who participate in the program learn empathy, trust, forgiveness and leadership.

One such animal is Dudley, a young cow that had been suf-fering from a severed foot. Ten weeks since his recue, is now on his way to recovery after receiv-ing top-notch medical support and a custom-made prosthesis. Unattended for months in a cold and muddy pasture on a ranch in Tennessee, Dudley was rescued by The Gentle Barn and admitted to the University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Hospital where his severed foot was sur-gically amputated and was fitted with a prosthetic foot.

Ronnie Graves, fellow amputee and owner of VIP Veterinary Inclusive Prosthetics and Ortho-pedics, designed and built the custom foot for Dudley. When Dudley’s prosthetic foot was not fitting him perfectly, Ronnie worked hard on making the ap-propriate adjustments to Dud-

ley’s leg and large, growing body.

"This part of Dudley’s recovery is so hard because he is in the process of adjusting to his prosthesis. We just want him to come home already,” explains The Gentle Barn’s Found-er, Ellie Laks. “We are so close, but not there yet. We must be patient through the process and offer encouragement to Dudley while he bravely continues his rehabilitation, strengthens his muscles, and regains his balance.”

The recovery and physical thera-py that Dudley is going through, as difficult and prolonged as it is, can closely resemble treatment and challenges undergone by human amputees such as strength and mobility exercises. “The first group of amputees, who are members of a local amputee support group, are already scheduled to visit Dudley. We want to show that through the power of mutual healing that Dud-ley will benefit from them as much as they will benefit from Dudley.” These animals have a unique ability to connect with people who have suffered similar traumas and seeing them, interacting with them, and building relationships with them is uplifting.

The

Gentle

Barn

Discover NicaraguaNicaragua is fast becoming a top tourist destination for travelers from around the world. With something for everyone and incredible value, Nicaragua is becoming the go to country for vacationers and expats alike.

Nicaragua’s unspoiled rainforests are home to 7% of the planet’s biodiversity. A great way to observe this abundant flora and fauna is with a canopy tour. Visitors traverse between varying platforms rang-ing from 10 to 100 feet in the air, using high-climbing techniques and equipment. It offers an escape from the “real world” atop treetop perches surrounded by vistas of Nicaragua’s majestic volcanoes and a melodious symphony presented by native jungle birds. Mombotour offers such a tour from the Mombacho Volcano (located 9 miles south of Granada), which culminates with a 70-foot rappel from a 250 year-old Ceibon tree. Canopy adventures can be experienced around the country in a vari-ety of environments and settings, whether taking an exhilarating ride through rainforests, coasting over lakes, rivers, lagoons or flying high above coffee plantations. With all tours, whether wildlife watching or adrenaline-pumping adventure, safety is always a priority. Guides are well trained and equipment is maintained to stringent standards.

www.canopytour.com or www.vianica.com.

The beaches of Nicaragua, especially those on the country’s Pacific coast, are known for impressive surf and unexploited beauty. The most popular destination for surfers from around the world is a 37-mile stretch of beaches called San Juan del Sur. This region, located on the southwest coast of the country, was a stop on Quicksilver’s The Crossing in 2003, a worldwide quest in search of “the perfect wave.” Maderas, a secluded beach beloved by locals and visitors alike, is one of the surfing community’s best-kept secrets.

For information on local hot spots and some general information about surfing and traveling in Nicaragua, visit www.nicasurf.com and www.surfnicaragua.com

Granada is the oldest city in Central America to remain on its original site. The most colorful and comfortable of Nicaragua’s cities, Granada has been charming travelers with its red-tiled roofs, grand cathedrals, breezy lakeshore, and drowsy lifestyle since the days of the Spanish, who used the city as their first Atlantic port (via Lake Cocibolca and the Río San Juan). Just 27 miles from Managua on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, this fascinating and color-ful city was founded in 1524 and is now considered a showcase of Nicaragua’s Spanish Colonial treasures. Seventeenth century churches, courtyards filled with flowers, impressive museums, European cuisine and historic buildings converted to boutique hotels dis-tinguish Granada as one of the most popular tourism destinations in the country.

Hot Dog VendorTipitapa

On Nicaragua’s central Pacific coast near its border with Costa Rica, San Juan del Sur is the country’s primary surfing destination and Nicaragua’s fa-vorite beach town, the most popular with foreign tourists. Described as a port town, fishing village, surfing and backpacker’s haven, San Juan del Sur has undeniably become a tourism hot spot that has lured not only travelers, but a good deal of foreign investment as well. In addition to a crescent bay lined with barefoot restaurants and sandy bars, San Juan del Sur offers a slow-paced, tranquil setting, fresh seafood, and charming guesthouses. Several high-end residential communities are springing up and San Juan del Sur is also a favorite weekend getaway for wealthy Nicaraguans.

Visitors can choose from a variety of perfect beach-es surrounded by towering cliffs and a nearby wild-life refuge with a turtle-nesting beach. Various new restaurants and hotels, such as the Morgan’s Rock Eco-Lodge, accommodate an increasing number of sophisticated visitors. San Juan del Sur is also becoming a port destination for many international cruise ships.

At the turn of the 21st century, San Juan del Sur again grew in international popularity to the steady drumbeat of high-profile international press cov-erage declaring the area a real estate hot spot. The area attracted a frenzy of property pimps, land sharks, and a flock of checkbook-toting prospectors scouring the coastline for a piece of the pie. Some of the investment led to progress, new establish-ments, and healthy relationships between foreign investors determined to make money and a positive impact for their Nicaraguan colleagues and benefi-ciaries. But the economic growth was not without scuffles.

Meanwhile, sunsets continue to paint the silhou-ettes of fishing vessels in crimson, and the mood in San Juan del Sur is low-key and fun. The noon sun is scorching, so life is langorous and measured, spent swinging in breezy hammocks, enjoying fresh fish and cold beer at seaside, or splashing about in the surf.

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Granada

Fruit Stand in Tipitapa

Nicaragua has shaken off its past and has now garnered a name as an emerg-ing luxury ecotourism and surfing destination, and foodies are raving about the restaurants, putting Managua on the culinary map. A special place for sure that should be on your short list for your next vacation.

For more information on touring Nicaragua including special vacation packages check out visitnicaragua.us

Featuring premium materials, such as an all-black, full-leather seating, real wood interior components and unique badges, Ram Laramie Limited is a the ultimate luxury pickup. The new trim level is available on the1500, 2500 and 3500 models meaning that even though this is a luxury truck, it still packs all of the towing and payload capacity needed to get the job done. The Laramie Limited’s all-new grille is the most prominent change of the exterior. As the leading point of the new Limited, its new billet port grille breaks from the long tradition of a crosshair styling making it immediately stand out from other Ram trim levels.

Inside the seats are covered in Black Natural Plus premium leather and standard power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats, heated rear seats and much more. The new Ram Laramie Limited takes luxury and utility to new heights.

See your local dealer for detail and availability or visit RamTrucks.com

Ram Laramie Limited

2015 Ram Laramie Limited

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