Cold & Snow

Its February 6, 2010 and we just got hit with another snowstorm. Seems like the snow doesn't come at all, then decides to pile in by the foot. Given the choice, most of the horses decided they would brave the weather and stay outside. A quick look out the window this morning before feeding, and we have an exciting game of halter-tag in the works... The bucking, rearing, farting, snorting, and running seem to tell us they're having a good time.

Even horses enjoy a snowday.

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HelmetCam of us HORSE-SLEDDING!

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Snow Day at the farm means the Show Horses get to be Sleigh Horses!

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Setting, Keeping Horseback riding Goals
The holidays can be extremely stressful for everyone particularly for those with horses. Along with holiday shopping, baking, and plan-making, the horses still need to be fed, cared for, and exercised. Often times, the horses get put on the backburner during the month of December;
sometimes for the benefit of their own mental health, albeit inadvertently. It's the perfect season to take a few minutes to unwind and reassess your past riding year, and create goals for the New Year.

Riding, whether it is competitively, trail riding, or even strictly for pleasure, is often goal-oriented. The goals can be as simple as trying to ride at least 3 times a week to winning a grand prix. Goals give riders something to work for, and serve as a measure of progress. I often recommend setting goals at the beginning of the year, and assessing them every 3 months or so. This gives you several "checkpoints" throughout the year, and plenty of opportunities to re-adjust if need be...Read More

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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

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Quick video of a WONDERFUL partnership. The rider, an 11 year old girl. The horse, a 6 year old OTTB. They first came together when she was just 8, and Dreamer, a 3 year old. Now typically, my trainer would NEVER allow it, recommend it, or condone a child buying a OTTB.

But Dreamer is different. He was just too slow. Didn't want to run. Never actually raced a race, they scratched him. Trainer bought him as a coming 3 year old, gelded him, and put time on him. Child fell in love, Trainer said lets make it happen. The kid has been with this trainer 5 years now. He is a saint of a horse - yes he has his moments, but he is safe, goofy, and pretty loveable. This video shows, what a GOOD HORSE he is, the potential he has (GORGEOUS MOVER!), and the partnership they can develop.

There has been offers for him in the high 5 figures - her answer? You can't sell a best friend.

This horse was purchased for $100,000 as a YEARLING. He was supposed to be a MONEY-MAKER. Is bred out to whazoo. Now he packs a girl around the short-stirrup ring, and her little sister in the mini-stirrup.

His only flaw? He's the biggest WIMP we know. Very brave, never spooky. But if he even thinks he's injured - he wants to be put out of his misery. right. now. He had a gravel once, you would've thought he broke his leg. He was waving it around in the air, and would not bring it within 6 inches of the ground. He hobbled on 3 legs for a week. It was comical. his little girl was in hysterics. He's just a wus!

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Give the Perfect Horse Gift: A Gift-Giving Guide
Whether it's a birthday, a holiday, or just an act of appreciation, giving gifts tends to bring a smile to more then just one face. It can be as fun giving a gift, as it is receiving one. Unfortunately, the stress of finding the perfect gift, often times takes all the fun out of it.

Gift-giving can be especially difficult for those "horsey-folks" in your life. You know, the ones that often times show up 20 minutes late with hay in their hair, and the same excuse about feeding the nags.

Gift-Giving can be made simple with a little bit of creativity. It's not the value of the gift, but the thought, that counts. You don't need a large budget, nor an innate sense of horses, to be able to please the horsemen in your life. Being familiar with the recipient of your gift helps, but even those newly acquainted can be gifted something bound to make them happy...Read More

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