It's been a dreadfully hot summer here in upstate New York with temps reaching 94-100 degrees and high humidity. There's been very little to no rain until recently.
The long and short of it is, my farmer friends, who supply hay locally, said hay will be scarce this year. They recommend horse and stable owners to get their hay suppliers lined up immediately. Two hay suppliers are suggested. And fill your barns now with hay. Prices are going up and hay is in short supply due to the weather conditions.
For those of you who fly by the seat of your pants, get poor hay at bargain prices from anyone who has it, or buy as needed, well...you're going to be out of luck this year.
For those of us you who board your horses or are looking for a place to board , be sure to find a barn that is well-stocked with good quality hay and be sure the stable owner uses a reputable, regular hay supplier.
Take care and happy trails.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
It's Been A While
It's been a while since I've posted to this blog. The most important reason is because I've been riding almost every day and that's a good thing. My horses are much happier and better behaved when they're ridden on a regular schedule.
Horses enjoy a routine as well as a job to do. They're really not much different than we humans; except maybe they're a little smarter. The whole equine, human experience is not only a spiritual connection, but regular exercise keeps us all fit.
Enjoy this beautiful spring weather. Go ride a horse. If you don't have a horse to ride, go visit a farm and ask the farm owner if you can offer some of our equine friends a carrot or two. I'm sure the horses will appreciate it.
Happy trails.
Horses enjoy a routine as well as a job to do. They're really not much different than we humans; except maybe they're a little smarter. The whole equine, human experience is not only a spiritual connection, but regular exercise keeps us all fit.
Enjoy this beautiful spring weather. Go ride a horse. If you don't have a horse to ride, go visit a farm and ask the farm owner if you can offer some of our equine friends a carrot or two. I'm sure the horses will appreciate it.
Happy trails.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Make Time
It's been a week and a half since I've been out to the barn. It's been since August of 2011 since I've written a post to this blog. I'm not too sure what happens to the time, but I do know that I miss my horses very much. I'm very fortunate to be able to board my horses with capable people, so I don't have to worry about them, but still...I miss them. With a responsible work load, holidays, family get togethers, and the daily house chores, time easily slips away. So, my 2012 resolution is to make more time for my horses by learning to say, "No," more often to people, places, and things that sap my energy.
Time with my equine companions is important. I need to plan my days better so I can enjoy their unconditional love, exuberance for life, and their need for socialization with me. I always feel energized and positive after spending time with my mares, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
The spirit of the horse is good for the soul.
Time with my equine companions is important. I need to plan my days better so I can enjoy their unconditional love, exuberance for life, and their need for socialization with me. I always feel energized and positive after spending time with my mares, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
The spirit of the horse is good for the soul.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
People Problems
Years ago, 60 to be exact, a riding instructor told me, "There is no such thing as a bad horse, just bad riders." She was right. Instead of people learning to fix their problem horses, our horses need help fixing their people problems.
Everyone needs to spend at least a weekend observing horses in a pasture with their mothers, other foals, and other herd members. They have an amazing social order. It's pretty simple, but very effective. Something from which we can all learn.
In order to establish dominance with an equine, it's important you do it within the first two minutes of handling. Horses really don't care who the leader of the gang is, they just need to know quick. First, they need to respect your space, then you can start educating them in other areas. Once you've established a comfortable distance between the two of you, the beginning of a trusted, respectful bond starts to occur.
A well-trained, educated horse starts with hours of groundwork. It's the basis for everything you'll do with your equine. It's safe, fun, and stress-free for both you and your horse pal.
Happy trails.
Everyone needs to spend at least a weekend observing horses in a pasture with their mothers, other foals, and other herd members. They have an amazing social order. It's pretty simple, but very effective. Something from which we can all learn.
In order to establish dominance with an equine, it's important you do it within the first two minutes of handling. Horses really don't care who the leader of the gang is, they just need to know quick. First, they need to respect your space, then you can start educating them in other areas. Once you've established a comfortable distance between the two of you, the beginning of a trusted, respectful bond starts to occur.
A well-trained, educated horse starts with hours of groundwork. It's the basis for everything you'll do with your equine. It's safe, fun, and stress-free for both you and your horse pal.
Happy trails.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Focus
"A true horsemen does not look at a horse with his eyes, he looks at a horse with his heart." ~ Author Unknown
It's amazing how quickly time passes when I'm with my horses. The moment that turns into minutes that blend into hours are a small part of the equine experience. When I'm with each of my mares I have complete focus and fall in love all over again with that magnificent spirit called "horse".
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| Silver and Sadie |
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