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Film Friday

August 8, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Activities, Farm Animals , Leave a comment

We put in a new grate at the front barn door to prevent water from running into the barn. (Thanks to my BF, the WE is actually HE.)  Some of the horses didn’t care.  Some of them were a little scared of this new plastic thing blocking their way, but after some convincing they went over it.  The donkeys were funny though, there was no convincing them as you can see in this video.

Later that evening they did go over it, I wasn’t around to capture the moment but this is what Izzy’s mom said: “So last night they went over it, and it was the funniest thing ever. They stopped and snorted at it, but I was behind them, so they leapt over it like it was a 2′ jump. I’m so mad I didn’t get it!”

To continue the video trend of this post I thought I would share this touching horse blanket commercial.

August Already

August 7, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Horseback riding , , , Leave a comment

Where has the summer gone?  Someone told me today it has been a cold summer.  I don’t think cold is right, cooler than normal though, however the horses and I are not complaining about that.  They can spend more time outside and the bugs are not AS Bad compared to when it is hot.

I was thinking I haven’t posted any lesson pictures in a while so enjoy the slide show.

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My goddaughter’s first ride in over a year!

May 2013

May 2013

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July 2014

Hay - How are you doin'?

Hay – How are you doin’?

Even Warlock is getting back into the swing of things.

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Okay… so the grass did grow

August 1, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Horses , , , , , Leave a comment

I haven’t updated you in a while on the grass growing, probably because it is not very exciting.  The small square pasture that we built back in April – May is growing very nicely.  The horses acclimated to the track system very quickly.  They enjoy running around it and sometimes we spread their hay out in it.  The horses at the lower end of the pecking order of the herd sometimes get stuck between two “bosses” but they work it out.  Yesterday I went out to get Casey unstuck and ending up having Apple, Cuervo and Izzy follow us around.

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Check out this video showing horses in confinement vs. horses living together – primarily on track. Horses in the AANHCP Paddock Paradise show up at 2.00 into the video.

I am looking forward to Phase 2 of our pasture paradise but there are a few projects ahead of it.

Horse in Boots

July 25, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Horses , , , , , , Leave a comment

So you all have seen the funny cat videos of them trying to walk in shoe or socks.  Here is a good one if you haven’t.

That got me thinking how did they decide to make a cartoon Puss in Boots if the cats can’t walk. Well some how Puss figured out how to walk, run, dance and sword fight.

But I digress… I got Cuervo a pair of fly boots.  They are basically mesh leg wraps that go from the hoof to below the knee.  I was noticing he had a lot of bug bites and blood spots left from the bites because he didn’t stop his feet to get the bugs off.  Did mention he is old and lazy?  Well this video is the second time putting the boots on.  The first time was even more dramatic but he still walked funny this time.  Enjoy!

 

Liberty Training

July 16, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Activities, Farm Horses Leave a comment

It is amazing what you can do with stillness in your heart and patience in your body.

 

Strength in Balance

July 16, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Horseback riding , , , Leave a comment

Found this fun video today.

I think it has some great exercises that will really help my students.

My Senior Horses are Amazing

July 10, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Horses, Horseback riding , , , , , , Leave a comment

I came across this blog today: Reasons why senior horse are amazing.  I couldn’t agree more.  My 4 horses are getting up there and they are so trust worthy, reliable and healthy.

Cuervo – He is just an ornery old man.  His best friend is Apple Jacks but he whinnies when any of the horses leave the barn area.  He is stubborn, doesn’t like to make turns in the riding ring; Clumsy, stumbles when he forgets to pick up his feet, and best of all he is so rock solid as in nothing spooks him.

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Apple Jack – He is my little rocket. In the riding ring he is hot, just wants to go as fast as he can.  On the trails he is the leader and nothing bothers him.  He loves to be ridden and doesn’t run away from me when I try to catch him.  He loves water, when I take him in the creek he splashes around.

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Nash – He is probably 15 years old so almost a senior.  He has completely recovered from his hernia surgery. I find myself getting on him bare back a lot these days. (I got the best friend bareback pad! It is great!)  He is comfortable to ride with out a saddle because of his Tennessee Walking horse gait the running walk.  He is calming down a lot, used to be super sensitive and slightly spooky but has been doing great recently.

Nash

Casey – He is just great all around.  Awesome with the kids and lessons.  Okay he is a little lazy and will take advantage of the kids if they are not confident enough.  But he never does anything wrong and is so patient.  He is always last to come in for anything, because he is at the bottom of the herd hierarchy.  He whinnies for grain.  He loves his scratches especially on the chest and neck.

 

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Create a farm slogan contest!

June 27, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Activities , , , 3 Comments

Calling all creative thinkers, marketing minds and generally clever writers & speakers. Golden Spike Farm needs a slogan. I would like to include it on the website, Facebook page and any promotional material like t-shirts.

The winner-will receive a GSF t-shirt with your slogan on it!

Contest ends July 7th!

GSF logo jpeg

GSF’s First Pony Party

June 26, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Farm Activities, Farm Horses, Horseback riding , Leave a comment

Friends of the farm who’s daughters have been taking lessons for almost a year asked us to bring 2 horses to their flag day party.  At first we were hesitant because of liability, can never be too careful these days, but we worked it out signed the agreements and had a great day out.

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As you can see we had party goers of all ages. They signed up, found a helmet, and we lead them around the path.  It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect for us.

Is bareback riding bad for your horse?

June 26, 2014

Golden Spike Farm Horseback riding Leave a comment

I have ridden all my life with and with out saddles.  I think it is an accomplishment to be able to ride bareback.  At almost 41 I can still walk, trot and canter bareback.  It is great for balance and muscles.  So I came across this article today: Anatomy of bareback Riding.  At the bottom of it is comments about people loving their “Best Friend Bareback Pad”.  Having never heard of these I did some research and found people raving about them.  Have you used one?  If yes please comment or if you have any other bareback pads you recommend let me know.  I think it is time to purchase a new one since the one I have is from my childhood riding days (12 – 18 years old).

I also stumbled upon people saying bareback riding is bad for your horse because it puts pressure in the two small spots where your tail bone meets your horses back.  Saddles do spread out the pressure and have a gullet down the center underneath to not put pressure on the spine.  So I guess if I get this new pad I will have to keep an eye out if my guys get ouchy.  I doubt they will as I don’t ride more than 1/2 hour a couple times a month like that.

This is a good over all article about bareback riding.

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