I am really enjoying seeing my lesson kids from last season again as spring is warming up for us. They are like the spring flowers returning after the hard winters. They are all smiles and that puts a smile on my face too.
Weekend Warm Up – What a Tease!
February 2, 2014
Farm Activities, Farm Horses farm, horseback riding, lessons, pasture, photo shoot, SaveNash, trail ride, winter Leave a comment
Last weekend was great. It was in the 40’s (which now feels like a heat wave) and there was lots of activity on the farm. Starting with a trail ride with Cuervo and Nash at 10 am Saturday. Nash decided to be a freak and was bouncing around like a rabbit. Everything was scary when I was on him, but when I walked him things were fine. Cuervo enjoyed the ride and even had a spring to his step.
Then we had a lesson. My girls are troopers and have stuck with me the whole winter. It is fun riding in the snow bareback because the horse keeps you warmer.
Then the ferrier came to give everyone mani/pedi’s. While he was there the girl scouts came over to lend a hand for their volunteer hours. They cleaned all the cob webs out of the whole barn and goat house. Thanks Girl Scouts!
Finally the day ended with one more lesson with one of the Girl Scouts. Her mom even posed for a picture while I was photographing from a top of Nash. Yes Bareback to keep me warm.
On Sunday GSF’s favorite photographer Judy Reinford brought out her client for a photo shoot with Nash. Now my horse has been in more photo shoots than me! Again it was a great afternoon for it the weather was warm, but there was still snow on the ground for the picturesque winter couple photos.
While we were waiting on the wardrobe change we had role reversal and I snapped a shot of Nash and Judy.
Nash – Back in the Saddle
January 21, 2014
Farm Horses, Horseback riding horseback riding, lessons, SaveNash 2 Comments
So this weekend I decided that it was time to ride Nash again. His first time out and I decided to use him in a lesson. So I got on him first and we rode around a bit to see how he was feeling.
He seemed to be fine and happy so we got on with our lesson. About half way through the lesson Nash decides to roll. The student on his back got her foot stuck as she was trying to get off of him as he was going down to the ground. So Rachael and I ran to help her. Well the process of us running up to Nash spooked him. He jumped up too fast and off went his student, landing right on her bum. Then Nash proceeded to run around like a nut cause everything was exciting then. We calmed him down and got the girls back on him for some pony rides. After the lesson I ran him around a bit.
Then he got tired and posed for some pictures.
Home and Back in to the Swing of Things
January 3, 2014
Farm Horses, Horseback riding horse farm, horseback riding, lessons, snow, trail ride, winter Leave a comment
Since being back from vacation things have been a whirl wind (hence the absence of posts). Cuervo’s half mom said she keeps checking there is nothing new, so here I am finally having time to write a little bit and catch you all up.
The Saturday I got back it was like a normal farm day. Trial ride followed by lessons.
This is Apple headed our for the road ride with Cuervo. Things change and happen so quickly. On the way back we are passed by a large noisy truck. Cuervo’s 1/2 mom looses her balance and is unable to stay on. Long story short we were very fortunate to have 2 good Samaritans stop to help us out and the emergency services arrive take her away with a broken arm. As I start to walk the horses back home Cuervo sends out a loud Whinny. There were no horses around for him to talk to, I am sure the whinny was for his 1/2 mom as he noticed she was missing. So this post is for you and for a speedy recovery! Cant wait till you get back out to see your old man (Cuervo) and eventually back in the saddle. He misses you too. Makes you realize no matter how good of a rider you are horses are still animals and accidents happen.
I get back to the farm 1/2 late for the next lesson. Luckily Rachael was there to fill in for me.
A few days later another snow storm hits. It sure is pretty but such a pain to deal with on the farm.
New Lesson Pricing
December 12, 2013
Farm Horses equine, farm, horseback riding, lessons Leave a comment
Starting January 1st, 2014 the price for
horseback riding lessons will be increasing.
Private lessons: 1 instructor per student
$40 per hour
Semi private lessons: More than one student per instructor
$35 per hour
Lesson packages are available: Save $10 for 4 lessons
4 Private lessons: $150
4 Semi private lessons: $130
All lessons in the package must be used within 4 months.
Sunset Trail Ride
November 17, 2013
Horseback riding equine, Fall, farm, field, Golden Spike Farm, horseback, horseback riding, horses, lessons, nature, sunset, trail ride, trail rides Leave a comment
What a great way to end a long Saturday of lessons.
Thankful
November 8, 2013
Farm Activities, Farm Horses Golden Spike Farm, horse farm, horseback, horseback riding, horses, rescue, Thankful Leave a comment
On Facebook I started a post a day about things I am thankful for during the month of Thanksgiving. this is today’s post.
#8 Today I am thankful that I have the facility and ability to share my horse world with others. My colleagues enjoy hearing my tales of farm life (from throwing bales of hay to rolling study horses over). My lesson kids and adults enjoy experiencing it first hand. I get the joy of watching them grown in strength and courage as they learn to trust and communicate with a 1000 lb beast.
Lessons outside of the box
November 8, 2013
Horseback riding equine, Fall, farm, farm horse, horse farm, horseback, horseback riding, horses, lessons, nature, pasture, riding, trail ride, trail rides Leave a comment
I still can’t believe and am very grateful for how strong the lesson program is going even though the temperatures are dropping my students are still hanging in there and I am starting new ones almost every week. With it getting dark at 5 pm I am even contemplating having lights installed around the riding arena. BUT lets find out how much it costs first.
I have started doing Gymkhana exercises with some of my lesson girls. They love it! I get on Apple and do it with them. Then I discovered how much Apple loves to do it too. It is a lot of fun and teaches them balance, quick reactions and confidence.
Sometimes at the end of lessons we go on “trail rides”. It is just a walk around the front pasture but the kids love it. They can relax. Not have to go in constant circles and enjoy a bit of nature from the back of a horse. The parents and dogs enjoy the walk as well.
Another week. Another post
October 30, 2013
Farm Horses, Horseback riding equine, Fall, Golden Spike Farm, horseback, horseback riding, horses, lessons, nature, trail ride, trail rides Leave a comment
Fall Riding
This is the only season we can see those 2 words in a statement with out thinking: Oh No!
It sure is beautiful though. The fresh crisp air, the beautiful colors all around you. Even the horses like it and have a spring in their step.
Yes another shot of me while riding. Trying to capture my trial mate and myself.
I can’t believe I am still gaining new lessons. This is our first mother daughter team!
Falling for Fall
October 7, 2013
Farm Horses, Horseback riding Autumn, equine, Fall, farm, horseback, horseback riding, horses, nature, trail ride, trail rides Leave a comment
Autumn is truly beautiful here. I am trying to enjoy it with out thinking of the impending doom of winter.
It was a great weekend for road rides. Since it is hunting season we are back to using the roads for our rides but my horses are “bomb proof”. Nothing seems to bother or spook them, well except for the falling leaves.
It was surprisingly warm on Saturday but Sunday evening was cool. Well, cold when we got caught in the passing rain shower.
Golden Spike Farm's Plog 
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