When I ask riders to drop their stirrups, whether at a lesson or during a horse show, many are surprised. Don't be surprised, practice it at home, it is important for your balance, skill, and confidence! And, it is fun! I also have been thanked by many of these riders, especially those who teach, for the great reminder of this task and for the challenge.

I always call Sunday, Horse Church Sunday because it is one day during the week that I can almost always guarantee home time and horse time. I also make sure that I have dog time because working so much as I do, I miss my dogs too!

I am having a fun day in the barn today. The weather outside is gray, rainy and cold. Once the horses were fed and cleaned this morning , and while they were eating, my Great Dane, Morgan and I took a walk. We walked in the indoor arena, first on the rail and then did patterns using the dressage letters as a guide, we then went outside, in the rain, and walked the perimeter of the field, and back for a final loop in the arena. Afterwards, I put Morgan in the lounge for some rest and a drink.

The horses were turned out in the arena and they had some fun rolling and playing with each other. I decided some undemanding time was in order so I sat on a mounting block and just observed. This kind of time with horses is often underutilized and misunderstood. Most people are linear and direct-line thinkers when it comes to horses. What this looks like is people go to the barn, grab a halter, grab their horse, tack up, mount up, ride, and put the horse away. Sounds a bit robotic because it is. Where is the relationship? I enjoy riding but I also see a far bigger picture than most. So, undemanding time today meant that the horses decided to check me out and groom me. Between the rain and the groom job my hairdo is a bit messy! Each horse took a turn messing my hair up, licking my face, it was pretty funny and cute. Sometimes during undemanding time your horse may ignore you, it is okay, you are spending time with the horse, and the horse setting the agenda. I recommend bringing something to read with you. The only rule with this kind of time is that you may not reach out to your horse, you just hang out and let the horse initiate an interaction. This develops a different perspective between horse and human and is vital to your relationship. Try it anytime and anywhere!

After all of this, I opened the door and pointed to each horse and their stalls, all at liberty. Fosse and Whiskey went to their respective spaces. Lola told me no and asked for play time. She and I had an awesome liberty session. Liberty really is a test of connection because there are no tools like halters and lines involved, just communication and horse psychology.

Working using the Parelli 7 games, we worked on circling at several gaits in both directions far and close. At first she got emotional but I remained in neutral and let her work out her issues, eventually leading to a very connected game. Slowing her mind and feet refined the process which lead to excellent serpentines, backwards, sideways, and even more complicated patterns. Many people go for fast and closets goal but slow and precise is what I prefer to see. No major rules, just fun, I accepted her asks, she responded to my puzzles by asking questions and doing what I asked. What fun! To go back to her stall, she backed down the aisle and backed in, at liberty. Wow, what a fun connection and transformation.

Morgan and I are now relaxing and enjoying the lounge and are watching Parelli videos. Lunch is also on the agenda.

I am living the dream that I always wanted. Are you? I surely hope so! If I can help you do so, let me know.

We are starting to think about scheduling our classes, workshops,
and other events for 2016! Let us know what you want to learn about!

Here is a list of some options but know we have more ideas coming
​and the sky is the limit!

Reiki 1, 2, and 3
Essential Oils 101
Crystal Healing
Meditation 101
Natural Horsemanship 101
Building Confidence in Your Horsemanship
Horsemanship Skills Tournaments
Play Dates with Your Horse
Dinner and a Movie Horsey Nights
Savvy Circle Study Days
and more!!

We are also booking appointments for treatment sessions, lessons, and other services for 2016.

http://naturalhorseloverfarm.com — at Natural Horse Lover Farm.

his photo was posted on Facebook by Horse Talk with the following caption, "Breathe deep, because no one will ever understand your love for that "horse smell" or the peace it brings your soul."

I always take deep breaths while with my horses. They are relaxing, satisfying, quiet, and private moments that cleanse by soul. I also match my breathing with theirs and do meditation with them. These moments are incredible and everyone should experience them.


Meditation is merely the act of breathing and being conscious of the moment, of yourself, of your surroundings without all of the outside chatter in your world. Guided meditation helps you gain this sense of being and helps keep you there, allowing the experience to flow. The moment could be a minute, an hour, and anywhere you choose, it is very personal and individual.

I help people with meditation in various situations. I teach people how to meditate and even offer guided meditation sessions with and without your horse, dog, etc. Let me know if you'd like an appointment to get started! Your life will be changed, for the better.

Namaste.

We are taking bookings through the rest of the year and now booking into 2016! Don't hesitate to schedule your appointment, lesson, class or request something not already on the menu! We have options for horses, dogs and other pets, and people too! We are way more than horses!
New discount packages are in place with savings from 10-50%. All of the details are on our website. Booking is easy and can be done online or by contacting us directly through email or phone. Questions? Just ask!

All services, classes, and other meetings are by appointment only.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ME NOW

Holiday Hours (until Jan 3rd)
All Days 9am-10pm
Regular hours: (Starting Jan 4th)
M-F 6pm-10pm
Sat & Sun 9am-10pm
info@naturalhorseloverfarm.com
315-389-5817
https://naturalhorseloverfarm.youcanbook.me/

In New York State, helmets are now required by law for those under age 18 (see stature below). At Natural Horse Lover Farm, we require everyone to wear a helmet, all ages, all experience levels, students, clinicians, I really mean it, everyone with no exceptions, none. I believe that wearing a helmet is a wise choice that could save your life and we are all about safety and being sensible. Accidents happen, I have seen them, freaky weird things happen. If you are concerned about looks and being cool, get over yourself. Plus, please know that the industry has so many choices for both English and Western riders that you should be able to find something attractive and safe anyway. Why are we so strict on this subject? The simple fact is that we love you and want you safe, happy, and having fun, not bruised, damaged, and laying in a hospital bed. Barns are fun, hospitals not so much.

So, have you checked your riding helmet lately? How old is it? Did you ever fall in it? Does is even fit you properly? Is it an ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) approved model? This week's task is to assess your riding helmet and all issues revolving around equestrian helmet safety. To help, I have listed several resources below (thank you Troxel Performance Headgear).

Troxel Safety Center 
Helmet Evaluation Quiz
Helmet Facts
Helmet Myths
Proper Fitting Helmets
Helmet Safety Certification Facts
Helmet Advisor 
What is ASTM/SEI?

Companies Manufacturing Approved Helmets
Troxel - *Manufacturers only approved helmets. 
International Helmets
Australian Holdings
Charles Owens & Co. Ltd.
Lexington Safety Products, Inc.
Equine Science Marketing, Ltd.
Del Mar Helmet Co., Inc.

If you haven't seen the video (required watching for 4H programs) entitled "Every Time, Every Ride" check it out.

Bill S2007-2013

Requires that persons less than eighteen years of age wear a helmet when riding a horse; imposes a $250 fine for any violation.  

S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K S. 2007 A. 1890 2013-2014 Regular Sessions S E N A T E - A S S E M B L Y (PREFILED) January 9, 2013

 IN SENATE -- Introduced by Sen. LAVALLE -- read twice and ordered print- ed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transporta- tion

IN ASSEMBLY -- Introduced by M. of A. THIELE, SWEENEY, RAIA, MONTESANO, LOSQUADRO, FINCH -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. BOYLAND, BRENNAN, GOTTFRIED, MARKEY, McKEVITT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation

AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the general business law, in relation to requiring that persons less than eighteen years of age wear a helmet when riding a horse

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

1 Section 1. Subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 1265 of the vehicle and
2 traffic law, as added by chapter 455 of the laws of 1999, are amended to
3 read as follows:
4 1. No person less than [fourteen] EIGHTEEN years of age shall ride a
5 horse unless such person is wearing a helmet meeting or exceeding ASTM
6 F1163 (Safety Equipment Institute certified) Equestrian Standard. For
7 purposes of this section, "certified" shall mean that the helmet's
8 manufacturer agrees to the rules and provisions of a system that
9 includes independent testing and quality control audits, and that each
10 helmet manufactured by such manufacturer is permanently marked with the
11 certifying body's registered mark or logo before such helmet is sold or
12 offered for sale. For the purposes of this section, wearing a helmet
13 means having a helmet fastened securely upon the head using the manufac-
14 turer's fitting guidelines for the particular model used.
15 2. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall pay a
16 civil fine not to exceed TWO HUNDRED fifty dollars. A police officer
17 shall only issue a summons for a violation of this section by a person

EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD03504-01-3 S. 2007 2 A. 1890

1 less than [fourteen] EIGHTEEN years of age to the parent or guardian of
2 such person if the violation by such person occurs in the presence of
3 such person's parent or guardian and where such parent or guardian is
4 eighteen years of age or more. Such summons shall only be issued to such
5 parent or guardian, and shall not be issued to the person less than
6 [fourteen] EIGHTEEN years of age.
7 S 2. Subdivisions 2 and 4 of section 396-dd of the general business
8 law, as added by chapter 455 of the laws of 1999, are amended to read as
9 follows:
10 2. Every horse provider shall provide protective helmets to beginning
11 riders and to riders less than [fourteen] EIGHTEEN years of age at no
12 cost beyond the rental fee; offer all riders the use of such protective
13 helmets regardless of their age or experience; and provide appropriate
14 helmet safety information to all riders.
15 4. A knowing violation of this section shall be subject to a civil
16 penalty not to exceed TWO HUNDRED fifty dollars for each such violation.
17 S 3. This act shall take effect immediately.

This is Fosse.  He is a registered Arabian out of a beautiful Sire named Storm Dancer (thus his name Fosse after the dancer/choreographer). Although this is not a current photograph, it is one of my favorites and he's not changed much anyway. Fosse is a left-brained extrovert (like me). He wants to play, is a bit naughty, very intelligent, and a true gem.  I am blessed to have him in my life. He and I have been together since he was a yearling so, well over a decade.  I acquired him when he was to be euthanized due to a severe genetic heart defect.  He was bred for endurance.  His heart sound very much like a washing machine and the veterinarians always enjoy listening to it! At year 5, I was told I could ride him but primarily at the walk.  The concern was if he was to drop dead, suddenly (which was expected), that no undue stress is put on the horse and, that we were not riding in a gallop when it happens. Anyhow, he is fun and we enjoy each other very much.  I do ride him, we play with obstacles, we chase chickens. and just have a great time.  When you see him out in the field with the horses, he gallops, bucks, and is very athletic and gorgeous. 

Fosse and I enjoyed a connected, liberty session tonight. We worked on circling close and far away (both directions), gait changes, serpentines, sideways, squeeze, and much more.  He is so connected to me that it is amazing.  I barely cue and he moves, turns, stops, and anything else - like he reads my mind before I ask. This horse literally looks like he is floating on air, what an acrobat! When I am with Fosse I feel like we are always one. I know you are not supposed to say so but I lean towards saying he is my favorite. 

Rick and I were busy tonight, in the barn, playing with the horses at liberty in the arena - Although they were engaged, I also I think they were happy to have a dry place to roll and run (things are unseasonably muddy and rainy outside), working on the lounge (it is really in great shape at this point), exercising together using our Nordic Track Incline Trainer (his first time) - we are both working on our physical fitness, and studying some newly acquired Parelli videos.  I cannot begin to describe in appropriate detail and with the accurate level of excitement, how much enjoyment we have together always (we have been together for well over 26 years, married for 25 1/2 years), and now in our new zen space, we are experiencing another level of excitement, joy, and fun. He is diligently building our desk and entertainment center (it is going to be lovely) and our custom built sleeper sofa arrives on Wednesday, right before Christmas....I see movie night in the barn in our future!

Over the years, I have found that planning, study, observation, and then practice is a great recipe for success.  No matter what level of horsemanship, no matter the discipline, I believe that being with your horse, learning and growing the relationship and skill set,  is way more than riding although the riding part is the major reward!  I look at each interaction, every engagement, as a teaching and learning opportunity from entering the stall, to leading the horse, to just feeding them, playing on the ground, while in the saddle, all very important facets as well! I like equal doses of all aspects of my journey.  Over the years, I have experienced relocation and rebuilding of our farm, injury (horse-related and not), excessively busy schedule, and other things that naturally interfered with my horse-related plans.  Nonetheless, I always had something to turn to for the continuation of my plans.  Sometimes I've started from scratch, other times, a continuation of purpose.

Tonight while watching, "The Four Savvys, Level 2 Freestyle," I thought about the experience, was this worth my time?  I have seen this content presented in several forms over the years but each time I see something different and learn something new.  How the material is presented and the horse-human pairs always differ which is like watching varied lessons, it is really interesting to me. So the answer is yes, it was important and valuable.

Coming off of a serious Achilles Tendon injury, my horses and I have a lot of work and play to do.  If you've ever experience this type of trauma, it is painful, debilitating. and really ruins your horsey fun time! The injury occurred when I wore flip flops for an extended period of time on uneven terrain while camping.  One minute I was fine and then I wasn't, for many, many months, about 18 in fact. If you never learn anything from me, please learn this, wear appropriate and high quality footwear, always, no matter what. 

So, basically, I feel like I am starting from scratch (I know I am not) but thinking like this helps me put my journey into perspective.  I love helping others build a lesson plan and pathway for success.  Now is the time for me to do the same. I am looking forward to it and to experimenting with my teaching space (lounge and arena). I have implemented many things over the past few months, a library, technology, magnetic whiteboards, and so much more. I've got success charts to watch progress, pocket guides, and so many more complimentary tools.  It is time to take action and have fun!

Everyone can teach and learn and everyone is a student too, it is a great and important balance in life. If you are interested in my helping you with your plan and journey, please let me know!  I would love to help. Contact me at: info@naturalhorseloverfarm.com 

With the new year on the way, we decided that it was time for a fresh new website, new logo, new blog, and more! I have been busy working on revamping our offerings, offering discounted package options, and streamlining information for our audience.  There is more work to do but the project is well underway and ready for your viewing. If you don't see something you are looking for, please ask! Our goal is to work hard and make you happy and successful!

So, your homework for today is to check out our new website and all it has to offer....booking an appointment is extra credit!  

Please feel free to make requests and suggest content. Hello to my current readers and new!  This is the new home for the farm's blog.  Look forward to insightful fun posts, challenges, announcements and more!  Please feel free to make requests and suggest content. ​To read our previous blog and past content visit: http://naturalhorselover.blogspot.com