Inspiration-by Jo Ann (sounds like a line of greeting cards)

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Jo Ann and Mickey- a pretty good lookin’ pair.

I met Jo Ann when about five years ago when Jordyn was two. I had gotten talked into helping out announcing at a horse show and if I did, they would find little Jordyn a horse to ride in the leadline class. So one of Jordyn’s first horse show experiences was with Jo Ann’s then 27 year old, black, OTTB named Hershey. He was perfect for her.

Later when Jo Ann was looking for a place to board her old man, Hershey (then 31) and her superstar Quest, our vet Lynn, recommended our place to Jo Ann. It has been a good fit. Due to a series of adventures, good and bad, Jo Ann has been left without a regular horse to ride, Hershey was saddly too old and Quest moved on to greener pastures. She came back to riding dressage with Nancy Lindsey and my go-to pony, Snowboy.

Not to give out state secrets, but Jo Ann is older than I am by a few years. And we all know I am really old. Jo Ann and I have had some serious run-ins with medical professionals but while mine have been orthopedic hers have been some fairly critical medical issues. In fact it seems a little more than a month ago Jo Ann had some pretty important surgery.

I am a fairly competitive person. That may be an understatement. I used to be a competitive horsewoman and spent my childhood in lessons and shows. By the time I started college, I was pretty done with all that. I rode because I enjoyed riding. I did some shows off and on through the years but usually to prove I could or to help Ally or Lauren out by riding their show horse prior to them riding.

I have been watching Jo Ann as she has continued to ride, in spite of not having a horse right now, in spite of the heat, in spite of her medical issues and had a little “A HA” moment. Jo Ann has worked her way up to riding Lauren’s jumper, Mickey. There is something dynamic and exciting about watching this cow-bred Paint, excel at something else he was not bred to do. He was never bred to jump and he has soared. He was never bred to bend and float and now Jo Ann has him doing dressage. What a special guy he is!

I have been riding my new horse Nova pretty consistently and wanted to take a lesson with Dev once I got her going pretty well. Of course, part of it was me-the getting going part. Coming back from the hip replacement surgery and my nine other orthopedic surgeries in this decade have made my muscle tone and strength not what they were. So, that was a good excuse as well. I had told Dev that I would do a lesson this last weekend, but wouldn’t you know it-Nova came up lame. Reason enough to put that off until she was better.

Wow.

But watching Jo Ann on Friday night, Competitive Cindy (that is like Malibu Barbie), said to herself, “You know I could do this! This lesson thing-I could be open to criticism, praise and getting to be a better rider. I could do it!”

Mickey and I doing just fine.

Sunday, for the first time in 40 years, seriously, 40 years, I took a horseback riding lesson. And I did just fine. And I did it on Mickey. Who did his best for me (at least mostly). So, what is the big deal? For 40 years, I have been content to listen to other riders, to read books and articles about riding, to watch clinicians and videos but I have not be willing to put myself out there where the focus as direct and on me-specifically.

Canter, please.

I had watched my friend Jo Ann take lessons. Honestly, at first I really thought she probably couldn’t ride that well, I mean she was old like me. But then I watched her turn in better and better rides on a variety horses and I had learned that if I wanted to get better and get serious, I had to learn more.

We never quit learning or getting better. Sometimes we have to be brave enough to face the criticism that may occur when we step out into something new. I did not even get criticized during my lesson (George Morris was not available for a crtique). Instead I got nice words about my position and quiet hands along with suggestions for doing things even better.

And to you- Jo Ann-Thank you for the inspiration. You will see in these videos what a lovely rider you are. Bravo to you, for hanging on and moving forward. I believe you showed these kids around here a few things as well.

As John Wayne reportedly said, “Courage is being scared to death and climbing up into the saddle anyway”. I am glad I climbed up in the saddle again to learn.

As always thanks for riding along!

Lauren and I taking a lesson together-first time ever. She is on Owen.

Summer Working Students

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Isabel, Lauren and Mia looking like professional equestrians headed off to learning event.

Many barns with top trainers and riders have summer working students that come and essentially work for free in return for proximity to such amazing learning opportunities. Okay, so our little backyard barn does not house a resident trainer or a hot-shot rider to motivate the working student to spend grueling hours under the hot Texas sun, but apparently we have some draw as two students joined us this summer for a four-week program. The program (I am being generous here) was designed (thought up one night in response to the impending arrival of the students) to aid the students in learnIng multiple facets of the equestrian business, from running a barn smoothly to greater insight on the horses they ride.

Mia on my horse, Investment Art (Nova)

Mia, formerly of Houston, returned from her current home in Malaysia (I bet my working student came further than yours did) to spend the time under Lauren’s tutelage and took up residence in our home.

Isabel and Prosecco Classico on course.

Isabel, a boarder, from Katy, Texas, came daily to work, learn and sweat with the group.

Both girls have trained with Dev Branham and continued riding multiple mounts for him during the summer program. Timing was such that everyone got a shot at showing as well. The Greater Houston Hunter Jumper Show conveniently was scheduled mid-program. Dr. Lynn Criner helped out with offering up her pony-Just George for Mia to show.

It wasn’t all work! From left, Alex, Isabel, Mia and Jordyn having some fun at the GHHJA show.

Next year, if we do this again, I have advanced plans of much better ways to incorporate time and teaching to the working student. But for this year, I put together some opportunities interspersed with amble time for riding, barn management and hopefully some fun. Several days a week the girls had responsibilities for horse turn-out, cleaning stalls, barn management and arena perfection.

Discussion was had over variety of feeds, hays and type of work that the horses were doing (or not). Pasture management including important things how/where manure is dumped and pasture rotation was an ongoing subject. Certainly there was never a shortage of opinion or feedback about pasture assignments (horses, just like people {or dogs}) like and respect others in varying degrees.

We set up some other educational sessions as well. Dr. Kendrick Govan did a tremendous job helping the ladies build a perfect barn first-aid kit. Additionally, she walked them through what a lameness exam in a horse is meant to show and basic first aid tips. The group was very complimentary of Dr. Govan and what they all learned.

Likewise, the girls spent a day auditing the Emerging Athlete’s Program sponsored by USEF at Katy Equestrian Center. After listening to American Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis work with the riders in the program the students and Lauren raced home to recreate his course in our arena. When trainer Dev arrived and questioned the unique course, I told him to ask Mia or Isabel to explain the point to of this particular course. Without hesitation, Isabel clearly articulated to Dev what the horse and rider would gain from riding it. I call that a big win. (I would note that course pretty quickly got changed-it was pretty tough to handle.)

Tony’s Timber Ridge Farm

A trip north to the beautifully built and appointed barn of Tony Font was a fun educational outing provided by trainer Trapp O’Neal with the help of Caitlyn Epperson. Trapp, a rider and trainer of Grand Prix horses, aided the girls in understanding basic horse anatomy and how it plays out in the jumping ring. The girls were asked to evaluate several horses based upon the criteria they had just learned. Caitlyn also did some jumping demonstrations which were case in point. It is doubtful that any of these students will be jumping around a Grand Prix course any time soon (or ever) but it is always fun to see inside the world where you have been a spectator in the past.

Mia modeling the new helmet visor. A lot of shopping was included for the students-just ask their parents.

Four weeks of summer fun which included a lot of laughter, fast food and shopping when the group was not hauling dirt to fill the rain-soaked pastures, working another horse in the hot, humid environment of summer in Houston or dragging the arena yet again in the endless circles of perfection. A heartfelt thanks for all that you accomplished this summer. I would call our first working students, Mia and Isabel, amazing, intelligent, and hard-working. I saw them get tougher, stronger and become better horse-woman. I am grateful they came to learn, to work and to grow with Six Meadow Farm.

And to all of you, thanks for riding along!

The little things

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Horse photos courtesy of Isabel Johnson

The race is on and Kona is doing his best to keep up with Betty Sue and Piper.

Maui running with Piper Pony.

We have now had several consecutive days without rain. As you can see, the horses (and the dog) are even turning up a little dust in the arena. That is grounds enough for a little celebration. I am getting through this first anniversary of my mother’s birthday without my mother with a few tears but a lot of happy thoughts and memories.

Last night, we took the girls down to play in the arena. The last time I did this, Feather wanted to come, too. She pulled back from where she was tied at the barn and ended up with a face full of stitches. This time we left Feather in her stall, the fan running, oblivious to her friends having fun without her. It was amazing to see, now a little over a year old, Betty Sue, romp around. I swear she has the prettiest trot I have ever seen. Of course, I didn’t get a picture of that-she was too busy running!

Kona and puppy, Maui Jim, were all keyed up for play time as well. You will note fewer pictures of Maui. He tuckered out way before the horses and Kona did.

I love the white streak in her man and that her tail has the white tip at the end.

I love the white streak in her mane and that her tail has the white tip at the end.

Back in my day we would have said, “Kona is really booking it,” here.

The dogs went off to a new groomer today. This is Maui Jim’s first official hair cut. Lauren told the groomer to make him look like Kona. What do you think?

Maui Jim is a skinny puppy but OMG look at those feet!! He is going to be bigger than his brother!

This was a new groomer who specializes in poodles and it showed in the great job they did. Oh, it is the little things for me!

Happy boys, headed home.

The farm is pretty much dried out with grass and the flowers growing like crazy. I have lots to do this weekend with Lauren’s impromptu working student summer starting on Monday with the arrival of Mia from Malaysia. We have worked out some great educational seminars for the girls including working with the farrier, learning basic first aid and how to build a horse first aid kit with the vet, a session on learning to pick horses for the Grand Prix and being a successful trainer in the horse business from some local hot shots.

Jordyn and Riley finished second grade and kindergarten respectively and are looking forward to a summer of fun. Jordyn is headed off for a week of horse camp with Holly Flint and Snowboy! In fact, I am hoping to get them on the lunge line tomorrow for Jordyn’s first canter “on-purpose”. Big times!

Lots to do, lots to see, lots to accomplish. Hoping you are taking a moment to appreciate the little things. They are really what life is about. Thanks for riding along!

It’s raining, we’re laughing along

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Exechorseluver

The clouds moving across the sky with rain on their heels. Lots of green grass envelopes the farm.

Regardless of a gloomy seven-day rain forecast Lauren and I have been smiling a lot around Six Meadow Farm. I think there are several factors.

Fortunately while the rain poured down, in fact it did so several times, our arena and the pastures have absorbed it right in and left things pretty manageable.
The arena soaked after the first deluge of rain
On Friday we went and picked up Kona’s almost five month old half-brother. In keeping with our Hawaiian trend and that of naming them in honor of our departed relatives, we welcomed Maui Jim.
This Poodle is Lauren’s and it will sleep in her room with her two cats. It is a little like my first apartment in Lawrence, KS where I had two cats and cocker spaniel. I am staying out of the training and letting them bond. A puppy is always a good time even if he was more black (mud) than white after his arrival at the farm. Not the best weekend for introducing the white dog.
Since the dog is Lauren’s she choose to be home this weekend which is a rare thing. We enjoyed our Saturday evening with Laine and Isabel playing with the dogs and grooming the horses.We watched a little TV while the dogs caught up from their busy day. Levi, the cat, was clearly awake and alert as we took pictures of the sleeping dogs.
Greatest shot ever, Lauren!
The mare, Fargo, had her OB/GYN exam in preparation for breeding. This is a huge bucket list item for me (not for the horse to have the exam but to have my own foals at my own farm). I will spare you pictures of the exam.
Lauren and I got a lot of projects done between rain showers. We re-matted stalls, spread new shavings and planted new spring flowers. Two ponies are moving out this week and my horse is headed in, so we will move the group around a bit to adjust.
Our boarder, Jo Ann got back from an epic trip to Africa. However, she came home sick and exhausted. We finally saw her on Saturday and heard some amazing tales of a distant land. (I don’t want to go any time soon but was glad she had the opportunity.)
Both horse Kinny and pony Molly got in some arena work yesterday afternoon. Lauren and I decided we better get some horses worked as well. I rode Mickey and she took Feather. We got in about 30 minutes prior to the next onslaught of rain.
Feather headed down the still moist but quite rideable rail.
My new mare was supposed to be in from Georgia last night but the truck had mechanical problems. She is due in around 10 pm this evening and I cannot wait! Expect a few dozen pictures of the new mare soon!
It was just nice to have a quiet weekend without a show or lessons. Lauren and I got have a ‘weekend off’ and enjoyed it a lot.

Thanks for riding along and being part of our journey!

Weekends with warmth

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Exechorseluver

It was a warm and beautiful weekend weatherwise, but the true warmth of the weekend was getting to spend time with family and dear friends.

Mia hanging with the mares

We are like a family out here. Maybe we have just been lucky to get outstanding people as boarders but we certainly have. One family, Keith, Wendy and Mia, from the first moments of meeting them, felt like long-lost kinsfolk. And the feeling has just increased over time we have spent with them. Shortly, they will be off to Malaysia and it is proving very difficult to say goodbye. From the relationship Wendy has established with baby Kendyll to young Mia’s willingness to help out with anything at the barn, they have been great. We got in some last pictures and time together this weekend.

Wendy with Betty Sue. She tsaught Betty to break into the tackroom for treats and many other illegal activities.

From left-Kendyll with her best pal Wendy, Jordyn, Piper me and Muffy

We will really miss this family as they leave and hope they are posted back to the US (Houston) real soon. Kendyll and Lauren say they are going to Malaysia to visit but I don’t really see that happening.

Saturday morning lessons took place and Jordyn rode her Piper pony for the first time under Dev’s instruction (they were not quite ready for the big arena previously). Both horse and rider were outstanding. We got a great video of Jordyn trotting away, managing circles, halts and reversing on demand. I am really happy with the progress they are making.

All seemed to have a good lesson. Feather is making progress on listening to Lauren between tight jumps. Mickey and Alex worked on handy turns (Mickey says he’s got this!). Mia and Isabel jumped higher with style.

We had some new boarders come out to see the barn this week and have made the decision to board their kids, Molly (a pony) and Kinny (a big warmblood) with us. This married couple met at Texas A&M first day orientation. What a great story! I think they will be terrific additions to the barn family.

We needed to make some changes to accommodate the two new horses so while Luke got busy with stall changes, Ally, Lauren, Jordyn, Kendyll and I moved the junk we had been storing in the area.

I am pretty sure this is not what my doctor had in mind. Kendyll is sure doing her part though while Jordyn steers the broken mower.

I asked Jordyn if she wanted to go ride with me. She looked up at me questioningly, “Like you are going to ride a horse, Granny?” Yes, I had decided it is time. With my first hip replacement it was more than three months before I got back in saddle. At the doctor this last week, I passed all the tests with flying colors. I still have more physical therapy to finish but am glad I am getting around so well. The doctor released me to swim, ride or walk as I desired. YIPPEE.

Alex complained that Mickey had been a little slow yesterday. Slow was just what I was looking for in a horse to make my come back on! Jordyn and I got the horses saddled as the fog was just burning off on the brilliant Sunday morning. Mickey was a champ and we even managed some trotting before I decided not to over do the first time back in the saddle.

Piper and Jordyn as the fog burns off on a lovely Sunday morning!

Two bay horses and two cowgirls! Oh and Lula too!

To finish up, the warm weekend, Libby, Mia, Isabel and Lauren worked together to get our jumps re-painted. What color did they go with? Predominantly, PINK! I appreciate all the help everyone gave on this project. And that includes the parents that made multiple trips to the barn to accommodate the young painters.

Our new boarder told me she had talked with her mom about my barn. Her mom reportedly told her that she would have loved a pink pony barn when she was growing up! I guess some of us just will never outgrow it!

Many thanks for riding along.

Painters and Kona hard at work.

Sunday Funday

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Exechorseluver

All photos today courtesy of Arianna Arney-many thanks!

A bunch of us gathered around the arena on a beautiful Sunday.

More often than not, Lauren is gone most of the day on Sundays, taking that one day off a week to get away from the barn and its activity. I had not had a day out at the barn for awhile, at least not one with beautiful weather and lots of riders. I had been sequestered in the house, afraid to take a chance on uneven ground, gravel driveways or misbehaving horses while recovering on crutches.

This last Sunday the weather was perfect! It was sunny, clear and near 70 degrees by the afternoon. All of the boarders thought it would be a pretty great day to ride. Jordyn had stayed over night both Friday and Saturday. She was on a marathon horseback ride, switching off between new pony Piper and tried and true Mickey.

It was wonderful to have all the activity. I knew one of our boarders had a nice pony to sell that was cute and talented. I expected some visitors to stop by and try out the pony on this nice afternoon.

The group approach to jump setting. One works and two watch.

The group approach to jump setting. One works and two make suggestions.

As it often is in the horse world, we tend to do things with a group or at least our friends. The previous night had been the year-end awards banquet for the Greater Houston Hunter Jumper Association. The pony had been discussed with one of the other trainers and they were headed out my way for a trial ride.

Horse buying is tricky. It is a wing and a prayer sort of thing. Sometimes you make brilliant decisions and sometimes you end up with real disasters. In retrospect someone can always point out what you missed but at the time, you just hope for the best.

By the time the gang arrived from north Houston to view the sale pony, things were hopping around the barn. We had a Porsche, a Prius , sturdy trucks and SUVs lined up and parked. A group of girls arrived with the friend of the pony seller to demonstrate the pony and just watch the proceedings.

The arena was being dragged again by one of the dads with his 4×4 truck as our broken tractor sat idly in the sun. Jordyn, Libby and Isabel were still in the arena riding as the truck worked over circle after circle of the soft sand pulling the drag behind. Jordyn was thrilled to be playing “who can trot the fastest” with the other much older riders. The big truck and dragger did nothing to deter their forward motion or their enthusiasm.

I immediately recognized the potential pony buyers as they got out of their truck. No, I did not know their names, but knew their faces and their horses. It was fun to talk with them about their barn building projects which had started last April like ours. It wasn’t long before Michelle looked at me intently and said “I read your blog!” That is always a WOW moment for me, because I write pretty much for myself and it is sometimes embarrassing to think of all the things I have said.

We dragged her off to meet baby Betty Sue and see pony, Piper. She was telling us about a great horse they had for sale. It is that information sharing that usually lands a horse with the right new owner.

As we walked to the arena to watch the sale pony, Flash, work, I told them to go on ahead that I was a little slow. Michelle immediately said she had read about my hip replacement. GEEZ. It was cool but little eerie.

Getting set to try the Flash pony.

Off Bella went amid guns and engines roaring.

The pony did well as we all watched. One of my charming neighbors decided that this lovely Sunday afternoon should be filled with guns and proceeded to fire off like a thousand shots, seriously, one after another, disrupting the quiet afternoon. But the pony didn’t seem to care, he went along quietly and easily. Then my other neighbor started working on his car engine. I thought we were in an episode of Street Outlaws (where they drag race illegally). It was not what I wanted when trying to show off a sale horse at my facility. On the other hand, Flash reacted not at all to all the disturbances so I guess that was okay.

Trainer Elizabeth keeping a sharp eye on her student.

In the end, it was decided that this was not the correct match for the girl who was looking. It was a little sad as I thought it had gone swimmingly well given all the activity. But that is how the horse (pony) business goes. They did say they liked the bay horse with the star. I was dumbfounded for a moment, thinking we don’t have a bay horse with a star, when I was told my Piper pony was a bay horse with a star. DUH. Well, she is not going anywhere soon.

Very nice trot!

Flash will be gone quickly as he is too cute and too good to not be picked up fast. Any pony buyers out there?

Pony can jump, too.

Anyway, it was a great day and lots of fun for us all. Still, I was glad as I saw Lauren head down the drive returning from her weekend off. I think I was asleep by 7 pm.

The best thing I heard from one of my riders this weekend was after they watched me walk down the driveway. Jo Ann told me that I was looking and walking pretty well. She could still tell I wasn’t completely sound-but almost! Wow, I think a lot of people would agree I have never been completely sound and they would not just be referring to my obvious limp.

Thanks for riding with us at Six Meadow Farm!

Jordyn-An official rider

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Exechorseluver

My seven year-old granddaughter, Jordyn, had her second official lesson with trainer, Dev, yesterday. She has been riding and even showing in lead-line classes since she was a wee one, but it has been an uphill battle to build her confidence and desire to move on to doing more than a walk.

Jordyn came up with the idea of “leasing” her aunt Lauren’s horse Mickey after watching the girls at the farm enjoy and ride their leased horses. It was a brilliant idea! Although no money was ever exchanged we all went along with the concept of Jordyn having her own horse to lease.

Young (2 year-old) Jordyn having a little talk with Snow before a lead-line class.

Jordyn headed into the ring with Snowboy.

Many of you probably wonder what happened with her pony, Snowboy. Well, he is being leased by Mia AND he has a really bumpy trot. Mickey had a much quieter schedule and was available for Jordyn. Plus, Mickey started life out as a western pleasure horse and has a little western jog (a slow trot) that is easy for Jordyn to ride.

Jordyn finally gained the confidence this summer to trot Mickey on her own. This led to her being allowed to saddle up and ride Mickey in the arena by herself (with our watchful eyes ever on her). This practice time and time without pushy parents, grandparents or aunts, allowed Jo to master stopping, starting, walking, trotting and backing her horse just when and where she wanted to without anyone bothering her.

Last week we sent her and Mickey out for their first official lesson together. Jordyn had a pretty good grasp of walking and doing a sitting trot (jog) but really had no concept of what a posting trot was. She was efficient at turning and stopping so it was a good time to add this new physical requirement of moving up and down out of the saddle in time with the horse’s four-beat trot.

Before Dev came, Kalani and I spent some time riding around with Mick and Jo. I tried to get her to post and would count 1-2, 1-2, in conjunction with Mickey’s movement. It did not go well. It was more like up 1, hold a few steps, down 2, sit a few steps. Or even sometimes, Jo went very quickly like 1-2-1-2-1-2 while Mickey was still on just the first 1-2. Is anyone following this? Synchronization was not in place.

Somehow though, last Wednesday at their first lesson, after a series of “look ahead where you are going” and “Jo, quit looking down”, Jordyn started to trot ahead with a little more pace and posting started to fall into place as well. Maybe Dev’s counting technique was just better than mine.

I am fairly certain that Dev never said “Jordyn and Mickey-both of you close your eyes!”

By this week, Jordyn was trotting like pro. She asked Dev when she could do her first “real” horse show and was told she had a few more things to master (like being on the right trotting diagonal, for instance) but it would not be long. Jordyn is ecstatic! She loves being a part of the girls at the farm and to be on the show team is the equivalent of heaven. She even dressed the part this week with tiny polo shirt on, neatly tucked into her buff breeches, with her hair cascading down her back in a braid.

This week with polo shirt, half chaps and looking just like the other girls.

Just coincidently, looking exactly like her riding mate of the day, Liv, who was executing more sophisticated riding movements on her pony at the same time.

One day soon it will be time to try her first canter. That is when it will be back to Snowboy who may hold the record for the easiest canter to ride on earth. If Jordyn asks Mickey to canter she may end up fly down the arena wall, jumping a series of jumps and landing in a heap in the sand. So, probably better not to ask her to try that. But there will be lots of shows doing just walk-trot that Mickey will serve Jordyn well. Lauren started, long ago, on Mickey doing walk-trot as well so it is a pretty wonderful tradition to see repeated.
As always, thanks for riding with us.

Six Meadow Farm today

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Exechorseluver

When we dreamed up the name and idea for Six Meadow Farm we were in the small town of Wharton and cared only for our own horses. In April of this year, we moved closer to Houston, closer to my work and closer to people who need to board their horses.

There was never a point that Lauren and I ever said, “gee, it would be a terrific idea to get a bunch of people together that have horses and take care their horses day in and day out, every day of year!” That never happened. We did visit with our friend Libby about moving her horse Cody to our barn when we got closer to Houston and closer to her home. But never was there an idea for a boarding barn with lots of horses and people every day at our home.

But circumstances intervened with the movement of several riders from one area barn to ours, migration to our barn to follow our trainer Dev, and a new rider who just wants to be closer to her horses. Six Meadow Farm is now a lively boarding facility. In fact, our entire original barn is filled with boarder’s horses now not our own. I thought it was time to introduce the people that fill our lives with new friends and new joy.

Libby and Cody

Libby and Lauren have ridden together for many years. Her AQHA gelding Cody came from the same horse rescue that brought us Mickey, Snow and my departed boy, Kid. Libby is a jumper rider, a college student, holder of the titles of former AQHA World Champion and Reserve World Champion Jumper. She was our first boarder, our go-to rider when Lauren and I are out of commission and our barn sitter when we are gone. I guess in essence we trust her with our lives because that is what this place means to us.

Libby’s parents have been friends for years as well. They can be counted on to plant my flowers, fix the latest problem or just join us for a glass of wine on the porch. Libby will be off to Argentina in a year to further her equestrian career. In the meantime, we love having her here.

Isabel and Prosecco

Isabel, her leased warmblood Prosecco, and her family are newcomers to our lives. Isabel had ridden Snowboy previously but we did not really know her or her family. What wonderful people they are! Isabel continues to improve her riding and can be found most evenings on the back of her horse. She is working her way up through the horse show ranks by division. No one is more eager to help out with the horses, dogs or cats than Isabel. Isabel has also been very kind to me as I have needed a riding buddy with my horse Kalani.

Mia and Snowboy

Mia was looking for a lease horse when we hooked her up with Snowboy. They have been a great match. Mia and her family have become part of ours and they can be found hanging with the horses or with the Kendyll/Jordyn duo following them around. Mia has changed and grown in her riding as well. I am happy to see her wanting to try other horses and new challenges. Laughter has definitely entered our barn with the advent of Mia and her mom.

Alex and Mickey

Alex has her own horses and farm but she comes regularly to ride and then shows Lauren’s horse, Mickey. We love Alex’s family as well and are so happy to get Mickey back in the ring under her care. Like Libby, we have known Alex and her family for many years and it brings joy to us to have them share our horse and our farm,

Olivia and Avery

Most recent rider to join our barn is Olivia and her ponies, Avery and Owen. As I have said before with our other riders, she brings terrific parents with her as well. I am impressed with Olivia’s work ethic. Regardless of weather, she gets her ponies worked, cleaned and healthy by almost daily attention. She is small but tough. I think she will continue to grow and mature in her equestrian abilities.

Jordyn and Mickey at their first “real” lesson this week.

I certainly don’t want to forget to mention my seven year-old granddaughter Jordyn who is “leasing” Mickey. She has been on horseback since she was just months old and actually took her first official lesson with ‘uncle Dev’ this week. She did really well and was actually posting around the arena at a trot by the end of the ride. Hats off to Mickey as well that went from a walk-trot pony to high-flying jumper all within the same lesson day. What a guy!

Mia walking with my granddaughters, Jordyn and Kendyll

With new Six Meadow Farm, I see more of my daughter Ally and her family. I enjoy the families of all our boarders. It is a happy, fun and lively barn with many smiles. It is like coming home to another world. One I had only dreamed of having. Thanks for being a part of our journey!

Exechorseluver

The life and times of modern day horse woman

Category Archives: Six Meadow Farm