Friday, March 26, 2010

Gemstone


Meet Gemstone
Lauren & Gemmy
 
Some of you have heard of Gemstone.  While I was horse hunting I looked at her and almost purchased her.  Then I received a last minute note from Stryker's previous owner and decided on him instead.  Stryker had been a lesson horse and knew the routine.  Gemstone was great, but she'd not been worked really at all in the past year and had never done lessons.  So I purchased Stryker.  Gemmy's owner asked if I'd  help sell her and I agreed.  5 months later they had no luck with selling her.  They are not well and can not ride, and they also wished for Gemmy to have a loving family with children around.  So they offered to give her to us.  I have my hands full & couldn't take on another horse but really wanted to help.  My dear friend, Cara, said we could keep her at her barn (with the ring) and that she would help me. 

Gemstone is a sweetheart.  She is 17 years old and is an Appaloosa mixed with Plantation Walker and Andalusian (think Royal Lippizaner).  She greats us at the gate and follows us around.  We can completely groom her from head to toe and tack her up, in the field, without tying her.  Sweet!  My daughter and I have both ridden her.  She is a little unsure of how she feels about getting back to work (after a year off can't say I blame her!)  She is quite responsive to the aids and has a canter to die for.

(Notice that Lauren's shoulder/elbow/hip/heel are in almost perfect alignment.)



Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Gemstone


Meet Gemstone
Lauren & Gemmy
 
Some of you have heard of Gemstone.  While I was horse hunting I looked at her and almost purchased her.  Then I received a last minute note from Stryker's previous owner and decided on him instead.  Stryker had been a lesson horse and knew the routine.  Gemstone was great, but she'd not been worked really at all in the past year and had never done lessons.  So I purchased Stryker.  Gemmy's owner asked if I'd  help sell her and I agreed.  5 months later they had no luck with selling her.  They are not well and can not ride, and they also wished for Gemmy to have a loving family with children around.  So they offered to give her to us.  I have my hands full & couldn't take on another horse but really wanted to help.  My dear friend, Cara, said we could keep her at her barn (with the ring) and that she would help me. 

Gemstone is a sweetheart.  She is 17 years old and is an Appaloosa mixed with Plantation Walker and Andalusian (think Royal Lippizaner).  She greats us at the gate and follows us around.  We can completely groom her from head to toe and tack her up, in the field, without tying her.  Sweet!  My daughter and I have both ridden her.  She is a little unsure of how she feels about getting back to work (after a year off can't say I blame her!)  She is quite responsive to the aids and has a canter to die for.

(Notice that Lauren's shoulder/elbow/hip/heel are in almost perfect alignment.)



Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

What are you doing this summer?



Going to 20/20 Horsemanship's camp!

That's right, we are having our first ever summer camp!  Mark the dates: 

July 19-23 and July 26-30.  

  • Small groups of 5-7 year olds, 8-10 and 11 +
  • 9am-1pm daily
  • Join us for the entire week, or come one day!
  • Hands on ground work
  • Riding
  • Horsey games mounted & grounded
  • Washing dirty ponies
  • Braiding manes & tails
  • Swimming
  • Trail riding
Those are just some of the things I am planning.  I will keep you posted as to when I have an actual plan for each day.

I am only taking up to 5 per day.  My daughter will be helping with the older kids.

Pricing

If you are here for:
  • One day/$100.
  • Two days/$200.
  • Three days/$275.
  • Four days/$340.
  • Five days/$390.
When you're here all five days it's like getting the 5th day FREE!

Let me know as soon as possible.  I am asking for a $100 deposit to hold your space.




Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

What are you doing this summer?



Going to 20/20 Horsemanship's camp!

That's right, we are having our first ever summer camp!  Mark the dates: 

July 19-23 and July 26-30.  

  • Small groups of 5-7 year olds, 8-10 and 11 +
  • 9am-1pm daily
  • Join us for the entire week, or come one day!
  • Hands on ground work
  • Riding
  • Horsey games mounted & grounded
  • Washing dirty ponies
  • Braiding manes & tails
  • Swimming
  • Trail riding
Those are just some of the things I am planning.  I will keep you posted as to when I have an actual plan for each day.

I am only taking up to 5 per day.  My daughter will be helping with the older kids.

Pricing

If you are here for:
  • One day/$100.
  • Two days/$200.
  • Three days/$275.
  • Four days/$340.
  • Five days/$390.
When you're here all five days it's like getting the 5th day FREE!

Let me know as soon as possible.  I am asking for a $100 deposit to hold your space.




Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Stryker's Status


Stryker's Status

Scottie-the one who started it all.Good news!  The vet visited Stryker on Tuesday.  She actually had us walk him from the stall to the truck. (We hadn't done that yet.)  The ultrasound shows that the fibrous tissues have reconnected.  Yippee!  They are weak, so it's not over yet, but they're already there and that is great.  He's 2-3 months ahead of where we thought he'd be in the healing process. 

I am putting a door on the open run in area and will be moving Stryker into that space over spring break.  He is quite eager to get out.  Last weekend when the temps went into the mid 70s I found Stryker pointing to the field with his nose.  You think he was trying to tell me something?

He has been taking an herbal mix of marigold & cleavers which is supposed to help his circulation and lymphatic system.  It is recommended for horses on stall rest.  I've also been giving him Reiki on a regular basis.  Whatever it is, it is working for him and we are all very happy about that.



Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Stryker's Status


Stryker's Status

Scottie-the one who started it all.Good news!  The vet visited Stryker on Tuesday.  She actually had us walk him from the stall to the truck. (We hadn't done that yet.)  The ultrasound shows that the fibrous tissues have reconnected.  Yippee!  They are weak, so it's not over yet, but they're already there and that is great.  He's 2-3 months ahead of where we thought he'd be in the healing process. 

I am putting a door on the open run in area and will be moving Stryker into that space over spring break.  He is quite eager to get out.  Last weekend when the temps went into the mid 70s I found Stryker pointing to the field with his nose.  You think he was trying to tell me something?

He has been taking an herbal mix of marigold & cleavers which is supposed to help his circulation and lymphatic system.  It is recommended for horses on stall rest.  I've also been giving him Reiki on a regular basis.  Whatever it is, it is working for him and we are all very happy about that.



Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mucking Mania

I have had a bad cold and was not feeling well enough to finish all of my chores on Monday.  Today came and I was feeling better so I set off to complete my chores.  After feeding my guys here and next door I left to feed and care for a neighbor's horses and for a friend who is out of town.  What began as regular moving of horse manure ended 1 1/2 hours later, and I even went back for more at their dinner feeding time.


What I found was quite exciting.  My friend's barn had a rather large pile of mush.  Manure pile from the winter storm, plus melted snow from the roof, etc...you get the messy picture.  I know the lady that originally had the barn built and I was pretty sure there was bluestone present at one time.  As I walked around I had noticed some, no, quite a bit of bluestone coming up through the mud and mush.  So began my messy mission: to uncover the lost bluestone.


If that sounds rather dramatic, it's because it was.  Bluestone is great.  It's awesome.  To find it there, well, it means there will be much less mess in the future, and saves money from having to buy more!  I'm a bluestone fanatic.  It was as if I was digging for buried treasure and once I started I couldn't stop.  I worked on the front side of the barn till my muscles were shaking.  When I went back to feed them dinner I did more-this time on the back side.  WOW!  What a difference it makes. Your feet don't get muddy and it looks neater too.  I can't wait for tomorrow so I can go back and uncover more!  I spent a total of about 3 hours at this one barn mucking today.  And did I just say I couldn't wait to do more?  Is there something wrong with this picture?




 Loretta


the mucking maniac

Mucking Mania

I have had a bad cold and was not feeling well enough to finish all of my chores on Monday.  Today came and I was feeling better so I set off to complete my chores.  After feeding my guys here and next door I left to feed and care for a neighbor's horses and for a friend who is out of town.  What began as regular moving of horse manure ended 1 1/2 hours later, and I even went back for more at their dinner feeding time.


What I found was quite exciting.  My friend's barn had a rather large pile of mush.  Manure pile from the winter storm, plus melted snow from the roof, etc...you get the messy picture.  I know the lady that originally had the barn built and I was pretty sure there was bluestone present at one time.  As I walked around I had noticed some, no, quite a bit of bluestone coming up through the mud and mush.  So began my messy mission: to uncover the lost bluestone.


If that sounds rather dramatic, it's because it was.  Bluestone is great.  It's awesome.  To find it there, well, it means there will be much less mess in the future, and saves money from having to buy more!  I'm a bluestone fanatic.  It was as if I was digging for buried treasure and once I started I couldn't stop.  I worked on the front side of the barn till my muscles were shaking.  When I went back to feed them dinner I did more-this time on the back side.  WOW!  What a difference it makes. Your feet don't get muddy and it looks neater too.  I can't wait for tomorrow so I can go back and uncover more!  I spent a total of about 3 hours at this one barn mucking today.  And did I just say I couldn't wait to do more?  Is there something wrong with this picture?




 Loretta


the mucking maniac

Sunday, March 21, 2010

wisdom

It was a gorgeous day in Northern VA!  I was heading out early to feed and prepare for back to back lessons all day today.  Thomas came into the kitchen at about 8am.

me:  Good morning Tom
T:  Hi Mom.  Mom, do you think when God comes down to Earth to bring the people up to heaven that He will create a new world and do things differently?  Maybe a new Galaxy or new breeds of animals?


Is it normal for 10 yr old boys to have such thoughts at 8am on Saturday mornings?????  I swear he is a wise old soul in a 10 yr old boy body.


At dinner tonight:


Thomas takes the elastic from around the menu, pulls it out and declares, 'It's an isosceles triangle.'  Whose kid is this anyway?







Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

wisdom

It was a gorgeous day in Northern VA!  I was heading out early to feed and prepare for back to back lessons all day today.  Thomas came into the kitchen at about 8am.

me:  Good morning Tom
T:  Hi Mom.  Mom, do you think when God comes down to Earth to bring the people up to heaven that He will create a new world and do things differently?  Maybe a new Galaxy or new breeds of animals?


Is it normal for 10 yr old boys to have such thoughts at 8am on Saturday mornings?????  I swear he is a wise old soul in a 10 yr old boy body.


At dinner tonight:


Thomas takes the elastic from around the menu, pulls it out and declares, 'It's an isosceles triangle.'  Whose kid is this anyway?







Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Stories from Scottie

The weather has been great and I'm really eager to go out more with Loretta.  She's got all these ponies keeping her busy now and we need some time to hit the trails.  So yesterday we headed out. I was a bit surprised that we only did about 10 minutes of playing before she brushed and tacked me up.  Anyway, we were headed out, same ole path.  Then up ahead I noticed something moving.  That's when everything changed.

We kept walking down the path, we were still close to home.  I soon realized that there was something VERY scary at a neighbor's house.  It was long, moving all around and making funny noises.  And it covered their whole driveway.  My first thought was to run.  But I heard Loretta telling me to relax and that it would be ok.  But as we got closer it got scarier.  The noise got louder and I really feared for our safety.  I made the executive decision to leave.  The easiest way out was to run up the hill I was next to.  That would give us some distance and a good opportunity to watch for an attack.  Loretta asked me really hard to stop.  I know I should listen to her, so I did stop, but really didn't want to.  If she's not going to protect us, then I have to!  I was trembling all over and thought I could hear her telling me to calm down and that it would be ok.  

It went something like this:

L:  calm down boy, it's ok. easy.
S:  wwwwhat?  did you say something?  do you see that THING over there?!
L:  yes Scottie, I see it.  But it's ok.  It's tape to keep cars out.  It can't move, it's not alive.
S:  But look!!! It IS  moving!  And it sounds like its crawling closer and closer to us!
L:  ssshhhhh boy, relax.  It really will be ok.  we're fine, see?  it's just blowing in the wind.
S:  But it's never been there before.  we pass here all the time.  and it's never, i say never been there before.
L:  The home owner just put it there.  Let's just walk on quietly by.
S:  I can't take it anymore.  I want to please you, but I have to make a decision and I'm choosing our lives!  Let's GO!

I couldn't hear anything Loretta said after that and she ended up getting down.  She asked me to walk down the hill which I did not want to do.  She then asked me to walk back and forth in front of that thing for like half an hour!  She must be crazy.  How can she not see that thing is terrifying?  And why isn't she scared of it?

Finally she brought me home.  I was sweating up a storm and real nervous.  I was so happy to be back at the barn with hay to munch on.  Home sweet home.



Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Stories from Scottie

The weather has been great and I'm really eager to go out more with Loretta.  She's got all these ponies keeping her busy now and we need some time to hit the trails.  So yesterday we headed out. I was a bit surprised that we only did about 10 minutes of playing before she brushed and tacked me up.  Anyway, we were headed out, same ole path.  Then up ahead I noticed something moving.  That's when everything changed.

We kept walking down the path, we were still close to home.  I soon realized that there was something VERY scary at a neighbor's house.  It was long, moving all around and making funny noises.  And it covered their whole driveway.  My first thought was to run.  But I heard Loretta telling me to relax and that it would be ok.  But as we got closer it got scarier.  The noise got louder and I really feared for our safety.  I made the executive decision to leave.  The easiest way out was to run up the hill I was next to.  That would give us some distance and a good opportunity to watch for an attack.  Loretta asked me really hard to stop.  I know I should listen to her, so I did stop, but really didn't want to.  If she's not going to protect us, then I have to!  I was trembling all over and thought I could hear her telling me to calm down and that it would be ok.  

It went something like this:

L:  calm down boy, it's ok. easy.
S:  wwwwhat?  did you say something?  do you see that THING over there?!
L:  yes Scottie, I see it.  But it's ok.  It's tape to keep cars out.  It can't move, it's not alive.
S:  But look!!! It IS  moving!  And it sounds like its crawling closer and closer to us!
L:  ssshhhhh boy, relax.  It really will be ok.  we're fine, see?  it's just blowing in the wind.
S:  But it's never been there before.  we pass here all the time.  and it's never, i say never been there before.
L:  The home owner just put it there.  Let's just walk on quietly by.
S:  I can't take it anymore.  I want to please you, but I have to make a decision and I'm choosing our lives!  Let's GO!

I couldn't hear anything Loretta said after that and she ended up getting down.  She asked me to walk down the hill which I did not want to do.  She then asked me to walk back and forth in front of that thing for like half an hour!  She must be crazy.  How can she not see that thing is terrifying?  And why isn't she scared of it?

Finally she brought me home.  I was sweating up a storm and real nervous.  I was so happy to be back at the barn with hay to munch on.  Home sweet home.



Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Monday, March 15, 2010

Welcome new students

Sammy, Arianna & Anna

I look forward to working with each of you!  :)





Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Welcome new students

Sammy, Arianna & Anna

I look forward to working with each of you!  :)





Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Spring days

As the days get longer and warmer we are all eager to spend more time outside with our equine friends.  Please remember that they too are eager, which can translate into spooking or uncontrollable running off.  Now is a great time to do plenty of ground work, even on non riding days.  Let's not forget, 'it's not just about the riding.'


Several exciting things going on here!



  • We have a new online store!  visit our store for your equine (and other!) needs.
  • Our blog has a link which allows you to search the Amazon marketplace.
  • We have several new students.  Let's welcome Erin, Arianna, Anna, Kate & Carey.
  • Openings for spring instruction are filling very fast.  If you took a break for the winter storms, please call soon to reserve your space.
  • We will be going to shows at Frying Pan park in Herndon.
  • We are taking care of a pony named Duster.  She belongs to Piero's former owner.

Watch for coming details about a Spring Farm day and more!



Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Spring days

As the days get longer and warmer we are all eager to spend more time outside with our equine friends.  Please remember that they too are eager, which can translate into spooking or uncontrollable running off.  Now is a great time to do plenty of ground work, even on non riding days.  Let's not forget, 'it's not just about the riding.'


Several exciting things going on here!



  • We have a new online store!  visit our store for your equine (and other!) needs.
  • Our blog has a link which allows you to search the Amazon marketplace.
  • We have several new students.  Let's welcome Erin, Arianna, Anna, Kate & Carey.
  • Openings for spring instruction are filling very fast.  If you took a break for the winter storms, please call soon to reserve your space.
  • We will be going to shows at Frying Pan park in Herndon.
  • We are taking care of a pony named Duster.  She belongs to Piero's former owner.

Watch for coming details about a Spring Farm day and more!



Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Busy spring day

Busy day today.  I met with two new students after doing a lot of outdoor chores.  Trying to soak up every bit of sunlight possible!


Duster arrived yesterday and has already settled in nicely with Piero and Astro.  Piero remembered her and Astro is in love! :)  They make quite a cute couple.  Duster yields to Piero, (who wouldn't with that kick a** fast backward walk and buck!)  And Poor Astro is yielding to Duster.  Since we are expecting rain I have all 3 ponies at the next door barn, aka the Pony Barn.  They really are quite the site all together there!


Things are picking up here, I'm getting lots of calls.  Thank you to those who are referring their friends.  I really appreciate it!


Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Busy spring day

Busy day today.  I met with two new students after doing a lot of outdoor chores.  Trying to soak up every bit of sunlight possible!


Duster arrived yesterday and has already settled in nicely with Piero and Astro.  Piero remembered her and Astro is in love! :)  They make quite a cute couple.  Duster yields to Piero, (who wouldn't with that kick a** fast backward walk and buck!)  And Poor Astro is yielding to Duster.  Since we are expecting rain I have all 3 ponies at the next door barn, aka the Pony Barn.  They really are quite the site all together there!


Things are picking up here, I'm getting lots of calls.  Thank you to those who are referring their friends.  I really appreciate it!


Loretta


the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Take the time it takes

Ah, what a beautiful spring day. The sky was so blue and the air had a new crispness in it. The perfect day!

I spent a lot of quality time with Scottie today. We did 30 minutes of ground work and at least another 30 of grooming time before heading out on the trail. Scottie was beautifully behaved, and considering it has been so long since he's been out, that's pretty good! Of course, if he had been acting up I would have done more ground work with him and/or decided not to ride him. This leads me to one of my favorite ground work/pre flight check topics.

Picture this scenario. You are excited and anticipating a fun ride with your best (equine) friend. It's the first really nice day and the ground is pretty dry. You go to catch your horse and he runs off when he sees you coming with the halter. You finally catch him and are feeling a bit annoyed by this. While grooming he can't seem to keep still. He is very antsy and startling at almost anything. Since you are so excited to ride, you continue getting him ready.

I'll stop there because that usually only goes from bad to worse. You can get lucky. Maybe nothing will happen. So next time, you behave the same way. But I can assure you, one day will come when something unfortunate WILL happen while you are on that horses' back. The actions highlighted in red are clear warning signs. You can choose to ignore them or to heed their advice. It takes longer, but it is worth it.

Doing a pre-ride check can:

  • Alert you to the state of your horse's mind
  • Give you a chance to reclaim his mind
  • Allow you to get to know him better
  • Help form a closer bond

A wise horseman I know says, "It takes the time it takes". Sometimes that might not fit into our schedule. But our horses don't run on our schedule. Trust me, you are better off physically and mentally to take that time. You will benefit in the long run, even if you don't 'see' it on a daily basis.

Happy trails,

Loretta


Take the time it takes

Ah, what a beautiful spring day. The sky was so blue and the air had a new crispness in it. The perfect day!

I spent a lot of quality time with Scottie today. We did 30 minutes of ground work and at least another 30 of grooming time before heading out on the trail. Scottie was beautifully behaved, and considering it has been so long since he's been out, that's pretty good! Of course, if he had been acting up I would have done more ground work with him and/or decided not to ride him. This leads me to one of my favorite ground work/pre flight check topics.

Picture this scenario. You are excited and anticipating a fun ride with your best (equine) friend. It's the first really nice day and the ground is pretty dry. You go to catch your horse and he runs off when he sees you coming with the halter. You finally catch him and are feeling a bit annoyed by this. While grooming he can't seem to keep still. He is very antsy and startling at almost anything. Since you are so excited to ride, you continue getting him ready.

I'll stop there because that usually only goes from bad to worse. You can get lucky. Maybe nothing will happen. So next time, you behave the same way. But I can assure you, one day will come when something unfortunate WILL happen while you are on that horses' back. The actions highlighted in red are clear warning signs. You can choose to ignore them or to heed their advice. It takes longer, but it is worth it.

Doing a pre-ride check can:

  • Alert you to the state of your horse's mind
  • Give you a chance to reclaim his mind
  • Allow you to get to know him better
  • Help form a closer bond

A wise horseman I know says, "It takes the time it takes". Sometimes that might not fit into our schedule. But our horses don't run on our schedule. Trust me, you are better off physically and mentally to take that time. You will benefit in the long run, even if you don't 'see' it on a daily basis.

Happy trails,

Loretta


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Lessons on as scheduled

The bluestone paddock is clear and dry, yeah! For those of you who are more advanced, i.e. trotting on your own, we will most likely be meeting at the ring behind my house. I will give you directions before our next lesson is scheduled.

I also have a little news. A dear friend of mine will be boarding her large pony here for a while. This mare used to be Piero's herd mate. I will be using her in lessons with some you. She is a very well seasonal pony, did pony club for a few years and has shown a lot. For those of you who were riding Stryker, if Duster is not an option, then I will have you ride Gus, who lives at the barn where the ring is located. Gus is a Belgian Draft / Quarter horse cross. He is wide and large enough to hold a man.

Lots of fun things will be happening around here with the onset of spring. Some tree branches in the front ring area will be cut down to make for more riding space. A new gate/door will be put up on the open run-in area. I will be scheduling an open house/fun on the farm day, along with a spring show for students. I will also be holding a week or two of summer camp.

With this in mind, please schedule your regular lessons now. The phone calls from new clients are spilling in already and we still have snow on the ground! Surprisingly I have a few Sunday openings, which are hard to come by, and also one or two after school time slots available. I'd like to give my current students the chance to pick their lesson times first.

Don't forget to check the website for details on the referral policy and the packaged lessons discounts.

Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you soon!




Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Lessons on as scheduled

The bluestone paddock is clear and dry, yeah! For those of you who are more advanced, i.e. trotting on your own, we will most likely be meeting at the ring behind my house. I will give you directions before our next lesson is scheduled.

I also have a little news. A dear friend of mine will be boarding her large pony here for a while. This mare used to be Piero's herd mate. I will be using her in lessons with some you. She is a very well seasonal pony, did pony club for a few years and has shown a lot. For those of you who were riding Stryker, if Duster is not an option, then I will have you ride Gus, who lives at the barn where the ring is located. Gus is a Belgian Draft / Quarter horse cross. He is wide and large enough to hold a man.

Lots of fun things will be happening around here with the onset of spring. Some tree branches in the front ring area will be cut down to make for more riding space. A new gate/door will be put up on the open run-in area. I will be scheduling an open house/fun on the farm day, along with a spring show for students. I will also be holding a week or two of summer camp.

With this in mind, please schedule your regular lessons now. The phone calls from new clients are spilling in already and we still have snow on the ground! Surprisingly I have a few Sunday openings, which are hard to come by, and also one or two after school time slots available. I'd like to give my current students the chance to pick their lesson times first.

Don't forget to check the website for details on the referral policy and the packaged lessons discounts.

Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you soon!




Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results