Saorsa Equestrian Program

Saorsa Equestrian Program An inclusive riding school that focuses on both the horse and rider. Box Stalls

01/20/2025

Shout out to Helaina for swapping out blankets today and making sure the lesson herd is bundled up for the cold.
And Cody, my husband, for looking after the young stallions.
🥶🧣🧤

That is a wrap on riding lessons for 2024. Officially the latest in the year we've ever gone. It's awesome having so m...
12/24/2024

That is a wrap on riding lessons for 2024. Officially the latest in the year we've ever gone. It's awesome having so many eager students wanting to fit in as many lessons as they can before the holiday break. Looking forward to riding with everybody in 2025!

12/12/2024

Calendars are in!
You can stop into the barn today before 5:30 to pick yours up.
Or message me to arrange a pick up time. I don't want to spoil anyone's gifts!

If you didn't pre order one and would like one I have a few extra to sell.

Boots the elf would like to let everyone know that you can give the gift of a horse experience this year. Gift vouchers...
12/12/2024

Boots the elf would like to let everyone know that you can give the gift of a horse experience this year.

Gift vouchers available for purchase, that can be used towards lessons, clinics, camps or parties!

Vouchers can be provided digitally, and redeemed upon booking.

12/10/2024

Today's lessons are canceled due to deteriorating road conditions.
Lessons are rescheduled to Friday December 13th.

12/09/2024

Reminder that we are collecting non perishables at lessons each week of December for the food bank!

I find the forest on our property magical, add snow and horses and it becomes even more beautiful. Family members' hors...
12/08/2024

I find the forest on our property magical, add snow and horses and it becomes even more beautiful.

Family members' horses; Leo, Tom and Rex use their extra thick winter coats to keep themselves insulated in the winter.

Happy Friday from Skipper and Paco
12/06/2024

Happy Friday from Skipper and Paco

Last night we said goodbye to our best gentleman, Paddy. Paddy was another one of those local legends.An accomplished j...
11/26/2024

Last night we said goodbye to our best gentleman, Paddy.

Paddy was another one of those local legends.
An accomplished jumper, a dressage super star and an all around good citizen who found a home one time or another at almost every barn in the area.

Paddy came into our lives initially as a boarder, but 3 years ago he became one of our own herd. He had a nasty aural hematoma that hadn't been treated properly. And presented with all the telltale signs of PPID, known as Cushing's disease. He was ultimately facing euthanasia.
But we knew he was just too special, I spoke to our vet about treatment options and outcomes and called up his owner and convinced him I could give him a second lease on life, even if it meant removing his ear, which was a real possibility.

I believe we did just what we set out to do.

Dr Damita Hansen made several trips out to see him and managed to save his ear and restore it back to almost normal! And we got him the meds he needed to manage his PPID.

He was Cody's horse. It took about a minute for them to connect, and he couldn't have come into our lives at a better time. He would do ANYTHING for him.
Cody got a chance to try out some clinics, dip his toes into the show ring and learn a bit about sorting cattle.

I got to learn from some great coaches and clinicians, and together we brought home several ribbons on the cross country fields. And took me on a number of trail adventures, keeping me in the saddle throughout my pregnancy.

He took Mady through 4H and showed her the ropes! I have loved watching them together the last 2 seasons. And more importantly he was a best friend to help her through some of the tough teenage years.

Paddy had so much to teach, when he wasn't too busy with us, he would find himself employed in our lesson program teaching a new generation of riders.

And perhaps the most important role of all was that he was an excellent canvas for horse painting.

Aside from the PPID Paddy was an extraordinarily easy keeper, needing only hay, and some minerals to balance his diet. Always sound and barefoot, and never put up a fuss. Bodyworkers always commented on how good of shape he was in for a senior.

Late spring Paddy experienced some weight loss, we changed his diet, reduced his work load, had Dr Pike give him a full dental. Changed dose of medications to treat his PPID.

Throughout all this Paddy was his ever consistent self, and with a lot of extra calories the scales were changing in our favour. He went on to take Mady to the Provincial 4H show where they placed champion and reserve champion in all their classes.

After the provincial show we gave him some well deserved R&R and did a thorough veterinary exam, including all the bloodwork. His bloodwork showed no abnormalities, vitals were good. We decided to offer him some support with firocoxib, (Previcox, NSAID). During this exam we did a f***l egg count as well. The findings were that his parasite count was exceptionally high despite following standard deworming protocol. Indicating he may have had some resistance to the dewormer used.

We treated for the parasites, and at that point the weight gain really accelerated, putting on the necessary weight he needed to keep warm through the colder months.

Excited to see our boy filling his big body back out we started to slowly bring him back into work, taking it easy with some light lessons.
A few weeks back into work and Paddy had a very minor nosebleed during cool out from a walk, trot lesson. Something to take note of and watch out for, but just like people horses can have nosebleeds and it not be much cause for concern. A few days later another nose bleed, this time it didn't clot immediately.

I contacted Dr Hansen and scheduled an appointment for Monday November 25th.

This appointment didn't turn up any direct answers for the nosebleeds, but it uncovered a slightly elevated temp and a troubling heart murmur.

The heart murmur meant retirement from work, we were digesting this news when a few hours later blood work from the appointment came back with a terrible red blood cell count, which may have been the cause of the nose bleeds and the murmur.

At this point both Dr Hansen and Dr Pike worked hard to come up with any treatment options and sourcing equipment that could help, including a possible blood transfusion.

Further diagnostics revealed that there was bleeding in his abdomen, which could have been caused by any number of things, but likely a tumor or something to do with his spleen.

At this time there were no other treatment options to explore no matter how desperately we wanted to save him and the decision was made to help him pass as peacefully as he could.

As sad as we are, we are so thankful that our vets caught it as early as possible and jumped into action so quickly, with their help we undoubtedly saved him a night of suffering.

With Paddy being loved by so many of all ages I wanted to be fully transparent to help answer any questions anyone may have, and to help those understand.


Loving these special seniors is my most favourite thing, seeing them and spending time with them fills my heart but saying goodbye nearly destroys me.
I believe he is somewhere living it up with Ry and Jakey.

A few snaps of him during his years with us.
Please share any memories of Paddy you may have.

And if anyone has photos of Paddy during his younger years please send them a long I would love to see them.

We have availability for private English lessons Monday and Friday mornings! Take advantage of the mild weather! Priva...
11/20/2024

We have availability for private English lessons Monday and Friday mornings!
Take advantage of the mild weather!
Private lessons are $65 until the new year!

Caption this 👇
11/16/2024

Caption this 👇

Pleased to share some exciting news, Anna will be joining us and has some openings. Monday and Friday mornings! Anna is ...
11/15/2024

Pleased to share some exciting news, Anna will be joining us and has some openings. Monday and Friday mornings!

Anna is a passionate equine coach and stable yard manager with over 14 years of cumulative experience in the field. With a strong commitment to the development of equestrian skills of all ages, Anna has extensive knowledge and experience in coaching at Preliminary and Novice levels, focusing on both individual and group instruction in disciplines such as Dressage, Show Jumping, and Equitation. Having studied at the Racing and Equestrian Academy in South Africa for two years, Anna successfully completed courses in Equine Science and Stable Yard Management, which laid a solid foundation for a flourishing career in horsemanship. In this journey, Anna also achieved qualifications as a Horsemaster and Preliminary Riding Instructor through the South African Equestrian Federation. In addition to traditional coaching, Anna is skilled in natural horsemanship and groundwork training, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to equine care and development. With a grounded understanding of equine-assisted therapeutic intervention, Anna has made dedicated efforts to support individuals with varied needs, helping develop life skills, motivation, and confidence through equine interactions. Further enhancing her expertise, Anna has experience as a child and family counselor, allowing her to further foster strong relationships and create a supportive environment for her clients. With a natural ability to work with challenging horses, Anna has also successfully mitigated negative behaviors to create harmonious learning experiences for both horse and rider. Committed to empowering the next generation of equestrians, Anna aims to inspire through a blend of both technical expertise and genuine compassion for the development and well-being of all.

Please send us a message if you are interested in booking English lessons with Anna!

What a cozy trio! 💕
11/14/2024

What a cozy trio! 💕

This year we are offering calendars for sale featuring your favourite lesson horses and their equine friends. 🗓️I am b...
11/12/2024

This year we are offering calendars for sale featuring your favourite lesson horses and their equine friends. 🗓️

I am blown away by the number of calendars that were ordered in the first couple days.

It's not too late to order one!

A little less than 2 months away from 2025!

The cost is $30 each.

Even better, $10 from the sale of each calendar goes directly to the school horses to cover the cost of massage and other body work to keep them feeling their best! 💆🏼‍♀️

Christmas gift idea for your horse crazy pal! ✔️

A place to track your lessons, goals, clinics and shows ✔️

Message to place your order!

Happy Sunday, enjoy this photo of Hustle as a c**t!Hollywood Hustle was bred locally at High Meadow Quarter Horses. A "R...
11/10/2024

Happy Sunday, enjoy this photo of Hustle as a c**t!

Hollywood Hustle was bred locally at High Meadow Quarter Horses.

A "Rocket" baby.

His sire was the locally famous Salty Hobby Boy, known to most as Rocket.

His dam was Otie, another well known local horse, whose pedigree and progeny pops up often at clinics, and shows throughout the Annapolis Valley.

Looking for ideas and inspiration. As you know we offer pony parties which we love, and the horses also enjoy. Typicall...
11/05/2024

Looking for ideas and inspiration.

As you know we offer pony parties which we love, and the horses also enjoy.
Typically our birthdays consist of grooming, pony rides, art activity (usually painting horse shoes) and cake.
After a couple years we are starting to get a lot of repeat families booking.
What else could we offer or how could we change it up to keep it fun for the families who come year after year?

A little less than 2 months away from 2025! This year we are offering calendars for sale featuring your favourite less...
11/04/2024

A little less than 2 months away from 2025!

This year we are offering calendars for sale featuring your favourite lesson horses and their equine friends. 🗓️

The cost is $30 each. But.... The first 25 to order will only pay $25!!!

Even better, $10 from the sale of each calendar goes directly to the school horses to cover the cost of massage and other body work to keep them feeling their best! 💆🏼‍♀️

Christmas gift idea for your horse crazy pal! ✔️

A place to track your lessons, goals, clinics and shows ✔️

Message to place your order!

Address

7123 Highway 221
Digby, NS
B0P1J0

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 9pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 9pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm

Telephone

+19026982500

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Saorsa Equestrian Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

Calendars are in! You can stop into the barn today before 5:30 to pick yours up. Or message me to arrange a pick up time. I don't want to spoil anyone's gifts! If you didn't pre order one and would like one I have a few extra to sell.

#ASMR for horse people #asmrvideo #pony #lessonpony #welscross #ponygelding #chestnutpony #gelding

Resident ladies man. #fancy #canadianhorse #blackhorse #gelding

Reminder that we are working on some projects around the barn tomorrow and we are inviting students and friends to come lend a hand! 🖌️

It was sooooo cold yesterday I forgot to share this, Yesterday we celebrated Evie's 16th birthday 🎈🥳

Happy Monday from our herd. Reel made by Helaina Nichols #horsebarn #schoolhorses #clienthorse #pony #thoroughbred #irishsportshorse #horses #welshpony #apha #painthorse #solidpaint

Nevaeh Starratt put this reel together ❤️ #schoolhorses #clienthorse #thoroughbred #irishsportshorse #pony #horsebarn #horses

I love me a good time lapse. Hats off to Audrey of Odd Photography for coming out last week in the bitter cold to get some shots of students with their favourite horses. Seen here is my session with 6 of my herd. Thanks to all of the extra grooms too!

Adorable throwback that came up this morning. Tru and Jakey grooming each other 🤎🖤 From June 2022

Mark your calendars, Picture Day is coming up! Odd Photography will be coming to the barn February 19th to take photos of you and your favourite equine! Horses will be spruced up and ready for the camera, all you gotta do is show up with your beautiful smile. Each session is $25, you will receive 3 edited digital photos. 1 horse per session. Times available are as follows: 12:00 booked. 12:15 booked 12:30 booked 12:45 booked 1:00 booked 1:15 booked. 1:30 booked 1:45 booked 2:00 booked 2:15 2:30 booked 2:45 booked Send us a message to book your spot! Haul-ins welcome for an additional $10 fee Open to all students, and friends!

💥Sale alert 🎁Give the gift of horses this Christmas! 🐴🎄 Our weekly lesson program is full however, did you know you can book individual mounted and unmounted lessons? And we sell gift certificates! From now until December 25th, you can purchase a gift certificate for 2 hours of private continuous hands on horse time, for $100, That's 25% off! Do you have 2 budding horse enthusiasts in your family? Purchase a gift certificate for 2 hours of semi private continuous hands on horse time for $140 Want to make it a family affair? Contact us to arrange a package tailored to your family!

Shortcuts

Share

Category