Swiftwind Equine Center

11/30/2024

“The time has come,” the Walrus said,
To talk of many things:
Of shoes—and ships—and sealing wax—
Of cabbages—and kings—
And why the sea is boiling hot—
And whether pigs have wings.”
— Lewis Carroll, "The Walrus and The Carpenter" (Alice in Wonderland)
As the Walrus suggests, the time has indeed come—today marks the last day for Swiftwind sessions, Herd Holler, and riding lessons as we wrap up for the winter months.
The obstacles are stored, the horses are cozy in their thermal blankets, and the sand arena is opened to give the barnyard a little extra space during the snowy season.
But don’t worry—there’s still fun to be had! 🌟 Join us for our annual Christmas Shindig at Elgin Bowling Lanes on Sunday, December 15th, at 2:30 PM. And mark your calendars—Swiftwind returns with the Swiftwind Open Barn & Registration on Sunday, March 16th, 2025.
This year has been incredible, unpredictable weather and all. A HUGE THANK YOU to all the parents, members, and supporters who made this season so special. Swiftwind wouldn’t be the same without your support and dedication. 🐴💛
Stay tuned throughout the winter for updates, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and exciting news. See you in the spring! 🌷

11/27/2024

🎄✨ Tis the Season for Perfect Gifts! 🎁🐴

Looking for a unique gift for the horse enthusiast in your life? Swiftwind Equine Center has you covered with these specially curated Christmas Gift Sets! 🎅 Whether for a horse lover, a rider, or even the barn, these gifts are sure to bring joy this holiday season. 🌟

🎁 Rider's Gift Set
Perfect for anyone who appreciates quality self-care, horse lover or not!
Includes:

Rider Rescue Cinnamon & Orange Hand Cream
Lavender & Mandarin Hand Cream
Myrtle Hand Wash
Mint & Vanilla Lip Balm
🛒 Only 2 available! $59.99 (+HST)
🎁 Horse Care Gift Set
Essential for pampering your equine partner!
Includes:

Field Paste
HoneyHeel
🛒 Only 2 available! $45.99 (+HST)
🎁 Fly B-Gone Gift Set
Keep the flies at bay with this practical set!
Includes:

Mighty Mask (average horse size)
Two Scented Fly Ribbon Packs (4 rolls each)
🛒 Only 1 available! $35.99 (+HST)
🎁 Stable Gift Set
For all the barn essentials!
Includes:

Flatback 8qt Bucket
Breakaway Halter (Full Size)
Lime Cotton Lead Rope
🛒 Only 1 available! $59.99 (+HST)
⏳ Hurry! These limited-edition sets won’t last long!
📩 Comment or DM me to place your order today.

🎄 Make this holiday season unforgettable with a gift from Swiftwind Equine Center! 🐎💝

11/26/2024

In the last week, there’s been a mad dash to get some projects done before winter sets in.
The tack room is getting improvements such as the tack room/aisle wall is vapour barrier, insulated and closed in.
It has become the girth wall. I finished painting the inside of the wall but I only got primer and one coat of paint on the outside of the wall before the colder (not paint curing) weather set in. I’ll have to finish the second coat in the Spring.
We started building the new medicine cabinet. The process is intense with cutting boards, planing boards numerous times, piecing it together then painting for protection. We selected shelves’ boards from our lumber pile for the girth wall and bridle wall. They need to be planed, sanded and painted as well.
As the tack room is insulated and heated, I’m tackling painting the bridle wall, countertop wall and door. Did I mention I hate painting 🙄
Hopefully get these projects done before Christmas 🤞🏻
FYI if anyone wants to get me a present for Christmas, gift cards from Rona or Home Depot would be great 😉😁

11/21/2024

Equine herpesvirus (EHV) is a family of equine viruses named by numbers including EHV-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 with EHV-1,3,4 posing the most risk for domestic horses. EHV is a common DNA virus that occurs in horse populations worldwide. The two most common species are EHV-1 and EHV-4.

11/18/2024

Never a dull weekend at Swiftwind! In between taking my kids to curling commitments on both days, harvesting, and calves being born; there were great confidence boost moments for an amazing rider throughout her lesson 🥰🐴. A great way to send her off on her phenomenal vacation.
The last tackroom wall (which has the plumbing) was vapour-barrier, insulated, covered in plywood and girth hangers attached 💪🏻! Not easy when the floors are unlevel and beams weren’t cut straight 🙄
Also saw a buck 🦌 run across our fields but it was too quick to get a picture. Another great weekend at Swiftwind 🥰🐴

11/16/2024

Meet another new addition to Swiftwind! This is Shiver and it’s a boy! He was born a couple days ago. His mom is Wheezy. Welcome to Swiftwind Shiver 🥰🐮

11/15/2024

Thank you Sierra L Bates for liking this page 🥰. It’s truly appreciated 🐴

11/14/2024

I’m hoping to host a clinic with Lindsay Grice, judge in multiple disciplines and specialist in equitation science (horse behaviour and learning) to help riders prepare for their show season – or simply improve communication with your horse.
May 31st-June 1st 2025 or June 7th-8th 2025 weekends.
• For English riders (equitation patterns, over fences or dressage)
• Western riders (ranch classes, trail, showmanship, horsemanship).
- Training tips based on the science of how horses learn and think.
- Tips for the show ring – what’s the judge looking for?
Lindsay’s clinics include riding sessions and unmounted workshops. Auditors would be welcome.
Let me know if you’re interested and which weekend you’d prefer.

11/11/2024

Swiftwind had its special Remembrance Day session this weekend. Kids created purple poppies with horse head centers and added words that symbolized remarkable day to them. While they did this, they learned facts and saw pictures of how horses were treated in the wars. It was a very thoughtful session.

11/11/2024

Lest we forget-Remembrance Day

11/06/2024

Riding lessons at twilight are magical in their own way. Time to get used to finishing barn chores at dark.

11/06/2024

In my county. 1 confirmed, 9 suspected and 20 exposed. Apparently these horses leave the facility.

Equine Influenza is a highly contagious though rarely fatal respiratory disease. The virus is distinct from influenzas viruses in other species. The most common form of transmission is airborne droplets in  from affected horses. 

11/06/2024

Equine Influenza is a highly contagious though rarely fatal respiratory disease. The virus is distinct from influenzas viruses in other species. The most common form of transmission is airborne droplets in  from affected horses. 

11/05/2024

This nice weather 🟰 bath 🧼 time! The hot water 💦 tank is such a game changer 😱. The horses actually enjoyed their warm baths. I strongly recommend if you don’t have one, figure out a way to install a hot water tank for your barn.
Thank you Huntsman Jamie Hughes at Ottawa Valley Hunt 🦊 for the recommendation to use wool coolers after horses have a bath. 🐴. I got two from Marketplace and the others from greenhawkottawa Magic is sporting Supra.
Once they are completely dry, we switch to rainsheets which we got at Greenhawk and Bark & Fitz Kingston. So glad to get this task done before the snow ❄️ flies. Anyone else bathing their horses 🐴 in November?
❤️

11/03/2024

Nice surprise today! A new addition to the herd. Meet Mixer (named due to the mixture in weather). Don’t know if it’s a boy or girl. Mom’s a bit protective 🐮. Welcome to Swiftwind Mixer!
A new course and obstacles was set in sand arena. Livestock pen transformed into Pinwheel. Slalom cloned to Double Slalom. New pole work challenges with Salmon, T, Extended Siderail and Maze. The staples that stayed are Jug, Switch Cup, Bridge, Remove/place a pole and Bull ring. Lots of fun for the season ☺️🐴🐮🍂