Gold Dust Holistics

08/27/2024

~ walking the trodden path ~
soft soles kiss the earth
as she soothes with a gentle cadence
heart tranquil
body at home
finding my path of peace.

•••

08/20/2024

This spring, Damien and I pulled out the old 24T John Deere baler that has been parked outside at the farm for ~20 years due to a knotting issue. We put some TLC into it - replacing tires, tightening chains, freeing it up with grease and updating the tucker finger assembly (with some expert help from Gilbert Heyens!).

I am so proud of what our work has accomplished - yesterday on the Full Aquarius Moon was our second time running it and we made over 230 bales. It has made almost 400 bales without missing a knot!

May this special hay help to nourish our herd over the winter season. I really feel like this Moon energy has brought a lot into my personal awareness (what needs to be released and what needs to be embraced). I am so grateful to my family and the Earth for supporting our journey through this life.
🌕🙏🏼🌎

08/15/2024

Oh hello! It’s been a long minute. 🙏🏼
I have been reflecting a lot lately on all of the experiences in my life and how this beautiful story has culminated up to the present moment.
I recognize so many shadows. Yet so much light. Identifying the “mundane”. Feeling the esoteric, the unexplainable, the magickal and the mystic.
I noticed resistance in my body towards being seen in my true essence (even by my own self), but also understand that living in my authenticity is the only way I can move forward in this life. Each and every day breathes more awareness to this.
Although my work has been in a hiatus while I go down some real winding, tricky and brutal paths, I strongly feel that it is what’s needed upon the next chapter.
I am very grateful to share that this next page of my journey is as a student in The Intuitive Equestrian mentorship with Felicity Davies, just as the last year (and my second year) of the Whole Horse Apprenticeship with Alexa Linton begins as well. This summer I have been exploring the Lazaris Nerve Release Technique equine bodywork modalities. I know that all of these experiences will and have been evolutionary and medicinal for my Soul and my horses.
Being a student, a sponge, a pupil is so incredible, and as a knowledge and truth seeker of the Horse and Life itself, I know I will always be embodying this role. But while my body is building capacity and safety to be seen, my voice is starting her preparations to be heard. I’ve been very quiet in my personal and public life - and that’s okay - but I feel a shift of sorts occurring as I tap into new wisdom and experiences. (We’ll see whatever that means ha!)
From The Horses and I to You - I’m looking forward to where the next few months will take us. Remember to breathe. And enjoy the ride.

05/29/2024

I still have loads of plants and am taking orders!

All of my plants are heirloom seeds, grown completely naturally with organic soil, organic fertilizers and a whole lot of
love. I have a wide array of vegetables, melons and flowers. Please message/text/call me with what you’d like and I can set it aside for pick up. Do some research on these varieties if heirloom plants are of interest to you, some are pretty fascinating and delicious!

🍅Tomatoes: $5/plant
Beefsteak
Manitoba
Black Prince
Oregon Spring
Mortgage Lifter
Scotia
San Marzano (Paste)
Roma VF (Paste)
Amish (Paste)
Opalka (Paste)
Speckled Roman (Paste)
Ukrainian Purple (Paste)
Gold Nugget (Cherry)
Peacevine (Cherry)
Purple Bumblebee (Cherry)
Sunrise Bumblebee (Cherry)
Cherry Roma
Isis Candy (Cherry)
Chocolate (Cherry)

🫑Sweet Pepper $5/plant
Lilac Bell
King of the North (Bell)
California Wonder (Bell)
Red Bell
Golden California Wonder (Bell)
Orange Bell
Apple
Red Marconi

🌶️Hot Peppers $5/plant
Anaheim
Ancho Poblano
Jalapeño
Shish*to

🥒Cucumbers $5/plant
Mexican Sour Gherkin
Marketmore
Patiosnacker
Mini Me
Lemon
Tasty Green
Muncher
Straight Eight

🍉Melons $5/plant
Sugar Baby Watermelon
Sweet Granite
Delicious Cantaloupe
Minnesota Midget
Green Nutmeg
Emerald Gem
Green Flesh Honeydew
Black Beauty Watermelon

🎃Squash $5/plant
Buttercup
Dakota Dessert
Delicate
Butternut
Spaghetti
New England Pie Pumpkin

🥗Zucchini $5/plant
Cocozelle
Black Beauty
Saffron Yellow

🍆Diamond Eggplant $5/plant
🥦Aspabroc Broccolini $5/plant
🥬Utah Celery $5/plant

🌸~FLOWERS~🌻
Resina Calendula
Crackerjack Marigold
Dwarf Jewel Nasturtium
Branching Sonja Sunflower
Silver Rose Strawflower
Apricot Peach Strawflower
Queeny Lime Zinnia
Oklahoma Pink Zinnia
Dahlia Zinnia
Baby’s Breath
Alyssum
Vining Petunia
Bright Lights Cosmo
Bi Colour Double Click Cosmo
Blush Cosmo
Rudbeckia
Blue Nigella
Rose Nigella

05/21/2024

This year I have not been occupied with new horsey Earth citizens, but rather planty ones! My precious plant babies are looking for new families. All of my plants are heirloom seeds, grown completely naturally with organic soil, organic fertilizers and a whole lot of
love. I have a wide array of vegetables, melons and flowers; I will be succession planting many varieties as well so many will continually be available this growing season! Please message/text/call me with what you’d like and I can set it aside for pick up. Do some research on these varieties if heirloom plants are of interest to you, some are pretty fascinating and delicious!

🍅Tomatoes: $5/plant
Beefsteak
Manitoba
Black Prince
Oregon Spring
Mortgage Lifter
Scotia
San Marzano (Paste)
Roma VF (Paste)
Amish (Paste)
Opalka (Paste)
Speckled Roman (Paste)
Ukrainian Purple (Paste)
Gold Nugget (Cherry)
Peacevine (Cherry)
Purple Bumblebee (Cherry)
Sunrise Bumblebee (Cherry)
Cherry Roma
Isis Candy (Cherry)
Chocolate (Cherry)

🫑Sweet Pepper $5/plant
Lilac Bell
King of the North (Bell)
California Wonder (Bell)
Red Bell
Golden California Wonder (Bell)
Orange Bell
Apple
Red Marconi

🌶️Hot Peppers $5/plant
Anaheim
Ancho Poblano
Jalapeño
Shish*to

🥒Cucumbers $5/plant
Mexican Sour Gherkin
Marketmore
Patiosnacker
Mini Me
Lemon
Tasty Green
Muncher
Straight Eight

🍉Melons $5/plant
Sugar Baby Watermelon
Sweet Granite
Delicious Cantaloupe
Minnesota Midget
Green Nutmeg
Emerald Gem
Green Flesh Honeydew
Black Beauty Watermelon

🎃Squash $5/plant
Buttercup
Dakota Dessert
Delicate
Butternut
Spaghetti
New England Pie Pumpkin

🥗Zucchini $5/plant
Cocozelle
Black Beauty
Saffron Yellow

🍆Diamond Eggplant $5/plant
🥦Aspabroc Broccolini $5/plant
🥬Utah Celery $5/plant

🌸~FLOWERS~🌻 $5/plant
Resina Calendula
Crackerjack Marigold
Dwarf Jewel Nasturtium
Branching Sonja Sunflower
Silver Rose Strawflower
Apricot Peach Strawflower
Queeny Lime Zinnia
Oklahoma Pink Zinnia
Dahlia Zinnia
Baby’s Breath
Alyssum
Vining Petunia
Bright Lights Cosmo
Bi Colour Double Click Cosmo
Blush Cosmo
Rudbeckia
Blue Nigella
Rose Nigella

12/25/2023

Queenie sent me a heartfelt message today while I was quiet with her that is catalyzing healing already.
~”When you’re ready.” 🤍
Even if you feel silly, listen to your horse. They love connecting with you and building this foundation of intuitive trust and understanding of each other.

In some European countries, a tradition unfolds on Christmas Eve. Children are told that on this magical night, horses and other animals gain the ability to talk. To put this charming notion to the test, they head to the stables, hoping to catch whispers at midnight.

We, of course, know that horses can, in fact, speak all year, if only we're able to listen.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays To All

🎄♥️🐴❄️🎄

Koper Equine
Happy, healthy horses.

12/01/2023

Dante is so persistent on reminding me and the other horses to take every opportunity to PLAY - what a gift it is to have an embodied guide that is so encouraging and gleeful! I thank him every day for being himself, showing me a new way of being with horses and being a Spirit for us to be inspired by. I’m hoping eventually we can play together in the form of R+, targets and liberty. His energy just wants to flow. 🌬️💙

11/05/2023

I have been enjoying quiet moments of peace between the hectic days. Navigating a new change in routine and responsibilities has not been effortless - but I’m adapting. Dante has been imparting me with his wisdom of play lately. When life feels overwhelming, connect to the child that lives within your heart. Comfort her, cherish her. Indulge her child-like wishes of rolling in the snow, playing tag with your dog, dancing through the crisp cool air and laughing until you cry.
Laurielle was and is a major holder in the play throughout my story. It has been a rocky road to rediscover this way of life. But Dante has been here to show me every step along the way back home.

09/24/2023

Opal always reminds me of a Barbie horse 💖 although she has been unrecognizable from rolling in the mud lately!

08/27/2023

As summer is slowly transitioning out and welcoming in a beautiful autumn, I am really seeing the fruits of my season’s hard work. I was very excited about finding and planting these “Dragon” carrots (for obvious reasons), and the horses were even more eager to taste them.
However it’s hard not to feel like the summer flew by and think “Where did that go? What have I been doing? I didn’t get enough done! I’ve ran out of time! What am I DOING!?” Anyone? 🙋🏼‍♀️
I know I certainly spent most of my time in the garden, planting, nurturing and harvesting a wide variety of plants; which made me feel close to nature and satisfied. But that little shadow of “lack” and “not enough-ness” still crept up - something I (and many, many others) have struggled with my entire life.
I am beginning to identify and understand the cycles and seasons in everything - not just the year. Something only being in Nature can reveal. And it brings me peace. A deep, feminine knowing and way of being. I’ve felt a passion to incorporate these lessons into the mundane lately.
To welcome the spirit of Autumn and her gifts, I will be hosting a New Moon women’s circle mid-September on the farm. Here we will be focusing on finding a sense of grounding through breath and movement/yoga, supporting each other as a collective and setting intentions for the coming cycle/season. This is some of the medicine I’ve been called to share at this time. If this at all interests you, please send me a message - I will be co-creating with my sistars for this circle 🌑💞

08/18/2023

Kali has been gradually darkening over the last month. What a beautiful expression she has been sharing coming into autumn. There’s just something about walking the long horse-trod path in the pasture that makes me feel at home. 💞

08/16/2023

Tummy Herbal Heaven brewing for Pal 😍 as his gut has been healing and feeling much better, he is becoming less and less fussy. I have always felt that if a horse is very particular about what they eat, it’s likely because they anticipate digestive upset, only wanting “safe” foods. The more I explore the healing properties of herbs with horses, the stronger I believe this theory. If you have a picky horse, it may be a symptom of a greater problem.

08/03/2023

Those who use MadBarn products :
I truly believe in the products this company creates to be the best option for horses in terms of basic nutritional requirements for health. I was a quiet advocate while I was practicing trimming, but now I realize just how many people in the district are using MadBarn. I am (and have been for years) an official affiliate with MadBarn. If you are looking to place an order and have a small portion of the cost go back into the local community instead of right to the manufacturers, I ask that you please accept my codes at checkout online. 🙏🏼

07/15/2023

Two of the beautiful home bred and raised beauties here at the farm. As they mature it is such a privilege to get to know them on a deeper level. Their personality, joys, insecurities, purposes here. My goal is to provide them with a supportive, nurturing and nature-oriented environment to flourish. Meanwhile they are very busy teaching me so many aspects about life, my shadows and my purpose.

04/11/2023

Spring nights like these 💜 the snow is finally deciding it’s time to transition into its next state: water; to nourish the sprouting grasses and vegetation that sustain our life. Also meaning, increased daylight and a cooperative environment for increased horsing time. Spring is always such a welcomed, inspiring and gratitude-filled season.

03/18/2023

Laurielle and her Gold Dust.
I can’t help but believe we are and always have been soul sisters. When we met, strangely we both had older geldings with the same registered name : “Gold Dust”. Mine being Pal, a gentle and smooth Rocky Mountain; hers being Sparticus, a spirited and rambunctious Hanoverian. Both quite a suitable match to our own dispositions.
I named my business many years ago after my heart horse Pal. But I really see the true reason why I was pulled to name it that. Sparticus transitioned shortly before Laurielle did. I am so grateful I still have Pal with me on this plane.
My team on the other side destroys me, uplifts me, holds me and inspires me simultaneously. I came here to experience what it is to be human. And I am. They help me with that each and every day, exploring the depths and darkness I hold, as well as the light and joy. This is what I wish to share with others. Thank you for being present on this journey with us as I learn how to express with words and actions.

03/01/2023

My Treasure does not glitter in a jewelry box; she gleams in the sun and neighs in the night. ~Bedouin Proverb

10/24/2022

Whilst nursing Catie back to health since buying her back last February, I feel like she has done just as much for me as I’ve for her. Her steady presence and collected energy has held space for me to grieve, to spend “10 year old girl time” with my horse and commit to her with a servant’s heart. She reminds me that although I may still have a loooong ways to go (which ultimately will be never ending), the key to healing is to celebrate the small successes and remember to be gentle with oneself.

10/21/2022

It was a bittersweet day when I visited Junior in his new home at SV Performance Horses. I am so grateful for all of the lessons Junior taught me about trusting my intuition, working energy throughout the body, grounding and the power of creating through intention and consistency. Shana is expecting three foals sired but Junior in the spring. Sending all of the love and flow towards his new adventure. ✨

08/09/2022

Hey everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve shared any business news on our page. Thought I would give an update and make a point to begin being more active in sharing my recent explorations.
I am still trimming from Rainy River - Barwick areas however I’m just starting to come back to work after a back injury. To continue doing my work I am making my body a priority and I appreciate everyone’s patience through this process. Honestly I have really been feeling into other areas of my life and following what feels good.
This year’s foal Rocky Mountain foal, Mishka, and her dam, Prim, have been sold to a wonderful trainer in Utah. I couldn’t be more happy about this placement and Prim was bred back to Junior, so I’m hoping to see another beautiful Gold Dust foal next year.
Cowgirl and I participated in a very insightful clinic last weekend where we fostered connection and partnership in a very unfamiliar environment. I couldn’t have been more proud of her. For those who don’t know, I have struggled to find a saddle for Cowgirl for years now. We finally found one that fits her and feels comfortable for me - an EDIX saddles & bitless bridles Oakley treeless western saddle. She definitely approved. 💞
My main focuses lately have been parts of my own personal healing journey - embodiment, nervous system regulation, intention and energy work. I feel like I have scratched the surface to such a magical healing world and seeing the connections between it and the horsing world as well. With that in mind, I am working away on my Yoga Teacher Training as a start to sharing these gifts and insights with others.

05/18/2022

Can’t agree with this enough! The way a horse behaves for their trim exponentially affects the quality of hoof trim.

There are a million things I think about when considering a trim for a horse.

Their movement, diet, posture, environment, conformation, past injuries, internal pathology, metabolic issues, their comfort level, their job expectations, hoof wear patterns, what their hoof distortion/pathology is suggesting, etc.

My focus when assessing these becomes giving the horse the best trim possible based on all those factors. Sometimes that means putting the foot down for a second look mid-trim, seeing how they adjust their stance and weightbearing, letting the foot "settle' under weightbearing before making a small change, or watching them move again to see changes in biomechanics or loading, the list goes on.

I can't stress this enough: when horses stand well - meaning they willingly pick their feet up, and hold them up comfortably for extended periods of time - it makes my job exponentially easier.. but not only that, the horse receives a more considerate trim.

If we are spending most of the hoofcare appointment focusing on how the horse stands - or isn't standing - to have its feet done, our focus shifts away from the minute details of the hoof and body and movement that might affect our trim, and instead is centered on keeping ourselves safe and the horse comfortable enough just to finish the trim.

There is a marked difference between giving the best trim possible for that horse's situation, and "making sure we just finish the trim."

Sometimes, for a horse that is unable to stand well, all it takes to make hoofcare appointments easier is the owner working in between trims, picking up the feet and holding them up comfortably. Sometimes, professional training help may be needed. And of course, there's always the possibility of a pain factor that requires some veterinary diagnostics and intervention.

If you're wondering if your hoofcare provider is giving your horse the best trim possible, one question to add into the mix is - is your horse standing as comfortably and willingly as possible? If not, then some work on that might make a drastic difference in the trim outcome.

For those who might need more help with how their horses stand for the farrier, I have two podcast episodes on this topic:

Making Hoofcare Appointments a Positive Experience with Adele Shaw:
https://thehumblehoof.libsyn.com/making-hoofcare-a-positive-experience-with-adele-shaw

Farrier Friendly with Kristin Thornberry:
https://thehumblehoof.libsyn.com/farrier-friendly-how-to-support-your-horse-to-stand-well-for-the-farrier-with-kristin-thornberry

Pictured is a horse who stands immaculately for her trim 🥰

05/16/2022

Dante working in an unfamiliar place (only place with okay footing right now!) with crazy wind. He is not quite 2 years old and standing 14.3hh. He’s holding in to some winter woollies and is still shedding out.

05/07/2022

Junior was ready for his close up 💁🏼‍♀️

05/05/2022

Prim’s not quite sure about this whole third trimester thing… but one thing is for sure, she loves all the extra snacks!

04/19/2022

First time Momma Prim has been loving her pampered lifestyle in her very own pen/attached open stall. All the hay she wants and delicious mashes every night to support her and her growing baby. She was getting a little moody with everyone else’s antics 🤣

03/29/2022

Bring on Spring!!
I have some 1.5” small square NAG Bags in stock, my favourite product. If you are feeding hay on the ground in the wet season, these nets are great for minimal wastage! I have posted some reviews backing this amazing Canadian business with super strong and knotless hay nets.
$82.46 + HST

03/14/2022

Junior enjoying a meal under the first of many warm and beautiful sunsets. The coming of spring always awakens a new energy in me that is able to understand and embody the purpose of winter; the sacred pause to rest and reflect before re-emerging in the spring with the rest of Nature.

02/18/2022

To all of my amazing trimming clients:
I hope you are all surviving this deep winter freeze - I have optimism that the sun will shine and bring us some beautiful reminders of the oncoming spring soon.
As many of you know, my life has been in a sort of whirlwind of sorts - in many different ways. Unfortunately, I am here to share some news that affects my ability to perform my job as your hoof care provider. My back has been bothering me for quite some time, and with further investigation we discovered that I have a damaged intervertebral disc in my lower back, and the aggravation from my physically demanding job is causing nerve pain and worsening the condition.
I am regretfully needing to decrease my workload trimming. With all of the other changes in my life, I’m trying to view this as an opportunity to move more in the direction of my original passion : my own horses/farm, teaching people and helping heal people through horses. If anyone wants to learn how to trim their own horses, I’m hoping to either do private lessons and/or a clinic come spring. I am just working on acquiring cadaver hooves for practical application. If you would be interested in a trimming clinic, please let me know so I can get a list together.
I am so thankful to everyone who has been a loyal client over the past few years. My decision for now is to take clients that are East of Barwick off of my trimming roster. If you need trims this next round, I can try and help accommodate until you find new hoof care.
Neergard Farrier Services out of Thunder Bay has kindly offered to take referrals/new clients that I am no longer able to serve.
Once again I apologize and hope that you can understand my decision in this difficult placement. If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, please contact me.

08/07/2021

We are getting ready to begin lessons within the next two weeks. My helper Nina is assisting in this. Thank you everyone for your patience. I am looking forward to teaching again! I will contact people who had reached out this spring before the lockdown, however feel free to contact me to ensure a spot as I may have limited availability.

07/01/2021

Hey everyone! I’m planning to head back home July 5th or 6th and will be trimming shortly after. Please contact me to book your horses in, it will be a busy July! Looking forward to seeing everyone and their animals again. Hoping to be ready for lessons around August. Thanks so much for your understanding and support of my many passions.