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Feral Valley Ranch

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Canada
Vernon, BC
Feral Valley Ranch

"A great horse will change your life. The truly special ones define it..."
(1)

10/17/2024

Guinness

October 2023
A lot of dreams and goals seemed so far from being attainable, but if I've learned anything, it's that if it's something worth doing, go for it. Our first exposure to mounted archery back in 2021 had Guinness spook at the white rope that makes up the lane way (he assumed it was electric) and he proceeded to take down the course in his panic. It was something we had to work through, breaking things down slowly again before he was confident to run the track.

Growing up, I became involved with horses on my 10th birthday, when my grandparents gifted me three riding lessons at a local English barn. Prior to that, I'd been in love with them because they had been my Mom's passion throughout her youth. Books upon books of horse stories were passed down to me, and I've read each and every one.
I rode at that barn for a couple of years before we moved, and my parents acquired Bud/FlyBoi for me. I did not take lessons after we relocated, and it was through a lot of trial and error that I stumbled across things that worked and things that didn't.
It wasn't until 2019 that my interest and level of horsemanship took on a new dimension and purpose. Guinness had been with me for two years by that point, and he was thrilled to grow exponentially as I began to have my eyes opened to the infinite world of unending teachings. He truly did become the "Guinny Pig" as we learned things such as the importance of timing and feel, and I learned that ignorance is only bliss for those who do not know better.

Known as Mr. Dependable, Guin joined the family back in 2017 as a project needing to be restarted and legged up due to having a tendency to spook and bolt. He was joint owned between myself and a friend, but when the time came to rehome him, the decision was made to buy her out and keep him. This proved to be one of the best choices I ever made, and "Not-So-Skinny Guinny" became a fixture and main mount here, from trails to town rides, from mounted archery to schooling colts, he's been a cherished member of the equine team. More recently, his nickname was overhauled, and he is now adoringly known as the "Guinny Piggy" thanks to his easy keeper body type. 😉

10/16/2024

Guinness

June 2019
Growing up, I became involved with horses on my 10th birthday, when my grandparents gifted me three riding lessons at a local English barn. Prior to that, I'd been in love with them because they had been my Mom's passion throughout her youth. Books upon books of horse stories were passed down to me, and I've read each and every one.
I rode at that barn for a couple of years before we moved, and my parents acquired Bud/FlyBoi for me. I did not take lessons after we relocated, and it was through a lot of trial and error that I stumbled across things that worked and things that didn't.
It wasn't until 2019 that my interest and level of horsemanship took on a new dimension and purpose. Guinness had been with me for two years by that point, and he was thrilled to grow exponentially as I began to have my eyes opened to the infinite world of unending teachings. He truly did become the "Guinny Pig" as we learned things such as the importance of timing and feel, and I learned that ignorance is only bliss for those who do not know better.

Known as Mr. Dependable, Guin joined the family back in 2017 as a project needing to be restarted and legged up due to having a tendency to spook and bolt. He was joint owned between myself and a friend, but when the time came to rehome him, the decision was made to buy her out and keep him. This proved to be one of the best choices I ever made, and "Not-So-Skinny Guinny" became a fixture and main mount here, from trails to town rides, from mounted archery to schooling colts, he's been a cherished member of the equine team. More recently, his nickname was overhauled, and he is now adoringly known as the "Guinny Piggy" thanks to his easy keeper body type. 😉

10/15/2024

Guinness

January 2022
Known as Mr. Dependable, Guin joined the family back in 2017 as a project needing to be restarted and legged up due to having a tendency to spook and bolt. He was joint owned between myself and a friend, but when the time came to rehome him, the decision was made to buy her out and keep him. This proved to be one of the best choices I ever made, and "Not-So-Skinny Guinny" became a fixture and main mount here, from trails to town rides, from mounted archery to schooling colts, he's been a cherished member of the equine team. More recently, his nickname was overhauled, and he is now adoringly known as the "Guinny Piggy" thanks to his easy keeper body type. 😉

10/13/2024

Athena

June 2024
It is always fun to challenge the foundation of a horse by not only exposing them to the variety of situations out on the trail but also asking them to perform maneuvers, patterns, and obstacles. Our trail rides are rarely boring and uneventful, but having to focus on cues and finessing of movements is more important than we sometimes give credit.
Often skeptical initially, Athena was quick to offer an effort and loved to conquer the challenges in front of her. Such a great heart in such a little mare.

It's been such a tough choice to decide which photos to use for these posts with Athena because there are so many, and she's just simply stunning with and without a camera on her.
Initial bravery for new situations was not something Athena embodied, but her desire to try was phenomenal, and that alone is something to be extra appreciative of. Nourishing that inclination was crucial for her utilizing appropriate coping mechanisms. What used to be a big, dramatic reaction turned to pause, thinking, chewing, and softening when she was uncertain or worried. Watching and following seasoned horses allowed for her to realize that the situations she was put in were meant to be fun and enjoyable for all those involved!

Every horse has their own schedule and quirks that we get to learn about and work with. Athena was here for a longer duration, and it gave us time to really get to know one another. She became one of my favourite rides with her light feet and continual drive. New situations could have her on her toes, but when I needed her to be a solid mount, she obliged the best she could! Her resume this last spring and summer was filled with trails and adventure.

10/12/2024

Athena

May 2024
It's been such a tough choice to decide which photos to use for these posts with Athena because there are so many, and she's just simply stunning with and without a camera on her.
Initial bravery for new situations was not something Athena embodied, but her desire to try was phenomenal, and that alone is something to be extra appreciative of. Nourishing that inclination was crucial for her utilizing appropriate coping mechanisms. What used to be a big, dramatic reaction turned to pause, thinking, chewing, and softening when she was uncertain or worried. Watching and following seasoned horses allowed for her to realize that the situations she was put in were meant to be fun and enjoyable for all those involved!

Every horse has their own schedule and quirks that we get to learn about and work with. Athena was here for a longer duration, and it gave us time to really get to know one another. She became one of my favourite rides with her light feet and continual drive. New situations could have her on her toes, but when I needed her to be a solid mount, she obliged the best she could! Her resume this last spring and summer was filled with trails and adventure.

10/11/2024

Athena

April 2024
Every horse has their own schedule and quirks that we get to learn about and work with. Athena was here for a longer duration, and it gave us time to really get to know one another. She became one of my favourite rides with her light feet and continual drive. New situations could have her on her toes, but when I needed her to be a solid mount, she obliged the best she could! Her resume this last spring and summer was filled with trails and adventure.

10/07/2024

Apollo

September 2024
As with almost every horse that comes here, a fun milestone and test is the ride through town. We do a "dry run" with only leading the horses in our initial exposure so that they have a chance to see things while having the support of a seasoned ponying horse. This is a common method I use when colts are more anxious and lacking bravery. It's amazing how far and how quickly they come when you build the blocks for them and raise the bar of expectations. It's been said time and time again; 1% better each day leads to hand-over-fist improvement in a year. What an incredible finale for Apollo to have him settling down and becoming a trustworthy partner where I could ride back through town and enjoy a coffee in hand!

Gaining life experience is an important training tool I like to employ. We try to make it fun by going on group adventures; packing, trails, walking through town, and learning about bridges and water. The confidence earned through watching other horses is invaluable, and even a lot of the Nervous Nellys of the world become trustworthy partners. Apollo quickly became accustomed to trailering being a part of the deal, and he was eager to join in. The rocks and logs and dogs that worried him over the first few outings of being a tag-along soon turned to boring white noise, and he began to really relax and enjoy getting out.

This guy was one of those horses who made progress in a way that was completely unexpected. When he first arrived, he was just about afraid of his own shadow - confident when around his brother, Winnie, or other horses, but no sense of self-worth on his own. Just trying to lunge him in the center of the riding arena had him careening into his handler at the sight of my concrete wall, which he simply could not fathom being anywhere near. It was mentioned that he was quite anxious and unable to load into a horse trailer, and his owner had to convince him in with love (food) to get him into one to get him here. Once here, he learned a lot about finding coping methods, releasing, relaxing, and keeping an open mind.

10/04/2024

Apollo

April 2024
Gaining life experience is an important training tool I like to employ. We try to make it fun by going on group adventures; packing, trails, walking through town, and learning about bridges and water. The confidence earned through watching other horses is invaluable, and even a lot of the Nervous Nellys of the world become trustworthy partners. Apollo quickly became accustomed to trailering being a part of the deal, and he was eager to join in. The rocks and logs and dogs that worried him over the first few outings of being a tag-along soon turned to boring white noise, and he began to really relax and enjoy getting out.

This guy was one of those horses who made progress in a way that was completely unexpected. When he first arrived, he was just about afraid of his own shadow - confident when around his brother, Winnie, or other horses, but no sense of self-worth on his own. Just trying to lunge him in the center of the riding arena had him careening into his handler at the sight of my concrete wall, which he simply could not fathom being anywhere near. It was mentioned that he was quite anxious and unable to load into a horse trailer, and his owner had to convince him in with love (food) to get him into one to get him here. Once here, he learned a lot about finding coping methods, releasing, relaxing, and keeping an open mind.

10/02/2024

Apollo

September 2024
This guy was one of those horses who made progress in a way that was completely unexpected. When he first arrived, he was just about afraid of his own shadow - confident when around his brother, Winnie, or other horses, but no sense of self-worth on his own. Just trying to lunge him in the center of the riding arena had him careening into his handler at the sight of my concrete wall, which he simply could not fathom being anywhere near. It was mentioned that he was quite anxious and unable to load into a horse trailer, and his owner had to convince him in with love (food) to get him into one to get him here. Once here, he learned a lot about finding coping methods, releasing, relaxing, and keeping an open mind.

Pictured here is him checking out the scenery at Preachers Point on Abraham Lake in Alberta, the day he was to be reunited with his family after an extended stay with me.

09/15/2024

Helios

April 2024
It's always a great opportunity to take young or green horses out on some thought-provoking long rides. A small group of us made a day trip to a local lake, during which we ended up detouring through a newer logging cut-block that I confidently made a wrong turn at. We tried to locate the correct trail by means of bushwacking over the logging debris of small trees and branches, but were eventually forced to backtrack. The experience was made memorable, and it was a great opportunity to have the horses remain mindful of their foot placement and following direction. At the destination lake, they were all eager and happy to enjoy a well deserved drink.

The first rides with confidence make such a valuable foundation for a horse, and so much of their positive relationship with riding stems from allowing them to seek comfort in the partnership. A calm rider who is loose reined and relaxed will most often result in a horse who is not uptight or worried, as so much tension and anxiety is transmitted through the contact on their face and through our seat. Ample groundwork assists in preparing the horse, but some horses - like Helios - are just game for any and all new experiences.

After a blissfully wonderful summer spent with all of the horses here, it's now time to reflect after some of their departures home.
The big puppy-dog, Helios, was a beloved member of the herd, albeit his youthful demeanor earned him many physical discussions with the other horses. A playful gelding, he enjoyed untying himself at the hitching blocks, playing with the flag and brushes, and snuffling the cats as they got too near him. 😂

09/13/2024

Helios

April 2024
The first rides with confidence make such a valuable foundation for a horse, and so much of their positive relationship with riding stems from allowing them to seek comfort in the partnership. A calm rider who is loose reined and relaxed will most often result in a horse who is not uptight or worried, as so much tension and anxiety is transmitted through the contact on their face and through our seat. Ample groundwork assists in preparing the horse, but some horses - like Helios - are just game for any and all new experiences.

After a blissfully wonderful summer spent with all of the horses here, it's now time to reflect after some of their departures home.
The big puppy-dog, Helios, was a beloved member of the herd, albeit his youthful demeanor earned him many physical discussions with the other horses. A playful gelding, he enjoyed untying himself at the hitching blocks, playing with the flag and brushes, and snuffling the cats as they got too near him. 😂

09/12/2024

Helios

April 2024
After a blissfully wonderful summer spent with all of the horses here, it's now time to reflect after some of their departures home.
The big puppy-dog, Helios, was a beloved member of the herd, albeit his youthful demeanor earned him many physical discussions with the other horses. A playful gelding, he enjoyed untying himself at the hitching blocks, playing with the flag and brushes, and snuffling the cats as they got too near him. 😂

06/24/2024

Nova

May 2024
As Nova stays with us for the duration of her "brothers" (Winnie & Apollo) training period, she is being brought out for some casual rides and refreshers to ensure she goes home to her loving family in tip-top form. She is such a favourite around here with her soft and quiet demeanor, happily carrying anyone down the trail with confidence. Her laid-back pace is so nice to enjoy while out on a relaxing trail ride.

As a more reserved mare, Nova holds a quiet yet self-secure aura. At first, she was elusive to catch and quite unmotivated to do more than she desired.

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly they come out of their shell when we start hitting the trails and adventuring. Once one always hiding behind everyone else, Nova began to vie for attention and was eager to be haltered and jump into the trailer.

05/15/2024

Nova

April 2024
It's simply not possible to avoid the lake when the weather is this lovely, and it's always such a delight to introduce the client horses for a good splash about!

As a more reserved mare, Nova holds a quiet yet self-secure aura. At first, she was elusive to catch and quite unmotivated to do more than she desired.

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly they come out of their shell when we start hitting the trails and adventuring. Once one to always hide behind everyone else, Nova began to vie for attention and was eager to be haltered and jump into the trailer.

05/02/2024

Nova

April 2024
As a more reserved mare, Nova holds a quiet yet self-secure aura. At first, she was elusive to catch and quite unmotivated to do more than she desired.

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly they come out of their shell when we start hitting the trails and adventuring. Once one to always hide behind everyone else, Nova began to vie for attention and was eager to be haltered and jump into the trailer.

04/12/2024

Martini

March 2014
Sometimes it's a fun journey to take a walk down memory lane.

Things weren't always easy with a quirky horse that had some sort of history before me; she hated arenas, couldn't be tied, kicked trailer doors, and reigned as my Queen B in herd dynamics. I wouldn't change a thing about her though, as I came to experience troubleshooting for different methods of training and handling. If an accident could happen, with Martini it likely would. Every year since bringing her into the family, I've dealt with some sort of medical issue or another with her; abscessing, self-inflicted injury, bone splints/chips, environmental... my First Aid kit has grown exponentially over the years to accommodate!

She taught me to begin to look outside the box when what's being done isn't working. Learning to work within the limits presented by each individual horse, and finding out ways to overcome some obstacles while also accepting some things to be steadfast engraved behaviors.

Acquired through an ad on Kijiji in 2012;
"6yo brown and white horse"
There was something about this mare that had me mesmerized from the start. There hadn't even been a photo to the online ad, and being curious to see if the horse was a paint or pinto, I'd inquired, and this was the photo I'd received back. I was to be her 6th owner in the six years of her life to that point, and I always intended on being her last home.

04/12/2024

Martini

October 2012
Sometimes it's a fun journey to take a walk down memory lane.

We've traveled all over the province of British Columbia together, and she became my ride-or-die girl. From working out at a Substation near Merritt to a new BC Hydro build out in Chetwynd BC, my mare came along with me whenever possible.

She taught me to begin to look outside the box when what's being done isn't working. Learning to work within the limits presented by each individual horse, and finding out ways to overcome some obstacles while also accepting some things to be steadfast engraved behaviors.

Acquired through an ad on Kijiji in 2012;
"6yo brown and white horse"
There was something about this mare that had me mesmerized from the start. There hadn't even been a photo to the online ad, and being curious to see if the horse was a paint or pinto, I'd inquired, and this was the photo I'd received back. I was to be her 6th owner in the six years of her life to that point, and I always intended on being her last home.

04/10/2024

Martini

April 2012
Sometimes it's a fun journey to take a walk down memory lane.

Acquired through an ad on Kijiji in 2012;
"6yo brown and white horse"
There was something about this mare that had me mesmerized from the start. There hadn't even been a photo to the online ad, and being curious to see if the horse was a paint or pinto, I'd inquired, and this was the photo I'd received back. I was to be her 6th owner in the six years of her life to that point, and I always intended on being her last home.

We've traveled all over the province of British Columbia together, and she became my ride-or-die girl.

Address

Vernon, BC
V0E1W1

Telephone

+12509380900

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Videos

Miko October 2023 Doggo kisses for the kiddo.

Just another day in the life of a farm kid... trolleying to the mailbox in the saddle! It's not much horsepower; just a lotta mompower.

Said goodbye to Pippa last night; her month of Summer Camp came to an end. So much learning went on, and she was such a sweetheart to have around! She also went on the weekend's wine tasting expedition with great success. The best part about returning these guys is seeing the difference between the first and last day. Pips was a trooper with loading into the trailer at the beginning of the month, but now she loads herself when directed! If she had any qualms about the state of the trailer floor mess after such a fun and busy weekend, she kept it to herself 😅