Walnut Hollow Farm

12/09/2024

Beautiful sunrise over the farm this morning as I headed out to do farm chores.

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from our farm family to yours. Have a grateful day.

11/08/2024

Storm, leased by Kait, is an exceptionally photogenic horse!

08/27/2024

Ashley, David and I want to thank all of you who came out on a rainy Sunday afternoon for the Barn Family Work and Pizza Party. A special thank you to Kara for putting it all together and providing the yummy pizza! The viewing room got some upgrades for the upcoming cold, a dressage chain and bucket system was created and ground poles got some new paint and they look fabulous!

08/11/2024

08/07/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/UN9HPAb5VBvVCFCc/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Make Them Carry Their Saddle

A father of a darling girl and I were talking last week and he said that he wanted his daughter to ride more and not have to do the work part of the catching, grooming, and saddling. I smiled as I explained.

Riding horses is a combination of strength, timing, and balance. Kids in this country are physically weak (unless they are actively involved with weight training and physical conditioning 4+ times a week.)

When you walk out to the field, you are clearing your stress from being under fluorescent lights all day; feeling the sun soak into your bones. As your body moves on uneven surfaces, it strengthens your legs and core.

When you groom your horse (especially currying), you are toning your arms and stabilizing your core.

When you carry your saddle, your arms, chest, and back are doing isolated strengthening work.

Being near horses, calms and makes you tune into the splendor of these empathetic animals.

When you ride at a posting trot, it’s equivalent to a slow jog calorie burn wise.

After a lesson, the riders are physically tired and mentally quiet and balanced.

Horses feel your heart beat and mirror your emotions back.

Riding large and somewhat unpredictable animals makes you resilient and pushes your expectations.

Working with horses is so much more than learning how to ride.

So parents, make your children carry their saddles. Don’t do the hard parts for them, as long term it actually hurts them. To advance with their riding, they must get stronger. You can help by doing the high parts.

I love having you all at the farm, and am so grateful to get to share these fascinating animals with you.

Hannah Campbell Zapletal

08/04/2024

It’s been a while but Dave and I made it to a show today.

02/14/2024

Good Morning

01/21/2024

We have a hay delivery this Thursday January 25th starting around 7:30am and are looking for a couple more helpers. If you are interested in helping out, are strong and looking for a little extra cash please contact Kim via PM.

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas from our Farmily to yours.