4jfarmm, LLC

11/17/2024

A few weeks ago, I posted about having to say goodbye to an old horse.

Today, the goodbye is very different, but still not easy.

About 15 years ago, after many "horse-less" years, I got my first horse as an adult. She was a "cast-off" from a trail stable because she has tender feet & they had rocky terrain. I've never been a fan of chestnuts, but because of her, I came to love red mares. Shawnee was the horse that got me "back in the saddle" & re-awakened my love for horses. To say she was special to me would be an understatement.

When we started 4J Farmm & our horsemanship program, Shawnee was a great teacher. Emma Harwood was our first "horse-kid". Emma fell in love with Shawnee & in time, became her owner. They are an amazing pair with a great, trusting partnership. Shawnee continued to live here at 4J Farmm.

The years have passed quickly & we all have made some great "horsey" memories & have been able to HIT THE TRAIL together.

But young, horse-crazy girls grow-up & make lives of their own. Today, Emma moved Shawnee to a new home. Although I am so happy for them, it is a bit sad for me. I've spent the last 15 years seeing Shawnee on a daily basis. To say she will be missed is an understatement.

Wishing Emma & Shawnee many more years to ENJOY THE RIDE!

Just a few photo memories from over the years!

11/16/2024

Due to hunting season starting tomorrow, our trail riding season has come to an end.

Today was a great day "last day" for riding & to enjoy the trails!

11/11/2024

Our gratitude goes out to all those who serve so that we can enjoy our American freedoms!
Happy Veteran's Day from 4J Farmm!

11/09/2024

One week ago, 4J Farmm hosted our first ever Fall Fun Show!!! 13 horses & riders spent the day executing horsemanship skills in an informal, friendly atmosphere. The focus of this show was about participation, attitude & effort. We encouraged riders to work on personal accomplishment & not on competition between each other!!!

The 7 classes of the day included fitting & handling, safe riding, horsemanship, riding with a partner, a fun game, obstacle course & musical freestyle. We ended the day with a buffet of snack foods & and award ceremony!

It was a great day with lots of smiles & fun! This will likely become an annual event!

Thanks to everyone that participated & helped out!

Major photo dump to follow!!!

11/07/2024

Time to HIT THE TRAIL!!!

Next week is the last chance for a fall trail ride!

We have openings on Monday November 11th & Friday November 15th.

To set up a time to ride, contact us by PM or call/text 518-791-9811

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from the whole herd at 4J Farmm!

10/26/2024

Many of our horses find homes with us in their senior years. We know what a blessing it is to enjoy those last years. We also know that we will face difficult decisions as the end of life nears. This article is so well written & explains "Saying goodbye on a good day".

What does it really mean to "let them go on a good day?"

It means it will be your hardest day. It won't matter if you've never done it before, or if you're gifted a dozen good days, each good day is always the hardest one.

It means they won't know what the fuss is about, why they're getting so many treats and extra belly scratches and hugs.

It means you will second guess your decision right up to the very last moment, the very last breath. You'll second guess yourself afterwards.

They'll knicker at you when you arrive, just like any other day.

The weather, perfect. They are content. They look sound today. They are breathing well, eating well, they get up easily enough from a nap in the sun....the list goes on. Whatever issue they struggle with, today they aren't.

Today you euthanize them.

This is what going on a good day means: sending them out while they are happy, while they are healthy, while they are eating well, walking well, etc. You make the choice to do it before an emergency takes the choice away from you, before your horse has to experience any more trauma or pain.

Their last memory will be filled with love.

It'll rip your heart out every time.

We can see the patterns and the increasing trends. We can predict it a little. We can obsess over the past and worry about the future.

Fortunately, horses, all animals, live in the moment. They don't worry about those things. They aren't worried about winter. They aren't worried about July, or allergies, or progressive diseases like cushings or dsld. They don't think about the close calls they've had before, and they certainly aren't thinking about the close calls that are destined to come, as their body continues to age and break down. They just are. They are happy and healthy, or fearful and in pain, on that day, in that moment.

It is the most difficult, most loving gift we are blessed to be able to give.

And that first ice storm will come, that first deep snow, that first heat wave....and you will find a little relief, no longer doubting the choice you made.

They were happy, and safe, and loved. That is all that matters.

It is never easy. ~Kelly Meister, author

10/23/2024

This past week has been GREAT for fall trail riding!

The long range forecast looks like a few more weeks of perfect conditions!

Contact us to set up YOUR trail ride! PM or call/text at 518-791-9811

10/21/2024

4J Farmm will be there for Halloween "horsin-around"

🐾👻🎃Ghouls and Goblins of ACS🦇🍫🧟‍♂️

Come enjoy some Halloween fun at Trunk or Treat. Vote for your favorite trunk, play some games, take a picture at our photo booth station, and enter your pumpkin into the contest!
🎃4 Pumpkin prizes: Pre-K/K, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6🎃
Hot coffee, water, hot chocolate, and cider donuts available for purchase.

For those able to help, PTSA is looking for candy donations. Items can be sent to school with your student between 10/21-25.🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍭🍬

10/18/2024

The weather tomorrow looks PERFECT for FALL trail riding!!

We have openings at 11am!

Contact us by PM or call/text 518-791-9811 to reserve spots!

10/15/2024

HIT THE TRAIL!

It is perfect weather for horseback trail riding! The fall colors are great!

We have openings this week:

Thursday October 17th - 1pm & 3pm
Friday October 18th - 1pm & 3pm
Saturday October 19th - 11am & 1pm

**Click on the pics for options & pricing**

Contact us by PM or call/text 518-791-9811 to reserve your spots & ENJOY THE RIDE!

PLEASE SHARE!!!

10/09/2024

She was a cranky, old mare who needed a new home

I'm a sucker for Appaloosas

We were a great pair of old ladies having new fun together

She mellowed out & became a trusty mount for lots of little riders

The time went by too fast

She will be missed

Happy Trails, Mistletoe!

10/08/2024

On Saturday, we had the honor of sharing our love of horses & our love of God with a group of kids from the United Methodist Church (Eagle Bridge, So. Cambridge, Easton & Centenary).

Our topic for the day was an illustration of trail riding with God as the trail guide & the scriptures as the trail markers, giving us direction on which way to go.

The riders spent lots of hands-on time with the horses: grooming, saddling & riding. We had a picnic lunch in the barn & had a little craft time too!

Thank you Melissa Weatherwax, Pastor, for bringing your church kids to 4J Farmm! We hope to HIT THE TRAIL with you again in the future!!!

God Bless you all!!

10/06/2024

Trail & Ale at Scotlander Brewing Co. was a great success!

Thank you to all of the riders that joined us for the fun!

Thank you to Scotlander for inviting us to celebrate with you!

10/06/2024

HIT THE TRAIL!

Here is a 45 second sample of seeing the views "between the ears" of a horse!

10/06/2024

Another few days of amazing fall trail riding!

11/11/2023

4J Farmm Merchandise available for purchase! Just in time for holiday gift giving!

Clothing is available in kids & adults sizes (2T- 4XL). See pics for variety & prices.

Contact us by November 20th to place your order. All orders must be pre-paid.

Thanks to the Steidle Family for modeling!