M4X Horsemanship & Training

11/24/2025

‼️Important Health Notice — Please Read

Hey everyone, I know I’ve shared about this, but with a couple of confirmed EHV-1 cases in Washington state, it feels important to say it again — and even more firmly:

Please, please, please use extreme caution when traveling or visiting different barns right now.

Horses can carry the virus for 2–3 weeks before showing any symptoms.

They can also spread it to other horses while still looking completely healthy.

This makes biosecurity more important than ever.

Even if your horse is staying home, YOU can still carry the virus on your clothes, boots, hands, tack, or equipment.

What You Can Do to Help Protect Our Horses:

- Wash your hands before and after being at any facility.
- Change clothes & disinfect boots if you go to a different barn.
- Avoid unnecessary travel — especially to shows, clinics, and new barns.
- If you must haul a horse, please quarantine when you return.
- Vet visits: If you have to leave home for medical reasons, please reach out to the vet prior to arrival, and plan for a short isolation period when you get back.
- Holiday horse purchases: If bringing home a new horse this season, make sure you have a safe place to quarantine them for 2–3 weeks.

There is so much movement happening this time of year, and we simply don’t know which horses have been exposed yet. A healthy-looking horse isn’t automatically a safe horse right now.

I’m not saying this to scare anyone —
I’m saying it because I love this community and want every single one of our horses protected.

Please stay vigilant, stay educated, and stay safe.
Our horses rely on us to make the smart choices.

If anyone has questions about quarantine setups or what protocols to follow, feel free to message me..

11/20/2025

Important PSA for My Horse Community — Current EHV Outbreak

With a current EHV outbreak happening, many barns and facilities are temporarily closing to outside traffic — and for good reason. EHV (Equine Herpesvirus) is highly contagious, spreads fast, and the neurological form can become serious very quickly.

I’m sharing this to help keep everyone informed, prepared, and proactive. 🤍

Symptoms to Watch For
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nasal discharge
• Eye inflammation
• Lethargy or “off” behavior
• Any neurological changes — stumbling, weakness, incoordination (call your vet immediately)

How EHV Spreads
• Direct horse-to-horse contact
• Coughing/sneezing (aerosol spread)
• Shared tack, buckets, brushes, gates, handlers, gloves, clothing — anything a sick horse or person touches

A Note on Vaccines

Even though many 5-way vaccines include EHV, that doesn’t mean your horse can’t get it. Vaccinations may reduce symptom severity, but they do not fully prevent infection or shedding. This is why biosecurity still matters, even in fully vaccinated barns.

Why Barns Are Temporarily Closing to Outsiders

This outbreak requires extra caution. Restricting outside traffic helps:
• Limit potential exposure from traveling horses
• Prevent cross-contamination between barns
• Protect vulnerable horses (young, elderly, stressed, or immunocompromised)
• Stop the virus before it spreads further through the county

These closures aren’t to inconvenience anyone — they’re to protect entire herds.

What You Can Do Right Now
• Avoid hauling unless absolutely necessary
• Skip nose-to-nose greetings with unfamiliar horses
• Don’t share water buckets, grooming tools, halters, etc.
• Wash or sanitize hands between horses
• Monitor temps
• Quarantine new/returning horses for 2–3 weeks
• Reduce stress and travel
• Call your vet for any fever or suspicious behavior

Keeping our horses safe is a team effort, and our local community is amazing at coming together when it matters most. I’ll continue to share updates as things unfold.

Stay safe, horse friends — and give your ponies an extra pat for me.

11/11/2025

Today, we’re taking a moment to thank all the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage and dedication don’t go unnoticed, and we’re so grateful for the freedoms you’ve protected.

From everyone here at the barn — thank you, Veterans, for your service. We’re riding today with extra gratitude in our hearts. ❤️🤍💙

11/11/2025

🎄🐴 Save the Date! 🎅
We’re so excited to announce our first ever Holiday on the Farms — happening Saturday, December 13th from 12 PM to 4 PM at Twisted H Farms (3881 Upper Peoh Point Rd, Cle Elum, WA)!

Come join us for a festive day filled with:
- Photos with Santa & his Helper Horses – Capture a one-of-a-kind holiday memory!
- Gallop & Graze 4-H Booth – Homemade horse & dog treats available by donation.
- Bake Sale & Hot Cocoa Bar – Warm up with delicious goodies and festive drinks.
- Local Business Highlights – M4X Photography, M4X Horsemanship & Training, and Twisted H Farms!
- Vendors & Makers Market – Featuring beautiful custom leatherwork by Mountain Spirit Customs (if you’ve seen anyone rocking the M4X brand on a piece of leather, that’s her craftsmanship at work!).

We’re still adding more amazing local vendors — if you’d like to join in on the fun, send us a message!

Admission: Free & Family Friendly
Parking: On-site, follow event signs

Come celebrate the holidays, support local makers, and make some magical memories at the farm! 💚❤️

.photography Twisted H Farm

11/04/2025

Maple got her first introduction to the jolly ball the other day— and let’s just say, she’s officially intrigued.

Kendall was very committed to helping — trying her best to “hand” Maple the ball, because obviously that’s how you play fetch… even if your partner has hooves. 😂 Maple gave it the full inspection: sniffed it, nudged it, and even decided to carry it around in her mouth!

These are the moments that make the best horses — the quiet, silly play that builds confidence and trust without even realizing it. Spend time with your horses, folks. Let them explore, be goofy, and learn that the world is full of fun things to discover! 💛

11/01/2025

We’re all set up at the Kittitas County 4H Tack Sale at the Kittitas Event Center! 🌟
Come swing by and check out all the discount tack — we’ve got tons to offer and some really great deals you won’t want to miss!

This is a 4-H event, so come out and support our local 4-H clubs while snagging some amazing finds! 💚🐴

We’ll be here from 9 AM to 12 PM today (November 1st) — come say hi, shop around, and help support our awesome youth horse community!

🤠

10/29/2025

Winter Prep ❄️

It’s hard to believe October’s already wrapping up! As we head into the colder months, now’s the perfect time to check in on your horses, your setup, and your winter plan. A little prep now saves a lot of stress when the temperatures drop.

🐴 Health & Deworming

Late fall is the ideal time to connect with your vet for deworming, dental checks, or any updates to your horse’s care plan. Treating for bot flies before winter helps eliminate larvae that would otherwise overwinter and cause issues come spring.

💧 Water Systems

Make sure hoses are disconnected and drained, and tank heaters are tested and ready. Check that your electrical setup can handle the load safely — frozen water is one of the quickest ways for horses to stop eating and lose condition.

🧣 Blankets & Shelter

Pull out blankets early to wash, repair, and label them before the first cold snap. Even a thick-coated horse will appreciate a clean, dry layer on wet or windy days.

🌾 Feed & Body Condition

Horses burn more calories staying warm, so nutrition matters! Use a weight tape regularly and keep an eye on body condition. Many horses benefit from extra forage, which helps maintain both body weight and internal warmth. Always feed based on body weight, not just habit 🙌🏻

🧹 Hoof Care & Footing

Wet-dry cycles can be tough on hooves. Pick feet often to prevent thrush and packed ice balls, and chat with your farrier about the best plan for traction and maintenance through winter.

🔦 Lighting, Safety & Supplies

Shorter days mean darker chores. Replace bulbs, check your pathways for ice, and make sure you’ve got the basics ready:
• A spare tank heater
• Outdoor-rated extension cords
• Salt or mineral blocks
• Flashlights or headlamps

A quick first-aid kit refresh is also smart before winter storms hit.

Need a Winter Check-Up?

If you’re not sure where to start — whether it’s feed adjustments, facility prep, or organizing your winter setup — I’m happy to help. I offer custom barn and horse care consultations to get you on track for a smooth, stress-free season.

While I’m not a licensed veterinarian, I have extensive experience in equine health management and facility operations, and I’m always happy to share guidance and help you collaborate with your vet to create a plan that works for you and your herd.

Here’s to a warm, safe, and well-prepared winter for you and your horses! 💙🐴

10/26/2025

October Client Spotlight: The Elliot Family 🌟

This month’s spotlight is quite lovely — it’s for Taylor & LJ Elliot! ❤️

These two have been an absolute joy to work with. They take a couples lesson together (yes, the best kind of date night!) with their two incredible horses — and it only felt fitting to feature them side by side for this one. I love this family dearly and it’s been so fun to watch their progress, teamwork, and laughter in every ride.

Buttercup was actually part of my lesson program for some time, but she let us know she was ready for a change of pace from doing lessons. Now, she absolutely loves her new home with the Elliot family — and it couldn’t be a better match! I’m so grateful to work with these two, and it’s always a treat getting to see their wonderful kids around the barn too. 💛

1️⃣ How long have you been part of the M4X Horsemanship program?
Taylor & LJ: 9 months

2️⃣ Tell us a little about your horse(s)—what’s their name, age, and personality like?
Taylor: Janey is a 19ish year old grulla who is an athletic, spicy little boss mare that is very hyper aware of everything around her.
LJ: Buttercup is a 17 year old who loves to be a big puppy and loves pets and treats.

3️⃣ What first drew you to your horse(s), or how did you become a team?
Taylor: Her color and being my 1st horse she’s short and I found that to be less intimidating.
LJ: We first became a team when I first started at M4X as Buttercup was one of the lesson horses. We grew a quick bond and worked great together.

4️⃣ What’s something you and your horse have really improved on together during your time in the M4X Horsemanship program?
Taylor: Trust and confidence — when I first brought Janey to M4X I was scared of her and her “sensitive” personality.
LJ: We have improved on so much, but I think our groundwork has improved the most.

5️⃣ What’s your favorite exercise, drill, or type of ride to work on as a team?
Taylor: Trotting — as simple as it is, Janey has the smoothest, most rhythmic trot of any horse I have ridden.
LJ: Trotting around the arena and playing leap frog with Taylor and Janey

6️⃣ What’s one challenge you’ve worked through with your horse?
Taylor: It’s still a work in progress, but definitely staying calm and consistent when she tests boundaries and throws temper tantrums.
LJ: Posting.

7️⃣ If your horse(s) had a superpower, what would it be and how would they use it?
Taylor: Size manipulation — she would make herself big! She has big horse attitude and personality trapped in a little horse body.
LJ: To walk through fences to get to the hay pile to eat!

8️⃣ What’s your 6-month goal for you and your horse(s), either in the arena or out on the trail?
Taylor: Continue building confidence and trust in each other.
LJ: To continue to learn new skills with Buttercup and to be able to take on more difficult trails.

9️⃣ What’s something your horse(s) has taught you—about riding, patience, or even life?
Taylor: Little wins make big wins.
LJ: To slow down in life and enjoy time even if it’s an hour in the arena with the horse and with my wife.

🔟 What’s your favorite part about working with your horse through the M4X program?
Taylor: I can bring any question to Mackenzie (no matter how silly I think it may be) and she answers with kindness and a true passion for educating about horses and riding. She’s awesome 😊
LJ: Learning all the new skills and confidence to feel comfortable to take on new obstacles with my horse.

💛 Taylor, LJ, and the whole Elliot crew — thank you for bringing so much heart, humor, and positivity to the barn. Watching Buttercup thrive in her new chapter with you and seeing your teamwork grow every week has been such a highlight. Here’s to many more “date nights” in the arena, fun lessons, and miles of memories ahead! 🐴✨

10/25/2025

Happy 3rd Birthday, M4X Horsemanship & Training! 🎉

Three years ago today, I officially opened my doors as M4X Horsemanship & Training. I’d already been teaching and helping people with their horses for years, but this was the day I finally decided to take that next step and turn a lifelong passion into something bigger — something I could share with more people.

It’s crazy to think how far things have come since then. What started as a dream has grown into a program built on trust, patience, and connection — not just between horse and rider, but between all the amazing people who have come into my life through this journey.

I can’t even begin to put into words how grateful I am for everyone who’s believed in me, supported me, and trusted me with their horses. Every lesson, every breakthrough, and every smile in the saddle means the world to me.

To all my clients, friends, and supporters — thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me make M4X what it is today. Here’s to more growth, more learning, and more rides that remind us why we love what we do. 💛🐴

10/23/2025

October’s wrapping up, and that means it’s time to get my winter schedule set! I’ve got a few lesson spots open for riders who want to make the most of the season — slowing things down, fine-tuning skills (or learning a new one!), and building confidence for next year’s shows and rodeos.

Whether you have your own horse or are looking to learn on one of mine, my program focuses on creating confident, well-rounded horse and rider pairs. Winter is the ideal season to build consistency, refine equitation, and prepare for rodeo and patterned speed events, all while developing a deeper understanding between you and your horse.

At M4X Horsemanship & Training, we take pride in a thoughtful approach — one that doesn’t skip steps or rush results. Every session is tailored to your goals, whether that’s gaining confidence in the saddle, polishing your patterns, or simply becoming a stronger, more connected partner for your horse.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in your riding or giving your horse the foundation they need for the season ahead, now’s the time to start. 🌟
DM me or visit www.m4xhorsemanshipandtraining.com for more

10/22/2025

I love this post so much 🤍 What a lovely tribute to all of us horsewoman!

Letters to a horsewoman,

Sometimes it’s intimidating to discover that you have a voice, better yet, something of value to help others. Ignore the undertones of critics.

People mistaken your confidence as ego. You are free to express yourself.

Your pride in your training program mistaken as arrogance. Dont let others steal the joy of your hard work.

Your age for, you don’t have enough years clocked in so there’s no value in your experience. But in reality this is about the journey, as we all know, there’s no destination.

When you explain your horsemanship, folks think you’re trying to reinvent the wheel. No, you’re allowed to express what’s in your heart.

Heaven forbid, you can be just YOU.

The world does not favor strong, graceful, resilient women. They are intimidated by your energy.

Its a hard world out there sis but I bet when a fellow horseman or horse teaches you something,

…you’re the first one to listen. Keep going.

-Lucia Lhotak