Turn Key Farms, LLC

08/07/2024

Now accepting new students!

Turn Key Farms offers excellent classically based dressage instruction and training for dedicated, horse crazy riders ages 7 and up.
We provide wonderful, happy, educated school horses to riders without a horse of their own, as well as a friendly, positive atmosphere for haul in lessons.

Weekly jump lessons are also available to students taking lessons twice weekly.
Partial and full leases are also offered.

08/04/2024

Penny in her first week at Turn Key Farms, and 1 month at Turn Key Farms.

In her first month I gave Penny time to settle in, relax and start to trust me. I never sat on Penny during this time (other than our initial meeting). We worked classically in hand, learned to lunge, but most importantly we worked on our communication.

It is of the utmost importance to me that my horses feel comfortable asking questions and participate in respectful two way communication.

The shift in her personality was slow but consistent. By the end of that month I was able to mount quietly and safely getting on her for the first time while she waited patiently at the block. This was one of the many holes in her education that brought her my way.

07/28/2024

I came across this video in my memories and it instantly put a smile on my face.

This video gives you a glimpse into what a typical training session looks like at Turn Key Farms.
Penny is a sweet, smart and sensitive 8 year old, green large pony mare.
I had been training Penny for about 10 months when this video was taken. She came to me with very little training and quite a few holes in her education. When she first arrived Penny was very insecure, evasive, and worried.
In this video you can see the two of us calmly working together to achieve clarity and balance through respectful two way communication.

In my next post I will show a before and after of Penny’s condition to help highlight the benefits of her time at Turn Key Farms.

https://youtu.be/Po0CM6dQMis?si=1EWaYvRJQMuFD5rO

11/27/2023

Sadly both Dr Reiner Klimke and Susan Hayes Woods are no longer with us, but this edited interview from 1995 is a pignant reminder that modern dressage started to go wrong over 20 years ago...

SUSAN’S INTERVIEW WITH DR. REINER KLIMKE AT THE AACHEN CHIO JULY 1995

Susan: I was watching you as you schooled Biotop in the indoor arena this morning, and it was wonderful. I noticed you were working him in a fat snaffle, and I wondered if you could talk about the importance of working in the snaffle for upper level horses.

Klimke: I ride at home only once a week on the double bridle.

Susan: Do you mean for most of your Grand Prix horses, or for this one especially?

Klimke: All. I want to have them very light in my hand. It is easier when they are really “through”, and they take the bit and take your hands. Then they are not afraid to come out to the double bridle.

Susan: Biotop seems to be very “out” to the bridle–there is not a lot of overflexing.

Klimke: And when he goes in extensions, the neck and frame extend too. And yet there are horses who make their extensions with overflexed necks and they score just as well…

Susan: Can you explain that?

Klimke: Well, when I tell you this, I don’t want to sound jealous, but I live for classical riding. Classical riding means that the horse must go: that is, the energy must come through and the horse reaches forward. But the judges don’t always mark accordingly. I don’t mind; I know what is right. I have been in this sport for nearly 40 years.

Susan: I also saw today that you were doing a lot of work on the basic paces, and simple transitions.

Klimke: Yes. The horse must go forward and he must be happy. If the horse is happy and he trusts you, then you can teach him. If you punish him, that is wrong.

Susan: They never forget. Is there any place for punishment in riding?

Klimke: I hate to punish a horse. It must not be. It can happen to anybody. Sometimes you lose your patience, you try to make the horse a slave. But it is not right. Sometimes you see riders blowing up, even here, with top riders. I say to myself, “Poor horse, I wouldn’t like to be in your stable.”

Susan: Why does it happen? A lot of these riders will teach and talk about riding classically, and mean to do it, but then it is different here. Is it the pressure?

Klimke: I think everybody wants to win. Perhaps they think if they make a horse tired it will be submissive. Sometimes it may work, but if you really look you can see what is wrong. Some judges don’t have a really good eye, and they judge by punishing mistakes, like too many or too few strides in a pirouette, for example.

Susan: Too much counting and not enough…

Klimke: Yes. The principle is: how is the walk, how is the trot, how is the canter, how is the acceptance of the bridle, how does the back work–all of these things. And in addition, the figures. But they deduct too much if a figure is not 100% okay. You see? If you make a pirouette and the horse really uses his hindquarters, and maybe the pirouette is a little big, you should not be given a 5.

Susan: That’s a little extreme.

Klimke: Yes. It can be at least a 6, can also be a 7, when the horse really canters classically. Even if the circle was too large, remember that you must deduct from 10. The judge must be able to see the main achievement of a horse and rider, in a movement.

Susan: This brings up another question, and that is–there are some amazing equine athletes here, and some of them get a lot of points because of that. Where are the places in the Grand Prix test where the talent can’t cover up the problems with the training?

Klimke: I look only at the way that the horse moves, in all three gaits. He must come from behind, with a swinging back. The head and neck must seek the bit. I hate it if the horse comes behind the vertical and stays there. When the horse is really “through”, you must be able to open and close the frame, and keep him reaching into the bit. And right now, in the judging, in my opinion, this doesn’t count for enough. But sooner or later, good riding will be rewarded. You must not lose your patience, you see. And don’t give up.

https://woodsdressage.com/ for the full interview and about Susan Hayes Woods

Concordia Equestrians.
Register as a Friend or Professional and help us make the world a better place to be a horse www.concordiaequestrians.org

11/04/2023

Buck Brannaman and his philosophy of working with horses helps horses accept humans and work confidently and responsively.

09/01/2023

COMPARISON SHOPPING

Saddle fit is something that is learned through comparison and experience.

Once you learn to see, you will not be able to unsee.

Wither clearance should be easily observed, both at the top of the spine and the sides of the withers. This should be apparent in all gaits. You can compare the wither clearance in these two riders.

Point billets are contraindicated for use in horses with uphill builds, pockets/dips behind the scapula, and/or high withers. A point billet is a billet that attaches to the tree point, and using the pressure of the girth, anchors the tree down behind the scapula. Due to the point billet’s far forward location, it also restricts the serratus muscle, the muscle that helps the horse breathe, as well as engage its thoracic sling. You can see the difference in where the first billet comes out of the saddle between these two riders. The rider on the left does not have point billets on their saddle, while the rider on the right does.

Girth buckle height is important for the horse’s comfort, as there is a highly sensitive nerve bundle that exits the forelimb between the pectoralis and serratus muscles. The girth buckles must be higher than this bundle (ideally, they should be as high as possible, as close as possible to the bottom of the flap, and well into the belly of the serratus muscle) to avoid irritation and nerve damage. You can compare the height of the girth buckles on the horse between these two riders.

08/05/2023

To maintain an attached, supple balance of your seat …

Imagine your stirrups are like a trampoline. You cannot brace into a trampoline, but if you keep your ankles, knees and hips soft and able to bend, you can maintain your balance on the trampoline.

Stephany Fish Crossman is a USDF bronze and silver medalist as well as one of only nine accredited coaches for Mary Wanless’ Ride With Your Mind Biomechanics System in the U.S. She is currently based in Brooksville, Florida, with her husband, Chris, who is a cattle rancher; her two horses that she’s taking up the levels; and her pet cows.

🎨: Sandy Rabinowitz

06/12/2023

We have openings for riding lessons for everyone from beginner to advanced dressage riders! I teach classical dressage, based on balanced riding and confidence in the saddle. I have multiple school horses available, and I have availability to travel and teach at your barn. Haul in training and lessons are available as well!

Message me to set up your first horse riding lesson today!

06/09/2023

🐴 Meet the School horses🐴

Today’s appreciation post is all about the coolest pony around!

💥ROMEO💥

I have yet to meet a pony as enthusiastic about teaching young riders as my Romeo.
Romeo is credited to aiding the development of oodles of fabulous young riders. He’s a marvelously kind, patient, invigorated teacher that has yet to meet a child he hasn’t adored.
Romeo is suitable for all levels from beginning peewees to a handy kiddo hoping to put some scores down towards a bronze.
Romeo Loves his work, he loves his people, and he loves his cookies!

05/07/2023

Love this guy, Love this view❤️

Nothing like a relaxing stroll with friends after a good ride

05/05/2023

Things your riding instructor wants you to know:
1. This sport is hard. You don't get to bypass the hard…..every good rider has gone through it. You make progress, then you don't, and then you make progress again. Your riding instructor can coach you through it, but they cannot make it easy.

2. You're going to ride horses you don't want to ride. If you're teachable, you will learn from every horse you ride. Each horse in the barn can teach you if you let them. IF YOU LET THEM. Which leads me to…

3. You MUST be teachable to succeed in this sport. You must be teachable to succeed at anything, but that is another conversation. Being teachable often means going back to basics time and time and time again. If you find basics boring, then your not looking at them as an opportunity to learn. Which brings me to…..

4. This sport is a COMMITMENT. Read that, then read it again. Every sport is a commitment, but in this sport your teammate weighs 1200 lbs and speaks a different language. Good riders don't get good by riding every once in awhile….they improve because they make riding a priority and give themsevles opportunity to practice.

5. EVERY RIDE IS AN OPPORTUNITY. Even the walk ones. Even the hard ones. Every. Single. Ride. Remember when you just wished someone would lead you around on a horse? Find the happiness in just being able to RIDE. If you make every ride about what your AREN'T doing, you take the fun out of the experience for yourself, your horse, and your instructor. Just enjoy the process. Which brings me to...

6. Riding should be fun. It is work. and work isn't always fun.....but if you (or your rider) are consistently choosing other activities or find yourself not looking forward to lessons, it's time to take a break. The horses already know you don't want to be here, and you set yourself up for failure if you are already dreading the lesson before you get here.

7. You'll learn more about horses from the ground than you ever will while riding. That's why ground lessons are important, too. If you're skipping ground lessons (or the part of your lesson that takes place on the ground), you're missing out on the most important parts of the lesson. You spend far more time on the ground with horses than you do in the saddle.

8. Ask questions and communicate. If you're wondering why your coach is having you ride a particular horse or do an exercise, ask them. Then listen to their answer and refer to #3 above.

9. We are human beings. We make decisions (some of them life and death ones) every day. We balance learning for students with workloads for horses and carry the bulk of this business on our shoulders. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Of all the sports your child will try through their school years, riding is one of 3 that they may continue regularly as adults (golf and skiing are the others). People who coach riding spend the better part of their free time and much of their disposable income trying to improve their own riding and caring for the horses who help teach your child. They love this sport and teaching others…..but they all have their limits. Not all good riders are good coaches, but all good coaches will tell you that the process to get good is not an easy one.

*thank you to whoever wrote this! Not my words, but certainly a shared sentiment!

04/21/2023

17” Klimke dressage saddle Wide tree

This saddle has recently been reflocked and is in good condition. It’s very comfortable for the rider and is well designed for the horse. It worked very well for my wide thoroughbred.

Asking ✋✋👌

04/21/2023

17” adjustable Kent and Masters Cob saddle
Currently set as a wide tree, Velcro blocks, option for point or conventional billets.
This saddle is about 4 years old. It’s in excellent shape and wool flocked. I’m a trainer and have had a lot of success with this saddle fitting some of my more “unconventional” dressage horses. This saddle has worked well on a some Quarter horses, a Morgan, a Gypsy Vanner, a polish arab, a cob cross, an Appaloosa and a couple grade large ponies. It’s very comfortable and secure.
Asking ☝️👌👌👌

04/20/2023

Friday

⭐️Friday Night Soaks⭐️
Lower xx,### starting with a ☝️

Friday is a 3 year old, thick, 15.3hh registered AQHA absolute SWEETHEART of a gelding.

Friday was started gently as a long 2 year old before taking time to grow and fill out with his Daddy geldings in our large pasture. He’s been back in gentle training for the past 3 months.

When I say this horse is sweet I mean it. I‘ve never in my career come across an easier, more willing, earnest youngster. I will be particular in where he goes. This is a once in a lifetime boy and he deserves the very best home.

Friday has 3 easy, soft, comfortable gaits. He is light to all the aids and does his absolute best to do what his rider is asking. He is happy to ride in the arena, on our quiet private road, and in our trails. Anything you ask Friday will do his best to accomplish.
I have been very conscientious of this wonderful trait in his training. He has not been overloaded, he has been brought along thoughtfully and appropriately.

Friday’s next owner will be a quiet, clear, kind rider. The photos posted are of him with one of my students. He is very suitable for an adult amateur or junior in a program or a professional.
I will reiterate that Friday is light in the bridle, light to the seat, and light to the leg. He is not hot, he is not sluggish, he is responsive and attentive to his rider.

Friday is the kindest, cuddliest, gentleman you will ever come across. In all my time with horses I have met only a few that are as sugary sweet as he is. He would love to be doted on all day. He ties, lunges, baths, loads, stands like an angel for the farrier, is great for the vet, gets along beautifully with all his gelding friends, picks up his feet as soon as you bend over, stalls well, lives out well, is careful with his shoes (he does wear front shoes) ect. He is such a good boy.

Friday would be well suited for a number of disciplines. He is very well put together, has lovely balance and steady, comfortable gaits.
He has not been started over fences.
If you are interested in this very very good boy please message me with any questions you have.

04/10/2023

Red is LOVING the sunshine today!

03/30/2023

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again-
I LOVE THIS MARE!
Oakley (also lovingly referred to as the moose) has been rocking her new hat collection and is enjoying finding “toys” in the strangest places. She is the goofiest most fun loving mare I’ve worked with in a LONG time.

03/27/2023

Turn Key Farms has openings for full care board in Goochland county starting in May.
Options for field, stall, and retirement board.

At Turn key the health, happiness, and wellbeing of our horses comes first.

Our morning feeding routine includes soaked alfalfa and beet pulp as well as all day access to round bales and/or grazing. Forage is always available to our horses. Grazing muzzles are welcome and can be switched morning and night to prevent rubbing.
We provide blanket changes including all necessary fly protection. Fly spray can be applied morning and evening if provided by the owner.
We provide all day turnout to our stalled ponies and run in shelters to our outdoor horses.
Evening feeding includes soaked alfalfa and senior feed or any grain/supplement the owner provides (this can also be done with breakfast).
Horses are checked morning and evening during feeding times and if anything is unusual or concerning owners will be contacted immediately. Owners can request photos at anytime and will receive one at the following feed/check if not sooner.
I live and work on sight as a dressage trainer and instructor. Training and lessons are available to those interested but not required. We are on a private very quiet gravel road that I often warm up or cool down on. We have a short wooded section of trails cleared that provide a peaceful place to ride.
We have a well groomed outdoor arena. My lesson schedule will be posted in the barn. You are welcome to ride during the lesson as long as courtesy is provided to the students.
Our barn provides a cubby per boarder to store tack and accessories.
We are a small modest facility that’s goal is to provide a welcoming family friendly atmosphere and a happy, safe environment for our 4 legged friends.
If you are interested please message the page for pricing and we will set up a barn tour to see if we are a good fit.

03/19/2023

For all my fellow pony riders-
I never had a saddle that actually fit Wit until we moved into our Stubben Euphoria. We both dealt with “close enough” for years. His training, comfort, and balance has improved ten fold since we switched. We’re out to tackle getting our bronze this year 🤞🤞🤞 and I really don’t think that would have been attainable before we switched into our Stubben. If you are having trouble with your fit give this a read.

03/16/2023

I talk a lot about allowing the legs to move when teaching, and “accepting” the bounce in your seat. It is so easy to stiffen and resist this feeling which will only result in a stiffened and resistant horse. Without a properly fit saddle for both horse and rider it makes an already difficult request of your body that much more challenging and uncomfortable for both you and your four legged partner.

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme relates to knee block size. Some riders prefer a large knee block in order to provide extra support, however we need to be mindful that in “supporting” the rider, the knee block may restrict the movements of the rider, which may affect the rider-horse interaction and consequently affect equine locomotion. Important to consider the fit of the saddle for the rider as well as the horse and be cautious of restrictive knee blocks 🤓

For more information www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

03/05/2023

02/17/2023

02/13/2023

As someone with several shorter backed horses this information has become absolutely essential for their comfort and longevity.

02/11/2023

Top: 2/11/23
Bottom: 10/4/22

I’m so proud of how far Felix has come!
This sweet OTTB was once a prelim event horse. When he first came to me he was in rough shape. He was angry and had lost trust in humans.
With consistent care he’s learned that he can depend on us and is understanding he doesn’t have to “shout” to be heard. Felix is one special guy and I am so proud to care for him for the remainder of his life.
Love you Felix! 21 has never looked so good.