Flying Change Farm

11/12/2025

The horses at FCF had a great view last night of the Northern Lights ❤️Thanks to our neighbor for this awesome pic!

11/08/2025

11/05/2025

This is so true. Being present and in the moment at the horse shows and at the barn is disappearing these days. So much to learn and observe at the horse show and at the barn if you listen and look around you, not at your screens…

"We are living in a world consumed by a digital reality. I was reminded of this at a recent horse show. The arenas were alive with energy, with horses gleaming in the sun, riders lined up ringside preparing for their classes, and trainers offering last-minute words of encouragement. Yet over and over, I noticed the same thing: young riders on their horses, heads bent, eyes glued to glowing phone screens. Horses stood waiting, patient and quiet, while their riders scrolled. Two souls completely disconnected. The gift of presence in that moment was lost in a haze of digital distraction.

It was striking. Here were young equestrians, blessed with an opportunity many dream of, riding at one of the largest shows in the nation. And yet, instead of looking into the trusting eyes of their horses, they looked into the endless scroll of a digital feed that neither cared about them nor would remember them tomorrow.

This is not just an equestrian problem. It’s a human one. As child psychologist Dr. Jeremy Jensen explains, “The research is clear—phones in school negatively impact attention, emotional regulation, and social connection. Removing this distraction is not about restriction; it is about protecting developing minds so they can fully engage in learning, relationships, and grow in resilience.”

Horses ask for one thing above all else from us—authenticity. They don’t care about filters, likes, or followers. They seek truth, consistency, calm energy, and connection. But when our focus fractures, they feel it instantly. Horses know when our minds are elsewhere. And when riders let their attention split between reins and a phone, the connection fizzles. What could have been a chance to build a stronger partnership evaporates into silence. It creates a rupture in our bond.

Science has confirmed what equestrians have always known: our nervous systems are linked with these animals. An anxious, distracted rider creates an anxious horse. A calm, present rider creates safety and trust. That is where growth happens.

So how do we safeguard current and future generations from the negative effects of the digital reality that consumes us? The answer lies in establishing a different, more powerful resonance."

📎 Continue reading this article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2025/11/04/kryptonite-in-the-saddle-how-phones-block-the-equestrian-superpower/
📸 © Heather N. Photography

10/19/2025

Good equitation is not about ‘stuck’ in a perfect position, it is truly about proper and soft communication with the horse! Proper position = correct communication

Strong equitation is about more than position — it’s about connection, feel, and effectiveness in the saddle. Judges value riders who work in harmony with their horses and make good riding look effortless.

Looking for more insights into how judging works? Visit ushja.org/education/resources for articles and webinars that offer clarity and transparency from the judges’ booth!

10/19/2025

Quality Antares Pony saddle for sale. Has served my daughter well for several years, but is finally outgrown. 2019, 15.5”. Well taken care of and kept covered in a climate control tack room. $3000. Trials welcome in the Tulsa/OKC area with a refundable deposit.

10/02/2025

The HJEO Fall Finale will be here before you know it! (November 20-23, 2025) Get your sponsorship today! email VanderWoude at [email protected]

10/01/2025

🥇🥇We can’t wait to see everyone for our fall schooling show this weekend! Come hungry and enjoy our fabulous breakfast (donations welcome to benefit the FCF IEA team!)
Jumpers begins Friday night at 6pm. Schooling ends promptly at 5:45! Schooling WITHOUT jump filler for 18”-2’ will be Saturday morning 7:00-7:45am.
See you this weekend!🥇🥇

09/20/2025

Everyone interested in showing should read this!

BY DAPHNE THORNTON OF TWO BIT TRAINING We are pretty committed to client education at Two Bit Training. Our unmounted lesson topics range from leg wrapping to taking a temperature and pulse to walking a course to explaining hunter judging. We’re big on writing our thoughts down and sending them ho...

09/14/2025

Our fall show is only THREE short weeks away! Come enjoy our pancake breakfast! Champion prizes awarded in hunters AND equitation! We still have a very few stalls/paddocks available. Contact Melissa to reserve!

09/10/2025

09/05/2025

08/13/2025

A little late on this but FCF had a great week at Lamplight in July! Highlights included:
🏆Aubrey Phillips & KH Kasino, 10th Non-Pro Derby
🏆Heiress Magana & James Blonde, winner Children’s Pony Classic, Reserve champion Children’s Pony
🏆Emma Buffington & Junebug, reserve champion Lamplight 2’3 Hunter
🏆Emmery Newton & Sky High’s Mac Daddy, top ribbons Lamplight Hunter
🏆Shining Armor & Emy David, top ribbons 3’3 A/O
🏆Emery Johnson & Mannheim, top ribbons Low Children’s

Congrats to all our riders and the best 🦄s on a successful show in a beautiful venue!