The Brigadoon Horse Farm

05/10/2022

Kenzies lesson❤️

21/07/2022

Guest columnist Michael Fortin of the Maine Revenue Services outlines how businesses and CPAs can prepare for the new Maine Tax Portal system, which will replace EZ-Pay and other options.

26/06/2022

New family moved into the barn. Mosquito Control!

01/06/2022

A day on the farm ❤️

27/05/2022

Are Horses Intelligent?
Horses are often thought of as not particularly intelligent because they are often used for manual labor or don't seem to show much emotion. However, horses are very intelligent animals.

Horses have a strong sense of communication and can understand human emotions. They also have excellent memories and can remember things for years. Additionally, horses are very social creatures. Horses form close bonds with other horses and humans if they are well-treated.

So while horses may not be as expressive as some other animals, they are pretty intelligent. And if you're looking for an intelligent horse to be your friend, you won't be disappointed.

Horses have a long and rich history. Horses were first domesticated around 4500 BC, and since then, they have been used for transportation, agriculture, warfare, and more. In recent years, horseback riding has become a popular recreational activity.

Horses are social creatures and form close bonds with their owners and other horses. They are also very aware of their surroundings and can be trained to perform various tasks.

So while horses may not be as vocal as some other animals, they are certainly smart enough to understand what because they're seen as being used for manual labor or transportation, so their intelligence is not always on display. However, research has shown that horses are pretty intelligent creatures.

For example, a study published in the journal Animal Cognition found that horses can understand human pointing gestures. In the survey horse-human, pairs were asked to complete a cooperative task in which the horse had to choose one of two buckets based on where the human was pointing. The results showed that the horses were successful in more than 80%, indicating that they understood the human pointing gesture.

Other research has shown that horses can also remember and recognize individual humans, even after a long period. For example, in a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, horses correctly matched photos of their previous trainers with those trainers' voices, even after being separated from them for two years.

So, while horse intelligence may not always be on display, there is plenty of evidence to show that these creatures are pretty intelligent.

14/05/2022

A day at the barn ❤️

03/05/2022

Let me tell you a quick story about a perfect ending to my day.

It was a tough day at the office. The stress was overwhelming and unending. I was mentally exhausted, searching for answers that may never come. I decided to take a break and head to the barn to evaluate my challenges and clear my mind.

There is a physiological change when I turn into the ranch driveway. I was driving slowly past the white three-rail fence outlining the perimeter of the paddock with its plush green grass. My heart rate began to normalize, and the thoughts of work started to fade away.

Taking a deep breath, I called out, “Hello, my beauties!” O’Brian’s whinny screamed a greeting back, and Molly’s bray was deafening. As they turned in my direction, they broke into a trot to meet me. The sound of their hoofbeats striking the ground was like listening to the rhythm of a percussion band.

I watched the horses and mule gather around me, each one wanting my full attention and affection. I reached into my back pocket and gave them each a carrot.

Looking up at the crimson sky highlighted by titanium white clouds, softened by a paynes gray highlight, I realize I am home.

16/04/2022

New Easter shoes❤️❤️ for the herd

13/04/2022

A day on the farm Kenzies lesson

25/03/2022

Kenzie’s lesson

16/03/2022

Kenzie’s Tuesday night lesson. She has come a long way

09/03/2022

Kenzie enjoying her lesson

05/03/2022

Kenzie special ride on her Abby tonight❤️

08/02/2022

Let me tell you a quick story about a remarkable horse named Rosebud, who taught me how to live a happier life and what you can learn from her.
Rosebud was one of our first horses at the ranch. She was a twenty-two-year-old bay-colored Appaloosa. At first, she was very timid and untrusting, coming for a neglected owner. Over time and with patience, she began to draw close, allowing me to touch her, and she responded to my voice. Rosebud became very fond of munchkins jelly doughnuts as her treat.
When she saw me, she whinnied and came trotting over to greet me, expecting her favorite treat.
When we became comfortable with Rosebud, this gentle and loving horse, I introduced her to my grandson. My grandson has down syndrome. He was very timid when meeting Rosebud for the first time. With patience, he began to trust Rosebud, becoming the best of buddies. My grandson learned to feed, water, groom, muck the stall and finally ride Rosebud. I watched my grandson move from being timid around horses to a confident rider.
Rosebud was introduced to a neighbor’s son with special needs. We went through the same process, just a little slower. While grooming Rosebud, he said his mind was quiet for the first time.
A family friend was experiencing severe health issues with her husband. We introduced Rosebud to her. Being with Rosebud took her mind off her trouble, and they became champions at local horse shows.
Without knowing it, Rosebud was acting as a therapy horse. She instinctively knew what each person needed. Rosebud freely gave love and affection once she trusted you.
Rosebud taught me to be open to new situations and people. Be patient, developing a trusting relationship. Finally, to respect, enjoy and cherish those friendships.
When I am with my horses, I do not think about the past or dream about the future. I am locked in time, enjoying the moment.

06/02/2022

Too cold and icy to exercise. So we walk in the barn.

06/02/2022

To cold and icy to go out. So we exercise in the barn.

06/02/2022

Introducing Becki to Molly.

05/02/2022

03/02/2022

Kenzies lesson All smiles

03/02/2022

Honoring military horses

03/02/2022

Cleaning trails on the ranch.

03/02/2022

Welcome to my new mule, Molly

03/02/2022

First Lesson going well.

03/02/2022

Happy student, enjoying success at the show.

03/02/2022

Starting ground work with O’Brian

03/02/2022

I hate the snow storm. I am stuck in the stall for the day

03/02/2022

Kenzies Tuesday night lessons big smiles

05/01/2022

Another great lesson for Kenzie Tuesday night fun night ❤️

02/01/2022

Sharing a treat with Rosebud.

01/01/2022

Saying goodbye to Rosebud.Wishing her happy trails.