Twisted Pine Stables LLC

08/30/2024

It was such a busy day we didn’t even have time for pictures, so a quick group pic before we head out 🐎

What a great day at the Windsor Fair! Thank you New England Jumpers Association LLC for the free show!!

Congrats to all our riders - check out all those ribbons today! 😍💖🦄

08/24/2024

08/19/2024

08/08/2024

08/05/2024

When I tell people that I came from a “non-horse background,” this is what I mean. I rode in a saddle I bought for $50 at a consignment sale, I worked off all my lessons, stood in the back at clinics to watch because I couldn’t afford to ride in them, tagged along at shows to help out because I couldn’t afford to compete nor did I have a horse nice enough to do so. I rode the horse that was leftover at the end of the day, the horse that was serviceably sound and couldn’t even canter a pole, just because I wanted time in the saddle.

I’ve made all of this part of my teaching
✨ clean your tack when you’re done with it and store it properly, you have no idea how lucky you are to have access to quality tack
✨ don’t make a face with your coach tells you you’re riding one of the older, half lame walk/trot lesson horses. Those are the horses that will give you confidence and muscle strength, they’ll be patient when you make mistakes and show you what it feels like to feel safe on a horse. The skills you’ll learn on these horses are more important than jumping big.
✨ work off your lessons. The education that comes with the competency of horse care is priceless. Nothing will strengthen you more, nothing will humble you more.
✨ if you had a rough lesson on a certain horse, you’re gonna ride that horse again until you can ride that horse WELL. Riding is about so much more than looking good on a horse. Every horse is different. I’m not teaching you how to ride a horse, I’m teaching you how to ride THAT horse, and then later THAT horse, and then THAT horse over there.

If you believe you’re meant to do this, even if you can’t afford a Charles Owen and you don’t own a 17h import, it’s because you are.

08/04/2024

Make Them Carry Their Saddle

A father of a darling girl and I were talking last week and he said that he wanted his daughter to ride more and not have to do the work part of the catching, grooming, and saddling. I smiled as I explained.

Riding horses is a combination of strength, timing, and balance. Kids in this country are physically weak (unless they are actively involved with weight training and physical conditioning 4+ times a week.)

When you walk out to the field, you are clearing your stress from being under fluorescent lights all day; feeling the sun soak into your bones. As your body moves on uneven surfaces, it strengthens your legs and core.

When you groom your horse (especially currying), you are toning your arms and stabilizing your core.

When you carry your saddle, your arms, chest, and back are doing isolated strengthening work.

Being near horses, calms and makes you tune into the splendor of these empathetic animals.

When you ride at a posting trot, it’s equivalent to a slow jog calorie burn wise.

After a lesson, the riders are physically tired and mentally quiet and balanced.

Horses feel your heart beat and mirror your emotions back.

Riding large and somewhat unpredictable animals makes you resilient and pushes your expectations.

Working with horses is so much more than learning how to ride.

So parents, make your children carry their saddles. Don’t do the hard parts for them, as long term it actually hurts them. To advance with their riding, they must get stronger. You can help by doing the high parts.

I love having you all at the farm, and am so grateful to get to share these fascinating animals with you.

Hannah Campbell Zapletal

08/03/2024

Today is as good a day as any to finally welcome Baylor! We were told that he loves to jump and they weren’t kidding

Welcome home, Baylor! He’s already part of the team

08/03/2024

Today was one of those days where I felt like a really great teacher. What an amazing day to show horses!!

Smooth, clean courses from everyone and Ivy even won her Derby class!! 🐎🏆

Congrats, ladies!! It keeps getting better from here. Thank you New England Jumpers Association LLC for great shows and a great place to learn!!

08/01/2024

Y’all it’s Danny’s 🎂BIRTHDAY🎂

20 years old and still the jumper pony of everyone’s dreams. Danny is a farm favorite and I don’t know what any of us would do without him. I wish I could thank him personally for all the hard work he does for me, but carrots and a bath will have to do 🥕🛁

Happy birthday, Daniel!! 💖

07/28/2024

Natasha made it through her very 1st cross country schooling/derby and managed a 4th in the 18” and 2’! 🐴✨

07/28/2024

Nova slayed the 2’9” and took another 1st and Darla galloped her way to a 3rd! 😭💕

To say we are proud is an understatement!!
Northwood Jumper Derby

07/28/2024

Congrats to Ivy and Nova, and Bella and Darla! 1st and second place in the 2’6” at Northwood Jumper Derby

07/28/2024

A great first day at Northwood Jumper Derby!

Clinic ✅
Tomorrow, derby day!! 🐎🌳🪵💕

07/20/2024

We have ONE spot available for horse camp starting this Monday!

- 2 lessons daily
- educational and FUN hands on horse activities
- horse care
- swimming
- fun with farm animals
- new friends!

Ages 5-11
$500 for the full week, or $125 per day
message us to reserve a last minute spot 🐴💕

07/20/2024

Fiat’s glow up! Nutrition has been a journey for me. Every horse needs (or does *not* need) something entirely different to help them thrive and learning what that is hasn’t always been easy. Find a mentor that you trust and never be afraid to ask questions!

Happy, healthy horses is what it’s all about. Finding a feeding regimen that works for them, finding a discipline they love, a herd they thrive in, and a workout routine that keeps them fit without burnout.

We currently have 2 stalls available for board! Come join our family and watch your horse thrive ✨

07/19/2024

The flies never stood a chance 🦟

07/13/2024

07/09/2024

“I kept my horse”

We rode many miles, won many shows, and we spent hundreds of hours side by side.
Now you’re old, you’re retired, and you’re my old man.

I kept my horse when he went lame- every damn time.

I kept my horse when I fell off - it wasn’t his fault anyways.

I kept my horse when I thought it shouldn’t be this hard- I didn’t know that’s how I would learn.

I kept my horse when he told me he couldn’t be ridden anymore - because I know compassion.

I kept my horse when I moved away for college and struggled with time- because he’s family.

I kept my horse when I was broke- because sometimes times are tough.

I kept my horse when he couldn’t jump high and run fast because I could see that he still would try if If I asked but he shouldn’t.

I kept my horse when I bought a new one- 3 actually, because he’s irreplaceable.

I kept my horse when I wished I had room for one that was sound- because I owe it to him.

I kept my horse when he was costing me more money to feed then any of my riding horses, because money isn’t everything.

When his legs had enough- and all he could bare to carry was his own weight, I still kept my horse.
When his career as a riding horse was over- I knew I had to keep my horse.

No one owes this horse a retirement except for me, and shame on anyone who selfishly convinces themselves otherwise. I owe him so much more for what he has done for me, but I plan to try and make it up to him when he has nothing more to offer me.

Because that’s how it should be be ❤️

- author unknown

In loving memory of the best Old Man, AQHA
Pocos Balmy Day 1985-2018. Picture of 1993 13 year old me and my brand new first horse. We shared 25 short years together. 🥰

07/08/2024

Another great show this weekend! Saturday was a perfect example to all my girls that the ribbon doesn’t always represent the ride. Everyone has their BEST rounds to date this weekend.

Last month we worked hard on drills and building our horse’s confidence to fences and it really showed in the way they rode. It’s not always about being the fastest person out there - riding smoothly with balance and technique comes before speed. We didn’t take home any blues on Saturday but I’m the proudest I’ve ever been of all my ladies AND my horses.

Thank you New England Jumpers Association LLC !! We’ll see you in August