Treasure Valley Hoofbeats

01/12/2025

Inside leg to outside rein….and bend! BOOM! 💥 😂😂

01/04/2025

Today we practiced “rhythm”. Have you ever tried to stay in rhythm, walking with your horse? If you can’t do it on the ground, can you really do it in the saddle? Can you tell in the pictures when the riders are in rhythm with their horse? 

12/29/2024

😂🤣 the more I learn, the less I knew….

Tell me more, dear student! 😂

12/26/2024

As many of you know, we will be moving to a new facility after the 1st of the year. We are so thankful to have the Waterwheel barn for the past 4 years, but with it going up for sale, it’s time to find something a little more permanent. Congrats to Grace on the purchase of her home and new facility, The Fort! Looking forward to this new journey with Fortitude and determination!

12/21/2024

Every trainer/coach/instructor/professional should have a basic understanding of this.
This is a FANTASTIC video!! 😃😃

At the clinic I gave at Hands On Harmony in Dewitt MI, Kathy Glew, owner, had a horse skeleton that fit my human skeleton Neville. This gave me the opportuni...

12/15/2024

Good ol Charlie, she’s such steady girl. We rode in the Emmett horse parade last night, surrounded by jingle bells, and costumes, and giant blowup decorations on the side of the road. There were horses that didn’t want to stand still, flashing cop lights in front of us, and the wind in the rain were pretty bad at the end of the ride. And the only thing she looks sideways at… Was a puddle…😂

🐴 💕

12/04/2024

It’s frosty this am!

11/13/2024

Yes!

This is a thought that has come up in the Relax & Reset Challenge, and I thought it was a good thought worth sharing for everyone.

When the poll releases, the head and neck will lengthen and lower. But just because we ask for the head to lower, doesn't mean that they release their poll. What we are after is relaxation in the poll (and, subsequently by trickle effect, the rest of the body), not a position in the head. The head position changes as a 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭, not as a 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭.

If they lower their head without releasing the poll (as we see so often in many "put your head down" programs) they can be holding tension in a false relaxed-appearing posture. This is obedience, often without acceptance. Position without release. And this will always end up showing up in the rest of the body at some point, also.

Proper work is a form of bodywork. Improper work causes us to need bodywork (or overlook that and try to force more obedience later down the road).

Something to think about...

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💥 You can still join us for the FREE Relax & Reset Challenge by registering at RelaxResetChallenge.com

11/02/2024

Next Saturday in Emmett. Please message if you are interested in attending.

10/31/2024

Yep, it’s fall!!

10/16/2024

It’s been a while since I’ve ridden with my students. Between my thyroid and my knee, my body just hasn’t let me be that active. I’ve definitely missed riding with the kids and I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle more! 

10/15/2024

We had a blast in Payette! Thank you Payette Valley Riders, looking forward to more events!!

10/15/2024

It’s colic season!

Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored, as many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic – and seeking qualified veterinary help – can the chance for recovery be maximized.

Virtually any horse is susceptible to colic, so management practices can play a key role in prevention. And although not every case is avoidable, the guidelines listed in the graphic can help you maximize your horse’s health and reduce the risk of colic.

As always, remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed and other health conditions, so be sure to work with your veterinarian to address any concerns specific to your situation!

10/08/2024

Horsemanship & riding… we are playing the long game here with all this horse stuff. It can feel frustrating and difficult, then easy and simple, then right back to frustrating every time we level up. So don’t force it, ALLOW it (weird how this carries over to our bodies AND our horses body too, right? 😉) You aren’t going to learn EVERYTHING in ONE lesson…or one year…or 10 years…It takes multiple lifetimes to become a horseman. Slow down and enjoy the journey.

10/08/2024

Hmmm…sound familiar?? 😂😂

10/07/2024