McClure Equine

05/06/2022

Arena is all drug up and set to go for Saturday! I only have 2 spots left, contact me to get in on the fun 🤩

05/05/2022

Game Day clinic reschedule to this Saturday 5/7, due to rain last weekend. Scheduling conflicts for a few participants opened up some spots if you are wanting to sign up! $50 per participant, $25 deposit to secure your spot 🤠 Fun barrel race at the end with prizes 🎁🎉

04/25/2022

One spot left for the Game Day clinic on April 30th 1:30-3:30. Contact me today to snag the last spot! Hopefully Mother Nature cooperates next weekend or I will set an alternate “rain date.”

04/23/2022

I have a few spots left for my April 30th “Game Day” clinic. Please message me with a $25 deposit to secure your spot! Prizes for the 2D barrel race have been ordered, let the fun begin 🤗

04/13/2022

Well, I have been MIA this winter dealing with multiple family health crisis. Things have now calmed down a little and I am looking forward to squeezing in a little more horse time!

With that being said, I would like to offer up a “Game Day” with a fun 2D style barrel race at the end, with prizes for the top rider in each “D.” All ages and levels of riders welcome. So come on out, knock off the dust on your equipment and get ready for a fun year ahead!

09/23/2021

Had a late night with the horses last night. They are my favorite nights, everything is quiet and serene. Had some time to sit and just count my blessings, even when at first glance they may seem anything but that.

This past year with my horses has been a bit rough. We battled injuries and set backs and I spent most of the summer with a lunge line in my hand, instead of my butt in the saddle. But there is always a silver lining.

A few years ago Belle got a severe case of pneumonia that took about year to recover from. There were many times when we didn’t even know if she would be “useable” again, let alone a performance horse. I prayed every day for God to miraculously heal her, and sought out different vets and alternative therapies. The big man upstairs came through in a big way and she blew me away a year later placing in the 2D against some nice horses her first time entered. It’s still hard to watch videos of when she was sick, and see how terrible she looked. Most times today it’s easy to forget how far she has come, and that she ever had a breathing issue.

When she got diagnosed with a injury this spring I was disappointed that we again were facing a setback. I feel very fortunate to be working with a vet who is extremely attentive to detail, and has real protocols to rehab horses and not just put a bandaid on the problem. She is making amazing progress from where we were this spring and each workout I feel her getting stronger and more cadenced. While it would be nice to head to Champ Show and feel like we’re ready to lay down a smokin run, I don’t think we’re there 100% yet. In years past this would have made really disappointed and feel like “what’s the point.” Maybe it’s having a child and realizing that life is so much bigger than my riding aspirations or maybe it’s growth as a horsewoman, but whatever the reason is I’m totally at peace just going for the experience and to cheer on my friends and students. I’m excited to expose my horse to the hustle and bustle of the fair grounds experience, and just let her set the pace. However fast or slow that might be.

I’ve learned so many things from injuries and setbacks. If I never had a horse with an abscess, I wouldn’t know how to idenetify and treat one. If I never had a horse with ulcers, I wouldn’t know how stress, nutrition, environment and at times pain affect the GI system and how to treat it. If I never had a horse with pneumonia I wouldn’t have spent literally days of my life researching treatments, and trying different therapies. If I never had a horse with a back injury I would be ignorant on that importance of saddle fit, proper strengthening for longevity, and the big symptoms of problem areas. The list literally goes on and on.

So as I finish up my last lessons tonight before Champ show this weekend, I can’t help but be thankful for all the hidden blessings in my life! They have educated me, grown my patience, expanded my empathy for the horses, and have given me more insight and knowledge to share with others. Good luck to all the competitors this week at Champ Show! Enjoy every moment with your equine partner 😊

08/29/2021

Blessed with this amazing footing that holds water so well! I have a couple of spots open for lessons this week and then I am full. Reach out to me to get on the schedule to see how I can help you prepare for champ show or your next event 🙂

08/11/2021

Last nights thoughts while working horses 🧐Had a lot of fun taking my nieces to watch a show this past weekend. If you wanna hear one of the most overused words in barrel racing, you don’t have to spend much time ringside to hear it. Take a listen below and let me know what you think!

07/20/2021

Just finished up a great week helping some of my 4H riders prepare for the Anoka County Fair. Good luck to all the horses and riders, have a blast no matter the ribbon, and stay cool!

07/08/2021

Seeing if there is interest in a “Last Chance Pleasure Workout” Sunday 7/18 1pm-3pm. Bring your horse, your equipment, and your show clothes. I will review equipment and tack cleaning, give suggestions on fit and presentation, review clipping basics, and critique riders in their discipline of choice (English, Western, or Saddleseat). $50 per participant, $20 to hold your spot. Please message me if you are interested!

07/06/2021

Love this! My longest friendships have stemmed from the “horse world,” and just about every friend I have competed rigorously against. Irregardless, I cheer for them each and every time, and am genuinely happy for them when they do well. Do I want to be beaten all the time?? Heck no! But I also don’t want to win based off someone else’s misfortune, poor performance, or lack of confidence. Some of the sweetest victories I have encountered, have been when the stakes where the highest and against the best competitors. Good horsemanship begets good horsemanship. Learning to win and lose gracefully, and maintaining that encouraging attitude is all part of it.

😌

06/29/2021

Thanks Kayla's Bemer and Equine Massage for stopping out today and doing a treatment on Belle! Though this photo doesn’t showcase her excitement 😂, she was so relaxed and loved her treatment.

Bemer utilizes PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy) to stimulate cells to open ion channels, which allows better circulation of oxygen and nutrients, and facilitates faster removal of carbon dioxide and waste products. Many clinical trials demonstrate its effectiveness at reducing pain and swelling, stimulating tissue healing, decreasing nerve excitability, and promoting fracture healing. As an RN, I’ve always been skeptical about alternative treatments/supplements with horses because so many of them seem to rely on patient testimonials, with little data to back up the usage. PEMF therapy has clinical data to back up its use AND client testimonials from humans and animals that speak to its effectiveness. Contact Kayla today to get on her schedule!

06/24/2021

Just a couple spots left for a Monday the 28th, message me to join us!

06/23/2021

If your horses aren’t a revolving door of vet and farrier bills, are you really doing it right?? 😂🤣 I preach patience all the time and mine has been tested a lot so far this year!

There was something “off” with my good mare Belle this spring as we stated gearing up for show season. She wasn’t acting like her happy, go lucky self. She wasn’t looking forward to me catching her, she was walking away from me in the pasture, and had a generally cranky attitude. Under saddle she was fidgety and impatient, was pawing when standing, and wanting to step off when I would mount. She flexed, hoof tested, and lunged sound, by all accounts there was nothing “wrong” that would explain these changes in her. Figuring it might be a case of ulcers I went ahead and treated her, and low and behold she got a lot better. Then I went to weekend clinic and while she worked great and actually shaved off a half second on her pattern, something just didn’t feel right and she started swishing her tail. The clinician, who was not familiar with my horse, recommended a caslicks and otherwise commented on how nice my mare was.

Having owned Belle for almost 3 years and knowing her literally inside and out, I knew the issue wasn’t needing a caslicks. As I started thinking back, Belle took a fall at a barrel race last fall and that’s when all these somewhat subtle symptoms started. I had her vetted by a speciality sports medicine equine vet, and low and behold we found she was as out in her lower back and pelvis.

I am in awe of this mare who was working so hard for me, winning checks and ribbons even with an injury! The vet said that’s the “bad thing” about horses like Belle, they are such pleasers they will work for you even when they shouldn’t. For the last month she has been on a strict lunging only protocol, and I was just cleared to start “rehab riding” her again this week. It felt amazing to be back on her tonight with her ears up, and both of us enjoying ourselves. I’m looking forward to this next phase of rehab that will hopefully get us closer to our next competition!

All this to say, advocate for your horse!! If they don’t feel right, even if you can’t put your finger on it exactly, keep searching for an answer. Use your trainer, your farrier, your vet. Get a second or third opinion if you have to. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. We owe so much to these amazing animals who enrich our lives, we need to do right by them. Go hug your horse!

06/15/2021

Who would be interested in a “game night” June 28th from 5:30-7:30pm. Focus would be on Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, and Key Hole. Limited to 8 riders, $50 per person, $20 deposit to secure your spot. We will work on ways to shave off time in the patterns, horse/rider positioning, and things to focus on in practice at home for each rider.

06/02/2021

Biting seems to be one of the most confusing topics for a lot of people. I have found that often times riders don’t know what bit they are riding in, or the reasoning behind using a specific bit. Regarding curb bits, there are literally an infinite amount of mouth pieces and shank variations to consider. Listen below for some curb bit “basics” and the reasoning why you might use a certain bit on your horse. Comment below with questions so we can all learn together!

05/23/2021

I think patience is arguably one of the most important skills to possess as a horseman/woman. In our “quick fix” society, so often we want things to happen NOW, which unfortunately isn’t the way things work with horses. Patience is being firm but fair, trusting the process, and checking our attitude at the door. YOU set the tone with every interaction with your horse, do everything you can to build on your communication and not hinder it.

Looking forward to a great week of lessons, contact me today to get on the schedule! I have a few openings for group lessons, but am fairly full for private lessons. Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂

05/10/2021

Thank you Sara from Ultimate Equine for stopping by and working on Belle this weekend! Sara is great at helping to pinpoint areas of concern and keeping my horses feeling their best 🤗 If your horse is needing some TLC, give Sara a ring and get on her schedule!

05/09/2021

Congratulations Jessica on your purchase of CKH Enchanting! We wish you and “Chant” all the best and can’t wait to see updates. This special horse will be missed, but I know she will flourish under your care!

05/03/2021

How has your May started out? I’m currently reconditioning one of my horses after stall rest, my good mare has come up mysteriously sore and cranky, and I’m vacillating between selling or breeding another one of my mares 🤪 While I could do without the vet appointments and tough life decisions, I am so thankful to have horses in my life!

God said, “I need someone strong enough to pull a cart, but gentle enough to love a child, smart enough to protect his master and passionate enough to love his family. Someone with so much love they can lift the spirits of a broken heart. So God created the horse.”

Proudly sponsored by Nicole Tate Photography.

04/27/2021

Maintenance? What is it? Does my horse really need it? So often you will read on sales ads “horse doesn’t require any maintenance,” or “some maintenance required.” Have you ever wondered what does that really mean?? Listen below for my take on maintenance of a performance horse. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, I would love to help you and your horse become a better team!

04/21/2021

This is so great! As a kid I spent many, many horse shows just hanging out ringside. I learned SO much just watching those great trainers work their horses, and I might have learned just as much about what I would never do to a horse from the bad ones.

Never stop learning. You do yourself and your horse a disservice by thinking you know it all, or that there is only one way to do things. Each year I want to be a better rider than I was last year. I accomplish that by taking lessons, going to clinics, talking with other trainers, listening to podcasts, watching ringside, watching training videos.... all so I can be the most effective trainer/teacher for my horses and students.

I would love to help you on your journey, contact me today about getting on my lesson calendar!

As I sit and watch horses work in exhibitions, I see so many that would benefit from lessons, a good vet, epm meds, lasix, ulcer meds, and much more.

As a trainer, it’s not that I think my program is “the best” even though I am proud of what we are accomplishing, but without a doubt I can say that I’m not afraid to ask for help, I talk to other trainers and professionals regularly. As I sharpen my axe, I remember iron sharpens iron. I’m not afraid to learn something new, my mentality has always been, “well, even if all I learned was I’m never going to do that, I still learned something.”

I wish this industry was more open about what is helping, because it’s supposed to be what’s best for the horses.

As a rider, don’t be afraid to ask some questions, so many people you may find intimidating, are more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge. Don’t be afraid to go take a lesson, step outside your comfort zone, understand that none of us even know, what we don’t know. Go watch the warm up pens at night, go watch how people tune their horses, watch what the winners do, and never stop learning.

04/15/2021

The workers around this farm sure are cute 😘 Wyatt put in a hard days work setting up equipment for lessons and turning out horses. Can only hope someday this little guy catches the horse bug like mom. Cass is doing amazing her first time in turnout, and her pasture pals sure are happy she is back out with them.

04/13/2021

Had a great time at the Jane Melby clinic this past weekend at Kukas Equestrian Center! Jane has such a gift of instructing and an astute eye for horse/rider issues that are costing you time. Was very fun watching her tailor her instructions to each rider and watching the improvements throughout the weekend. My horse Belle is such an athlete, but being cow bred she isn’t what I would call a “race horse” at a dead run. I talked with Jane about my goal being to learn ways to shave off tenths of seconds here and there so we can make as fast a run as possible for her. Belle ended the weekend with her personal best time in this arena (with room for even more improvement) and worked great for me!

Thanks so much to my clients who make going to things like this possible for me! The income I make off lessons goes directly back to my horses care, competitions, and clinics. When I spend a weekend learning new skills, I am able to in turn impart this knowledge to you and be an even more effective instructor.

Show season has just begun and I am so looking forward to what the season holds in store for my horses and my clients 🤗 If you haven’t had a chance yet head over to my sponsor Nicole Tate Photography and get your summer pictures with your horses scheduled now! Use code: GretchenM2021 for a discount.

04/07/2021

My goal this year with my horses is to be consistent. I’m a realist. I know that every time out I might not have the fastest run, but I want my horses to be correct, smooth, and honest. In order to achieve this goal I know I need to put the time in working them; building on their strengths and improving their weaknesses.

I had planned to ride my horse tonight after work.... but Mother Nature had other plans. I had a 15-20 minute window in between downpours and lightning to get something done. I skipped brushing or saddling and went straight for the lunge line. I worked for 2 minutes on trailering as my horse has had some hesitancy loading that I don’t want to become an issue. I spent the rest of our time long trotting over cavaletties and loping circles on the lunge line until the rain started again.

While tonight didn’t play out like I had planned, I still was able to accomplish something with my horse. I didn’t let the weather get in the way of furthering my horses education and working towards our goal. It would have been so easy to say “nah, it’s not worth it, it’s only 20 minutes,” but in those 20 minutes so much happened. My horse had another good experience loading, she was able to stretch and bend on the lunge, she strengthened her core lifting her back going over the poles, and she got in a solid 15 minutes long trotting with her heart rate elevated. Maybe it’s just me, but I often forget how much I can teach my horse when I make the most of the time I have and commit to “no excuses.”

04/02/2021

Wrapping up my last full day of vacation in Florida, then it’s back to MN! It’s been a great break from reality but looking forward to getting back to my horses and lessons. So thankful for all the life lessons horses have taught me over the years!

03/26/2021

Just finished up a great week of lessons! Love seeing all the improvements my riders and their horses are making. My nieces got their lessons in today as well 🤗 My niece Emma is giving her younger cousin Sylvia some tips on the finer points of trotting.

03/20/2021

Happy first day of spring! This beautiful weather is making me dream of hot summer nights and slick coated horses. Get your summer horse and family photos scheduled with Nicole Tate Photography! Shared below is a an example of her beautiful work. As a sponsored rider you can use my code GretchenM2021 for a discount. Contact Nicole today to get on the books!

03/17/2021

Is my bit a snaffle or a curb? How can I tell?? Below is a short video going over some of the basics of the differences between a snaffle and a curb bit. Let me know if you have any questions, I would love to help you out!

03/15/2021

Well the mini-clinic this weekend turned out to be quiet eventful. My horse Cass decided before the clinic that things were too boring and sliced her leg open, which then started literally pouring blood. She earned herself a 2 night stay at the Hilton (aka Stillwater Vet) and a month stall rest. Thank God there is NO bone or ligament involvement and she should be “good to go” once the laceration heals over. Thankfully, her mom is a nurse and these bandage changes are right up her alley 🤣Just goes to show if a horse could maybe, possibly, or very unlikely hurt themselves in any way they somehow will do it!

03/12/2021

My sidekick inspecting our work with the drag 😂 Mini-clinic is set for tomorrow 1230-230. I have a couple of spots left and then will be full, let me know if you would like to come!

03/12/2021

Hopefully this will be the view from the arena again soon! I’m going to work the ground this afternoon with the drag, everything looks nice and dry🤗
Last minute, but thinking about putting on a mini clinic tomorrow 3/13 in the afternoon for 2 hours. Barrels and poles, with some drill and horsemanship focus. $35 per rider. Let me know if you are interested!

03/10/2021

Love this video! So many people don’t understand that horses don’t learn from the “pull,” they learn from the release. I see riders all the time thinking they are being “light” on their horses, riding with what I call puppy dog hands (still hands that are just barely holding onto the reins). Meanwhile, the horse is just sitting on their hands the entire time and the rider is unknowingly dulling the horses mouth. Learning feel, timing, and balance is so important to developing a soft and supple horse.

03/06/2021

The “girls” have wintered well. Took each of them down the road to get some conditioning in. We all enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air!

02/28/2021

As a rider, trainer, and instructor I’m always looking for ways to expand my horse knowledge. If I ever get to the point in my riding career where I think “I’ve learned it all,” I might as well stop riding right there.
I have the utmost respect for Audrey DeClue DVM, and just learned today she has a podcast! I’ve been binging the podcast the whole afternoon 🤗 I love listening to podcasts when I’m riding, doing chores, cleaning my house.... there is a such a wealth of knowledge out there!
Tomorrow I’m expanding my skills and going to a beginner breakaway roping clinic. What clinics are you attending this year? What horse podcasts are you favorite? Drop me a comment below!

02/23/2021

Just finished up a great few days of lessons! If you want to get on the schedule for next Sunday 2/28, I have a couple openings otherwise I am booked for next week.

02/17/2021

Got my “film crew” together and finally posting my first video below! Give a listen, would love to hear how I can help you and your horses 🤠

02/12/2021

I have one lesson available 2/15 at 4pm, otherwise I am booked this week. Contact me if you’re interested!

“If you are fond of a horse and wish to do him a favor- train him well. Teach him good manners, good habits, both in the stable and under saddle. You need never worry about the future of such a horse if for any reason you may have to part from him. You assure him of friends wherever he goes. Perhaps the greatest kindness you can do any horse is to educate him well.”

Tom Roberts- The Young Horse

02/06/2021

I still have openings Monday evening for lessons if anyone wants to brave the cold. Contact me today to get on the schedule!
Stay warm and stay tuned in this week for some short “trainer bio” videos.

Pictured below is RCV an Affair to Remember getting prepped to ultimately win the Morgan Grand National Western Pleasure AOTS with Gretchen in 2015.

02/04/2021

Throwback Thursday! A little tribute to my junior exhibitor days. Some of these are cringe worthy, but everyone is special to me. I was so blessed to be homeschooled, which allowed me to ride near a hundred horses throughout high school. What are some of your favorite memories as a kid with horses? Post a picture in the comments!