AMW Equine Services, LLC

12/06/2024

Heads up!!!

AMW Equine Services will be taking the following dates off from trimming.

December 23rd through January 1st we will not be working on horses. We will be following up with end of year things and computer work, but trims will not be occurring. Only exception are emergencies (laminitis cases, rehab clients, or vet referrals).

January 21st through January 27th we will be traveling and attending the International Hoof-care Summit in Kansas City for continuing education and to spend sometime with colleagues catching up.

Please if you are looking to get on our schedule now is the time to reach out. Even during the slow season we are still booking 4-5 weeks in advance. Sometimes an appointment slot does open up sooner ( having paperwork filled out and on a waitlist makes this possible) and exceptions are made for emergencies.

12/05/2024

12/05/2024

Well..... winter is finally rolling in.

Heads up to clients.

Snow/Ice days depending on severity of road conditions in your area or ours will be rescheduled.

If glue-on appointments are scheduled for days that temps are going to drop below 20 degrees and barn doesn't stay warmer than this. Rescheduling will need to occur. Trying to glue in these temperatures aren't easy even with using a warming pad and a heat gun. I want to make sure that your horse receives the best care.

Freezing temps in the single digits or negatives unless barn is heated or insulated will need to be rescheduled. Trying to use my hands in these conditions, unless an emergency, makes it hard to hold tools and tanks my hands for a day or so.

If any of these scenarios occur Ariel or Myself will reach out to reschedule appointment. If at any point clients are concerned about their appointment please reach out.

~ Augusta

12/04/2024

It's that time of year where it gets dark before you get home.

Unfortunately I'm like many horse owners who don't have an indoor arena or even an outdoor arena with lights.... so we do what we can.

A headlamp that is bright comes in quite handy. I'm grateful enough that I have some trails on property that we can explore safely. I always feel though during this time we don't make progress during our rides. But a podcast episode hasted by Daniel from Dauphin Horsemanship talking with Lee from Keystone Equine reminded me how important working at the walk can be. That so much can be done at the walk. Building blocks for what many would consider advanced movements.

So as we traveled through the dark trails by headlamp, as the dogs chased rabbits across our path crashing through the trees, we practiced simple tasks. We practiced walking off from a halt with the right foot. We practiced stopping exactly on the eighth step. We practiced extending and collecting the walk at different stride counts. We did this all by headlamp with dogs crashing through the woods.

I may not have a pretty indoor arena or even a groomed flat ground, but that episode truly was a reminder that sometimes we overthink what we truly need to have or do to make a good horse.

I am grateful for a good horse who doesn't bat an eye at a rabbit running by his feet, dogs making noise, and traveling through the fields and woods in the dark.

12/04/2024

If you want your own fuzzy butt for winter riding or comfort (it makes it so much more comfortable for my spine) this is where to grab them.

22x22 inch for saddles over 16 inches $140 and shipping

12/03/2024

Sometimes it’s the little things that make getting back into the saddle when you loose the urge to swing yourself into the saddle.

I’ve been eyeballing a fuzzy butt for my saddle for a while. I already have one that makes driving long hours in the car so much more comfortable.

Photos don’t do this beauty of a fuzzy butt justice.

So I swung my leg up into the saddle looking forward to riding on my gorgeous fuzzy butt.

Thank you to White Horse Trading Post for this amazing piece that makes my Hidalgo Saddle from Hug Your Horse : Hidalgo Leather Tree Consultant.

12/02/2024

I HAVE AMAZING CLIENTS!!!

Why???

Because my clients understand how much weight I carry.

How do they show this by simply starting a message by this is a good moment message or heads up may have to go to the drawing board.

Why is this something I’ve learned to cherish? They now the weight of puzzle piecing things to get their horses sound or keep their horses sound plays heavy on my shoulders. They know when I leave their barn their horse will still be on my mind.

These clients also respect my hours. I’ve learned to cherish that greatly. That I do need down time, but these clients also know if s**t hits the fan to call. They are also the first ones to yell at me if I message late at night or a day off to not do that.

I’m grateful for them.

They remind me also on a daily I am human and that’s ok.

11/30/2024

Nope ….. not completely in love at all.

It’s been amazing watching the herd integrate since adding Leela to the herd.

You would think that she’s been here forever. The routine that’s already has a rhythm.

The quietness that everyone moves from one pile of hay to another. To the routine of horses coming in for feeding.

The simplest of moving through the herd and seeing everyone at ease. Her respecting their boundaries and them respecting hers.

Coming in at different times as she’s asleep in the loafing area there is always someone standing nearby. It changes and it’s not always the same horse. But, their content just being in the same space.

I will have to say …..I truly didn’t give my horses enough credit that they knew how to adjust to her joining them. It also reminds me I have a a herd of horses that are happy and content.

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at AMW Equine Services, LLC.

We will not be answering any messages received today so may spend much needed time with our family and friends.

11/28/2024

Thoughts while pulling burrs out of baby Leela’s mane and forelock.

This is one way to see how patient she is.
She’s pretty patient even with the pulling and having to very methodically untangle said burrs. I don’t know many almost tenth month holds who would stand quietly tied for a good 30 minutes.

She handled the slight pulling of hair with bravery, checking in regularly with her nose. This was all done on her blindside.

You don’t really realize how much the movement of brushing, pulling, spreading of the hair affects the face of a horse. I knew this already. But, watching the pure innocence and honesty of a baby as they itch their nose, their ears are given for scratches, and as they rub their eyes. It truly makes you realize how much sensation runs through the top of their mane.

Even after only meeting Leela once and watching videos she’s exactly what I thought she would be. Honest, patient, trusting of those who deserve it, and brave. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect filly.

Dear goodness this girl is going to have some thick long locks as she gets older.

I always enjoy untangling burrs out of horse manes and tails. Because it truly leaves you with your thoughts. Slowing down and having to work through something without pricking your fingers. The horses seem to appreciate it when you quietly take your time. It’s a way to build trust and bond.

11/27/2024

How would your past self look at what you've accomplished?

I didn't grow up in a horse family. My farming dad's philosophy was horses are just hay burners... honestly he's not wrong in some situations. But, it didn't stop the dreaming of a girl who had the horse capture her heart and soul at a very young age. I had all the play horses that made up for not owning a live one. My bike I pretended was a horse as we adventured around our large driveway. My cattle were trained and treated like horses. I'm pretty sure I was the only kid who's show cattle could hold a leg up to be cleaned and trimmed. If someone offered me to groom, ride, or just pet a horse I took the chance. Why my mom allowed me to ride some of those not so kid-safe horses still baffles me.

As I left for the military owning a horse was pretty much a far off distant memory and dream. Little did I know years later when my military career was cut shorter than I had planned I would get an opportunity to make a dream that had been long forgotten come true. That dream coming true was just the beginning of many dreams coming true over and over.

I have had the opportunity to show some amazing horses. I now operate and own an equine business, where I get the privilege of caring for some amazing equines. I now have the privilege to own and care for five horses that teach me more about life than I could ever imagine. I now have five horses when I whistle come running to greet me.

My past makes me grateful for where I am and how far that little girls dream of playing with horses on the living room floor has gotten me. How these creatures captured my heart and soul from the very beginning bringing peace to my soul. Looking into the future I know just as much as they have been apart of my past...... they will be part of many tomorrows to come.

For the dad who said no....... now is one of the biggest supporters this horse loving daughter could ask for.

11/26/2024

What's your favorite treats to keep in your barn?

Having Cushing, founder, and PSSM horses finding low sugar and safe options can be tough.

Standlee Premium Western Forage Horse treats are our go to in our barn. Them being a bit bigger makes it super easy to keep in your pocket, and easier for tiny hands to give a treat. All the different flavors meet even the pickiest eaters preferences.

11/25/2024

You don’t want to miss this podcast featuring Nicole it’s going to be full of information and I know some good laughs with Daniel at the Helm.

This little ray of sunshine teaches horsemanship classes at The Ohio State University and has agreed to help me with the odd Q&A podcast. So, she'll be reading your questons, as well as asking her own follow up questions and help the Q&As flow a bit better.
Nicole Shoup is also a Best Horse Practices Summit Board member and all around cool lady.
On this week's podcast we talk about:
- Desensitizing/threshold/timing
- Building Rapport
- Spooking
- What to do when you see the wreck coming on a trail ride
- Using other horses to help build confidence in a green one
- Being important to your horse and having their attention
- Tom Thumb bits and imbalanced horse with overdeveloped muscles groups that aren't the good muscle groups
- Backing up to a snaffle if/when needed
- A great exercise to practice to soften the mind

11/24/2024

I've been asked a lot lately ..... What are your plans for Leela?

The answer isn't simple for me.

Many when asked what are your plans for a horse... most will reply barrels, dressage, jumping, trail riding, etc. There is nothing wrong with that, but for me the answer isn't that simple.

I've rehabbed many horses..... undoing what the human world has done to them. Rehabbing from accidents and improper body functions that they have had for years.

Normally my answer sarcastically is.... my plan is to start from ground zero. The mistakes that will be made will be mine not others.

But..... honestly that's not my true answer to the questions, "What's your plan for Leela?"

My plans for Leela is to teach her to be able to navigate the Human World with ease.

My plans for Leela is to teach her to have a voice, but trust me when something isn't comfortable.

My plans for Leela is to remind her she is smart, she is kind, she is special.

My plans for Leela is to help her find comfort in her own body and posture. To feel what it's like to move freely and in a way that is relaxing.

My plans for Leela is to teach her to carry a human that is supportive to her and the human she carries through classical works that starts from the ground and builds.

My plans for Leela is to show her softness and show her that she deserves softness and grace.

My plans for Leela is to show her how to handle when harshness is present and how to handle it mentally during and after. To always come back to center because the world isn't always soft.

My plans for Leela is to show me where her talent lies, and what she enjoys being my partner in.

My plans for Leela is to become partners that hopefully last 30+ years, where both of us have more years behind us than in front of us, enjoying the quietness of home drinking a cup of coffee on the porch in the morning while she grazes quietly by or coming to sneak a treat.

My plans for Leela isn't a plan it's a journey. A journey that is a privilege to share together.

*Cyphers Spicemyster*

Cyphers Dun On Fire
Brittany Ann Swaffer

11/23/2024

It's national Espresso Day!!!

I'm a sucker for some good espresso.

In the form of an espresso shot, latte, mocha, cappuccino, americano, or cortado I'll more than likely gladly take some.

A cortado though is my favorite especially when I'm visiting Milk Road Coffee Jacksonville, NC. Home away from Home. Their coffee beans also make some of the best homemade espresso and coffee that this coffee loving soul can't live without.

Do you have a favorite coffee drink?