Lavender Fields Co.

11/04/2024

Some fresh, new, and beautiful jumps built by our very own

So in love, and feeling motivated.

10/16/2024

She is coming along.

I spent 9 months on the ground with Miss May prior to backing her.

Why so long? Because, she objected to everything. So, we started at putting on a halter (being caught), and took it from there.

On the ground, she has shoulder in, leg yield, lengthen, shorten, turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches, etc.

I have been on her back now, about 15ish times. Undersaddle all that ground work has translated. When she doesn't understand the leg aid, the carrot stick, which she does know, helps her connect the dots.

I am pretty proud of her.

10/01/2024

The new driftwood horse sculpture, in honor of Fara, is on its way. She will be facing the front entrance with all of her power and glory. At least, that is the goal. It is so fun and interesting putting all the pieces together, because, when it fits, it fits. 🖤

09/27/2024

First time off the lunge line with Miss May.

This has been a long time coming.

May is a 7 year old KWPN, 1st Premium mare. She has had 3 stunning babies with the previous owner.

Backing a broodmare is very different. May knows how to be the boss. She knows how big she is, how strong, smart and saavy.

She is so sound, smart, and keen. Why a broodmare?

She has an incredible scar across her entire right shoulder - but, I don't think that is why.

I think it is her tongue action. She LOOOOOOVES her tongue. When she is happy, it is out. When she is stressed, bored, intrigued, drinking, interacting with Cooper...it is out. Tongue, tongue, and more tongue.

I have this to say. If she wants her tongue out, fine by me. Stick it out. 👅

09/23/2024

The Water Complex is open and comes with feathered friends.

08/29/2024

Miss May christened the round pen this morning with her trusty sidekick Rey.

Since it was May’s first time in the round pen, my only goal was for her to walk around, calm and lady like. Just walk. Only walk. Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the sunshine. Calm.

For me, this is training for today, and tomorrow. I want a partner that is confident, secure, and able to have self control - even in new situations. I want to be able to hack at a show. I want her calm and confident. This approach takes a ton of time. And, it doesn’t fit everyone’s schedule. However, it fits mine.

The at Lavender Fields

With an angled kick wall and 6ft tall sides, this round pen is ready for work. It measures 20 meters in diameter, and boasts all weather, dust free, and waterless rubber footing. This round pen is meant to keep horses and people as safe as possible.

08/27/2024

08/26/2024

Spreading footing in the round pen…one bag at a time.

07/19/2024

What equestrian facilities say “Ah crap, I need more 💩”?

🙋🏻‍♀️ The facilities that have a garden.

I am in process of building a bocce ball court in the middle of an olive tree grove. The manure will be spread and covered in rice straw (no weeds) as a mulch to compost into the soil in preparation for planting the olive trees.

The bocce ball court will run down the middle of the grove creating an allée.

07/11/2024

The newest addition to Lavender Fields.

White Crested Ducks for the water complex. Today was their first day in the pond. They are so happy and living their best lives.

Inspired by Derek the Duck.

05/21/2024

When working with young and/or feisty horses, you realize how many of them try to tell you what to do. For example, you can't take off your vest, you can't check your phone, you can't tip your hat, you can't bend down to pick something up, etc.

So, what do I do? I do all sorts of that all the time. My expectation is that the horse stays with me, at the gait, pace, mental state that I ask for, and stays there until I ask for something else. Of course, Miss May always likes to add a little tongue action to the game. 👅😂

pc:

05/07/2024

Little touches make new chapters.

05/03/2024

Collecting the eggs never gets old. 🌈

05/02/2024

She smelled so good after this 🪻

04/24/2024

PRO Series is now in stock at Douglas Ranch! If you buy 2 bags, PRO Series will give you one bag free. Save your receipts and contact me for the free bag.

Also, PRO Series offers a barn program. PM me for more information.

proseriesequine.com

04/18/2024

My new dance partner, May.

We are learning each other. Learning how to be in sync.

May will be 7 in May. She is KWPN. She has been a broodmare, and produced some gorgeous babies. Now, she is learning to become a riding horse.

Learning movements and aids from the ground, before I back her, will pay off. For my comfort and hers. It takes quite a bit longer, but I think the time spent is worth it.

Overall, I think she is lovely.

pc:

02/10/2024

The girls are starting to get busy.

01/12/2024

Sunrise and feeding time at Lavender Fields.

I wonder about having a sunrise yoga here...

12/25/2023

Christmas Co-Pilot. 🎄

12/23/2023

Happy Holidays!

12/21/2023

Miss May and I are getting to know each other. Getting to know a young mare in the middle of winter is tricky.

I am working on confirming her ground manners, leading, and lunging. I highly value cooperation with the horse. Submission, obedience, aren't what I am looking for. Why?

I want an interdependent relationship with the horse. A relationship that allows for mistakes, confidence, calmness, and thoughtfulness. I can't desensitize her from everything that is possible. I can teach her how to problem solve and think through new stimuli without escalation. This type of relationship takes a tremendous amount of time and consistency. The end result is always worth it.

Today, we had a challenge proposed to us. The chickens came over the top of the hill towards the arena while May and I were working on the line. Trot was too much. So, I brought her down to walk. That was still too much. So, I brought her in closer to me, where I could touch her. Then, things were ok with Miss May. As she grew more comfortable and confident, I began to move her away from me again. She was able to find confidence and calmness at the walk about 10-12ft away from me. No escalation, forward movement, and a couple of sneezes let me know we were on the right track and that she was getting the idea of being confident in the work and in me.

12/19/2023

Lavender, smells so good.

12/17/2023

Busy birds.

12/08/2023

Different bits for different reasons.
Different bits for different seasons.

12/05/2023

Hello May. It is lovely to meet you.

Welcome to Lavender Fields.