Old Forge Hill Farm

08/11/2024

As a barn owner, the hardest line you'll ever draw is the boundary of who you allow in and who you allow to stay.

A friendly reminder to my fellow trainers (and any horse person in general)-

-Nobody is worth your peace of mind..if they cost you your peace, kick them out!

- No one can buy your trust, when you see their true actions...believe them.

- If they can't respect you or the facility, they need to leave.

- No amount of money is worth harboring negative energy in your work and play atmosphere.

I am done trying to hatch bad eggs. I am no longer willing to try to fix, help, slave or suffer for those not willing to give the same effort or at the least carry themselves with class and integrity.

Say it with me friends:

Your barn, your rules. And your happy place. If they don't like it, they can leave.

Customer service should not feel like slavery. You shouldn't feel uncomfortable when people pull into your barn driveway. Stick to your guts. And your boundaries. 💕

- Ian Baese O’Connor

📸 Kaly Madison Photography

06/22/2023

She's 14.2 HH and is the most quiet sweetest thing ever. She's great for beginner riders.

08/27/2022

Pretty good way to show what posture does for your horse.

01/16/2022

Wow!

Researchers in Siberia found a perfectly-preserved 42,000-year-old baby horse buried under the permafrost. It was in such good condition that its blood was still in a liquid state, allowing scientists to extract it. "Hopefully, the world will soon meet the clone of the ancient foal who lived 42,000 years ago."⁠

Read this and more of the most astounding science news stories you probably missed in 2019: http://bit.ly/34scghT

11/21/2021

Purina’s horse feed is backed by 90 years of research in nutrition. Sign up to try Purina’s horse feeding programs for 60 days!

10/10/2021

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MANAGING EQUINE WORMS

Over the last decade drug resistant parasites have been reported, despite the
use of an increasing number of dewormer drugs. This is worrying as there are no new drugs in the pipeline and eventually worms will become resistant to all the currently available drugs.

Up until now the conventional wisdom in horse husbandry has been INTERVAL DOSING.

"Interval dosing", which many horse owners / yard managers use (and it is promoted by drug companies), involves regular dewormer administration based on the egg reappearance periods after treatment with a dewormer. It is important to realize if using this method that the egg reappearance time differs for each deworming drug.

This is an easy protocol to follow; however, this regimen will result in the routine worming of many horses that do not need it. Studies have shown that in any given population, 80% of worms are carried by only 20% of horses. Not only is this a waste of money and you are giving your horse
unnecessary drugs, but more importantly this ‘over-deworming’ is believed to have made a substantial contribution to drug resistance.

SO WHAT DO WE DO INSTEAD?

Well obviously if you see worms in your horses p**p, something must be done. If you are not very knowledgeable, you should take a p**p specimen to your local lab to identify which worms your horse has. Then make sure you use a dewormer that covers that particular species. (Be aware that p**p can be collected at the wrong stage and can result in a false zero)

Here are some common symptoms that your horse may exhibit if it has worms:

Signs of Parasitism:

- Dull, rough haircoat
- Lethargy (decreased energy) or depression
- Decreased stamina
- Unthriftiness or loss of condition
- Slowed growth in young horses
- Potbelly (esp. young horses)
- Colic
- Diarrhea
- Excessive tail rubbing
-persistent cough with heaves ruled out

If you suspect worms, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) is emphasizing the importance of selective use of the remaining effective dewormers to reduce resistance. Testing is simple; you provide a fresh f***l sample (

09/04/2021

07/02/2021

My grandson Luke enjoying Oreo today. 😊❤😊

06/06/2021

Sun going down in my side of town...

05/28/2021

This is my cousin Tanya. She needs our help!

Tanya is a single mother that has been trying to make ends meet for awhile. Sh… Gwenn Powers needs your support for Please Help a Single Mother with COVID

05/27/2021

This is my cousin Tanya she really needs our help!

Tanya is a single mother that has been trying to make ends meet for awhile. Sh… Gwenn Powers needs your support for Please Help a Single Mother with COVID

12/16/2020

First snow on the farm!

11/28/2020

10/19/2020

Turning the last hay harvest of the season. Thank you Mike for all your help!

10/17/2020

08/21/2020

We have moved to a new location!

08/08/2020

Only about two more weeks!!

07/10/2020

The farm is going to have some exciting news coming up in the next couple weeks!! Can't tell you all yet though!
😁❤🐎

02/16/2020

I'm losing faith in humanity. I need a pick me up. I always loved working with people/horses it meant so much to me. (37 years worth) If you have a positive memory working with me even a pony ride can you leave it in the comments? I need to know if after all my struggles if it was worth it to you and me and do I try again after being a victim of yet another theft?

Gwenn

02/08/2020

If you have ever owned or spent a lot of time riding with one particular horse, chances are good that you've felt some sort of special connection with them — and wondered if horses even like humans. Maybe you've felt like they were actually your…

10/05/2019

It was 9° away from freezing last night...time to get in the habit of unhooking those hoses so they don't freeze!
❄

07/16/2019

LaBarre Training Center

Preface
This will rub some the wrong way, but my page my thoughts.

No team, show, ribbon, division or championship is worth your life.
Take the time it takes and learn each skill needed inside out.

"I have time” should be the guiding words of riders during the entire course of training and remind him of the fact that the goal of riding is to be attained only by the gradual increase of demands.

The best investment you can make is a good trainer. Find someone who is honest and critical without constantly putting you down and someone that gives you a plan and goals to aim for. But solidly keeps you grounded, humble and honest. There are no short cuts, progression can and SHOULD seem painstakingly slow.

The degree of ‘risk’ that extends to horse riders or handlers can be affected by their own subjective perception of their capability and ‘horsemanship’ skill. High perceptions of ‘self-efficacy’ could increase the likelihood of an injury or even death. A human’s level of horse experience and knowledge can be defined by their age, the number of horse interactive hours, along with their type of supervision and training. When there is a deficit in one of these components, the likelihood of harm increases. A particularly important determinant of horse-related risk is the suitability of horse and human combinations. A mismatch at any stage during contact between the human and horse could potentiate a negative incident. Moreover, competitive drives among professional or ambitious equestrians can compromise their safety, in the form of ‘goal seduction’

Current practices differ, are resistant to change, are antiquated or may have become dislocated from their original conditions.

Skill matching to assigned activities can save lives, but in equestrian environments, making appropriate decisions about horse/rider combinations requires more than just an assessment of the horse. A similar assessment of the level of skill and ‘horsemanship’ of riders and handlers should also be undertaken. This type of assessment would be based on determining a human’s level of competency in performing a required task or activity.

Taking all competition goals out of the equation.

03/16/2019

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1089964857880318&id=205907396286073

11/17/2018

California Equine Emergency Fund

https://www.brookeusa.org/california/

A horse is spooked as the Woolsey Fire moves through a property in Agoura Hills, California, on Nov. 9, 2018 . Matthew Simmons / Getty Images Source: NBC News (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-wildfires-thousands-animals-displaced-fires-tear-through-communities-n935251)

09/14/2018

Magique Fire

Magique Fire

Pet

06/14/2018

Barn Angels Recovery Network - BARN

Barn Angels Recovery Network - BARN

04/02/2018

Love how the kids interact with the ponies. This is what makes me happy. This is what so many have tried to take away from me through the years, and this is why I fight so hard to keep going. Many of you know the struggles I have been through, they are not over. I appreciate those who have helped me through, and thank God for your help through these trying times. There truly are terrible selfish people in this world and it takes merely one to destroy everything you've worked hard for your entire life. I take solace in knowing that there are angels that walk among us and these angels are my friends. I do not know what the future holds for my farm any more but whatever it is I pray that Gods will be done, and he takes care of the individual that has tried to destroy what I have to offer these kids. I have such a heavy heart but trying to remain positive. Thanks again for those of you that have supported and encouraged me. God bless you and happy Easter.

03/22/2018

Can anyone help me get the ponies to the kids this weekend? I need them moved either Friday any time, or Saturday by 9am to Applewood Farm in Whiteford. I know some of you know the circumstances as to why I do not have a way to get them there. Please let me know as soon as possible, I don't want to let the kids down!

03/13/2018

Calculator: Which horses can carry me comfortably? - Good Horse

I like this a lot, sometimes it's hard to tell people their just too big to ride a certain mount. This way it's not coming from you! That might "take a load off" your mind! 😉

Use this calculator to work out what size horse is suitable for different sized riders. User friendly, easy to understand and backed up by the latest research.

01/20/2018

Dressage Rider Training

Besides my recommended yoga ball, these exercises might help in between my students lessons that do not have the opportinity to ride between lessons.

As dressage riders, we need to have a strong core to stay still & balanced while our horse moves majestically beneath us :)

Doing dynamic exercises that use your whole torso will help restore the natural biomechanics of your body & enhance your posture and strength.

Here are 7 dynamic exercises to help you strengthen your core & improve your balance on your horse.

Then get the FREE Dressage Rider Fitness Guide that reveals the exercises & stretches that will improve your riding specifically for Dressage.

• "This is great for finding asymmetry & weaknesses I didn't know I had" - Eryn, UK

• "I can feel the difference in my seat & my horse is more responsive" - Sharon, US

• "I have definitely improved my posture in the saddle" - Shelley, AU