GEM Equine & Co.

02/10/2025

OMG, He's HUGE! (And Also Talented)
Behold, Odysseus, our Dutch Warmblood gelding who makes ponies look like, well, ponies. Standing a majestic 18.1hh (that's practically a small giraffe!), this magnificent beast is more than just a really tall horse. He's also got the talent to back it up, plus a disposition so gentle, you could probably trust him with your grandma (probably).
Catch him strutting his stuff at Winter Classic #10 this week at WEC!
The Stats (Because You'll Ask):
* Age: 2019 model
* Height: 18.1hh (Seriously, bring a ladder.)
* Schooling Level: 1.20m at home (He clears jumps bigger than my car.)
* Current Show Level: 1.10m (He's a rising star!)
Odysseus has been meticulously trained (aka we have spent a lot of time with him) and is currently showing at 1.10m, proving he's not just a pretty face (and a big body). At home, he struts his stuff at 1.20m, basically saying, "Bring on the challenge!"
Whether you dream of Olympic glory or just want a horse that makes your friends say, "Wow, that's a big horse," (everyone will say it) Odysseus is your guy. Don't miss your chance to own this gentle giant!
Contact us for more info or a test ride (bring your helmet...and we can provide the elevator to get on him).

01/12/2025

Why so much, so young?

The horse industries, particularly racing, have operated the same way for centuries, pushing 2- and 3-year-olds hard. But that doesn’t mean other disciplines should follow the same path.

I take a conservative stance when it comes to a horse's age.

A yearling is still a baby—let them run and play in a field.

A 2-year-old is also a baby—still best left running in a field.

At 3, a horse is still a baby, though now big enough for some handling. Forget about "futurities" or "young horse programs." If you can’t resist doing something, put a saddle on, maybe work on long-lining, and get on occasionally to make sure they don’t buck you off. But then—send them back to the field.

If all you’re doing with a 3-year-old is the basics—shots, feet, teeth, leading, just like a yearling or 2-year-old—I don’t think you’re falling behind.

At 4, they are a young adolescent. Like most adolescents, they need a job, but not a demanding one. No speed, no tight spins, no pounding work. Focus on slow, steady physical development—lots of walking, building muscle, and gaining body mass. You're still in a foundational stage.

By 5, they’re either still a baby or starting to mature, depending on the horse. Train carefully, and above all, avoid injury and stress. Don’t rush them into some performance-driven "young horse" program unless they’re an early maturing type—and even then, be cautious. Definitely avoid this at 4.

By 6, they’re ready to start becoming a "normal" horse.

I know my timeline is unconventional. Many horses are worn out or injured by age 6, 7, or 8—some even younger. They're mentally exhausted and physically broken by trainers and riders who pushed them too hard, too soon.

But if you can be patient, allowing them to grow and strengthen, those same horses can still be in their prime into their late teens or even early 20s and retire at 30.

What’s the rush? Seriously.

Written by Tamarack Hill Farm

Farmleigh Storm Connemara Pony, a late maturing breed. Aged 6 year,

12/25/2024

Happy Holidays from GEM Equine & Co! Someone needs this beautiful boy under their tree! We are looking forward to seeing what Geoffrey (Odysseus) will do in the coming show season

12/25/2024

12/12/2024

Payton has been riding Geoffrey for a week while I'm out from riding. Love seeing how great he is for her! (Odysseus and a junior rider schooling)

11/20/2024

10/29/2024

We had a great time at WEC last week! Geoffrey was amazing in all of his 1.0m courses! We did a costume class and had a blast...Geoffrey was the Toys R Us giraffe and I was a Toys R Us Kid (I don't wanna grow up 😉🦒). He is the best 5 year old there is!

10/23/2024

We are at this week for the Fall Circuit 5. Geoffrey was amazing today in his low schooling class (photo is of Geoffrey getting his post-show nap on)

10/10/2024

I clipped Geoffrey yesterday (these pics are of the partial job done). We are getting ready for for the Fall Classic 5 later this month! He was so good for clipping!

09/02/2024

Ok, how can you not love this face!? Geoffrey really does take his napping seriously 😅

09/01/2024

Geoffrey was so good this weekend! We ended up with Reserve Champion in our Low Child/Adult 1.0m jumper division. We also ended up with Circuit Championship!!! So proud of this young 5 year old and how much he has grown. I love getting to partner with him 💕 World Equestrian Center Special thanks to Jerry Morin , Dawn Stumm , Ashley Stumm and the Greyhavens Farms LLC team for such a great weekend!

08/25/2024

Spent the morning hanging with this cutie 🥰