Zarcrossed Farm Sporthorses

Zarcrossed Farm Sporthorses ZFS is a small breeding facility outside Gig Harbor - breeding German Riding Ponies & Westfalen sport horses. Standing the Dutch stallion "DeLite."

Breeding Starts April 1stOn Farm & Drive Thru Service
01/24/2025

Breeding Starts April 1st
On Farm & Drive Thru Service

As I am both a Breeder and a Realtor....Horse Properties 101!Yesterday I went out with my first horse property shoppers ...
01/21/2025

As I am both a Breeder and a Realtor....
Horse Properties 101!

Yesterday I went out with my first horse property shoppers of 2025….on the plus side it is the PERFECT time to shop for land/farms/ranches but on the down side, there is very little currently available.
As my buyers’ budget hovers at $1mil and under, we only looked at 3 in the Gig Harbor and Kitsap areas - none were suitable - BUT it served as a great educational day and an important reminder (hence this post.) Winter (aka miserable weather season) is the IDEAL time to shop properties…..even for buyers not yet looking to buy.

Here in the PNW, “all usable year round land” is a rare Unicorn…and not really necessary. What is necessary is that you have enough usable acreage. There is a difference. And the only time to truly evaluate the land is NOW and the only way to appreciate it is to walk it. Yesterday we did just that. We saw where water pooled….we were able to look at drainage and soil quality….we were able to evaluate where other future building areas and arena locations might be….. we even learned how area roads were (or weren’t) maintained. It is all so important and only understood this time of year!

By the same token, this is the prime time for future sellers to walk their own parcels with eyes wide open and make improvements! For horse people/ranchers/farmers - maintenance matters! Whether the focus is on doing regular building maintenance and repair, infrastructure maintenance, or addressing invasive plants/trees/brush - this is the ideal time to plan or get started if looking to list in Spring. One of the biggest deal breakers for buyers is seeing “work that needs to be done” and ongoing labor intensive maintenance issues. Fencing, roofs, land clearing (especially blackberries and scotch broom), drainage….all things that can be addressed now.

As a breeder, I always “lecture” that knowledge & preparation are essential to success in getting mares in foal…….. As a realtor, I lecture much the same - knowledge as buyers and preparation as sellers - Essential to success in buying the right property and selling for top dollar.

While it is always greatly appreciated to get updates & pics of my past youngsters, it is equally wonderful to hear how ...
01/17/2025

While it is always greatly appreciated to get updates & pics of my past youngsters, it is equally wonderful to hear how the past "moms" are doing.

They come to me as young unstarted maidens and then hopefully go on to prove themselves in careers under saddle or in harness.

"Orchard Hills Strawberry Shortcake" is Daxson's dam. I don't know that she loved motherhood BUT she seems to be blossoming as a dressage pony!

(pictured - Strawberry & son Daxson :) )

The Reminder that Comfort & Familiarity in a relationship are beautiful things…There are rarely winter DeLite posts as h...
01/16/2025

The Reminder that Comfort & Familiarity in a relationship are beautiful things…

There are rarely winter DeLite posts as he is just an ordinary muddy, hairy horse in the off-season- not a fancy well bred warmblood breeding stallion... But occasionally , even on an ordinary day, he is deserving of a special nod .

Going into our eighth year is pretty remarkable, especially remembering our “interesting/fun filled" 1st breeding season and the challenge of getting to know a new guy after having an amazing stallion my first time around. In a way, when Allerhand died I became a breeding “widow” who vowed I would never love another & do “it” again….yet, well, I did “it” again. I took on a new guy without even a first date and we were off & running! Forming a relationship that really hinges on trust is difficult at best …when your partner is a fairly large stallion it is pretty important you get things on track quickly.

Happily (fortunately) I am regularly reminded that I got it right the second time around….I have a great guy I truly trust. He is a sensitive stallion who is incredibly gentle and though a big powerful guy, he is one who can step very “lightly.” He has come to understand me well…..he knows OY means to pay attention - he knows silence is very bad and he better be very cautious - and he knows “NICELY…"
Today on a very cold crisp day, when he hadn’t been out in the grass turnout for very very long, he stood quietly to be haltered, and though inside I am sure he was about to blow, when I simply said a stern “nicely” he dropped his head and walked very very NICELY out to the field.

That first year there were many moments of “stomach flips” sometimes just marveling at his handsome self with his powerful movement and impressive substance…and then there were the MANY bad stomach flips knowing a potentially difficult, exhausting collection session was coming up….
Now, going into our 8th year together, there are no stomach flips. We are a partnership - he and I have our routines - comfortable, familiar routines and we know & trust each other .
We are doing quite nicely :)

In Praise (and Defense) of Mud and the Pasture LifeYears ago I said goodbye to my California farm with its large, beauti...
01/13/2025

In Praise (and Defense) of Mud and the Pasture Life

Years ago I said goodbye to my California farm with its large, beautiful show type barn, large all-weather arena complete with stunning views, and the year round “mild” winters….in exchange I took on a larger farm with a ratty old barn, no arena, but large grassy pastures I could envision mares and foals inhabiting year round….and Washington winters.
Yes - the dream was year round outdoor life - in the PNW - for the horses of Zarcrossed Farm.

I am going on 18+ years living that “dream.”

Of course, living out in PNW winter pastures means ZFS horses are dirty..and hairy…and MUDDY. There is no effort to go out and groom everyone every day - or even once a week….. so they look a bit rough and feral.

This winter there have been more inquiries than usual from people wanting to come see youngsters - “potential buyers” - but unlike in the past when I scrambled to get available youngsters back in the barn and made presentable, I have simply explained they are out in pasture - they will be out in pasture when you visit - you are welcome to meet them!
Nobody has come.

In a few months I’ll be looking at rotating youngsters in and giving them a good “Spring Cleaning” and then visitors can see them in their stalls and then out in the arena BUT what a tremendous missed opportunity it is to pass up youngsters in the fields.

What better way to witness and evaluate a horse’s natural balance and athleticism than to watch them galloping in slippery pastures, bucking and spinning, turning and sliding to stop… What a wonderful way to gauge early temperament than to watch them run side by side - or to see them gallop to the fence to greet strangers - or to watch them share piles of hay.

A true beauty does not need makeup…..a true dancer naturally displaces grace….a true athlete can navigate challenging conditions…..and a true partner will come say hi when you visit :)
What more could you want? :)

Breeding Season is Almost Here.......Time to plan, prepare, and get educated!ZFS offers one day "Comprehensive Seminars"...
01/02/2025

Breeding Season is Almost Here.......Time to plan, prepare, and get educated!

ZFS offers one day "Comprehensive Seminars" covering all aspects of breeding - the stallion's part, mare selection and care, the actual breeding process, foaling basics, and early foal handling.

This year we will be offering On Farm Breeding - bring your mare and let Dino & I do the work - plus Drive Thru service :)

For More Information Call, Email, or Message Here on Facebook!

Looking forward to another year offering.... Breeding ~ Young Stock ~ Education
12/31/2024

Looking forward to another year offering....
Breeding ~ Young Stock ~ Education

Some have said my horses float.....I can now report that is indisputably factual....in fact, they walk on water... in an...
12/18/2024

Some have said my horses float.....
I can now report that is indisputably factual....in fact, they walk on water... in and thru water....and by morning I fully expect to report they have all mastered the backstroke! (except Welsh mare Aimee who stands in a stall declaring "inside good - outside bad")
Tis the Season .

NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT HORSES!The childlike fun and wonder of it all….. as simply explained & illustrated thru a dog’...
12/14/2024

NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT HORSES!

The childlike fun and wonder of it all….. as simply explained & illustrated thru a dog’s eyes….
Religion and such aside, the holidays are a time of tradition, anticipation, and wonder….. and that is important stuff! We all need to have things to get excited about…to look forward to…to lose sleep over because we want to dream and believe. And when you are an adult dealing with adult things, that can obviously be a tough challenge…..
So - as I think it is fun to be simple sometimes (in a complicated world) - Here is the “Holiday Wonder” according to Nettle (aka thru a dog’s eyes…)
Lauren texted and said “Mama- present is being delivered! 8 stops out….get ready!”
Lauren then texted - "3 stops away - get ready to go grab it …it’s big!”
Lauren then texted - “Arrived - go get it Mama - hurry…..”
And as I occasionally follow directions…I hiked out to the gate - in darkness - and retrieved the big present….
Nettle immediately ran to the present - sniffed and explored the present….and with childlike wonder, looked at me as if to say “so - why aren’t you opening it???? Let’s OPEN IT!!!”
My response was of course, “we will wait for Christmas……”
Nettle’s response really doesn’t need words….
She plopped on the couch and pouted…..
12 more days 🙂

The Available "Faces of the Farm"
12/09/2024

The Available "Faces of the Farm"

Tis the Season.....Someone recently messaged asking about Black Friday/holiday sales... something I don't offer. Breedi...
12/09/2024

Tis the Season.....

Someone recently messaged asking about Black Friday/holiday sales... something I don't offer. Breeding fees and prices on youngsters are what I believe to be VERY fair hence they are firm BUT in the spirit of the holiday season...
**I can offer delivery (within 150 miles) for any youngster reserved with deposit before Dec.31st or a contribution towards long distance shipping. Again - only good until midnight 12/31**

Available youngsters are on my website :)
ZarcrossedFarm dot com

Happy Holidays to All!

One of Life's Best Gifts - whether horse or human - is to simply be a quiet, steady, trustworthy partner.Sweet Darius ha...
12/03/2024

One of Life's Best Gifts - whether horse or human - is to simply be a quiet, steady, trustworthy partner.
Sweet Darius has proven to be the best weaning buddy for Davina.... He gets to lead and she confidently follows 🙂

Black Friday...farm style.
11/29/2024

Black Friday...farm style.

The realities of farm life and of breeding - whether it be horses, dogs, other livestock.... The realities are - s**...
11/26/2024

The realities of farm life and of breeding - whether it be horses, dogs, other livestock....
The realities are - s**t happens. Bad s**t happens. And really bad, soul crushing s**t happens.

The realities of farm life - as I always try to be "real" in my posts - is that for every soul crushing, heart wrenching, financially devastating thing that happens - some ray of sunlight eventually appears and makes you feel warm.

Today the ray was Derek - a very handsome boy who proved he is far more than a good looking guy with charm. He is smart and sensible and proof that the breeding thing is not a complete waste of time.

Derek walks in his older brother Daxson's shoes - a charming, brave, adventurous boy who is great company and will someday be an equally great partner :)

And on that note - hoping everyone has the opportunity to feel sunlight and be thankful ...this week and every week.

"Last but not least..."Deja VuRIP my beautiful girl......
11/18/2024

"Last but not least..."
Deja Vu

RIP my beautiful girl......

When a breeder is not entirely "professional..."True confessions....As a girl who has not had a mom since 1999, weaning ...
11/16/2024

When a breeder is not entirely "professional..."

True confessions....
As a girl who has not had a mom since 1999, weaning time for this mom and daughter has not happened as planned (because they are just so lovely together.)
New target date is that Daylin will be weaned the weekend before I back her!
Best plan ever 🙂

Scenes from the last day of October....going into the "dark period."Dark as in damn darkness by 4pm, dark as in no more ...
11/01/2024

Scenes from the last day of October....going into the "dark period."
Dark as in damn darkness by 4pm, dark as in no more baby pics because they are entering the "OMG - what happened to my pretty baby? phase...."

So - the wrap-up here at the farm.....
Yes - Daylin is HUGE
Yes - Deja is fuzzy and graying quickly
Yes - Davina is a smart, willing student (even if she has somewhat demonic looking eyes)

Happy Halloween!

Address

Lakebay, WA

Telephone

+1 253-509-2426

Website

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Videos

Earlier this season I shared a video of new foal Derek - simply titled "joy"... As the season comes to a close, late afternoon turnout today with Daxson provided a video clip simply titled "Joy too...." My two year old boy called to ask me to watch....I did.... that is my joy :)

Little Deja Vu is just starting to blossom.... once again proving they grow and change so very quickly . Available

Morning turnout...2 yr old style ... A little easy collected work, a few lengthenings.....a flying change or two.....a nice halt down the center line....oh, and go deep in the corner cause you know that is good. :)

There are different "types" of seasons on the farm.....and it is not the weather seasons that are the toughest to endure. It is the "Farm Seasons" that are tricky..... Moving mares and their foals from the barn to the big pastures full time is stressful and sad....they seem suddenly so far away.... Sending lease mares home and sending youngsters on to new homes is heart wrenching ...they truly do go so far away.... And turning the "special" ones out to the big pastures so you can focus on others in the barn can be crushing. Day 3 of Daxson being out of the barn and off in the big pasture is as painful as I imagine slow weaning is for mares. He stands off in the distance and watches me come and go and work. Sometimes he calls - sometimes he just stands near the gate, hopeful that it is time to come in. Why this mare loving girl is so drawn to this boy is a bit confusing. He is not meant for me...... I don't think. But of all the babies over the many years - this boy is especially endearing. The video clip is the essence of Daxson....the very end never fails to make me smile (as he marches up to the surprise scary pile of bags) *Note - Daxson is available....PM for info.

Just a 2 yr. old boy exploring indoors on a rainy day :)

It's especially fun when you can get a little walk footage of a yearling....especially one who won't leave his videographer alone :) Daxson at 13 months old.....

Denali 2021 GRP gelding by DeLite out of Sec.B Welsh mare Rosmel Ice Castle An elegant and affectionate young guy who is very sensible, curious, and quick & eager to learn. Available now.

Thankful for a seemingly rare sunny day (and a rare video helper) as Danika (by DeLite) has started "school" and is notably cranky when she doesn't get a lesson 🙂 This is the really fun part - learning about how the youngsters learn.

Denali at 4 months old....

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