Sewickley Stables

02/29/2024

Did you know that there is a science-based college curriculum that teaches the fundamentals of retraining thoroughbreds?

We at CSU Equine Sciences offer exactly that --

With 4-5 horses retrained annually, with the end goal being the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and placement/sales into the world, these students learn about training practices, competition, marketing, sales, and more importantly - the love of the thoroughbred.

Please consider donating to this program as we plan for the future that includes increases classes offered, students enrolled, and horses retrained!

Help Colorado State University raise $30,000 for the project: Colorado State University Thoroughbred Aftercare Program. Your gift will make a difference!

01/15/2024

This saddle is everything people desire:

💥 German engineered
💥 Wool Flocked
💥 New billets 2023
💥 17.5"
💥 Medium tree

By Sattlerei Hennig, this beautiful 2004 model has been used on just about every shape, size, and level, but always allowed for secure position and forward rhythm. It has brought me a ton of good luck, and is now looking for its next human to provide that to.

💥 1500 💥 Fort Collins, CO 💥 Local trials available 💥

01/04/2024

I keep reading ISO posts for joint supplements, and am thrilled to see people tag me so that I can lend my support of the one I trust the most - Equithrive.

Those of you who know me, know I'm a skeptic. A trained scientist by nature, who barely trusts even peer-reviewed science until it's been repeated and validated.

So when I was approached by this company to try their products - I responded as I normally do - "Show me the science."

And for the first time, and perhaps the only time, they immediately did.

Because the active ingredient in their Joint (Original and Complete) is resveratrol - a biologic that is routinely used for inflammation, cardiac health, and even reproduction. But unlike so many other companies - Equithrive didn't just trust the human medicine, they funded a study in equine medicine.

This product, which I love so much, was found to improve lameness associated with hock arthritis following joint injection. And in my own anecdotal barn? I've seen that be applicable in every joint from the pastern to the knee.

So if one of your New Years Resolutions is to improve your horses health or performance, give this product a try. And if you want to do it in the most affordable way possible? Just put CARLEIGH in the discount box!

Abstract OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of resveratrol administration in performance horses with lameness localized to the distal tarsal joints. DESIGN Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS 45 client-owned horses with lameness localized to the distal tarsal joints. PROCE...

10/07/2023

Our CSU Right Horse Program is sending FIVE horses to the RRP TB Makeover, and begin their adventure tomorrow!

If you are in Lexington and horse shopping, go take a peak at Soup and Slug, as they are truly special boys AND benefit this program where we teach students about the retraining process!

10/04/2023

Used Jeter as my test animal for the amazing swag bag that I was sent home with from Skyline by Elemental Grooming!

If you know me well, you know that dull coats and pathetic tails haunt me at night, so I had to reach for the CocoCoat and That Tail Crap first.

Immediately after, I grabbed the Essential Hoof Oil - because if your horse is going to sparkle from head to tail, you might as well have them sparkle their twinkle toes too!

Needless to say, I’m smitten with this stuff, and amazed that it’s all natural. He’s out in the field now, glistening in the Autumn sun!

Elemental Grooming stuff for the win!

09/29/2023

The coolest part of this whole shebang is that even though we closed the farm, we sold enough ridiculously cool horses that we can follow for YEARS.

Featured here is Olaf (Snow of Force) who was purchased by Sally Cousins Eventing almost 18 months ago! Olaf is now 5 years old, and Sally can’t say enough good things about him. This horse has the bravery and scope to go all of the way, and we love seeing these updates on her page!

09/18/2023

In a fun twist, TWO Sewickley Stables sales graduates participated in the Sewickley Hunt Hunter Pace!

Both Marquist and Utah were rock stars for their mothers Emily and Diane, and it’s just fun to see horses represented at the namesake!

For those of you who didn’t know - Luke actively hunted with the Sewickley Hunt for the entirety of his childhood/early 20s, hence the name of our farm!

Love the representation ladies!

09/07/2023

Y’all —

My two passions have combined.

1) Off the track thoroughbreds

And

2) CSU Equine Sciences.

We are sending TWO teams to the Retired Racehorse Project TB Makeover next month, and 8 students! This means that funding is needed, and a great fundraiser is underway!

So - buy a UV shirt and help support these students as they learn how to retrain these horses! So few curriculums support this idea, and CSU has one of the best!

08/13/2023

A bit of a sponsor shout out after trekking across the country with all types of horses.

We weren’t too worried about JJ due to his travel schedule these last 3 years, and knew that 18 hours wouldn’t feel much worse than 8 to him, but both Jeter (young) and Frank (old) caused me a fair bit of anxiety.

Luckily for me, I’m sponsored by a company that makes supplements for all kinds of kinds, and we were able to get them the support they needed.

JJ? Equithrive Original Joint and Electrolyte were all that were needed, and he lives on those, so nothing changed.

Jeter? We added Equithrive Gut to this line-up as he tends to get diarrhea regardless of the haul.

And for Frank? We started him on Equithrive Metaborol - the original resveratrol supplement which is designed for the metabolic horse.

Now, don’t tell Frank that he’s bordering that metabolic range, as he’ll argue that he’s just big b***d. But that extra “umph” of anti-inflammatory on board sure did calm my fears as he journeyed across state lines for the first time in his 33 years.

I can’t thank Equithrive enough for their continued support on this adventure, and wish all of my friends would try their products to be convinced of their superior products and amazing customer service. Use CARLEIGH in the discount box for an extra perk of following this page!

08/02/2023

As many of you already know, we are closing our farm up and heading west.

We have truly enjoyed our residency at Robert Murphy Stables, but an offer was presented at Colorado State University that couldn’t be turned down. So with it, we pack up this farm and begin the journey to Fort Collins, Colorado.

JJ and Jeter will continue their journey on the A-string while Frank The Tank will be the resident greeter of a cute 10-acre farm tucked right next to the Foothills.

We cannot thank you all enough for supporting us these during this crazy endeavor. We have retrained and sold countless off the track thoroughbreds; rehabbed a variety of others, and trained so many young women in the ways to succeed in this business.

None of this would be possible without a myriad of humans who supported it, and we will be forever grateful to each and every one of them.

Without you, there was no Sewickley Stables. With you, we made a huge impact on the aftercare of so many horses.

For that? I will forever be proud to wear the logo that we meticulously handcrafted. From the East coast to the West coast, and everywhere in between.

Lovingly,
Carleigh and Luke

07/24/2023

We are so excited to announce that our very own Allie Penland has acquired the ride on Great Shot Sam!

What started as a “can you please help me during this final summer before I move” quickly morphed into a dedicated and commited working student who fell in love with a fiery redhead!

We are so excited to watch this pair grow together, and can’t be more grateful for her owner Layton for trusting us with this mare and her journey. The sky is truly the limit for these two, and we are ecstatic to hand over the reins!

07/02/2023

I very rarely get emotional during a sale, but this one left me a bit teary eyed as he drove away.

John B is heading back to Texas, only this time on a better trailer and with people who love him.

Buddy, I sure as heck didn’t know the journey we would have when I sent that message at 5am to secure your life. And I sure as heck didn’t know how many people would fall in love with your story.

None of this would have been possible without the never ending support of my husband, the exemplary veterinary care of Dr. David Alexander, and the crazy team of young women in this barn who fell in love with a very sick and starved horse and nursed him back to health.

Go do big things John B. At only 6 years old, there is so much love and happiness ahead of you.

07/01/2023

A Diggs Post A Day —

Which is now reforming itself into Sales Etiquette taught to you by Diggs.

Life happens, and all of us know that.

But before you inquire about a sales horse - realize that the seller has a life too.

A life that is consumed for HOURS a day answering questions sent to them, 95% of which don’t pan out into any form of income.

30% are simply because an answer to a question is a deal breaker for the buyer - and we all get that. The price is too high. The horse cribs. The seller is in Hawaii.

30% is because the buyer doesn’t even know their deal breakers until they ask hours of questions and then give the answers to their trainer/boarding farm/husband, and an auxiliary person tells them that they’re deal breakers. The price is too high. We don’t accept cribbers. I can’t get a trailer to Hawaii.

And 30% is because the buyer never meant to buy. You would be amazed how often my day is interrupted by a 14yo kid who is messaging without moms permission. Or a 65yo woman who claims she wants a 3yo unbroke c**t only to find out she is still in the hospital post op for a hip replacement. Or a trainer who doesn’t even have the money or permission to buy for a client.

I then schedule both my life and my horses routine around these messages. So many Mondays (which are meant to be my day off) booked weeks in advance only to be canceled on. So many show days where I’m committed to being at the farm until 9pm only to never get a confirmation. So many “can I let you know Saturday AM if I can come Saturday PM?”

So many days where I don’t even know if I have an appointment or not, because so many people schedule one and then just don’t show up.

I have posted about minding your Ps and Q’s plenty of other times, but realize that these situations are why the GOOD SELLERS are getting out of the game, leaving you with the ones you can’t trust.

I’m getting out, in only one month from today. And this was a primary reason why.

So buyers? BE BETTER. Respect peoples time. Know your deal breakers, your budget, and the seriousness in which you’re shopping. PLEASE.

Featuring a photo of a horse who broke the internet, led to over 75 messages, and has been tire kicked to the point that his owner is currently just a lifeless flat tire. And ready for her new full time job that doesn’t include selling horses.

06/29/2023

A Diggs Post a Day…

Well, more of a “let me tell you about horse sales…”

Guys. If someone has put a ton of effort into giving you ALL of the information - good, bad, and ugly. And it includes videos of jumping (in and out of an arena), flatting (in and out of dressage tack), and is saying it’s priced for a quick painless sale?

Don’t make it painful. Don’t be a tire kicker.

If you’re interested - ask pertinent questions. If the answers go against what you’re looking for, just say so, and thank the seller for their time.

Tire-kicker, n. : a prospect who appears interested in buying a product or service but never actually commits. They often prolong the sales process by asking questions and raising objections until eventually disappearing.

06/29/2023

So excited to announce that Seb has found his human and is on the road up North to adventure off as a Jumper!

We’re down to only a few horses left for sale, so please reach out if you’re in the market for something fun or flashy!

06/28/2023

Great Shot Sam is still available to be tried in Lexington, KY with our discount special!

This 8yo mare turns head everywhere she goes. Beautiful mover, jumps a 10, and stunning to look at. Has cruised around a few Novices and is ready for a Training Level move up. Could also head to the Jumper ring and clean up there. Minimal maintenance and only in front shoes. 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣. Needs a competent rider who can stay with her when she showcases her scope.

🌟 Great Shot Sam (Shackleford x Sunday Silence) 🌟 2015 🌟 16.2hh 🌟 TB 🌟 Mare 🌟 Lexington, KY 🌟

06/26/2023

Back to our “A Diggs Post A Day” posts…

Arabella is doing her Internship Course with me this summer, and because of that, I get to have a right hand woman from 7-11am every day. This has honestly been transformative to my life, as she’s now lunging, flatting, tacking, and videoing.

Who knew that you didn’t have to do everything yourself?

Anywho. She’s also learning. So when she comes to take video, I try to verbalize what exactly I’m trying to do, in hopes that it registers in her brain during her own rides!

So enjoy 2 minutes of me explaining why/how I ride Diggs to her. He was actually quite rideable this day, so there’s not much in the way of nonsense, but you can hear me talk my way through!

06/25/2023

We had a fantastic weekend at Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trial, with two move ups being completed successfully.

This was the last event for us in Lexington, KY before we pack up the farm and make the big move west to Fort Collins, CO on August 1st. But even before we even do this, I head to a conference in Brazil in the middle of July.

So - we are offering a 15% off deal on any horse being acquired before July 7th.

What’s still available you might ask?

1. Great Shot Sam - a 16.2hh 8yo thoroughbred mare with plenty of miles at Novice and ready for a Training level move up. Scope for the 1.20m. Needs a rider with a soft seat and tactful hand. Could go towards eventing or straight jumpers. With Discount = 2️⃣1️⃣2️⃣5️⃣0️⃣

2. Seb’s Welcome - a 16hh 5yo thoroughbred gelding who has a lovely clean jump and zero stop. Went to his first show last weekend and cleaned up in the 2’6. Would make a fun project for someone or an investment horse for a pro. Could go towards eventing, the hunters, or foxhunting. With Discount = 8️⃣0️⃣5️⃣0️⃣

3. Bills Mafia - a 16hh 7yo thoroughbred gelding with all of the talent in the world, but a sensitive and quirky ride. Needs a professional who has the time and patience to unlock his raw scope and fire. Most likely wants to do the jumpers, but could make a lovely event horse with patience. With Discount = 5️⃣5️⃣2️⃣5️⃣

All located in Lexington, KY. Please PM for more info! Further motivated by quick painless sales.

06/22/2023

The more I get to ride this little guy, the more I appreciate how simple he is to be around.

You can literally get to any place in front of a jump, and he’s going between the standards. But when you do hit the money spot, you get a money shot.

We have really worked on balance and tempo on the flat, and it’s all starting to click together to the fences. The scope has always been there, the bravery has always been there, but now we have the added bonus of a horse who will come off of his forehand at the base!

Seb is still looking for his person, and I’m starting to get less negotiable the more I ride him. So wisen up and reach out ASAP 😂

Video of today : https://youtu.be/e8_NloKvgRY

06/21/2023

A Diggs a Day Post

Do I really even need a caption?

Ok ok ok - here’s another video of Diggs overjumling fences. Because, ya know, zombies in flower boxes and whatnot.

06/20/2023

Nothing better than waking up to pictures in your inbox of your babies first show!

Those knees. Those ears. That look of focus and concentration.

You don’t always get a money shot when riding green and/or young horses, but if you find and acquire horses who truly like the job you want them to do, your chances increase exponentially.

Seb’s Welcome is that horse. He still needs some additional training on the flat, but the jumps? He’s ready to go. Point and shoot. Scopey. Clean changes. Happy.

You can feel this horse light up when he sees his first crossrail, and that is such a nice feeling in a 5 year old!

Seb is still available, and located in Lexington KY. Upper 4s. 16hh. Clean legged and sound. And ready to go!

Video of show: https://youtu.be/KQWlMNvxJ8E
Video at home: https://youtu.be/xaCGyRWBjaY

06/19/2023

Back to our A Diggs Post A Day Makes The Diggs Go Away —

But now calling all of you lopers, ropers, and can chasers…

This thoroughbred is screaming out for you. At just 15.3hh, his center of gravity is about as low to the ground as any of those 7/8ths thoroughbreds y’all are calling quarter horses.

Let his stamina be utilized on the range. Let his balance get you around those barrels. Let his speed win you a buckle or two.
Let his rage be used against cows instead of humans.

Let him be your problem. In western tack.

06/16/2023

A Diggs Post a Day Makes the Diggs go away—

After Diggs grew up in Canada, he was brought down to Kentucky to sell. The hammer fell at $25,000 - which isn’t great.

Knowing that his pedigree isn’t terrible (by Shanghai Bobby out of a Flower Alley mare), his conformation is decent, and his X-rays are STILL good, one can only imagine it’s because there were murder dogs or ghost-filled ferns around the back ring.

Featured here is a conformation picture taken a few weeks ago.

06/15/2023

A Diggs A Day Makes The Diggs Go Away

Did you know that Diggs was actually born in Canada? It actually makes sense since half of the Buffalo Bills fan base needs a passport to get to the games.

His breeders, Bernard and Karen McCormack, came to visit him last fall. And while they were very excited to know he got a soft aftercare landing, they did end the conversation by saying,

“No no, he was a jerk even as a foal.”

So enjoy a photo of Baby Diggs. Jerk since birth.

06/15/2023

Super excited to announce that Noted Talent (aka Simon) is heading right down the road to be produced by the Uber-talented Alexa Thompson of Clear View Equestrian Center.

This gives me an excuse to come back to the East coast next year to play groom for her when she takes all of the prizes at YEH champs. But moreso, just so happy he went to someone who can produce a truly gifted young horse!

Congrats Alexa and team!

06/14/2023

Ok local people, let’s try again.

Selling blankets!!!!

Payment holds the blanket. Pick up at 5531 Parkers Mill Rd, Lexington KY.

I Will NOT SHIP. NOR WILL I SAVE.

1. SOLD - Smartpak SmartCore Cool UV Sheet 78” with neck - $75
2. Smartpak SmartCore Cool UV Sheet 78” with neck - $75
3. Smartpack SmartCore Cool UV Sheet 78” with neck and small tear - $60
4. Zorse 78” fly sheet - $60
5. Green/red older Rambo 81” - $40
6. Navy/red older Rambo 81” - $40
7. Navy/green generic 78” - $20
8. Baker plaid hood - $15
9. Black/green Weatherbeta STABLE blanket - 75” - $40
10. SOLD - Black/grey smartpaK STABLE blanket - 78” - $40
11. Red/blue Smartpak Classic 75” medium weight with hood - $75
12. Red plaid Saxony 75” medium -$60
13. SOLD Blue/tan Mio Light weight - $50
14. Red Amigo 75” sheet with hood - $75
15. Blue/teal Smartpak 78” sheet with tear - $35
16. Light blue plaid Smartpak $78 medium weight - sun bleached - $45
17. SOLD - Blue Amigo 78” 100gm - $65
18. Blue Schneiders 78” with high neck - $65
19. Baker mesh sheet 82” - $50
20. Brown hood - $15
21. Teal hood - $15
22. Blue Amigo sheet 78” - $30
23. Black/navy Smartpak sheet 75” - $50
24. Brown Amigo high neck medium weight 78” - $65
25. Grey/blue Weatherbeta medium weight 78” - $65
26. Navy Amigo sheet with high next. 75” missing leg strap - $45

06/14/2023

Your daily Diggs update.

Did you know Diggs has already completed his first horse show? He went to a Combined Test and THREW DOWN in the Greenie Division.

Ok, ok, ok, he didn’t like win or anything. BUT, he:

1. Stayed in the dressage arena
2. Picked up both leads
3. Jumped every fence on the first try
4. Stood at the trailer all day
5. Didn’t kill any children

So ya, you could say he’s pretty legit.

Diggs is still looking for his person. Could it be you?