Manely Skills at Hidden Spring Farm

09/01/2021

We were a herd of 6 for a very long time. With the passing of our dear Annie, we were a herd of 5. And now we are 7. Annie would have wanted us to honor her by helping other horses, just as we did her. When the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy needed immediate foster placement for their ponies, we decided we had the room in our barn, herd, and hearts to bring 2 of them here temporarily. And although Annie will always be remembered as everyone's favorite horse, these two are quickly capturing hearts as well. Please help us welcome Erik (bay) and Smokey (grey) to our herd. And although we aren't sure how long they will be with us, we are so happy to have them. They will be an amazing addition to our EAL and horsekeeping programs once they settle in. They have been used in EAL programs and are especially good with children!

04/06/2021

Addition to this list: LET A HORSE BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU!

12/10/2020

So very happy and proud to have one of these special ponies here on our farm! Fiddler's Green Mr. Scrunchions...known here as Copper, has brought life and joy and a curiousity that keeps us all entertained.

People who love Newfoundland ponies are raising money to establish a heritage park for them in the Trinity Bay area.

08/01/2020

Bri looked a bit uncomfortable this morning... so I got her a pillow 😌

03/15/2020

I truly believe that community needs to support one another during difficult times. There will be a lot of kids home for the foreseeable future with a lack of things to occupy their time and attention. I will be offering no cost barn time for small groups or families during the next couple of weeks while schools are closed. Activities will include an introduction to basic horse safety and handling, a hands on EAL obstacle to complete, grooming, and basic barn care. Release forms are required and minors MUST be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian. Again, there is no charge for the next two weeks, although a donation box will be available if you are able and would like to help support the herd. I have limited spaces available, so please call 207-281-2870 or send me a private message to reserve a spot 😊

10/26/2019

Youth hunting begins today, with opening day next weekend. We are, as always, obsessed with safety! Since the herd is allowed to be in or out 24/7, we don't want them mistaken for deer in the wee dawn hours, they wear safety orange overnight during hunting season.

08/30/2019

I love that when something happens, my whole barn family worries with me, stays awake all night with me, and celebrates with me when Annie finally passes a poo! Almost exactly a year to the day from her first episode of colic ever, she had another last night. Colic can be deadly for our beloved horses and while we can sometimes pinpoint it's cause such as ingesting sand, or a twisted gut, or eating something toxic ( fun fact: horses cannot regurgitate) ... none of these were the case either time for Annie. The vet and I are thinking the drastic temperature and humidity changes from day to night recently are to blame. It was the same weather pattern last year when this happened, too. Older horses sometimes have a harder time regulating their body temperatures during quick weather changes so this is something we will always have to watch for with Annie. Thankfully she is through the worst danger after a very rough and stressful night for the whole barn. Heartfelt thanks to all of you who worried with me and offered encouragement and good vibes to Annie!

08/17/2019

08/17/2019

I talk a lot about integrity here at the barn. Sometimes I wonder if the kids really GET the lessons I am aiming for. I can say today that these three definitely did. They not only volunteered, but were estatic to drive three and a half hours each way to spend 5 hours helping put in a winter's hay supply for a motley crew of endangered ponies. The Newfoundland Pony Conservancy is a very special place to me. It is run by the most wonderful and welcoming people you could ever wish to meet and the entire sanctuary feels like just that... a place of peace and solace and healing for humans and animals alike. I am super proud of my team of helpers who seemed so happy out there volunteering their time and labor... and of course scratching ponies!

07/22/2019

The herd enjoying a summer rain after all this heat ❤ I would like to add that there is hay amd water and shelter from the rain available 24/7 to these horses. Letting them live a natural lifestyle as a herd allows them freedom of movement which is essential to their physical health, but also freedom of choice which is essential to their mental and emotional health. They often surprise me by choosing to be outside in weather that keeps most of us indoors. Raging snowstorms don't even keep them inside for long. I have learned to listen to my horses and trust that they know what they need far better than I.

07/02/2019

Some scenes from today's sessions...
#1: BHP Julie figuring out "Who's the Brain?" and working with her "Hands" to complete a challenge... a very hard thing to actually complete. Communication and effective listening are critical!
#2: J. working hard to problem solve how to get Missy to "Park in the Pocket" while remembering the rules of the game... challenge accepted!!
#3: J. problem solving how to keep Irish inside the box using only body language.

06/09/2019

Miss K. picking up right where she left off last fall! This kid continues to blow me away! For a 95% non- verbal child, her communication is crystal clear to the horses!

12/06/2018

Great read and confirms what we have always known!!

In the first large, randomized study of its kind, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have shown a lasting reduction in

10/07/2018

A very special thank you is extended to all our barn friends and volunteers. These guys help with mucking out the barn, stacking hay, fixing fences, grooming the horses, keeping them exercised and fit, and continuing to train and enrich their lives in so many ways. And of course the occasional reward for all that hard work is a great day riding!! Thanks again for all you do!