Shadow Hills Riding Club

Emilee, who is 8 years old, started riding in October 2018 at the age of 3. Emilee, starting riding at 3 years old in October 2018, brings pride to her mother, @andeeand, and trainer, @thomasjohnny16. Early exposure to horseback riding offers a range of benefits for children. Riding in early childhood promotes physical development, including balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength. It also improves core strength and posture through rhythmic movements. Emotionally, horseback riding instills empathy, compassion, and responsibility, reducing stress and anxiety. Cognitively, riding enhances concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. It sharpens cognitive abilities, memory, and focus. Horseback riding imparts valuable life lessons, fostering perseverance, discipline, and patience. Overcoming challenges fuels personal growth and self-confidence. Emilee transitions between western and English riding disciplines, showcasing versatility, adaptability, and a deeper understanding. Engaging in both styles enhances riding skills and personal growth. Emilee’s dedication and passion for equestrianism are evident. Gratitude to @andeeand for support at @shadowhillsridingclub and @shadowhillsequestrian, it is all possible from clients, volunteers, donors, and supporters like you.

🐎Saddle up for a summer of equestrian excitement at our Horse Camp! 🐎 Dive into the world of horsemanship, learn riding techniques, tacking, equine care & training, and more. Join us at Shadow Hills Equestrian Center for an unforgettable experience from June 10 to August 16.Register at ShadowHills-EquestrianCenter.com #EquestrianAdventure #summercamp #ktlabnews #ktla #kidscamp #losangelessummercamp #s#thingstodo #thingstodola

🎨 Unleash your creativity and explore homesteading practices at our Inspiration Camp! From horticulture to artisan crafts and nature-inspired art, there's something for every young mind. Join us at Shadow Hills Equestrian Center for a summer of artistic discovery from June 10 to August 16. Register at ShadowHills-EquestrianCenter.com #Inspiration Camp #CreativeJourney 🎨🍀

🐷✨ Celebrating National Pig Day at Shadow Hills Riding Club and Farm Friends! ✨🐷 Join us in honoring our beloved and one-of-a-kind pot-bellied pig, Hamlet, on this special occasion of National Pig Day! Here at SHRC, we embrace the diversity of our animal residents, and Hamlet has brought so much joy and laughter to our community. To commemorate this day, let’s delve into some fascinating facts about pigs that will surely amaze you: 1 Pigs are highly intelligent animals, often compared to the intelligence level of dogs. They can learn tricks, solve puzzles, and even use mirrors to locate hidden objects. 2 Contrary to the popular myth, pigs are actually quite clean animals. While they may not have sweat glands like humans, they regulate their body temperature by wallowing in mud. The mud acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting their sensitive skin from the sun’s rays and keeping them cool. 3 Pigs have an exceptional sense of smell. Their snouts are not only used for rooting in the ground but also for exploring their environment and finding food. Their sense of smell is so sharp that they can even detect truffles buried beneath the earth! 4 Did you know that pigs are capable of forming strong emotional bonds with other pigs and even humans? They are social animals and thrive in the company of others. Pigs display empathy and compassion, often comforting and supporting each other during difficult times. As we celebrate National Pig Day at Shadow Hills Riding Club and Farm Friends, we want to express our gratitude for having Hamlet as a cherished member of our family. Not only has he brought smiles to our faces but also reminded us of the unique personalities and incredible traits that pigs possess. Come and visit us at SHRC, where you can meet Hamlet and our other delightful animal residents. Let’s honor pigs everywhere and appreciate the remarkable qualities that make them such extraordinary creatures. 🌟 Happy National Pig Day from all of u

Celebrate Your Progress in Life! Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the progress you’ve made. Whether it’s big or small, every step forward is worth recognizing. Here are some simple ways to celebrate your achievements: 1. Pause and Reflect: Look back at how far you’ve come and appreciate the progress you’ve made. Take a moment to jot down your milestones or think about the positive changes you’ve experienced. 2. Treat Yourself: Give yourself a little reward to celebrate. It can be something as simple as indulging in your favorite treat, treating yourself to a movie night, or buying something small that brings you joy. 3. Share the Joy: Share your accomplishments with your loved ones or a supportive community. Let them join in your celebration by sharing your progress through a conversation, a post on social media, or by gathering together for a small celebration. 4. Keep Setting Goals: Once you’ve celebrated your progress, set new goals to keep moving forward. This helps you maintain your momentum and gives you something to work towards. 5. Take Care of Yourself: Self-care is an important part of celebrating progress. Engage in activities that bring you happiness and relaxation, like spending time in nature, enjoying a soothing bath, or visiting a spa. Remember, progress is a journey, and each step forward is worth celebrating. As a unique suggestion, consider exploring animal or equine therapy. Places like Shadow Hills Riding Club and our farm friends can provide a therapeutic experience and an opportunity to connect with animals in a meaningful way. Visit them and discover the many benefits that interacting with animals can bring to your overall well-being. So, take a moment to celebrate your progress, embrace the positive changes in your life, and consider incorporating animal or equine therapy into your journey of personal growth. Congrats on your achievements!

Let’s shine a spotlight on Johnny Higginson, the visionary founder of Shadow Hills Equestrian Center and Riding Club. We honor his unwavering dedication, creative passion for healing arts, and the abundance he brings to our lives. Here’s to a year ahead filled with blessings, growth, and shared moments of joy for a one of a kind human that is loved beyond measure. Cheers to the journey ahead Johnny, the future is truly unbridled! 🌿🐎 #FounderAppreciation #NewBeginnings #birthday #johnnyhigginson

Sending you Valentine’s Day Wishes from the Shadow Hills Equestrian Riding Center and Riding Club! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and the gentle nuzzles of adorable horses and friendly farm animals. Whether you’re young or young at heart, celebrate the magic of this special day with us. Let the joy of being around these majestic creatures warm your soul. Happy Valentine’s Day to all our farm-loving friends!

Building Resilience “Resilience is not the absence of adversity, but the ability to bounce back and thrive in the face of it.” - Nelson Mandela Today, we dive into the topic of building resilience, an essential skill in navigating life’s transitions. Resilience empowers us to overcome challenges, adapt to new circumstances, and come out stronger on the other side. Let’s draw inspiration from the incredible journey of Nelson Mandela as we explore the concept of resilience. Nelson Mandela’s life is a testament to resilience. Imprisoned for 27 years for his anti-apartheid activism in South Africa, Mandela never lost hope. After his release, he played a vital role in ending apartheid and became the country’s first black president. His focus on reconciliation and forgiveness promoted peace and unity in post-apartheid South Africa. So, how can we build resilience in our own lives? Here are a few evidence-based strategies: 1. Develop a support network: Surround yourself with a supportive community of family, friends, and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement during difficult times. 2. Practice self-care: Nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation. 3. Cultivate a positive mindset: Choose to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Embrace optimism, practice gratitude, and focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. We would love to hear from you! In the comments, share your own techniques for building resilience. Maybe you find solace in nature, or perhaps journaling helps you process emotions. Let’s support each other’s resilience journeys by exchanging valuable insights and experiences. #equinetherapy #horsesofinstagram #horses #equine #horse #equestrian #horsetherapy #dressage #equinemassage #equinerehab #equestrianlife #equinephotography #horseriding #equinesofinstagram #showjumping #equinelife #equinebodywork #h

Save this meditation and come back to it when you need it. Touch the screen to pause if you need more time. Welcome to our Mindfulness Moment on Super Bowl Sunday! In the midst of the Super Bowl excitement, we invite you to take a step back and tune into your inner world. Serenity Sundays provide a sanctuary for calm and self-reflection. It’s a time to create a serene atmosphere, reconnect with your present moment, and attune to your higher self, inviting inner peace into your life. Now, let’s embark on a simple breathing exercise to enhance your mindfulness experience. 🧘‍♀️🧘🧘‍♂️ Find a comfortable position, whether sitting or standing, and gently close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, slowly counting to four. Allow your breath to fill your lungs, feeling the expansion and the gentle rise of your chest. Hold your breath for a brief moment, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to six. Feel the release of tension and any worries as you let go of each breath. As you continue this breathing exercise, be present in the sensations of each inhale and exhale. Notice how your body feels, the rise and fall of your chest, and the nourishment that each breath brings. With each inhale, allow clarity to enter your mind. With each exhale, release any stress or tension. Embrace the tranquility of this present moment, finding solace in the transformative power of mindfulness. Take as much time as you need in this mindful breathing practice. When you’re ready, gently open your eyes and carry this sense of serenity with you throughout your day. Embrace the stillness within, even amidst the Super Bowl hype, and let it guide you towards a more peaceful and centered state. Enjoy this Mindfulness Moment on Super Bowl Sunday, where you can find a moment of calm, self-reflection, and inner peace. #therapy #mentalhealth #selfcare #mentalhealthawareness #anxiety #healing #love #psychology #health #therapist #wellness #depres

Meet Hamlet, our potbellied pig, reveling in the grass brought by the recent rains. He gleefully grazes to his heart’s content, filling his pot belly to the brim. After his satisfying meal, our volunteer, Tanya, lovingly tucks him into bed for a peaceful nap. Potbelly pigs, also known as Vietnamese potbellied pigs, originated from Vietnam, where they were primarily kept as domesticated farm animals. They have a unique feeding cycle, preferring a diet that consists of a variety of vegetables, fruits, and high-quality pig feed. These intelligent creatures are known to be opportunistic omnivores. When it comes to sleep, potbelly pigs are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during twilight hours. Despite being diurnal, they can adapt their sleep patterns according to their environment and routine. Hamlet enjoys a cozy sleep, finding comfort in his bed after a day filled with foraging and exploring. These delightful creatures make wonderful companions with their charming personalities and peculiar sleep-wake cycles. #pigs #pigsofinstagram #pig #piggy #minipig #pigstagram #animals #piggies #minipigs #piglets #piglet #piglife #piglove #vegan #oink #pigsofig #pigsaspets #cute #minipiglove #minipigsofinstagram #love #friendsnotfood #petpig #animalrights #cutepig #piglover #farmlife #instapig #cutepigs #minipiglife

Eloise and Eddie, our spirited Sicilian miniature donkeys, captivate hearts as they dash and leap over obstacles at Shadow Hills Equestrian Center and Riding Club. Amidst the excitement, the horses in the pasture join in, racing around with exhilaration. Our animals are truly living their best lives! Here are some fun facts about Sicilian miniature donkeys: 1. Originating from Sicily, Italy, Sicilian miniature donkeys are also known as Miniature Mediterranean donkeys. 2. With a height of around 36 inches at the withers, they are cherished for their adorable and compact size. 3. Gentle and friendly in nature, Sicilian miniature donkeys are often cherished as companion animals and therapy animals. 4. These intelligent creatures display a playful and mischievous demeanor, bringing joy to those around them. 5. Despite their small stature, they possess impressive strength and endurance, making them excellent pack animals. 6. Sicilian miniature donkeys are distinguished by their long ears, which enhance their exceptional hearing abilities. 7. Owners can enjoy the companionship of these delightful animals for approximately 25 to 35 years, creating lasting bonds of joy and friendship. 🎥 @tanyadickson.ig

The peacocks are out and about at Shadow Hills Equestrian Center and Riding Club! Our majestic birds are leaving their cozy roosts high up in the trees, ready to mingle with nature’s bug buffet after the rain. It’s a celebration of insects, and they are the life of the party! 🏞️ Did you know? 1️⃣ Peacocks are natural acrobats! They effortlessly find their way up to their rain-safe roosts, high in the trees, showing off their incredible agility. 2️⃣ Rain or shine, peacocks love to graze! From munching on tender grass shoots to snacking on fallen fruits, they are expert foragers with a knack for finding the tastiest treats. 3️⃣ When the rain comes pouring down, peacocks prefer the shelter of trees as their plumage is delicate and needs extra care. But as soon as the raindrops stop falling, they can’t resist exploring the newly enriched environment and join the insect celebration! These dazzling creatures will mesmerize you with their colorful feathers, playful antics, and synchronized dance moves!

🌟 A Big Shoutout to Rayna Barker! 🌟 Rain or shine, Rayna has been an absolute superstar, taking care of our beloved barnyard friends at SHEC & RC. We can’t thank her enough for the incredible dedication and hard work she has put into making our petting zoo at the therapeutic center in Shadow Hills a magical haven. Over the past year, Rayna has been a shining light, bringing joy and happiness to the Golden Girl Ghickens, Pygmy Goats, Mini Ponies, Burros, and the one and only Hamlet - our beloved Pot Belly Pig. Her love for these furry creatures is truly exemplary! And guess what? We’ve got a double reason to celebrate! 🎉 Not only have we been blessed with Rayna’s devotion, but it’s also her birthday week! Let’s make it extra special by sending her belated birthday wishes filled with joy, laughter, and lots and lots of barnyard fun! Rayna, you’re a rockstar! Thank you for being there for our favorite barnyard friends, rain or shine. We appreciate every single moment you spend with them, making their lives brighter and happier. Keep shining your light, and have the most amazing birthday week ever! Happy belated birthday, Rayna, and may this year be filled with endless blessings and happiness! 🎂🎈 With heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes, Everyone at Shadow Hills Riding Club

Enjoying the rain! Our Chickens Love Rainy Mornings! 🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️ As it starts to rain, our chickens crowd near the edge of the coop to watch, they stand there fascinated for hours.. The cozy henhouse keeps them warm, as they share their haven with no company from other farm creatures who’ve are tucked away in their own warm and cozy stalls. Our Plymouth Rock, Dorothy, leads the flock, keenly overseeing the coop and guiding the rest, during this rainy day. Blanch , another chicken, follows her lead, a little shy but committed. It’s interesting to see how easily chickens sense a change in weather, noting the rain before it hits. Their interest builds as the rain grows stronger, demonstrating their close link with nature’s wonders. Encased in fluffy feathers and emitting soft clucks, these chickens find joy in life’s simple moments. While we tuck ourselves comfortably indoors, let’s take a moment to admire the simple elegance of this rainy morning. To cherish the sound of falling rain, the chickens huddling together, and the seamless flow of nature. This is a reminder of the beautiful world we all share, both us and our chickens.

If you listen closely you can hear mother nature whisper renewal in her enigmatic dance of rain and reflection. For this moment we take in the splendor of Southern California’s serene wet winters. Amidst the arid tapestry of the Verdugo foothills, nature reveals its most tantalizing secret – the profound transformation from a sun-scorched sanctuary to an enchanting haven of life and rebirth. In this mystical season, time embraces a gentle pause, beckoning us to immerse ourselves in the rhythm of restoration. It is a time when simplicities take center stage, when the symphony of raindrops transforms into a mesmerizing ballad, guiding the twirling dance of emerald-hued flora. Observe as delicate petals unfurl, embracing the touch of gentle rainfall, each drop becoming a catalyst for nature’s metamorphosis. These atmospheric rivers that grace Southern California’s canvas breathe new life into the very essence of existence, caressing the earth with their graceful elegance. With every drop, a deep-seated gratitude blossoms within our souls, witnessing the vital replenishment of aquifers that quench the thirst of our cherished western lands. As the rain quenches the dry earth’s longing, let us be mindful, embracing the showers as an opportunity to reconnect with the profound beauty that nature bestows upon us.

Rain or Shine, our horses enjoyed a beautiful lookout of the Verdugo Mountains this morning! Who says a little rain will ruin our equestrian escapades? Not us! We left the wet arena and embarked on an exhilarating walk to our favorite lookout of the majestic Verdugo Mountains. Our trusty steeds lead the way as we trot along the winding trails, marveling at the awe-inspiring vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The misty atmosphere adds a touch of magic to our morning adventure, filling the air with a sense of tranquility and excitement. Here are some interesting facts about the Verdugo Mountains: -.Verdugo Peak is the highest peak in the range reaching an impressive elevation of 2,523 feet (769 meters). -These mountains are a haven for a diverse array of plant species, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and enchanting oak woodlands. Keep an eye out for the vibrant blooms of toyon, manzanita, sagebrush, California buckwheat and native sunflowers. -The Verdugo Mountains are home to a lively cast of characters, including coyotes, bobcats, graceful deer, and a symphony of bird species, like soaring hawks which we had the pleasure of seeing and wise owls! It was a perfect morning to soak up the sights, sounds, and scents of nature while our four-legged companions relished a well-deserved break from the ranch. Rain or shine, we always embrace the wonders of the great outdoors and create memories that last a lifetime!

Calling all party animals! Cockatoodle-twoooo! Or three! 🦜🦜🦜 Guess who’s crashing the brunch scene at Shadow Hills Equestrian Center and Riding Club? That’s right, our fabulous feathered friends, the cockatoos! They’ve traded their usual perch for a seat at the table, and they’re ready to indulge in some serious brunching! But hold your horses, folks! Not everyone is as thrilled about the menu as our vibrant Essie. While she’s busy swooning over our mouthwatering oranges from the orchard, tangy tamarind, and crunchy green beans, some of our other feathered friends might have a different opinion. We won’t name names, but let’s just say they’re not quite as adventurous eaters. We won’t judge, though! To each their own, right? Now, let’s talk about your brunch plans for the weekend! What delectable delights will be gracing your menu? Share your mouthwatering creations, and let’s get those taste buds dancing! 🍳🥞🥓🍹 What’s on your brunch menu this weekend?

A cherished friend is like a timeless melody that resonates in our hearts. Ginger, our beloved llama at SHEC and SHRC, embodied this unforgettable tune. Her presence was truly one of a kind, weaving joy and warmth into our lives. We remember her with fondness and gratitude, forever grateful for the unique harmony she brought to our lives. We are immensely grateful to our dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time and effort to bring joy to the lives of our animal friends. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has shared their cherished memories of Ginger, allowing her memory to forever flourish in this space. ❤️

On this Day of Service Gratitude Spotlight 🌟 A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers! 🙌 Your dedication in assisting with animal care, supporting equine-assisted therapy, and contributing to our community initiatives is truly inspiring. Together, we’re making a positive impact. 🌈 #VolunteerAppreciation #CommunityHeroes #ThankYouVolunteers #mlkday #volunteers