Living the Dream Equestrian

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United States
Ocala, FL
Living the Dream Equestrian

I offer quality boarding with personal care to every horse. treating horses as if they are our own
(4)

10/22/2024

All the babies had a little spa day today. The "red heads" as we have started calling them, continue to impress me. They let me rinse their full bodies the first day! Not anything stressful for them, if you do things slow. Maggie was standing tied letting her conditioner soak (she has had a few more baths in her life). Little building blocks, each day, create a solid foundation.

10/15/2024

The art of standing tied. This is such a valuable lesson for so many reasons. What better time than now!

10/06/2024

I borrowed from a friend. But this really spoke to me right now. Last year was all about coming and showing finally, doing what I loved and seeing where we stood. This year with breeding my main show horse, I "took myself out of the game". Can't wait to get back at it with a new string in the next year or so, as these babies hit the ground and can get back to riding. We WILL be back 💕

I took my self out of the game.

I took myself out of the game when I chose to breed my good horse, the only competitive horse I had.

I took myself out of the game when I chose to ride under someone and be behind the scenes to further my skill and education

I took myself out of the game when I sold everything I had except for an un-started 2 year old

I took myself out of the game when I decided to put my family first during a really difficult time

I took myself out of the game when I pursued a career. A career that for a year took up 98% of my time.

I took myself out of the game when I mentally couldn’t handle the dedication and commitment playing the game required.

I took myself out of the game for way longer than I planned to.

And the game goes on, whether you’re playing it or not. There will always be other players ready to take your spot the second you pull back on the reins.

The people that used to cheer for me no longer do, the friends that used to encourage me no longer find me worth their time, the people that used to say they missed seeing me, no longer care to see me show up.

But the thing about the game, is that IT NEVER STOPS. And the beautiful part of it all, is that you can always choose to play again.

You may have chosen to take yourself out of it, but you can always choose to put yourself back in.

Choose to play again. Choose to come back to it, to find your love for it again. It’s okay to take yourself out. It’s okay to water other gardens and play other games, sometimes you need to. Sometimes those things are more important.

But the cool thing about this particular game.. you can always choose to play again.

It may be scary and a little more lonely than what you remember, and there may be no one that cares that you’re there, but YOU care that you’re there. And your HORSE cares that your there. And that’s all that matters.

Choose to play again.
Choose to show up.
Choose to try.
Choose to be brave, and strong.
Choose to be excited to be back at the bottom. No expectations, a clean slate. Choose to love the journey, YOUR journey, because it made you who you are.
Choose to play the game to the best of your ability no matter what happens, no matter what people say, no matter who cares that you’re there, because the comeback is always stronger than the set back.

-Lauren Ritter

10/06/2024

We want to welcome Cheyenne and Sonya to the farm here. They came in for "baby bootcamp"! Time to learn how to be a respectful and well mannered Equine. They are by Almightys Whizdom, (the sir of Josie's baby she is in foal with), so you know they are smart and good minded. I'm excited to work with these little kids.

09/19/2024

Always a good thing for them to learn patience and how to stand quiet, even at a young age. I always start in small doses; she was tied for about 5 minutes, and released when she was standing quiet. You can see she she was rinsed and had a partial bath prior to this as well. Best thing we can do is teach them to be solid citizens from the very beginning ❤️🐎

09/17/2024

Both mares had great 120 day ultrasounds today!! I know it's not always normal to ultrasound at this time, but with the journey we had getting them in foal, wanted to keep an eye on these babies. Everyone looks great and healthy!
First video is Josie's; Sherlocksironclass in foal to Almightys Whizdom
Second video is Cat, Docs Blue Highbrow in foal to Red White n Smooth.
So excited for these crosses next spring!! 💕🐎

06/18/2024

We have another good heartbeat check to celebrate! The path that we had to take with Cat, was not what we had planned; but we have made the best of the situation. Nto to make a long story, but between falling in love with this mare in February of 2023 when I hauled her to a friend in OK, to her getting bred to a stud I loved and would have bred to without question, to unfortunate circumstances coming up for the family that she became for sale. I jumped at the opportunity to purchase her and have a foal this March by both of them... she unfortunately lost the foal 2 weeks before her due date 😪 we took some time and healed, and starting breeding her back. So thankful for the team on Texas to help us get semen any day we needed it, and have come through with a successful breeding. For whatever reason we were not meant to have her baby this year, but now look forward to 2 mommas and babies playing in the field spring of 2025!!

06/11/2024

I have been dying to be able to make this post! Josie is checked in foal, with a heartbeat, the Almightys Whizdom!
We have had a bit of a struggle to get to this point, this breeding season hasn't been the easiest, for sure. I am so excited to have Josie be a momma; she will be a great one I'm sure. 💗

05/09/2024

I was surprised by a package this afternoon. Josie and I won the L1 Ranch Riding Championship for the Florida Quarter Horse Association last year. This mare had really stepped up and gave her all for me last year. She has a heart that many can only hope to find in our lives. I am so proud of her. Was an amazing year showing.

01/14/2024

Since I had to be out of town this past week, I asked Steve Graycheck to ride and show Josie for me at the Florida Ranch and Cutting Club AQHA VRH Horse show for me today. They had a nice ranch riding run and got her another point! Was fun to watch someone else ride and show a horse I have trained.

01/02/2024

Moved into Florida Gulf Coast show yesterday! Josie feels good, we start showing tomorrow! This is a beautiful facility, I feel blessed to get the opportunity to show here along with some amazing horseman.

11/05/2023

Smokey is practically the mascot here, he’s a good old (1995) boy who has trusted me to travel this whole country. He doesn’t get as much camera time as the others. Snapped this pic this morning with his new buddy Goose. Goose was getting picked on some by the other boys, so these two have since created the cutest little white pair. Whatever makes them happy, we will do for them.

10/26/2023

Tell me it’s fall, without telling me it’s fall! 😂

10/14/2023

I could not be more happy with this partnership! Ollie definitely hit the jackpot when Sam bought him. He has some limitations, and she has embraced all of it and giving him an amazing and loving home. I can’t wait to see all the adventures they do and where they go! These are the sales that keep me wanting to do a couple sale horses a year.

09/08/2023

Saw this and felt worth resharing. I absolutely love what I do, time does take a toll some too.

They spend way more hours at work than you could even imagine. They are here six if not seven days a week every week. They work holidays. They work weekends. And just because their office is outside and they get to be surrounded by beautiful animals the whole time does not mean they aren’t working. The barn to you is your sanctuary. It’s your escape. It’s your place to vent. Your place to relax. Your place to unwind. That is not what the barn is to them. While they have moments of serenity when everything is quiet, this is still their job. they are still on the clock. They still need to be on their game. Always.

Their job is not just fitting and training. They deal with all of you every day. Long before and long after they have come and gone from the barn. During dinners. During drinks with friends. During family time. On days off. They are here for you.

They care. They care more than you could ever know. Each and every horse is a part of their soul. They know their mannerisms. They meticulously watch their weight, their movement, monitor what they eat and how much of it, how much they work, whether they are happy doing their job, and how to make them go in a way that pleases you without jeopardizing them. They stay up late with them if they are sick. They write down every time they batted an eyelash wrong. And they remember what they need when.

They take pride in them going well for you. They listen to every flaw you find with them, even if it is in fact your flaw, and try to help them do their job better. When you are unhappy with how they go, they strive to never let it happen again, even if your expectations are unreasonable. They bend over backwards to make your horse perfect, even if what you’re asking for is a horse without spirit, or personality. They stand up for them when they can, trying their best not to make you upset in the process. They are their life’s work, and they know them inside and out.

They listen to you. Whether you are rational or not. They remain calm when you bring the stress of your day job to the barn and take it all out on your horse and on us. They pick up the pieces when you’ve been unforgiving with your horse, who was simply surprised by your lack of patience after a long day. They are your rock, your shoulder to cry on, and your horses.

When they go home, they still reply to your texts and your emails and your calls. They are never off the clock. They take in stride as best we can your rants of frustration when your horse or your riding isn’t exactly where you want it to be exactly when you want it. They take the blame. For you. For your horse. For everything.

And yet here they are. Still showing up. Still being here for you. For your horse. No matter how you treat them. Regardless of whether you deserve them. They are here.

~Borrowed from a fellow trainer~

09/01/2023

🎊SOLD🎊

2020 Gelding Never Loping Back by The Loping Machine (A Good Machine) out of a daughter of Zips Chocolate Chip.
Who is looking for a good mind, looks, personality and SAFE!! Oliver has been with me for a handful of months now, and is a good and honest citizen. He spent his 2 yr old year getting started and trained in Western Pleasure. I have worked on getting him to stretch out and soften. He has been used for novice riders and lessons the last month or so and has been amazing. Could see him going whatever direction you chose; ranch versatility, 4H and open shows, trail ride, just ride for fun. He is sure to get too noticed wherever you are! He does have hypp, but has maintained well on a simple diet and has not had any issues in the almost 6 months I have had him. Not sure he would do great in an intense program is all. He loads, clips, baths, UTD on maintenance. Located in Ocala FL, asking $6,5oo Negotiable. PM for more information or questions.
Video 8/25/23
https://youtu.be/AKCtL8HP_68?si=mZvhoaBwBHYOQku1

Novice rider
https://youtu.be/gPh4b0QKQQw?si=uhWTTDzTBkkBwNKU

09/01/2023

When you have been sick for a few days, finally feeling semi alive enough to work horses, you throw on your shirt from Selena Bradshaw and Selena's Punchy VIP's to give you the motivation to push on through.

08/27/2023

We had a great time with the horses yesterday morning. As we were walking around the bridle path, on 3 horses I have trained, with a couple novice riders, it hit me how well rounded the horses really are getting.
Josie has taught both of them the “fancy” buttons, and learn to use different parts of the their bodies to do things correctly.
Ollie, as a young green horse, has been great for any and every person I have put on him. He has a great mind and is safe for any level rider; but still makes you work for it too.
Roxy has really come around the last couple weeks. She is happy and willing and wanting to learn, she is going to be pretty fun I think.

Address

Ocala, FL
32617

Website

http://www.livingthedreamhorsetraining.com/

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Videos

Tell me it’s fall, without telling me it’s fall! 😂 #feelinggood #sassymares #aqha #aqhamares #horsetraining #horsetrainer

Very proud of Josie today! Her first real trail ride (short of riding around in fields), but actually comfortable and happy to go through the water. Our first puddle attempt earlier in the ride wasn’t great; but she redeemed herself. She constantly reminds me to stop and listen to what the horse is saying when I’m working with it. We needed a good day out reconnecting a bit as well. Good practice getting ready for the VRH world show next month! #sherlocksironclass #aqha #aqhamare #ranchhorseversatility #ranchtrail

Fun morning showing this awesome little Hancock colt. He was a great kid for his first time to town. We even did in hand trail, which he had never done an obstacle until this morning. Good minded little man #ranchhorse #ranchhorseversatility #hancockcolt #ranchlife #horseshow #horseshowlife

“Sneak peek” on Blondie. I haven’t posted much on her, as things have been busy, and she has been a bit on the back burner. This 3 yr old mare is pretty cool! She will excel and be a head turner in the ranch classes. I mean look at that extension in her trot! Be looking for her sale post in the next month or so 🤩 #fourteenkaratsofsass #FourteenKaratCowboy #ranchhorse #ranchhorseversatility #ranchshow #horsetrainer #horsetrainerlife #ranchlife #horsesforsale #apha #aphamare

I posted on my personal page a few days ago about “being present”, is the true meaning of the post. (I’ll put it in the comments). Sometimes we can get lost or overwhelmed with life and thoughts. Being “full” in our minds. I can’t think of a better way to clear my mind than hopping on a horse, and just heading out across the field. This freedom I have found since moving here to Oklahoma. I was so set on structure and routine, that being able to ride out and not worry about anything has been so liberating. It is so good for the horses too. Josie was a rockstar and a solid citizen, especially her first time ever out in our field. This mare is special, I love her. #aqha #aqhamare #pleasurehorse #horsetrainer #horsetraining #oklahomahorsetrainer #coltstarting #sherlocksironclass

HBHC Tigercat Dun It, Holly, is going to be an awesome ranch versatility type horse. She spent the first almost 3 years of her life out in the pasture. She has been adapting well to training life. We got her a little bit ago, and have worked on a lot of ground work and regular handling. She is sweet, willing, and a beautiful mover. This is her 3-4th ride. Stay tuned for her sale post here soon. Want to get her more solid, and will continue to work on her confidence. #ranchversatility #ranchversatilityhorse #hollywooddunit #horseprospects #coltstarting #horsetraining #horsetrainer #horsesofoklahoma #aqha #aqhamare #reininghorse #reiningprospect #reiningprospectforsale #ranchversatilityprospect #ranchversatilityhorseforsale

MSU Mo Pepto Please, Lily, “graduated” to the arena today. She was perfect as expected. This little girl is truly special. She just goes around without a care in the world. She will be a great cow horse, ranch versatility, cutting prospect for sure. Stay tuned for her progress, and watch for her sale post in awhile. I may play with her for a couple months before wanting to list her and let her go down the road. She is fun #msumopeptoplease #peptoboonsmal #chicolena #coltstarting #horsetraining #horsetrainer #aqha #ranchversatility #ranchversatilityhorse #cuttinghorse #oklahomahorsetrainer #horseprospects