Heritage Stables

09/17/2025

I see many riders who think they are being good horsewomen because they "love their horse." They pat him, tell him constantly "What a good boy!" he is, feed him treats, buy him all kinds of supplements, blankets, boots, and gear.

The way to be a really good horsewoman? Ride him systematically, 5-6 days a week, calmly, quietly, and turn him into a fit, sound, prepared athlete who is well prepared to handle the work he`s asked to perform.

Don`t just tell him you love him. Make him strong enough to deal with being ridden so that the things you ask him to do are not causing him stress and discomfort.

09/11/2025

Ah, the struggle bus. It happens to all of us. The question is, how do we handle it?

If I go to the gym and am struggling to do something, I’m not going to magically do it better because my trainer hit me with a whip, I just need to embrace the suck until I get stronger.

Remember this idea when your horse is struggling with something and ask yourself:
❓Am I clear in my aids?
❓Does the horse understand or do I need to water down the exercise?
❓Is he truly strong enough to perform the exercise well?

Assuming you’ve ruled out a physical issue or saddle fit questions, usually it’s just a matter of chopping the wood: Choosing the correct exercise or paring it down to something the horse understands and can do well, but also sometimes allowing the horse to be on the struggle bus a little bit and give him a chance to really learn.

We need to develop our patience, and remember that the horse sets the calendar. It’s up to us to allow mistakes and appreciate when a good effort is being made.

And horses ALWAYS do the best they can for us!

09/10/2025

For all my fellow hummers keep doing what you do 😘

Did you know there are so many benefits from humming?

There has been scientific research done on humming and the physiological effects it can have on the body. Some of these benefits include:

- increase oxygen in our cells
- lower blood pressure and heart rate
- increase lymphatic circulation
- increase levels of melatonin, enhancing sleep and easing depression
- reduce levels of stress-related hormones such as cortisol
- release endorphins
- increase levels of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule associated with the promotion of healing
- release oxytocin, the trust and kindness hormone associated with lowering stress and anxiety
- increase vagal tone, enhancing the parasympathetic nervous system and the body's ability to rest and digest

Think about those benefits for a second. What would happen if we started humming around our horses? While we are riding? Humming is a wonderful way to help ground you into the present moment while you are with your horse. They feel that vibration in their body as well, helping them ground, relax, and come back into their bodies. It can also be subtle enough to help ease tension or anxiety while doing a dressage test! (I know I have done that before)

Next time you are riding or at the barn or, heck, at the grocery store, hum! No judgement on yourself. Feel how your body responds. Are you more present? Do you feel that sacred vibration ease a blockage in your body?

09/06/2025

Sharing this as it was shared to me! Thanx Samantha Gillette 💝

I mean this from the bottom of my heart:

If you want something that you can jump on and ride whenever you want without having to factor in emotional or physical well-being, there are a number of great machines on the market that you can do this with.

Horses are not one of them.

If you choose to get a horse and pursue riding as a passion, that should come with the responsibility of caring about their well-being instead of feeling so entitled to riding that your desires come above their physical, emotional and mental well-being.

If your horse’s physical and mental comfort does not matter to you in your pursuit of riding, you are better suited to a hobby that involves machinery because then you can disregard emotion without there being a negative impact to your mount.

08/25/2025

This is an example of horses being social herd animals and even with more hay piles than horses they choose to eat cheek to cheek 💝

08/24/2025

08/24/2025

So Maureen and Birdie did a thing today! Birdie was rated 1st Premium in her Keuring with a 10 on her top line! One inspector said that some breeders don't get a mare of this quality in 25 years !🦄

07/31/2025

Rudy and friends

07/30/2025

I love this new church pew for the barn aisle❤️

07/26/2025

Spending the day at the JJ Tate Clinic! It's so inspiring to be here learning and absorbing all the good stuff ❤️🐎❤️

07/20/2025

A before and after photo Maureen shared of her lovely mare Birdie ! What an example of how good loving care and Classical Dressage can change a horse 🩷

07/17/2025

We are happy to welcome Jenny, Mark and Mazie to our barn family🐎 ❤️