Southerly Wind Stables

04/11/2025

🫶🏼

❤️ Something much deeper....

It’s not just the saddle or dust on our skin,
Not just the thrill at the start of the ride.
It’s not for the ribbons or glory or speed,
But something much deeper we all seem to need.

It’s the hush of the barn when the world’s been too loud,
The peace in the stall, far from the crowd.
It’s the way they just know when your heart’s come undone,
And stand by your side ‘til the hurting is done.

It’s a velvet soft muzzle pressed into your chest,
A nicker at sunrise that says you’ve been blessed.
It’s dirt on your boots, but gold in your soul,
a love that’s unspoken, yet perfectly whole.

It’s the strength in their stride, the trust in their eyes.
The way that they carry us straight through the skies.
It’s learning to listen, to lead without pride,
To dance in connection, to feel not just ride.

It’s falling and rising, again and again,
With a partner who meets you where you’ve always been.
It’s childhood dreams, and grown up grace,
A mirror, a compass, a sacred space.

They teach us to breathe, to be brave and be still,
To chase down the sunset, and ride past the hill.
So ask why we ride... the answer is here...
We ride for the moments no words could define...with a bond that runs deeper than reason or time.

🩷 Michelle Knutson | Born In The Barn

03/27/2025

“Be so good with them, that you still keep the good in them” Perfect day! 🫶🏼

03/26/2025

Everyone wants to ride horses until…🫶🏼
They realize it's not just sitting pretty-it's mental grit, bruised egos, and tears. They hit the ground hard, taste the dirt, and have to climb back in the saddle-shaking, but still holding onto to their last string of determination.
They learn you can't fake it 'til you make it-because horses see straight through the smoke and mirrors.
They witness the relentless grind-the early mornings, the late nights, the sacrifice no one claps for.
And they understand that champions aren't made in blue ribbons, but in the losses, the setbacks, and the heartbreaks that test every ounce of you, your dedication, your will, and your blind faith.👊🏼

03/24/2025

Sometimes our dreams are so close just not yet…well said…🫶🏼

What happens when the answer is no?

•••••••

We are headed home from Scottsdale with a trailer full of healthy horses that we love dearly.

We prepped our horses to the best of our ability. We checked all the boxes. We were ready and our horses were capable.

But yesterday the answer was no.

We didn't get qualified for Vegas.

And it's hard on the heart.

BUT, I fully believe how you respond to disappointment not only prepares us for the future but more importantly helps open our eyes to the bigger picture.

How blessed are we to live this life pursuing our passion while making life long friends and never having to outgrow our inner horse kid mentality.

We sure do love these beautiful creatures 💕🐴

Congratulations to all of our friends who qualified yesterday! Every barn works so hard for these moments and so well deserved.

The answer might have been no for us yesterday but we are determined and believe fully that the answer really was:

"NOT YET" 👊🏼

03/14/2025

🤔

03/13/2025

Every horse has a story it’s our job to help them succeed.

03/13/2025

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That time when your horse isn’t quite right, but you don’t know why…
The small trainer notices.

Who’s going to spend two hours with your two year-old every day to make sure they get a solid foundation?
The small trainer.

What about the horse who doesn’t have the strongest maternal lines?
It’s the small trainer that gives them a chance.

You’ve never done it before, but wanna give it a try?
The small trainer won’t judge you.

Who’s going to take an extra 30 minutes to make sure that turn is in a perfect place to end on?
The small trainer.

Who’s going to walk through the barn at 10 o’clock at night and lay eyes on your pride and joy themselves?
The small trainer.

Who’s going to do their very best to make your dreams affordable?
The small trainer.

Who will keep your horse liking their job?
The small trainer.

Who will try every trick in the book to pull every ounce of talent out of your horse?
The small trainer.

Don’t underestimate the small trainer.

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📸Shannon Anderson Photography

03/02/2025

🫶🏼

02/26/2025

🤣👊🏼

12/29/2024

Just a bit.

12/25/2024

🎄🎁🎄

12/17/2024

Our barn gift came out just perfect this year! Thank you Easy Tags and Darla Lee for your help on this!

11/29/2024

💋🎄