Hillbrooke Stables

07/06/2025

I had a great day today riding with old friends and relatives from years gone by!… reunion of 50 years ago!! Geez! How did that happen?!

06/16/2025

💬 “How much would you charge me to do this job?”
the customer asked, looking over some blueprints on the table.

“$150,” the craftsman answered, calmly and confidently.

“$150?! That’s outrageous!” the customer blurted out.
“Why so expensive?”

The craftsman didn’t get upset.
He simply smiled and asked politely:

“And how much do you think it would cost to do it yourself?”

The customer paused for a moment, then replied:
“Hmm… I guess maybe $80. I mean, it doesn’t look that hard.”

The craftsman nodded slightly and offered:
“Then I have a better idea — do it yourself for $80.”

“But… I don’t know how!” the customer said, flustered.

“No worries,” the craftsman said with a kind tone.
“For the same $80, I’ll teach you step by step how to do it. That way, next time, you won’t need anyone.”

“Huh… Interesting. I’m in,” the customer said, now curious.

“Perfect,” the craftsman replied.
“So you’ll need a sander, a drill, a jigsaw, a rotary hammer, some measuring tools, and a few other things…”

“Wait, wait!” the customer cut in, eyes wide.
“I don’t own any of that. And I’m not buying all that just for one little job!”

“No problem,” said the craftsman.
“I can rent you all the tools for $30 a day.”

“Umm... okay, I guess...” the customer mumbled, now unsure.

“Great,” said the craftsman.
“I’ll see you at 7 AM sharp on Tuesday. You’ll need to load all the tools into your car. And don’t be late.”

“7 AM?!” the customer groaned, throwing his hands up.
“Man… I’m not even awake at that hour!”

He stood there silently for a second. Then sighed and said:

“You know what? On second thought… just take the $150. In the end, it won’t actually be cheaper, and I’m sure you’ll do it way better and faster than I ever could.”

The craftsman smiled — not smugly, not arrogantly —
just respectfully.

“Sometimes, what seems expensive… really isn’t, once you understand what’s behind it.”

💡 Reflection:
When you pay for a job well done, you’re not just paying for the task.
You’re paying for years of skill, the cost of tools, the knowledge earned through mistakes, the early mornings, the sore backs, and the quiet pride of someone who’s done it a thousand times before.

Behind every fair price… is experience, effort, and mastery.

You’re not losing money.
You’re gaining peace of mind, time, and quality.

And that’s worth more than it seems.

05/25/2025

05/21/2025

“You still have 40 years left…” - sounds pretty good, but…

“You only have 40 summers left in your life.” – makes you think.

Maybe you only have 40 more chances in your life to feel the warmth of summer on your skin.

40 more times to see the leaves change color in autumn.

40 more times to feel the chill of winter and the first rays of spring sunshine.

Or maybe less. Maybe 10. Maybe 5. Maybe… this is the last time.

We live as if we are immortal. We postpone dreams, loves, passions for “later.”

But what if that “later” never comes?

What if this is the last morning you smell the scent of coffee?

THE LAST DAY TO TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM…

This isn’t pessimism. It’s the brutal truth.

Don’t waste today! There might not be a tomorrow! 🖤🕊️🤍

Tre Wheway 📸

05/19/2025

Bathing 2 horses in one day is not so easy anymore!!

05/14/2025

Part 1: The Rider’s Journey – Why Continued Support is Key to Progress 🌟

Riding is a skill that evolves over time, and like any discipline, progress depends on the quality of instruction and support along the way. For the average amateur rider, independent progress without a trainer is not only difficult—it can be counterproductive. Bad habits can develop quickly and become ingrained before a rider even realizes something is going wrong.

Even accomplished riders benefit from eyes on the ground. A trainer offers perspective, technical corrections, and a roadmap for development. Without that, many riders plateau or even regress, especially when working through challenges like fear, body awareness issues, or communication breakdowns with their horse.

For example:

💠 A rider struggling with balance may not notice they lean slightly to one side—something a trainer can spot and correct quickly.

💠 Riders who have confidence issues may find themselves backing off or avoiding certain exercises, limiting their growth unless encouraged and guided.

💠 Miscommunication with the horse often stems from unclear aids or inconsistent timing—both of which a trainer can help refine.

Additionally, regular lessons build accountability and consistency. Riders in a program tend to ride more frequently, set goals, and stay focused. It also creates a safe space to ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and celebrate wins—big or small.

In short, a rider’s progress isn’t just about saddle time. It’s about quality time, with the right guidance. A committed trainer helps riders unlock their potential, avoid setbacks, and enjoy a more fulfilling partnership with their horse. 🏇

05/14/2025

Balance Is Reflexive

True balance isn’t held—it’s responded to.

We often think of balance as something to hold—as if being still or symmetrical will somehow “lock us in” to a better seat.

But in reality, balance is reflexive.
It’s not something you brace for.
It’s something your body does for you—when you let it.

Think of walking down a trail.
You’re not calculating every step.
You’re responding: to rocks, uneven ground, shifts in your own momentum.
Your body adjusts moment by moment, often without you realizing it. That’s your reflexive balance system at work.

And the same is true in the saddle.

When we try to “hold” balance with too much muscle effort or tension, we actually interrupt the very system designed to keep us upright.
• Gripping shuts down fluid adjustment.
• Holding your breath limits coordination and feedback.
• Bracing your core can override the small postural shifts needed to stay with the horse’s motion.

True riding balance isn’t about stillness. It’s about rhythm, breath, and trusting your body to respond.

That’s why exercises that improve your proprioception (sense of position) and vestibular function (sense of balance) are so important.

Because riding is movement.
And balance isn’t a fixed point—it’s a constant conversation between you, your body, and your horse.

So What Supports Reflexive Balance?
• Soft eyes instead of visual fixation
• Breath awareness instead of core bracing
• Pelvic movement instead of frozen posture
• Tapping and body wake-ups before you ride
• Feeling your seat bones move with your horse instead of trying to stay “even”

Balance isn’t held—it’s felt. It’s not something you lock in—it’s something you listen for.

When you ride with breath, rhythm, and awareness, balance becomes something your body offers you—without force.

And your horse will feel the difference.

With softness and feel,
Ale

04/26/2025

I started to clean my house today but then remembered I could go riding instead.....so I did!

04/02/2025

🩷 Let Them Have a Horse...

Let them have a horse, let them ride,
Let them learn with dirt stained pride.
Give them reins and room to grow,
Show them truths only horses know.

Let them feel the morning chill,
Boots in stirrups, heart be still.
Let them fight for what they earn,
Through every fall, let them return.

Let them brush and braid and mend,
Make the barn their second home.
Let them whisper, laugh, and cry,
Beneath the endless, open sky.

Let them know the work is tough,
That love alone is only one part.
That feed needs hauling, stalls need cleaned...
That dreams are earned by hands that work.

Let them feel the wind in their hair,
And the freedom only horses share.
For horses teach what words cannot...
Strength, respect, and all they’ve got.

So when they ask, don’t think twice,
The price is high, but so’s the gain.
Because without a horse, they’ll never know, the kind of love that helps them grow.

❤️ Michelle Knutson | Born In The Barn

03/24/2025

Horsemanship is important for several reasons:

1. *Animal welfare*: Proper horsemanship ensures the humane treatment and care of horses, prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being.

2. *Safety*: Good horsemanship skills reduce the risk of accidents and injuries for both riders and horses.

3. *Effective communication*: Horsemanship fosters a deep understanding and connection between horses and humans, enabling effective communication and trust.

4. *Personal growth*: The discipline and patience required in horsemanship can translate to personal growth, self-improvement, and character development.

5. *Preservation of tradition*: Horsemanship preserves historical and cultural practices, maintaining a connection to the past and promoting heritage.

6. *Therapeutic benefits*: Equine-assisted activities and therapies have been recognized for their mental health benefits, stress relief, and rehabilitation potential.

7. *Performance and competition*: For those involved in equestrian sports, skilled horsemanship is essential for success and achieving competitive goals.

Overall, horsemanship is important for fostering a deep appreciation and respect for horses, while promoting personal growth, safety, and animal welfare.