SAFER Horsemanship

05/10/2024

04/04/2024

Recipe for raising a “horse girl”…….

You bring them home from the hospital and instead of keeping them home you let them breathe in the smell of horses every chance you get….

Then at a few months old you prop them up in the saddle and hold them there to just sit in the saddle….

When they are 3 they say they can’t pick up the horse’s hoof …you help them but then tell them they need to finish themselves…..

You let them lead the 23 yr old faithful gelding because leading the big horse makes them feel so proud….

At 4 yrs old you teach them that the horse depends on them for water, hay, grain….Dinner might be almost ready in the house, but ponies eat first …..

At 5 years old, when she falls off for the first time, you check to make sure nothings broken, wipe her tears, then you give her a leg up and tell her to get it done, because you KNOW she’s a great rider…..

At 10 years old when she doesn’t place in her class at the horse show and she’s falling apart, you ask her if her horse worked hard for her, and then you tell her that to her horse she is #1, and to keep riding, because her horse depends on her……

At 12 years old she comes home from school and tells you another kid said something mean at school to someone she knows. She then tells you she told that kid to shut their mouth and keep it to themselves…. Then she walked off with the kid that was being made fun of……

At 13 years old her friends at the barn are as close as siblings……they support her in her wins and her falls…..the barn has created relationships that are thicker than blood….

At 15 years old her first “boyfriend” breaks up with her ….. you can tell she is upset so you both head to the barn. She wraps her arms around her horse’s neck, breathes him in, and the tears flow. But you can see that resolve emerge when she’s cantering around the ring…. She tells you her horse is better than that boy any day.

You heard others say over the years…..

“Horses are too expensive!”
“She’s going to get sick from all the germs.”
“She’s going to fall off and get hurt.”
“She spends too much time at the barn.”

When she is a young woman and leaves your home, off on her next adventure, you head out to the barn. You thank her horses, you breathe them in, you wrap your arms around them because ….

Horses helped you to create a confident, self-assured, responsible, kind, nurturing, outdoors-loving, tough as nails, throws her shoulders back and stands tall, strong woman.

To all the parents raising “horse girls” keep going, you are giving them more than just riding lessons…..

www.DutchessCountyHorses.com

Written by Kara LaBrie❤️

03/25/2024

🌟 Attention all horse lovers! 🌟

Let's give a standing ovation to Leah Struzzieri, a true icon in the equestrian world! 🐎 With over 40 years of dedicated experience, Leah's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her beginnings as a competitor, trainer, and instructor to her groundbreaking The Ponysitters program at JL Performance Horses, Leah's impact is unparalleled.

Did you know Leah is not only an APHA Professional Horsemen and Ambassador but also a lifetime certified equine appraiser? As East Coast Partner to Sterling Equine Appraisals, she's your go-to expert for horse valuation! Plus, if you're looking to enhance your horsemanship skills, Leah offers personalized training sessions that will take your riding to the next level.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your horse or elevate your horsemanship skills? Contact Leah today to schedule an a training session! Want to know what your horse is worth, contact Leah.
Call (845) 260-0962 or visit www.NYEquine.com to learn more and embark on an unforgettable equestrian journey with Leah Struzzieri! 🌟🐴

03/21/2024

PSA: Left shoulder to left shoulder is not a relic of the past. Be a good rider and learn some arena etiquette.

03/06/2024

Welcome to Trainer Tuesday! Each week we ask trainers a question and gather their answers for you. These trainers have a range of experience, backgrounds, and focus points of their programs, so the answers have as much variation as you would expect and also probably much more similarity. This week....

03/02/2024

Safety begins at the farm’s gates. Please be respectful and follow the safety rules. No open toed shoes, flip flop, sandals, crocs, etc. You’re not going to the beach or walking around your living room. Horses & ponies have hooves. They are hard. It hurts to get accidentally stepped on even when wearing proper footwear. Don’t take needless chances.

02/25/2024

Welcoming everyone to the farm is always a joy, but ensuring safety is paramount right from the entrance. Our guidelines explicitly state that footwear like slippers, crocs, sandals, and flip flops are unsafe on the farm. Wearing such shoes not only poses an immediate risk but also increases the likelihood of injury, as some individuals mistakenly believe the rules don't apply to them.

Just as we ask permission to enter someone's home with our shoes on, respecting safety rules on the farm is crucial. It's perplexing why some individuals choose to act disrespectfully, leaving us to address such situations with a less than festive demeanor.

Running a business, especially considering insurance costs, is already a financial challenge. Neglecting safety rules not only jeopardizes the well-being of everyone involved but also exposes the business to potential lawsuits and increased insurance premiums. It's disheartening when enforcement becomes necessary due to someone's disregard for the rules, and it shouldn't be taken personally—it's a matter of mutual respect.

Our commitment to safety extends beyond footwear guidelines; we conduct daily safety checks on horses and the entire property. Security cameras are strategically placed to diligently monitor the premises, including barns, paddocks, and sheds. This proactive approach is not only to minimize risks but also to safeguard against false allegations that disgruntled individuals may attempt to level against us.

In essence, our focus on safety is not only about following rules but creating an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves without compromising well-being.

01/21/2024

🌈✨ Pony Play Dates and Mommy & Me Magic at JL Performance Horses 🐴👩‍👧

Calling all parents and little ones! 🎉 Unleash the joy of pony play dates and create precious memories with our enchanting Mommy & Me sessions at JL Performance Horses

🌟 What's in Store:
🐾 Pony Play Dates for Preschoolers
👩‍👧 Magical Mommy & Me Bonding
🌈 Safe, Interactive Environment
🌼 Learn, Laugh, and Love with Our Gentle Ponies

📅 Limited Spaces Available! Secure your spot for a heartwarming experience. 🎠

👉 Reserve Now: 845-260-0962

🎁 BONUS: Every child gets a special pony-themed surprise! 🎈

Embark on unforgettable adventures with your little one at JL Performance Horses 🌟 Let the pony magic begin! 🦄✨

01/21/2024

🌟🏕️ Calling all Scouts! Earn Your Horsemanship Merit Badge at JL Performance Horses!

Embark on a horsey adventure with our specialized Merit Badge Class for Girl and Boy Scouts! 🤠👧👦 Learn essential horsemanship skills and create lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment.

🌟 What Scouts Will Experience:
🏇 Guided Riding Lessons
🚿 Hands-On Horse Grooming
🎓 Expert Instruction for Merit Badge Requirements
🌈 Outdoor Learning Amidst Nature

📅 Limited Spaces Available! Secure your spot for an unforgettable badge-earning experience. 🌟

👉 Register Now by Calling 845-260-0962

🎁 BONUS: Every Scout receives a special Horsemanship keepsake! 🎉

Don't miss this opportunity to combine learning, adventure, and horsemanship with JL Performance Horses. 🏞️🐎

01/21/2024

Popular, carded horse show judge, professional horseman and respected trainer, MICHAEL DUNN is ready to help you & your horse be properly prepared to ride down the trail or collect your ribbons at the horse show!

Immerse yourself in HORSEMANSHIP that will BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE, IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS & EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE!

Don't have your own horse/pony but would like to participate?
We have a few available for the clinic. And we can include all the equipment you need to participate! Give us a call.

Haul in at NO additional charge!
$15/audit/spectators

Children & Adults Welcomed.
English & Western welcomed.
Returning riders Welcomed.
Call to register now - 845-260-0962
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL PRICING! Register before Jan 30th!

01/19/2024

Though natural born talent can provide you with great benefits in the show ring, this gift can only take you so far when it comes to overall success. Being a talented rider is important, but there are qualities that you can acquire that will allow you to perform to the best of your ability. Here are...

12/21/2023

🎄Hey Parents!🎄
Is Your Child Struggling with Focus and Discipline? Start unlocking your child’s full potential by Saving their spot at the BEST Holiday Horse Camp ❄️

Start transforming your child’s life!

Our professional instructors understand the unique challenges kids face today, and are here to help.

🎄 Our Exclusive Holiday Offer:
Sign your child now and watch them blossom! 🌟 Sign up today!
www.DutchessCountyHorses.com

Don't miss this opportunity to equip your child with essential life skills through the wonderful world of horses 🐴 .

How are Equine Experiences Beneficial for Your Child:

🎯 Enhanced Focus
💜 Boosted Confidence
🎉 Improved Discipline

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"5 star program”

🚨Limited Spots Available!🚨
Hurry, spaces are filling up fast! Secure your child's spot in the BEST Holiday Horse Camp NOW. Call 📞 845-260-0962

This exclusive offer won't last forever.⏳

Act today and give your child the gift of confidence, discipline, and focus!
---------------------------- 🏆
🐴 JL Performance Horses
www.DutchessCountyHorses.com

12/10/2023

Conrad Homfeld (born December 25, 1951) is an American show jumping competitor and Olympic champion. At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Conrad Homfeld won the gold medal as part of the United States team in Team jumping, with the horse Abdullah, he also received a silver medal in Individual jumping. Below you can watch Conrad in action riding the great Trakehner stallion Abdullah.

12/06/2023

“THE DREAM THAT MANY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND:
My horses are my personal dream.
One day when I am very old and when I can not walk anymore, it will be in my heart as a trophy of my memories.
I met people who taught me something and have the same spirit and I met others that I'm glad I forgot.
I got wet,
I felt cold,
And I felt warm;
I was afraid,
I fell,
And I stood up.
I even hurt myself, I have been broken,
But also, I laughed out loud inside.
I spoke a thousand times with myself.
I sang and shouted with joy like a madman,
And yes ... sometimes I cried.
I have seen wonderful places and lived unforgettable experiences.
I climbed on horses that made me feel brave and excited...and then there were ones that terrified me......
I stopped a thousand times to see a landscape.
I spoke with perfect strangers, and I forgot people I see every day.
I went out with my demons inside and returned home with a feeling of absolute peace in my heart.
I always thought how dangerous it is, knowing that the meaning of courage is to advance even feeling fear.
Every time I go out to my horses I think about how wonderful they are.
I stopped talking about it to those who do not understand, and I learned to communicate with other riders.
I have met some amazing people I now call friends because of my horses.
I spent money that I did not have, giving up many things, but all these things are not worth even one special moment with my horse.
They are not a means of transport or a piece of iron with wheels, they are the lost part of my soul and my spirit.
And when someone says to me: "You have to sell the horses and you have to be more sensible", ... I do not answer. I just swing my head and smile.
A horse..... only the person who loves them understands it.
May God bless my friends and all their horses...
And the adventure continues...”
Author unknown

11/30/2023

11/30/2023

The equitation discipline provides the basis for developing proper position and riding technique. Form instructs function. Good position is an integral and essential part of good riding. Balance, connection, stride, direction—instructors drill the basics and practice pattern after pattern. From th...