Riding Lessons and Horse Training

06/04/2024

05/10/2024

04/29/2024

There's still time to have your little cowboy or cowgirl sign up for the Best Summer Horse Camp program right here in Dutchess County, NY! www.BestSummerHorseCamp.com

04/16/2024

Apply NOW to spend a day in the spotlight as a model for Chrome magazine!🌟 Applications are open for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐏𝐇𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡!

Chrome staff members will select the Top 10 finalists, and then the public will vote for the final two winners who will be starring in the Winter 2024 Chrome fashion issue!

To apply:
- Must be an APHA member in good standing
- 18 years of age by the May 5 closing date
- Must be able to travel to Fort Worth in September (exact date to be determined)
- Women and men are encouraged to apply

Application 🔗: bit.ly/ChromeModelSearch_2024

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04/04/2024

The American Horse Council Foundation is pleased for the first time to offer this technical appendix and consumer data report as part of the National Economic Impact Study. This report includes:

🔹Detailed tables from our initial analysis that were not included in the National Economic Study
🔹Responses to questions contained in the AHC Economic Impact Study "Horse Owner Survey" but were not data points needed for the Economic Analysis. Nonetheless, these provide great insights into trends and consumer purchasing decisions.
🔹Other tables related to independent surveys we did concerning equine academia and equine welfare organizations.

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❤️

04/04/2024

And this is how it is

I’ve read a lot on scientific research on animal training, horse behavior science and neuroscience. There is very valid research in what is chemically taking place and so on. Understanding what the difference is in the parasympathetic system and the sympathetic, for instance. What dopamine is, and cortisol, and endorphins and adrenaline, etc. etc. Understanding these things that might help us take a better path toward horse training.
But all of it said and done, I still think Ray Hunt’s explanations resonate with me more than all the scientific jargon put together. Maybe because it’s closer to the spirit of it. It’s closer to the feel. Or I just like the simple.

“You make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy.
You fix it up and let him find it. You do what it takes to do the job, no more and no less.
It’s the preparation to the position, for the transition. If you got everything right, the transition will take care of itself.
So what’s happened before what you want to have happened is what you need to be aware.
It’s what happened just before what you didn’t want to have happen happen, that we need to be aware of. So those things that we don’t want we need to see if we can kind of trade them off for something more worthwhile. But you got to start early, or it won’t work. Then those things you want to have happen all you got to do is wait and encourage it and let it happen. So it’s realizing in there ahead of time what’s taking place.”
Taken from “Colt Starting” dvd.

And of course my favorite:

“You control the life in his body down through his legs and feet, through his mind.”

I’ve spent a lifetime wanting to figure these things out that were so important to him. I keep getting closer, but there is never a “there” I can reach. It keeps expanding.
I’m grateful that there are these recorded resources of Ray to revisit.

04/04/2024

🌟 Join us this April in celebrating Autism Awareness Month with Neigh & Play, a special event program hosted by JL Performance Horses! 🌈

Neigh & Play is dedicated to creating inclusive and joyful experiences for children of all abilities. As we honor Autism Awareness Month, we invite families to join us for this unique opportunity.

Neigh & Play offers a variety of engaging activity opportunities including wide open spaces, sensory nature trail, and Imagination Station playground. Children can enjoy visiting with our miniature horses, ponies, and full-sized gentle giant horses, fostering a magical connection with these magnificent animals.

Our program is designed to provide a therapeutic and enriching experience for individuals on the autism spectrum. From hands-on activities caring for the horses to interactive play sessions, every moment at Neigh & Play is filled with opportunities for growth, happiness, and empowerment.

Our team understands the diverse needs of each child, and we're committed to ensuring everyone feels supported and valued. Join us this April and beyond as we spread awareness, acceptance, and love for individuals with autism.

Let's celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and create unforgettable memories together. 🌟

Contact 845-260-0962 today to learn more about our autism-friendly program and how your child can be part of this extraordinary event.

03/30/2024

03/29/2024

I have a HUGE but SMALL favor to ask 🙏🏼

Please go to my business page:

JL Performance Horses 🐴

Make sure to follow

Then go to the 3 little dots… (on the side of page)

- Hit “Invite Friends”
- Select "Invite All"(1,000 at a time)
- Done!

You’ve SUCCESSFULLY supported my business for $0.00 and less than 1 minute of your time.

Thank you for supporting my small and local business! I very much appreciate it!❤️

03/13/2024

Word of the week.

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.

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! 🦄✨