VLM Equestrian

10/29/2024

10/23/2024

I’m so grateful for this office view love my job , clients and horses Stables

10/15/2024

Excellent post form Bethany White

For ALL Students, Riding Parents and Instructors:

If you have a child learning to ride, PLEASE do so safely. Please do not put them on a 2 year old to learn. 2 years olds no matter how quiet are still very young, not anywhere near fully developed mentally or physically. It is the equivalent of asking a 4 yr old human to be responsible for an infant.
Please understand this post is not to put anyone down, it is absolutely to educate.
If you have a child that wants to learn to ride, my very best advice is to find a reputable lesson barn. Ask around your area and do homework before sending your child. How long has the instructor been teaching, who have they apprenticed, taught under? How many years have they taken lessons themselves.
My personal guide is that an instructor should have a MINIMUM of 800 hours as a student themselves before giving lessons. And after one can never stop learning. Make sure they have learned from multiple experienced and reputable professionals.
Get your child their own helmet that is fitted correctly. We only get one brain, and in many states it is the law for a youth to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet.

I say all of this and honestly, I have a lot more to say on the subject, as a long time industry professional and Mom.
My qualifications to make these statements come from 37 years in the industry, over 23 years as a professional. I have taught hundreds of students over the years and ran a very large lesson program (at one point over 100 students a week).
I was the manager/trainer of a breeding farm, therefore my experience with young horses is extensive. I am a multi-carded show Judge (currently 6 cards, over 250 shows judged over 18 years) and Clinician and have been a clinician/speaker at equine expos and seminars. Again, I state this is what qualifies me to educate.
I implore people to think about the well-being and safety of horse and rider, ESPECIALLY children.
Another thing to note is, if a horse is "acting up," the first thing we need to consider is ourselves. "Am I causing the situation?" and go from there.
If your child wants to compete, but does not want to take lessons this is a big red flag. Learning comes FIRST before competing. Always.
The minute we think we know everything, is exactly the time to learn more. Stay humble.
Be well, be safe.
-Bethany

10/12/2024

From Kim Gates well written

Saddle fit is not just about the horses back. It affects the entire animal. When a saddle doesn't fit the horse hollows out his back, and his head goes up in the air. It is impossible for a horse to engage the hind end and carry himself in this posture. If it continues the muscle structure and biomechanics of the horse change. Other soundness and health issues are the chain reaction. This is very hard to correct.
Saddle fit is not just about the back or pain in the back. It effects the entire horse.

10/02/2024

What is the best way to make progress with your horse and your self as a rider ? Find a program / trainer you like and believe in their philosophy methodology, ethics and principles. I have had for the most part only 3 people who were staples who I rode with regularly and I mean long term in a couple cases 10 plus year and my first amazing mentor over 25 years . Had I not committed to them I’d still be spinning my wheels I am sure .
It is so hard on a horse and a novice rider to keep changing programs and trainers , it is very confusing and in the end no progress is ever made . For us pros it’s a bit different, I can ride with someone and know enough to throw some things out and keep some things , I also know how I want my horses to feel , light , soft , supple , relaxed so as pros we can work on this even if we get conflicting information.
I see a lot of folks who clinic hop and trainer hop and in the end just end up spinning their wheels leads to a lot of confusion and frustration for the poor horse and the rider . In my life everyone I have worked with and spoke with about this says the same thing.
I advise my people to audit you can learn so much by auditing . Audit any and all clincs you can get too , and you can take and use what works for you and your horse . It is often times the best route to take . When a rider and a horse have progressed and developed to a certain point it is easier to spread the wings and explore a bit more but consistency is the key. Over the years many many years at this point( getting old 🥴) I’ve seen so many go a wry by not fully committing to a plan and a program .
Make a plan stay the course as long as it takes . I promise it will be worth it . 😉.

09/22/2024

I'm inspired by my students' achievements in various classes, where moments of excellence pave the way for greater success. With refinement underway this winter, we're poised for an even brighter next season.

09/20/2024

So very very important. Well written by a colleague Kim Gates

Saddle fit is not just about the horses back. It affects the entire animal. When a saddle doesn't fit the horse hollows out his back, and his head goes up in the air. It is impossible for a horse to engage the hind end and carry himself in this posture. If it continues the muscle structure and biomechanics of the horse change. Other soundness and health issues are the chain reaction. This is very hard to correct.
Saddle fit is not just about the back or pain in the back. It effects the entire horse.

09/14/2024

Perfect weather , perfect day. Maverick and I went for a nice ride this Am . Then Hubby and I went for about 30 mile bike ride , then off to the lake to Kayak float and paint .

08/28/2024

I have a HUGE but SMALL favor to ask that helps our business keep growing 🙏🏼

Please go to my business pages:
VLM Saddle fitting and Consignments

VLM Equestrian

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!❤️

07/15/2024

I a still downsizing from my farm sale . I have so much stuff . Mostly blankets , halters , bits , pads English and western . And much more . If you are looking for something let me know . Some new some lightly used . I just don’t need all of this for a few horses . Way too much to list .

Saddles saddles saddles , new , used jump , dressage . I am a saddle fitter also so can help you be sure if fit .

06/08/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jyiXxArAAatRA1Gm/?mibextid=WC7FNe contact info o me see these in person and to sit in them