Matilda Bay Farm

01/01/2024

12/27/2023

The infinite became an infant

12/26/2023

A humble stable holds the King.

11/26/2023

I DID NOT KNOW... by Alissa Kelly

I did not know a horse could bring people into your life that end up meaning the most to you.
I did not know a horse could make the hardest days of your life bearable.
I did not know a horse could teach you to put others first.
I did not know a horse could remind you time and time again that your gut is always right.
I did not know a horse could break your heart.
I did not know a horse could pick you up when you have fallen apart.
I did not know a horse could teach you to dream again, after you thought it was not possible.
I did not know a horse could make you believe in yourself.
I did not know a horse could teach responsibility, work ethic, and dedication.
I did not know a horse could make you believe in something when no one else does.
I did not know a horse could make you learn to forgive and forget.
I did not know a horse could humble you faster than you can say humble.
I did not know a horse could make you a winner.
I did not know a horse could also teach you how to lose gracefully.
I did not know a horse could instill patience in you.
I did not know a horse could make you listen better.
I did not know a horse could give you their heart.
I did not know a horse could change your life.
I did not know a horse could do all these things...
but now I know. ❤️❤️

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

11/23/2023

11/11/2023

A Soldier’s Kiss

Only a dying horse! pull off the gear,
And slip the needless bit from frothing jaws,
Drag it aside there, leaving the road way clear,
The battery thunders on with scarce a pause.
Prone by the shell-swept highway there it lies
With quivering limbs, as fast the life-tide fails,
Dark films are closing o’er the faithful eyes
That mutely plead for aid where none avails.

Onward the battery rolls, but one there speeds
Heedlessly of comrades voice or bursting shell,
Back to the wounded friend who lonely bleeds
Beside the stony highway where he fell.

Only a dying horse! he swiftly kneels,
Lifts the limp head and hears the shivering sigh
Kisses his friend, while down his cheek there steals
Sweet pity’s tear, “Goodbye old man, Goodbye”.

No honours wait him, medal, badge or star,
Though scarce could war a kindlier deed unfold;
He bears within his breast, more precious far
Beyond the gift of kings, a heart of gold.

by Henry Chappell

🌺💜 We will remember them 💜🌺

11/05/2023

❤️🫶🏻

11/03/2023

- When my instructor repeats to me: ′′Straighten your shoulders and open your chest!” He’s not just teaching me how to stand up. He's teaching me that in life we should always walk straight and face problems head on.

- When my instructor asks me to lower my legs and keep them close to the horse, he teaches me that in life we do not allow distractions and that little is enough to deviate from his path.

- When my instructor tells me "Too much hand, don't hang on to the reins! "He teaches me to give and not to take, with the greatest respect of others.

- When he yells and repeats endlessly: "Look forward in the direction you want to go!” He teaches me the importance of setting goals and never losing sight of them to achieve them.

- When I ask to move up or do more and my instructor says I'm not ready, he teaches me that in life you must always respect your rhythm and never skip the steps.

- When I fall and get back up, I learn that there are always setbacks, times when we back up, but the important thing is to get up more determined than before.

- If I hold my breath during a ride and he jokingly tells me "breathe! You are purple!” I understand that you have to let your emotions flow in order to get rid of them.

- When at the end of the course I am happy with the work done and my instructor says to me′ ′Well done, thank your teacher′′ I know he is not referring to himself but to my horse.

- Now you, you who are watching a rider pass in the saddle, keep saying that riding is not a sport because it is the horse that does everything. I agree. Horse riding is not a sport. It is a life lesson.

10/07/2023

10/04/2023

A LETTER FROM DR. KEITH BERKELEY:

Dear Valued Clients:

Thank you for your many years of trusted friendship and support. It has been a privilege to be your vet and friend for the past 39 years. Thank you for many years of providing Valley Equine the opportunity to provide for your animals. Our relationships have been my lifelong dream. Due to health issues and some limited mobility, I am retiring from equine veterinary practice. My current health is good and I'm doing well now, but it's time to do something a little different.

As you may know, Valley Equine is being sold to Dr. Benjamin Dubois and he will be practicing as Finish Line Equine Surgery, PLLC at the same physical location and with the same phone number as Valley Equine.

Valley Equine closed its billing as of September 27, 2023 and statements were mailed today. For billing questions or to make a payment please call our new billing line at 681-261-3607 or email us at [email protected]. You may also pay via PayPal on our website of www.valleyequine.net.

Any veterinary service performed by Dr. Dubois from September 28, 2023, forward will be billed by Finish Line Equine. Clients continuing services with Finish Line Equine will need to set up payment arrangements directly with their office.

Again, let me thank you for your understanding, friendship, and trust in treating your animals. Best of luck in all your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Keith B. Berkeley, DVM