Windham Hill Farm

07/22/2024

This is interesting! Bringing the red light to try on Patrick today!

07/21/2024

“I can’t find any good places to board where they put horses first-“

This is a huge problem. In just about every consult I have where we are seeking a solution for a behavior problem, i ask about husbandry and we almost always find a major problem there. Not to blame the owner- often it is near impossible to find a good place to board where horses get the kind of care they need

To me, it’s non negotiable that horses live outside, in herds, with forage. Yes they’ll be dirty, be in the elements, and interact with horses. This is what they were perfectly designed for -

But I’d like to offer you some perspective from someone who has cared for other people’s horses for fifteen years in some capacity -

For the entire time I’ve been caring for horses where I’m in charge and able to make these choices for their needs and putting them first, I have-

-had clients pull their horses out of training when the first superficial scratch happens (I have had people cuss me out as they load their horse in tears with one very small scratch on their coats from socializing )

-fielded texts from worry stricken owners at ten pm, midnight, 3 am, 5 am, you get the idea… panicking over a light rain, a minor drop in temps, a little heat, some bugs etc. You never get to be “off duty” because at any hour someone’s concern over their horses minor discomfort means your great discomfort

-play musical pastures trying to placate every owner so they can all have the ideal pasture set up (for their desires, not the horses) and just about p**s off everyone in the barn

-had clients livid I didn’t put the horses in stalls for every minor weather event

-had plenty of drama between owners over who’s horse they don’t like for “bullying” their horse in the pasture when it’s usually simply herd dynamics at work

You get the idea. I’m sure every boarding barn owner can back me up on this

I’ve had excellent clients so this is in no way generalizing ALL of them. The excellent ones took me forever to find and I will seriously miss them, but - But the ones I’ve had that were a headache were a SERIOUS headache, the kind that can make you miserable living in your own home.

When I worked at other barns and we had all horses in stalls or in private, tiny paddocks I had barely a husbandry related complaint (plenty about behavior though). Everyone was happy to have their horses “tucked in safely.”

So my point is - doing it right for the horse is not profitable, a huge pain in the rear and a ton of stress (hope you love texts at 3 am), and a giant liability.

I don’t agree with keeping horses separate or confined but I totally get it from a business perspective

So what’s the solution?

We live in a worry stricken, obsessive, results driven, and very litigious society. We’re losing land quickly , losing touch with animal sense, and good places are just harder to come by every day. Everyone is pressed from all angles and there’s no clear villain or hero here -

I think everybody could get a little chiller, personally. But maybe we’re looking at a total societal overhaul. Again, one of those things I don’t see a simple solution for.

07/18/2024

Alyce lets the gaited girl learn to canter and stay comfortable- it’s pony club all over again, go Dancer go!!!

07/07/2024

07/04/2024

Christopher’s first ride on Bear 🐻!!! He was s champion 😁

06/08/2024

06/08/2024

My little Tesoro is not so little any more , the baby boy turns one today. I love you so!!!

05/31/2024

Isobel and her Mom Valerie show their mini Sara!! Great job!!

05/26/2024

Happy birthday Davy, you wear it well, the hat and the years!!!!

05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all my dear friends of two and four legged children- we are all the nuturing kind!!

04/26/2024

Happy Birthday Skye!!! Looking good in the hat at 14!!!!!

04/20/2024

Happy birthday R***r, apparently you do not appreciate the hat- put those ears up!!!

04/14/2024

The Naughty Pony Blanket Laundering & Boutique is coming Monday these are the new pricing, news and conditions.

04/13/2024

Naughty Pony Blanket Laundering & Boutique is coming Monday 4/15 - please have your blankets bagged and tagged - they are also offering bags for a small fee.

04/13/2024

What a fab birthday cake...

04/10/2024

My firstborn Miss Fifi Marie turns 12 today and I made her work

04/04/2024

Miss Fifi Marie back in walk work after a year and .8 months of having a gorgeous baby and finally healing her leg. I am thrilled to be on her again, hoping to keep my patience and heal her slowly!!!

04/04/2024

Birthdays at WHF, Faith turns 13 and Miss Willow turns 9, celebrations for all!!! Treats please!!!!

04/03/2024

We miss our big sister, she was the matriarch!!

04/03/2024

It’s taken me almost a month to feel I could post because I lost a bright light from my life. My dainty little flower, 175 lbs of love, the quintessential gentle giant Dane Darla has crossed the rainbow bridge. My heart is broken and her siblings are clinging to each other. We will gain peace from each other and our memories. Rest in peace big girl, you were well loved.

03/06/2024

Cold hose hack. Upside down bell boot. Shared from a stable pal.

02/11/2024

Between the ears!! Celine (Abuela) spots her grandson Tesoro!!!!