Inspiring Strides

If you need a reminder that it’s okay to break intimidating tasks down into “bite-sized” pieces, this is it 💪🏼 Miss Emmy was a little nervous to trot Dandy after taking a year off from lessons, and falling off her own horse at the trot. I’m so proud of her for trotting just those couple strides with confidence AND a smile! 🤗

Margo’s officially in her last few days of preparation for her first ride! Let me know - do you think she’s ready?

Quick Rory update! Rory had her first few rides this week after having many years off, and let me be the first to say, she is a DREAM! We’re working through some conditioning patterns (a lot of trotting) so that she can build back up all of her riding related muscles without becoming too sore or causing injury. She loves to work, so her mama is going to be able to love and ride her for many years to come.

Quick Margo update - I LOVE this girl! Margo has been working hard to overcome her fears. She can now be groomed, tacked, and fly sprayed while quietly standing tied. This week we have been focusing on driving from the bit in preparation for riding. This girl does have some pretty tall mental walls put up towards actually throwing a leg over, but together, I think we can take it down brick by brick 🧱 which is my FAVORITE part about working with rescue horses.

Abigail is coming along quite nicely in her restart. When we first started, she used speed as a crutch for her anxiety and inability to focus. We’ve been working hard on simply and calmly walking. After her 2 days off, I was curious to see how much she retained of her ground driving from last week, but she was absolutely wonderful and literally stayed right in step with me 🌻

Help us give a warm welcome to Margo! Margo is spending 60 days with us building confidence, and getting her first rides. This clip is from her very first session. By the end of 30 minutes, Margo is completely relaxed as I approach her with the halter in hand, put it on her, and use gentle pressure to lead her a few steps. When we started she was consistently turning her butt towards me and attempting to run away. Although Margo knew how to lead when she got here, I have to remember that she is in a brand new place, with brand new people, and no doubt had a rough past, so her progress is enough for me for day 1. Margo will be available for adoption through Rocky Ridge Horse Rescue at their discretion. If you’re interested in her, please shoot Jennifer a message!

Star had a much needed brushing today… and I think she even maybe enjoyed it. This is a huge stride for Star in her rehab and I’m so proud of her calm and confident demeanor during our session today 🤩

peaceful Sunday morning on the farm

When I ask Dancer to lope more than 3 strides so he gives me ✨10✨

Dancer’s transitions are coming along so nicely 🪩

When you take lessons with Inspiring Strides you learn so much more than just riding. My goal is to teach true horsemanship skills so that every one of my students is able to knowledgeably take care of their very own horse some day. In my lessons we learn everything from behavior to coat care, round-penning for mental and physical check ins, recognizing lameness, important professionals to have in your horse’s life, rider confidence, under saddle skills, and so much more. Miss.Annabelle was nervous to lead Dreamer in her first lesson this weekend, but the glow of confidence she has leading her horse home is why I love what I do 🥰

Winston & Casino in their second lesson 💕

Progress Post for Sookie! This sweet red mare has come so far in the last 21 days. She now tacks, grooms, and rides willingly in and out of the arena. I’m so excited for her family to enjoy her when she goes home on Saturday 🤗

It’s so important to me that none of my horses, but especially my rescues, ever have to worry about having hay and fresh water. I choose to feed free choice grass hay for so many reasons (boredom, reduction of anxiety, physiology) but I have been struggling to keep enough hay out for my red mares without them wasting it. My ideas, and Michaels ability to bring them to life allowed us to create these “easy-load” hay nets that fit over 100lbs of hay so that the girls never run out of food (I refill what’s needed each evening) and don’t have as much ability to waste it as bedding.

Sky wasn’t too impressed with wearing her first saddle 😂

Little Luna 🌙 is so close to putting her halter on! Once we get comfortable with the halter on the world is going to be her oyster. This lady is so smart there isn’t anything she won’t be able to do 💕

🌙Introducing LUNA🌙 Luna came to Inspiring Strides as a part of Blue, Sky, & Whinny’s herd. She has been resting on pasture board since March and has officially started her training as of May 01. She’s more shy than the rest of the horses we’ve brought home this year, but she’s so smart & built beautifully. I’m confident she’s going to make some people very jealous when she gets adopted (myself included)! Luna is currently available for adoption as is to an approved home with training experience. Feel free to message me or comment below with any questions or comments 💕

miss Emmy’s beautiful riding in her lesson last night on Dandy. We’re working on controlling the speed of her horse while also controlling her seat at the trot 🤍💕