Longshot Stables LLC

02/17/2025

When Elsa begs for treats, she STRONGLY resembles a hippopotamus.

(And yes this is consistently her begging face, if she senses a treat. She is such a strange pony…)

02/16/2025

Puffball pampering Flashlight

02/16/2025

Soooo proud of the whole crew today!

Margaret debuted in Leadline on Lauren’s “pony” Storm for a blue ribbon! She was nervous- but sat up tall and gained a lot of confidence. Bella piloted Storm’s next ride for another blue ribbon for an Intro Prix Caprilli test. What a good baby!

Lottie did a great job keeping Tobin in a “bigger” trot. They had some trouble at the gate (he forgot he’s supposed to be a Unicorn) leading to an unplanned dismount, but dusted off and continued with a good attitude. Proud of the resilience!

Bella showed Elsa in First Level test 1. This was a huge leap for Bella who’s only done Intro and Training 1, once. She was just shy of a red ribbon with a very respectable score of 64.815.

Chamomule is so 🤩! We did Training 1 and 3, and he is excelling in his role of “dressage mule” with scores of 68.46 and 66.60.

Lylah (on Dizzy) and Drew (on Gryf) continued the Prix Caprilli challenge. Both significantly improved their scores from the January show with better test accuracy. Drew and Gryf raised their Prix Caprilli score by 10%! Lylah and Dizzy had a clean test without penalties- major win!

02/14/2025

🐇

02/13/2025

https://www.facebook.com/100063281224827/posts/919906560128710/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

What Fits ?

I was talking with another Professional I greatly respect last week...and she was telling me her pet peeve . Bits that are too big.

It got me thinking about Fit in general.
Saddles
Bits
Blankets
Saddle pads
Horses
Bridles

Bits
I myself am for sure guilty of some of these things....bits being one. I try to use what I already own. I did buy two 4 and 3/4 bits last year. I show my young horses in hand and everything I had was way too big.
Too big is...not really ok. Especially if the bit is jointed ! The joint ends up sitting on the bars ( gums ) of the horses mouth . Not comfortable at all. So if your bit ends up sticking out one side of the horses mouth. Get a smaller one.
It is pretty easy to find used smaller bits now with Facebook and other easy to find markets. Plus local tackshops do a lot of consignment.

Blankets.
The proper blanket measurement is mid chest to beside tail head. And then of course, brands fit different. I have several 17 hand plus massive horses and even they arein 80 and 82 inch blankets. Make sure the belly straps are fairly snug so hind legs can't get over them when they lay down.

Saddle pads.....I see many that the piping is UNDER the saddle. Yikes. Imagine what that feels like ?!?

Bridles
Does it really fit ? The browbands should not be snug , like they were when I was a kid. Now we know tight browbands damage nerves. I try to make sure buckles are never on the jaw bones. The cheek peices shouldn't be loose. Personally, I feel cheekpeice pressure instead of using the wrinkle rule on bit placement. I find the wrinkle rule varies with the fleshiness of the horses mouth etc.

Saddles
I always tell people...yes, I am a professional horsewoman who has devoted my life to horses. I sure can tell when a saddle fits really poorly. However, to seek the perfect fit, I too depend on a pro to determine the fit. I do think 1 size/ type fits all is not true with horses : some horses like air, wool , different designs....no matter how good the saddle fitter is ! Listen to the horse!
And then, does it fit YOU !

Horses
Does your horse actually fit you ? Can you learn a lot or is the training , riding, athleticism or temperament above your skill level ? Do you have appropriate professional help ? How does the horse match with your time you can devote to it ? Is it a good physical match for you ? Riding with fear is no fun. Lacking the physical strength to manage a horse with big gaits....can really damage the horse long term . Don't be afraid to seek out a horse you truly enjoy , have the skill, help and time to develop a really enjoyable partnership with.

Fit matters.

1997 Autumn Charm and I. Photo by Toni Mayr. Boy....I knew if my saddle was level, but I highly doubt it had enough spinal clearance and for sure the gullet wasn't wide . My brow band was snug. Horses sure do put up with a LOT ( some teenage angst back then too ! )

02/13/2025

Bendy poles, squishy mattress, and scary pipes… making quiet, confident mounts.

02/12/2025

I suppose I should introduce my newest donkey friend… a bit of an impulse buy but it seems she needed to land here for a bit. She came a week ago and seemed pretty feral right off the trailer but has started to lead decently and is standing for some grooming. I’m working on touching the legs and hopefully can get her trimmed in the next two weeks- her feet need some TLC.

She’s awfully cute with extra long ears. Standing at 11.2h and only 4 years old… anyone want this one?

02/12/2025

I hope ya’ll caught a snowflake on your tongue.

02/12/2025

Good first ride on a lungeline and even a couple trot steps for SheHaw!

02/11/2025

Exciting news! Our Horse Camp this year will be held off-site at a camp retreat. This camp is for Intermediate+ riders. We may have a couple spaces for non-Longshot students- follow the link to register or be placed on a waitlist.

*We are not hosting camps for younger students at this time.

In 2025, we are renting stabling and retreat facilities at Greenview Bible Camp to host our advanced Horse Camp! Arrival is after dinner on Sunday June 15th and camp ends late on Friday June 20th....

02/11/2025

I’m pretty certain HeeHaw is just guessing at this point, but he’s trying! 🐓 🐖 🫏

02/11/2025

Uhhhh Moo… 8” Cavaletti is wayyyyyy down there! 👇

(And Good Riding to lylah for going along with that jump!)

02/09/2025

HeeHaw is quite a handsome donkey!

SheHaw just completed two weeks here. She has gained 16lbs total and seems to be looking forward to her grooming sessions. She’s easily picking up her hind feet now without swinging ( Schock Farrier appreciates that news). She’s on a good diet with added fats and vitamin E. Her coat is still lackluster but is starting to noticeably improve.

Everyone keeps asking if HeeHaw likes SheHaw… unfortunately Nope. 🙂‍↔️ Maybe some jealousy? He’s starting to tolerate her being loose in the barn for short times. She’s been very scared of him and everyone else, and has mostly wanted to stay in her stall. She’s does spend some time amiably in a paddock with Gypsy.

02/09/2025

Often it surprises new clients that I “still” take lessons. I want to be a better rider today than yesterday (and bad habits creep in quickly for anybody). I LOVE learning. I ENJOY developing horses and creating good partners. Having a network of professionals that you trust to have “eyes on” you or to bounce care and training questions off of, is invaluable. Every trainer should have a mentor/trainer.

Shout out to two local trainers I appreciate. Both have a stall available for boarding/training for a committed adult rider. I’ve taken regular lessons with Jenn Hoffman for years- she’s given me a solid foundation and passion for dressage. I always appreciate her focus on rider position and deep knowledge of the mechanics of the horse’s movement. (Owner of Autumn Charm Sport Horses in Craley PA).

Next shoutout it to Jessi Paine with JP Dressage in Conestoga PA. Jessi has shown through the highest levels (Gold Medal). I’ve enjoyed a handful of lessons with her in the past year and have found different exercises and explanations from her to helpful. Her teaching style is clear and direct. This year she is establishing herself independently at Kynynmont Farms with more upcoming availability.

Both trainers are kind and fair to the horses and the farms have great amenities and different care options. Check them out! 🙂

02/08/2025

Willa practicing a cowboy curtain.

Willa will be 3 in May- she’s so sweet and has a wonderful brain.

02/08/2025

First official hitch for Flea!
Èilis has done ground driving with him over the past year and he pulled a sled a few weeks ago . He was finally hooked to the cart today for a short walk and was super. Baby Willa stood to watch then took a turn ground driving.

02/08/2025

The ponies had a night out, followed by Preschool classes… it’s a very taxing lifestyle.

02/07/2025

Dobby (pinto Saddlebred)
Epic (grey Saddlebred/Standardbred)
Fig (chestnut American Dutch Harness Horse)