Horse 'N Soul

02/01/2025

Good Evening, Horse N Soul Family,

It is with very heavy hearts that we write to you this evening to share that our beloved boy, Vinny, passed away this afternoon.
Vinny had been a part of the HNS family for 20 years, nearly reaching his 28th birthday on February 19th! A beautiful & talented jumper, Vinny taught countless riders how to properly approach a fence. Even if a rider was not in the correct position, he never refused a jump. He was so very forgiving. His gentleness & patience was such a gift!

Vinny knew his job, and he did it exceedingly well! He taught many of our students how to show. Commonly earning several ribbons at the shows, other trainers would often share their interest in buying him. We knew the absolute gem we had been blessed with!

Vinny was a true leader. He was always the head of the herd in his field no matter what horse moved in. However, one nuisance he never figured out how to master ~ flies! Vinny HATED the flies like no other! Forgotten fly spray on a trail ride at Mingo Creek Park proved to be quite the mistake. Vinny proceeded to shake his entire body, from head to tail, the entire time he was being ridden.

We believe horses were put in our lives by our God to show us who we are! They give us a look inside ourselves. They give us confidence. They teach us servant leadership. They teach us how to communicate and encourage. They teach us to be content and satisfied where we are in life. Vinny taught us all those things! We are truly grateful to have had him in our lives.

“Once touched by the spirit of a horse, your soul remains forever enlightened.” ~ Author Unknown

Thank you Lord for the beautiful gift of Vinny!

Sincerely,
Your HNS Staff

02/01/2025

Remembering Vinny

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved lesson horse, Vinny. He was more than just a horse—he was a patient teacher, a steady partner, and a kind soul who helped shape the journey of so many riders.

Vinny was the definition of a caretaker. Whether it was guiding a nervous beginner through their first lesson or carrying an advanced student through a challenging course, he always gave his best. His gentle nature and willing heart made him a favorite in the barn, and his loving presence was felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

While we mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his best friend, Eddie, who passed away recently. The two were inseparable in life, and now they run free together once more.

To all the students and families who had the chance to learn from Vinny, we hope you’ll remember him with the same love and appreciation he always showed to us. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the lessons he taught and the lives he touched.

Rest easy, sweet Vinny. You were truly one of a kind. 🤍🕊️

12/11/2024

Hi Everyone! As some of you may know, it has been in our best interest for years now to develop and grow our Equine Therapy Program. Although we are incredibly blessed, we are still in need of any and all help we can get to grow this program for our many clients this benefits or those who could benefit from our program! Whether you can donate or share, anything helps! Below I have a link to our story and more on this program and cause. Best Regards, Lauren Rodd (Assistant Trainer at HNS)

https://gofund.me/e030423f

11/29/2024

11/26/2024

Meet the Staff Monday!!

Lauren Rodd- Assistant trainer ✨

Lauren has been riding here at HNS since 5th grade and is currently a senior in high school, preparing to graduate and pursue a career in radiology. She has been competing since 7th grade in jumper and hunter disciplines and also enjoys riding western on the trails in her free time. Lauren owns an 8-year-old horse named Bern, who came off the track in 2016 and has been with her since he was 4. Over the years, She has worked with Bern to teach him everything he knows, forming a deep bond along the way. Laurens favorite way to spend time is grooming Bern, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, and connecting with the people around them. Lauren says, “For as long as she can remember, Horse N’ Soul has been her safe place, a space where they feel truly at home and inspired.”

11/20/2024

The fundraiser is finally upon us and here are the Chinese auction baskets!

11/06/2024

“My catch phrase is ‘one jump at a time, which is something I try to follow on course and
also in life.” -Reed Kessler 🌦️

09/24/2024

Last night we said goodbye to four of the horses that have been boarded at HNS for a long time, Gabe, Lady, Carbon and Diamond. As well as their owners Clay and Martha Collins. Please be praying for them as they travel to their new home in Colorado. The Collins were such a big help the past several years, we will miss them greatly ❤️❤️

09/21/2024

Hey HNS family!!! The farms big fundraiser is right around the corner and we are asking each family if they could help out and donate a basket for the Chinese Auction! This is a fun way for you and your students to help out!!! Please comment below if you are willing and able to help! Baskets need to be received no later than Nov. 16th. Thank you all!

09/14/2024

We are in the process of having someone come out and do thr driveway it should be done relatively soon. If you actually drive up and down slow it isn’t that bad. This patch of grass is almost completely dead….from multiple people driving on it. We are kindly asking that we try to keep it to a minimum if not at all. The first time it rains this is all going to be mud.

09/12/2024

I want to remind everyone the farm operates on a well. We have not had rain for months and the rain we have had does not count. We need to preserve the well. That means no bathes. Sponge and bucket of water in wash stall is fine they still need cooled down in this heat. But that also means the indoor will not get watered until the rains start and the water table raises. I know this is an inconvenience and we apologize but the horses having water to drink comes first. If you come to ride during lesson time if you use the indoor do slow work as to not kick up too much dust. Or utilize the round pen or do hill work. Thinking outside the box and not doing the same thing over and over is good for both you and your horse! ❤️

09/01/2024

Exciting news: our first big fundraiser for Hope Rising Equine Assisted Therapy, our 501c3, has been booked! Please mark your calendars and invite all your friends. We will also be looking for donations for the Chinese auction!!!

08/30/2024

A letter from Ms. Maria...❤️

To my Horse ‘N Soul friends and family,

It is with a heavy heart that I am reaching out to let you all know that I am leaving my teaching position at Horse ‘N Soul. Although I have struggled with this decision, I know it is one that is for the best for me and my family at this point in time.

Horse ‘N Soul has been a huge part of my life ever since I came to the barn as a teenager. The horses, people, and experiences that I have had here over the past 12 years have helped shape me into the person and horsewoman that I am today. Ms. Pam, in particular, has been a huge blessing to me. She welcomed me with open arms, and gave me countless opportunities to learn and help out around the farm.

In 2019, Ms. Pam gave me my start in the equine industry when she brought me onto the staff as an instructor. Teaching lessons these past 6 years and being a part of Horse ‘N Soul’s team has been a genuine joy. I am so thankful to all the parents for trusting me to work with your children; it has been a privilege to watch them grow in their skills as well as in their confidence. Of course, my biggest thank you goes to the students. Getting to challenge and support you all has been such an honor. I have gotten to see so many people fall in love– and deeper in love– with horses, and I cannot be more grateful to have been a small part in so many of those journeys.

I will always cherish the many wonderful memories I have at Horse ‘N Soul. This barn has been a safe place for me in some of the most transformative times of my life. Although I feel that my path is leading me somewhere different at this time, Horse ‘N Soul will always feel like home to me.

With love,
Ms. Maria

08/28/2024

Hi, everyone!

We will be having an equine dentist coming to visit some of the lesson horses on Sept 9th. Amigo, Micah, Justice, Jax, Eli, Judah, Addie, Lucy, & Fred will all be getting their teeth done.

The cost is $100 per horse plus $25-45 for sedation, if anyone would like to help out and sponsor a horse please let me know!

Ms. Jen
412.861.0278

08/14/2024

Students, registration for our western fun show closes THIS SATURDAY. Don't forget to sign up-- hope to see you there! 🤠

08/04/2024

Eyes ⬆️ & heels ⬇️

🐴

08/02/2024

A note from Ms. Jen... ❤️

Dear HNS Family and Friends,

I would like to give you some updates. I am coming along in my recovery. My brain and body are learning every day to work with the new challenges. I am obviously still not working, for at least another 2 weeks or so.

That being said it is with great sadness to inform you that the neurologist has decided that returning to HNS is not in my health’s best interest. I am no longer physically capable of performing the duties the job entails.

Ms. Pam and I are working out some details, where I can remain there on a part time basis. HNS has become a huge part of my life over the last 10 years and I cannot just walk away and I am pretty sure Ms. Pam wouldn’t allow it anyways.

We are also going to work on a smooth transition, and I will work closely with the person who will be taking over.

These past few weeks have been a struggle and also an eye opener on many levels. I cannot thank you all enough for stepping up and lending a hand tending to the horses and Ms. Pam. Also, thank you for the personal support I have received - this all has truly been a struggle for me and my family.

Please continue to pray for me and for HNS as we move forward.

Kylie Voller will be stepping into my position at the barn. Pam and I will work to make this transition as easy as possible for everyone and the horses.

Thank you,

Ms. Jen

*** If anyone would like to contribute financially to Ms. Jen's recovery, her PayPal is [email protected] ***

07/24/2024

This summer has been a hot one! Don't forget to bring water to hydrate before and after your lesson. ☀️🥵