High Point Farm

01/06/2025

🤣🤣🤣🤣

01/05/2025

Why using the speed dating concept to horse shop is wrong

‘Tis the season for lots and lots of horse shoppers to flock to Ocala to come horse shopping. So here are my thoughts.

I do not like the new trend emerging where people try to line up as many horses as possible in a 2 or 3 day period in order to feel that they are getting their money worth out of the trip.
When people tell me they have 10, 12 sometimes 15 horses to sit on I have zero interest on being part of the rotation. I feel that I want to provide a boutique/concierge stress free experience and so this is not how I do things.
Again I understand that you want to make sure you get the right horse and that it’s expensive to travel to Florida and bring your trainer and maybe your kid and so you want to maximize your investment. But I feel this is the wrong approach.
I feel that quantity ends up winning over quality and it makes the process harder on both buyers and sellers.
I personally have a type of horse that I love and try to buy over and over to resale. I have lots and lots of connections in the US, Canada and Europe, yet I really l struggle to find horses to buy on regular basis.
Why?
Because I have a very precise list of what I really need/want and if I actually stick to it, there are not hundreds of candidates. Barely a handful over 2 continents.
So going back to Ocala. There is no way that you can line up 12 to 15 horses that actually 100% matches your client’s need. I’m shopping for several clients right now and let me tell you, it’s a long and tedious task to w**d through all the “close to what I’m looking for, but not quite right” ones to actually find the exact match.
My clients are busy and I feel that I want to give them the best/easiest most time and cost efficient experience. Not just trying random horses and see what sticks.
I feel that trying horses is a very awkward, intimidating and dreadful experience for most amateur riders. They are self conscious of the owner/trainer watching them ride. They don’t want to mess up the horse they are trying. They feel uncomfortable and not always safe to climb on an unknown horse.
If you think bikini shopping is a frustrating experience, go horse shopping, this takes awkward to a whole new level.

So why put your client in a position where you put them in a tough spot repeatedly? It is your job as a horse professional to have the foresight to actually hand pick 2 or 3 horses who will be an actually perfect match.
Trial and errors is a horrible way to go at it.
And this applies to sellers. Be upfront and don’t just try to get people through the door for the sake of it. If your horse has a big bouncy trot, has vet issues, will stop with bad distances and so on, say it out loud. Those issues will be discovered at one point anyway.
Be honest, it goes a long way.

And for the love of god, if you find the most handsomest, delightful unicorn you have ever sat on in your very first trial, just stop horse shopping. When I met my husband I didn’t feel the need to go on a bunch of dates with dudes with questionable manners, hygiene, views and receive a bunch of questionable body parts pics. no thank you. If the chemistry is there, you don’t need to go on a bunch of sh*tty trials/dates to validate your opinion. Trust your guts and rely on a professional that will guide you in the right direction. If you ride a horse and you feel that this is the most amazing ride of your life, why would you keep on shopping?
And one more thing. Go horse shopping with realistic goals/expectations. It is totally ok to not be very good at the riding thing. Everybody has to start somewhere and it’s a journey. No shame at not being very good.
Where I have a problem is that if finding a 2ft vertical is turning into a new season of survivors, then do not come to shop for a 1m30+ jumper.
Anything past 1m20 is a BIG ASS jump that most mortals will never be able to tackle.
So please go horse shopping with realistic expectations of your skills, your budget and the market.

HAPPY HORSE SHOPPING

01/05/2025

We know you know, but it can’t be said enough…

❄️ Cold weather is on the way! ❄️ As temperatures drop this week, here are 5 tips to help keep your horses warm and healthy. From ensuring access to quality forage to using blankets when needed, these simple steps can make a big difference.

🐴❤️ Stay prepared, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about winter care for your horses!

01/05/2025

Want to have a solid Ocala training base?

01/03/2025

A little cross training!

01/02/2025

Good 411

🌟 Teaching Tuesday 🌟

🌟 This week we are highlighting PATH certifications to continue our celebrations of welcoming our 2 new therapeutic riding instructors, Lindsay and Martha!

🌟 Join us each week for a new Teaching Tuesday post! If there is a topic you would like for us to cover, drop your suggestion in the comments or send us a message.

01/02/2025

01/01/2025

12/25/2024

The elves are on the move! Ponies, be on the lookout for your gifts from Santa 🎅🏼 Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

12/24/2024

Thanks for investing in what really matters Lisa Evans Weinwurm! 🥰

Lisa was a part of FCA Equestrian's launch in 2019 and has been a huge factor in its growth since then! She and her husband attended Coaches Time Out this past summer along with coaches from other "traditional" sports. We are so thankful to be pouring into professionals like Lisa who are then pouring into their clients and others around them.

Lisa also said, "Donations made to FCA Equestrian allow them to provide love and support to equestrians in need. Your donations will also provide the resources to teach all ages and all levels of equestrians how to incorporate their faith into all areas of their lives."

Click the link below to give toward our goal of $25,000 and support our effort to lead every equestrian into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church!

www.fcaequestrianga.org/give