Graceful Horsemanship (2024)

02/05/2024

Life update

I don't have any updated pictures of my horses, so here are some old pictures of Otto. I'm almost 35 weeks pregnant with baby number 2. I'm excited to get my personal horses back to a regular work schedule after this baby is born. I have big plans for Otto and Tuck this summer. Otto needs more advanced groundwork and learning a good work routine. Tuck needs a refresh on his groundwork and some saddle work. I'm also excited to get Echo and Levi back into shape as well as working on getting myself back into shape. Currently I'm trying to get all my 4H lesson students ready for fair before I have to take some time off. I'm also trying to get the 4H drill team ready for fair. Both my lesson students and drill team are doing great.

23/04/2024

🌟Student Spotlight 🌟

For our next student spotlight we are highlighting Josie Hasler. In fall of 2023, Josie decided that she would like to try to compete in the youth mustang competition that will be taking place in KY in September 2024. In November, we made the trip over to Ewing holding facility to pick out a little mustang for her to compete with. Josie ended up picking out a gelding from Divide Basin, WY. She named him Phoenix. Josie has done nearly all of the training on this sweet little c**t with some guidance from us. This is a completely new experience for Josie, and she is doing an excellent job for her first time. Phoenix knows all the basics and more! He's starting to get really good at the skills he will need to know for the show. Josie has done some ground driving with him and this week she started introducing him to a saddle. Phoenix has also learned his lay down and the beginning of a sit. Josie has also worked on some liberty training as well. Phoenix has the best personality and is such a sweet, goofy gelding. It has been so fun watching and helping Josie the last few months. We are very excited to see their progress over the next few months leading up to competition.

09/04/2024

🐴 Tips from a Mustang trainer series 🐴

Topic: How to be a good adopter.

For today's tips from a Mustang trainer, I want to discuss how to be a good adopter. There are many things that play a big role in being a good adopter not only for your horse but to make it easier for your trainer, as well as ensuring you find the perfect horse to fit your needs. If you are a trainer and have something to add to this list please comment below.

Be honest with yourself:
*Know your limits and experience level.
*Think clearly and take the time it takes to find a horse that fits your experience level and has a suitable temperament for your discipline of choice.

Build your team:
*Consider adopting through a reputable mustang trainer who can support your journey and help you with any training issues you might encounter. An experienced mustang trainer can also need very helpful in selecting the right horse to suit your needs.
*Discuss your plans to adopt a mustang with your vet, farrier, stable manager (if you plan on boarding), and any other equine professional you will be working with. Most qualified equine professionals will be more than helpful and knowledge about working with the specific needs of a recently gentled mustang. However, some will not be willing to work with mustangs, so you will need to be prepared to find professionals who will.
*If you don't own your own trailer, you will need to rent or borrow a BLM approved trailer to haul your animal, or hire a professional hauler to transport.

Plan your budget:
*Be realistic about the costs of owning a horse.
*Lay out a monthly budget that considers any possible basic care that your horse might require. Make sure to include feed concentrates, ample hay, salt and minerals, regular farrier care, and board costs (if applicable).
*Budget for continued training and/or lessons that you might need as you progress in training.
*Have a reasonable emergency fund set aside in case of an unexpected illness or injury.
*Horses are expensive. If you cannot financially afford the basic needs of horse ownership at the time, consider other alternatives until you are financially ready.
Consider volunteering at a facility to gain more experience, take lessons, or find work at a local stable.

Time management:
*Horses require continual interaction and training. Make sure that you have an average of 1-2 hours at least 4-5 days a week for grooming and training sessions.
*Training sessions do not have to be extensive or strenuous, consistency is the key. A 15 minute training session, followed by grooming, hand grazing, or even just a long walk can accomplish a lot.
*Keep in mind to factor in additional time for basic care and routine barn chores in addition to your training sessions.

Communication!!!!
*Be open and honest with the owner or trainer about your experience level, facilities, and future plans for the horse you are looking to purchase or adopt. Good trainers are not looking for the first adopter to come along, but the best match for both horse and adopter. This ensures a more successful adoption! Don't take offense if the trainer feels like this is not the right horse to suit your needs. There are thousands of horses in need of homes, and any good trainer will be more than happy to help you find the horse of your dreams.
*Respond to texts, emails, and phone calls within a reasonable time frame. Slow response time suggests that you are not very interested, and we will move on to other adopters. Trainers get ghosted on the regular, and we will take that into consideration if you decide you want to adopt a horse from us in the future. It's not hard to let us know that you are no longer interested or don't feel like the horse fits your needs. If you are still interested, but will be away from your phone, simply let us know with a short message that you will respond as soon as you're able.
*Keep your appointments! Trainers sometimes have to schedule their entire day or even week around your visit. Please arrive to appointments promptly. If you you are running late, or need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible.
*Don't be a "tire kicker". Don't reach out about a mustang unless you are actively in the market to buy or adopt now or in the near future.

04/04/2024

🌟Student Spotlight 🌟

We have many wonderful students that we would love to start highlighting every so often. They have made such wonderful progress, and we would love to keep everyone updated on their horse adventures. Keep an eye out for more student spotlights in the near future.

For our first student spotlight, we have Rylynne Potts. Rylynne has been riding at our barn since she was 5 years old. Once she advanced from mini 4H to regular 4H H&P, she started leasing a horse who is owned by a close friend of mine. In the fall of 2021, I picked up a little grey filly for the TIP program. Rylynne and her family quickly fell in love with her and ended up adopting her. They ended up naming her Charisma, but everyone calls her Rizzy. In the past few months, Rylynne started Rizzy undersaddle. This is a new experience for Rylynne, and she has been doing great. She and Rizzy are advancing quickly and becoming a great team. She recently took Rizzy to her first drill team practice, which she did amazing at. This little mare is so naturally collected and is a beautiful mover. We are very excited to watch these two advance together and compete at the 4H fair this year.

04/04/2024

🍁Fall Training openings 🍁

I'm now booking client horses for this fall! Groundwork horses or b***os only until further notice. I will be accepting new mustangs as well. If you are interested in a new mustang I offer help with selection as well as pick up and hauling from Ewing, Illinois. Clients who are interested in new mustangs please contact me soon. Price will vary depending on what the client would like done and the amount of days. Groundwork skills that I can teach will be listed below.

Skills I can teach.
🌟First touches and gentling
🌟Halter and lead
🌟Pick up all four feet safely (Doing all prep work for the farrier)
🌟Brush all over
🌟Standing tied safely
🌟Load and unload from trailer (leading and sending)
🌟Lunging WTC
🌟Sidepassing (away and towards)
🌟Moving shoulders and hips
🌟Going over and through obstacles
🌟Despooking work
🌟Showmanship
🌟Bathing safely
🌟Clipping
🌟Ground driving
🌟Trick training (sidepassing towards, laying down,bow, hug, ect)
🌟Saddle work (preparing to ride)

Please PM if you would like more information.

25/09/2023

Are you interested in adopting a mustang, but don't have the facility or confidence to gentle your own? I have two training spaces available for this fall and winter. We have a few different package options to choose from. I have many previous adopter references available. Send a PM for more information.

Package 1- We gentle
Includes:
*Assistance in choosing your mustang.
*Transporting your mustang from Ewing holding facility to ours.
*Three months gentling and boarding with adopter involvement.
*Minimum of halter, leading, hoof handling, trailer loading, and grooming.
*Any additional training that your horse is ready for during its allotted time.

Package 2-You gentle
*Same as package #1, except we walk you through gentling your own mustang.
*Will include use of our gentling pens and 5 sessions per week.

Package 3- Private adoption
*Three months gentling and boarding with adopter involvement.
*Minimum of halter, leading, hoof handling, trailer loading, and grooming.
*Any additional training that your horse is ready for during its allotted time.
*Can pick up from Ewing or local adoption event for additional fee.

Each package will require a non refundable deposit that will cover transportation and one month board and training. Adopters will receive an honest evaluation by week three to determine their horse's progress and potential. If the adopter chooses to continue with the training package, the remainder of the fee will be payable at the beginning of the second month.

Located in Bloomfield, Indiana.

12/09/2023

🐴 Tips from a Mustang trainer series 🐴

Topic: Requirements to adopt and why they are so important. Part 2

Today's tips from a Mustang trainer, I'll be discussing the trailer requirements when adopting. It is very important to have a safe and reliable trailer when purchasing a mustang (or any horse). When picking up a horse from holding I recommend having a stock trailer with one rear door. I have picked up horses in a few different trailers, but the stock trailer is by far the easiest and safest. If you have questions or concerns about your trailer call your BLM office or a Mustang trainer and see if your trailer is BLM approved.

When picking up a gentled mustang from a trainer you should discuss what type of trailer the horse is used to. Most gentled horses should be ready for most trailers. All of the horses that come through my program are loaded in both a stock and a slant load trailer. I always give my adopters the option to bring their trailer to drop off for a week or two to let me get their horse comfortable with it.

When picking up any mustang (or horse) you should make sure it is safe. This includes safe solid floors, solid doors and solid walls. Don't pick up your horse if the trailer has an unsafe structure, full of things for storage, has sharp things your horse could get impaled on, ect. I have had a few interesting trailers that have pulled in to pick up horses. I have recently spoke to BLM about this trailer issue and they have told me I can turn away adopters if the trailer is unsafe. Adopters may come back with a safe trailer to pick the horse up. Please be honest about your trailer with both your trainer and BLM. If you don't have a trailer to haul your horse talk to your trainer. Most trainers will help you find a ride for your horse.

As trainers we want to ensure both the safety for the horse and adopter. We want a smooth transition from training with us to their new home. Never be worried about asking your trainer any questions you have. Most of us are happy to help you in any way we can.

08/09/2023

I am so thankful to have such an amazing sponsor. Green Horse Organics has the best products. They make my horses look and feel great. It's honestly hard to choose my favorite out of all the products they offer. My horses are absolutely obsessed, and they love the smell of them. GHO also has a line of amazing products for people. I use the lip balm, moisturizer, serum, soap, and scrubs daily. The ingredients are healthy and natural. I've noticed a big difference in my skin once I started using GHO. I also noticed my horses having better, healthier skin and coats. I have a few horses with sensitive skin, and GHO products have helped them. If you use the code GRACEGHO, you'll receive a discount on your next purchase.

08/09/2023

We purchased some of our pictures from the show. Mr. Mayor was very photogenic, so it was hard to narrow it down to our top five favorites. I still can't get over how well he performed, even though he had some typical donkey moments. I'm going to be sad to see him go here in a few weeks. I am so excited for his new family, though. They are getting one cool donkey, and I can't wait to see what they do with him.

Gertie was pretty photogenic as well. She performed really well at the competition, and I know mom is very proud of her. A few weeks after the competition, she had her vet check, which she passed with flying colors. Then, she was adopted and went home with her new family. We are so very excited for her family and can't wait to see her progress and mature over the years.

07/09/2023

Due to the recent termination of the TIP program, I am going to be offering a few different gentling packages for adopters who are still in need of assistance through those first few months or of holding.

Package 1- We gentle
Includes:
*Assistance in choosing your mustang.
*Transporting your mustang from Ewing holding facility to ours.
*Three months gentling and boarding with adopter involvement.
*Minimum of halter, leading, hoof handling, trailer loading, and grooming.
*Any additional training that your horse is ready for during its allotted time.

Package 2-You gentle
*Same as package #1, except we walk you through gentling your own mustang.
*Will include use of our gentling pens and 5 sessions per week.

Package 3- Private adoption
*Three months gentling and boarding with adopter involvement.
*Minimum of halter, leading, hoof handling, trailer loading, and grooming.
*Any additional training that your horse is ready for during its allotted time.
*Can pick up from Ewing or local adoption event for additional fee.

Each package will require a non refundable deposit that will cover transportation and one month board and training. Adopters will receive an honest evaluation by week three to determine their horse's progress and potential. If the adopter chooses to continue with the training package, the remainder of the fee will be payable at the beginning of the second month. PM for more information.

30/07/2023

Adult B***o champions🫏🥇

Wow..what an amazing weekend it has been. Mayor officially had his first off property trip at the challenge. I was very impressed with how well he handled everything! This weekend helped me see the things I'd like to get a little cleaner before he goes home. He performed well in all of our classes. Freestyle definitely didn't go as planned at all😂. I'm super excited to say that we are the champions for the Adult B***o division. Mikayla and I were actually tied and they had a tie breaker with the H&C scores. It's been a while since I've had this much fun at a show. We made some new friends and we saw some friends that we don't get to see very often. Mayor was thrilled to see some other b***os. He was obsessed with the baby b***os. I'm definitely planning on competing with another b***o in the future. Thank you to all my family and friends for all the support! I truly couldn't have made it through this challenge without you.❤️

27/07/2023

I've decided to pull Otto out of the competition. This has not been an easy decision to make. He is an amazing horse and can do some really great things, but he's just not quite ready for the show. I've been back and forth on my decision the last week. The last few days he has shown me that he is just not quite ready. As a trainer you have to do what's best for your horse. It hurts my heart a little that my boy won't be there this weekend, but Mr. Mayor will still be going. I'm excited to have a fun weekend with Mayor.

25/06/2023

Still available!!
We have had a busy summer with our Bluegrass TIP challenge horses, and Ewing has been closed down, therefore I have not had the opportunity to pick up any additional TIP horses recently. However, if you're interested in adopting from me... One of my previous TIP trained horses is available for reassignment!
This 4 yr old gelding from Eagle NV has continued to board with us since his adoption. He far exceeds TIP requirements, and is ready to continue his training. He loves attention and needs a job! He has a great temperament, excellent conformation, and is ready to start your way! He would excel in almost any direction you would like to take him, but he will definitely prefer an active lifestyle. I would recommend intermediate and up because he's one smart boy.
This guy will be the first to meet you at the gate and he never meets a stranger. He is sound, healthy, and utd on everything.
If you are interested in adopting Fuego, please pm me for additional information.

19/05/2023

These boys are doing great! I'm so proud of both my boys and how far they have come in the last week. I've finally been able to start using some products on them to help clean them up. Thank you Green Horse Organics for making such wonderful products❤️.

Paydirt (Otto)
Otto has been making some wonderful progress in the last week! I can now catch him easily and we are beginning to halter over his rope halter. He can lead to the indoor arena and roundpen now. I've been brushing his mane daily and I can now spray him with fly spray and detangler. He rubbed a spot on his neck under his mane, so I've been treating it with Natures Gold from GHO. It's healed quickly and it's beginning to grow some peach fuzz back. I've also worked on basic Showmanship Maneuvers and he's picking up on it quickly.
I talked to my vet about Otto's spookiness and some eating issues I've noticed. The symptoms Otto is showing points to ulcers. We made the decision to put him on an 8 day treatment. I hope that makes him feel a bit better. Yesterday I introduced him to the water hose and he loved it once he realized it wasn't going to eat him😂

Mr. Mayor
I haven't been working Mayor as much as Otto. He's such a smart donkey and doesn't forget anything we've worked on. He picks up right where we left off. I can send him over the bridge and logs. I've been working him on the the basic Showmanship Maneuvers and he is doing really well. The spray bottle doesn't bother him, so I'm hoping to introduce him to the water hose here soon. Yesterday I introduced him to the mini clippers and he was interested in them. I'm super happy with all the progress he's made.

28/04/2023

Mr Mayor is progressing really nicely. His leading has improved as well as his obstacle work. He goes over the logs and our pool noodle obstacle. We started on the bridge today. A few days ago he graduated out of his halter and can be caught now. I've also started working on his pivots and back up. I'm really proud of how much he's progressed the last few days.

28/04/2023

Now that he has his halter on I can officially announce his name. Introducing "Paydirt" aka Otto. Last week I was finally able to get a halter on this sweet boy. I usually don't like leaving on a rope halter, but I knew he wasn't quite ready to hear the noise of a web halter. He's sensitive to sounds and tends to zone in on a noise. We started the halter breaking process and he is doing quite well. Today was my third time leading him and he is learning very quickly. I can get him to move his hips both directions now and we are leading around his pen. I was also able to start working on his right side. He hasn't let me onto his right side until the last three days. I brushed him all the way to his butt on both sides today. Isabell has been watching me work him and she loves cheering us on.

17/04/2023

This update is long overdue. My sweet gelding is coming along. We are taking things slow and steady. He loves attention, but he gets worried about outside noise. I've been working on getting him used to a Halter. I'm very close to getting him haltered. He's also loving getting brushed. I'm able to brush all over his neck, chest and shoulder. He does have a name, but I'm going to wait to announce it. I'd love to have him haltered before I announce his name. I absolutely love this boys personality. I know it's taking a bit longer to get things accomplished, but building this foundation of trust is so important.❤️

28/03/2023

The boys are really starting to make progress. My horse is starting to let me pet his face. He likes attention and hay cubes. The first session I had with him yesterday he started shaking all over. The second session he was more settled and comfortable with me getting more in his space.

Mr. Mayor had a great session yesterday too. We focused on lots of petting and neck scratches. I worked on it without him having a lead rope on. I didn't end up working on leading him yesterday. He's slowly gaining confidence and is realizing domestic life isn't so bad.

27/03/2023

I had good sessions with both boys today. My Palomino did amazing today! I'm already so in love with him. He's beginning to settle in and really relax when I'm near. I did a lot of approach and retreat today and began adding in some small alfalfa cubes. After thorough inspection he decided they weren't poison and gladly took a few from me. I was also able to do a little bit of petting on his nose. I'm not pushing him hard and fast. We are taking our time and really gaining trust. I feel like he's going to give me everything once he trusts me.

Mayor had another leading session today. It definitely has improved since yesterday. He isn't sure about getting petted and caught. He does love treats though, so that is definitely the way to his heart. I'm definitely getting a work out every time I work him. He likes to dart off when he decides he's done. I think he just needs to gain some confidence. I don't think I'll have issues with him trotting...he has the need for speed.

26/03/2023

I decided to put a halter on Mayor this evening. After working him a little I felt like this was a much needed step to help gain his confidence. He's still a bit unsure about the leading, but we are getting there. When I put him up in his pen for the night I got him to take two cookies. Food is definitely going to be the way to his heart😂.

25/03/2023

I'm already so in love with this handsome boy!😍😍 I've let him have the day to get settled in. I noticed he was being moved a lot by the handlers yesterday and he was low on the pecking order with the horses. I could tell he was pretty stressed. He hasn't pooped since we picked him up, so he's making us a bit nervous 😬. Even though I technically gave him the day to settle I still stood out in the rain to talk to him. He's letting me pretty close in his bubble. I worked on just keeping my energy low and chilling out with him. He did a lot of yawning and licking and chewing. I was so excited to see that he's so relaxed with me near!

24/03/2023

We officially had our first small session this afternoon. I'm letting him chill out and go at his own pace. He ended up having a pretty traumatic afternoon. When picking up yesterday he fell in the chute and was trampled by the babies. Thankfully b***os are tough and although he isn't physically hurt he's a little scared after everything. I'm very excited to announce that he has a name...introducing
Mr. Mayor❤️🫏. I thought I was bringing home a Jenny and he thoroughly surprised us when we got home. His name was originally Marigold, but I started calling him Mayor after I found out he was a gelding.

24/03/2023

Post wrote by Brittainy

Well, life doesn't always go the way you plan. Unfortunately, after unloading at home and getting a good look at her, my draw for the TIP challenge has had a pretty significant previous injury to her LH leg. It is hard to determine at this time if she is going to remain sound. I woke up this morning very torn on what to do.... Return her and see if I could get a second draw, or keep her and see if we can work through it.
Most of you that know me, know that I'm a very competitive person, but I will always put the welfare of my animal first.
I did some soul searching while cleaning stalls and made my decision. So without further ado, let me introduce No Regrets, aka "Gertie". She might possibly be the scruffiest, scraggliest underdog on the planet, but I'm going to turn her into something special.

24/03/2023

We made it home with our challenge horses. Here are my two for the competition. I think both of these geldings are going to be awesome. I'm very excited to get the opportunity to work with a b***o. The B***o was captured outside of an HMA, and my Palomino is from Eagle. I'll post pictures of Brittainy and Charlotte's fillys in the morning.

20/03/2023

🐴 Tips from a TIP trainer series 🐴

Topic: Requirements to adopt and why they are so important

Today's tips from a TIP trainer, I'll be discussing the requirements to adopt. When adopting a wild Horse or b***o it is very important to meet all requirements. Below is a BLM requirement sheet. Let's discuss the pen, shelter and trailer. First is the corral, which should be a minimum of a 20x20 pen. I usually suggest purchasing a roundpen to use as your corral. Your corral also has height requirements. For a yearling or gentled horse (TIP) it is required to have 5ft fence. An ungentled horse two years or older has a fence requirement of 6ft fence. B***os have a fence height requirement of 4.5ft. The fence height is for both safety of the animal and adopter. All the fence heights above are the minimum requirements and if you have a taller pen that is even better. When adopting a wild animal from the facility, they may be tempted to jump your panels once you arrive home. If you decide to adopt a TIP horse they are ready for a 5ft corral and possibly pasture if the trainer has prepared the horse. Talk to your TIP trainer about what your horse is ready for before taking them home. The next requirement is the shelter for the horse. This is different depending on your state. In the first picture below it shows the minimum state requirements. The last thing is the trailer. I'm going to make a part two to this post and it will be all about the trailer.

20/03/2023

🐴 3 DAYS 🐴

Only three more days till we get to meet our challenge horses! The people competing from the barn are Charlotte Blankenship, Brittainy Helms and Grace Sachtjen (me). We still don't know what horses we will be picking up. Since we don't know what they will look like, let's have a contest! We would like to hear what you think each of our three horses will look like. Please put all three guesses in the comments. If you get one or two of them correct you will get an extra entry into the giveaway. If you get all three correct you'll receive three extra entry's into the giveaway.

09/03/2023

🌟Giveaway time🌟
We've made to to 1k likes! In honor of making it to 1k likes we will be hosting a giveaway. This giveaway will include 3 wonderful prizes. First I'd like to get this page to 1k follows as well. If you aren't already following make sure you are. You definitely don't want to miss out. Invite your friends! More details on the giveaway will be out soon❤️

08/03/2023

I ground drove Sampson for the first time the other day. He did wonderful! This boy is going to make Isabell a nice little pony. She already adores him and she loves to give him kisses❤️

08/03/2023

It's official, we have been accepted into the Bluegrass TIP Challenge. There will be three of us competing from the barn. Our horses may be available after the competition. I will be posting more details soon!

08/03/2023

The boys got their first Hoof trim last week. They both did great. I am really proud of them and how far they have both come. I'm excited to see them grow and flourish with their new adopters.

Graceful Horsemanship

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