Shady Grove Farm - Equine Wisdom

14/03/2025

Got to take Casper out on the first real trail ride of the spring. He was amazing.

After powering up a step muddy hill, he needed a bit of a break but was too proud to admit it so he pretended to stare at a very suspicious stump for a few minutes.

We were laughing that he was waiting for the Lorax to jump out.

By the look he gave Daniela, he was not as amused as we were.

After a few minutes to catch his breath, we continued on with our relaxing ride.

It felt so good to get out of the arena and into some trees

16/01/2025

02/12/2024

Being Calm versus feeling safe

This has been a juicy theme we have been diving into recently.
We want our animals and people around us to be calm because it feels safe "to us". It helps us feel in control.
But is it being calm or is it being shut down because the other is scared of our bigger emotions and movements?
I equate calmness as a byproduct of truly feeling safe with another.
My horsemanship goal is to be the safe person for the animals and humans in my sphere of influence.

But what does that mean? What does being a safe person really mean to you? To your horse? To your child? Your partner?

Sink into that and let me know your thoughts.

20/11/2024

I woke up this morning with a huge weight lifted. The last few months have been heavy for me as well as many people I know.
All day, I have been humming, randomly smiling, and getting lots of snuggles from all of the horses.

I have optimistic feelings about community gatherings and humanitarian endeavors. A fire has been lit.
Today also marks Pluto moving into Aquarius for the first time in 248 years. Let's think back to what was happening around that time, especially in this country.
I think there will be a huge leap in both technology as well as community. No matter what, we are in for some big changes. Let's be the agents of positive change, not fearful victims of uncontrollable change.
Balance is key. Remember that we ARE nature and you need to stay grounded in order to soar.
I always go back to the classic yoga quote of
"Root Down to Rise Up"

Armstrong is a new addition here on the farm.
He is learning about reiki and new ways that we interact with the world. Big boy is just eating it up!

29/10/2024

Savoring the light before we sink into the season of darkness and hibernation. The changing of seasons always brings me conflicting feelings of sadness for leaving behind what has been and excitement for what is to come.

I do not have a cozy indoor facility to work out of in the winter. We bundle up and find resilience in the harsh weather and joy in the beauty of discomfort.

That's not to say that it is easy and I don't grumble and wish for a bit more comfort and ease when the wind is blowing sleet sideways into my face and my hands are numb.

But at least for now, I have this moment of rainbows and unicorns. 🌈 🦄

19/10/2024

The sky was incredible during morning chores. I am absolutely grateful for my morning and evening chores so that I can take a few moments to pause from my crazy days and just take in the beauty around me
It is so easy to just put your head down, nose to the ground stone of daily life. I am the first to admit that I fall into that trap and spend too much time running through scenarios in my head.
Bookending my day with a few moments to find beauty and awe around me is a small thing that is essential to my mental health.
Now I need to find a few more moments throughout the day!

08/10/2024

Northern lights were beautiful last night

07/10/2024

Casper and I have learned how to hold space for each other over the years together. This friendship has been built through trust and learning how to "read" the other's energy.
He gives me strength through his presence but also inevitably reminds me to not let life be too serious.

I was sitting on the salt block thinking about things while waiting for the water tank to fill. He came over and supported me energetically while I processed some thoughts. Then he said "enough!"
He took a drink and then dribbled water on my head.

Thanks for everything buddy

24/09/2024

Can you spot the pony? He is living his best life at the moment. Hidden from view and just doing his thing.
He was happy to pop up and say hi, then go back to his peaceful browsing away from view.

A good reminder that we don't need to put everything on view for others and that we can disappear for peace. Goals are still being realized, just not in the spotlight.

Sometimes new DO need to have our goals in the spotlight, especially if we need accountability and support, but often times we can get derailed if we look too much for outside validation and motivation.

I am always striving to build my internal motivation to set and achieve goals so that I can disappear into a peaceful place.

13/06/2024

Resting with the herd. One by one, they all laid down.

I was checking on the herd to make sure I didn't need to reapply fly spray or put on fly masks.
I was delighted to see that Ivy was resting as she can have a hard time with this. She allowed me to sit with her for a while and just breathe. A few minutes later, Casper laid down, and then one by one, they all laid down.
Each horse spent a different amount of time resting. Some rolled. Some laid flat out for a while.
After about 20 minutes, everyone was back up and grazing.

It was an honor to be a part of the group chill and I felt grounded, relaxed, and clear minded as I moved on with my morning.

02/05/2024

Happy Beltane!

Warmer weather is slowwwlllyyyy making it's way to North Idaho. We are taking advantage of some beautiful puffy clouds in between the hail/graupel squalls

07/04/2024

Tuning fork therapy sessions for some stunning dressage horses at Steiner Dressage in Loxahatchee, FL

Swiss is a very expressive mare who told me exactly where she wanted me to work. I was able to do 2 sessions with her last week.
The first session, I worked on her lymph system behind her poll as well as her hyoids.
The second session, she had me work on her left temporalis muscle (just above the eye), her left bracio/pectoral as well as her girth area on both sides which was incredible as she is known to be very sensitive in that area.
Stan told me to work on his gelding scar and right hamstring.
I am so glad my mom took a picture of his goofy faces while I worked on him.
I really enjoy bringing some softness and healing to horses, even though I was "working" on my vacation

20/03/2024

Unexpected training opportunity this morning.

This was my second ever ride on Chili. We were doing our first trot of the session and this combine came over the hill behind us.
We both looked over our shoulder to look at it with curiosity. "What's that? Oh, a combine." Instead of "WHAT IS THAT???? IT'S GOING TO KILL ME!!!!"
We stopped and looked at it for a bit while doing a few rounds of breath work. And then it was just a thing that came and went over the course of our ride.
When we feel safe in each other's presence, and can both self regulate and congratulate our heart and breath, life becomes so much easier.
Taking the time to develop a solid foundation pays off in dividends over time

22/02/2024

Post ride softness...

I asked him if he would support me while I hopped on ba****ck to test my knee after being kicked by a struggling horse a few weeks ago.

He graciously carried me around the arena while I focused on my body.

I wasn't sure if going faster than a walk was a good idea and he agreed so after walking for a while we hung out in the middle while I told him my worries, doubts, and fears.

He supported me physically and emotionally with a quiet strength quite different from his normal mischievous ways. It was a wonderful gift from a special horse.

I watched him become the herd leader this summer for the first time since coming here 9 years ago and he is bringing that leadership into our human horse relationship.

I just love hanging out with the horses beyond the basics of tacking up and riding. The deep connection we forge is life changing.

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31/12/2023

What are your 2024 goals?

24/12/2023

I am please to announce that Wyn is now officially a Fiedler. For the past 2.5 years I have been stealing him from Lin to use in lessons and camps.
It was time for him to become a forever part of the family.
So yeah, I basically bought myself a pony for my birthday.