Shady Grove Farm - Equine Wisdom

03/10/2025

Spending time with the horses gives you opportunities to observe interesting behaviors.

Ivy is showing signs of being in heat. Raised tail, winking, small squirts of pheromone lased urine, etc. The occasional squeal and kick were also present.

However, I have never seen her clack her teeth like a foal before. That is a signal to other horses that they are not a threat. Horses teeth grow throughout their lives (think about the phrase Long in the Tooth) so a foal showing its baby teeth is a sign that they are not a threat.

I have never seen this mare display this behavior before and it is really interesting that she is doing it while in heat. These are fairly contradictory behaviors in a mare.

Could this be that she knows Armstrong is a gelding and can't do anything to help her get bred? Could it be that she is not ready to be bred so she is just having some foreplay? Or is it something else?

She actually holds the power in this interaction because there is a fence between them. She can walk away and disengage any time.

Knowing her personality, I actually am not all that surprised by the dichotomy of her behavior. She is incredibly brave in many instances, but also very on edge about things off in the distance.

Working with horses isnt just about riding. It's about spending time with the herd and seeing how they interact with each other.

01/10/2025

Oh how naive I was walking out to grab Armstrong for a "quick" ride before my next client. Casper certainly had other ideas for my time.

Not only was it a stick tightly wrapped into his puny little tail, it was covered in 1 inch long razor sharp thorns.

To add injury to insult, while I was carefully trying to extricate said thorny stick without poking my hands, he decided to flick his super slick detangler soaked tail. I had no chance to hold on and it whipped into my face. The side of my nose was literally impaled by a thorn. Thanks buddy.

Life with horses is not for the weak thats for sure.

#

25/09/2025

Wheelbarrow hay bits just hit different

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.