SureFire Horsemanship, LLC

09/19/2025

We’ve had 6 at least I’ve seen at the barn this year ♥️ we love snakes

09/19/2025

Every horse on my farm that’s over 15 is a “senior” but these 19 and 20 year olds I NEVER remember being older than 16 until I think about it. They all look good, they all look shiny. May they keep kicking into their 30s

Keeping horses ticking----A possibly “uncomfortable” read for some---

"The phrase "sitting is the new smoking" is a metaphor used to highlight the health risks associated with prolonged sedentary behavior.
Health Consequences of Prolonged Sitting:
• Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases:
Sitting for extended periods reduces blood flow and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
• Obesity:
Sitting for long hours slows down metabolism and increases the risk of weight gain and obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes:
Prolonged sitting can lead to insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Cancer:
Studies have shown that sitting for extended periods is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and kidney cancer.
• Musculoskeletal problems:
Sitting for too long can weaken muscles, lead to back pain, and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Mental health issues:
Sedentary behavior has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Comparison to Smoking:
While sitting is not as harmful as smoking, it shares some similar health risks. Smoking involves the intake of toxic substances that directly damage the lungs and other organs. Sitting, on the other hand, is a lifestyle factor that can lead to chronic health problems over time.
Conclusion:
The metaphor "sitting is the new smoking" emphasizes the importance of reducing sedentary behavior and getting regular physical activity. While sitting is not as harmful as smoking, it can still have significant health consequences. It is crucial to break up periods of sitting with movement, such as standing, walking, or stretching, to protect overall health and well-being."

(These 2 horses are 19 and 20)

09/19/2025

09/19/2025

52 likes, 2 comments. “ ’s horses”

09/18/2025

Staying hydrated….. and cute

Don’t forget you water and electrolytes!

Especially if you’re taking medications that effect your sensitivity to heat and light

09/18/2025

♥️ let them have safe struggles early

09/18/2025

Horses require a growth mindset.

The last week drew me to contemplation on all things horses and this world we live in. I keep coming back to the problem of the growth mindset - we are losing it. With more information we are becoming more divided and more entrenched.

I'm a firm believer in being a life-long learner in all things. But I'm particularly firm on that when our work involves other sentient beings. The reality of our world is we are seeking truth and our understanding does change as we are exposed to new theories and discoveries. A growth mindset should cause us to examine our own beliefs and either reaffirm or adjust what we do.

But, it is not black and white and in order to examine well we need:

1. Strong critical thinking skills
2. Academic understanding of training theory
3. Patience and observation skills
4. The ability to dialogue well with others
5. Humility

I often see "growth mindsets" that move with the "trends" instead of developing critical understanding. They do not utilize the above skills which leads to lack of clarity for horse and human.

We are steeped in tradition which we NEED. We have centuries of experts who have paved the way for what we do today. We are blessed to build on their work which allows us to go deeper. But, we cannot simply do things traditionally because "it is tradition!" We have to understand the "why" and the effect. We are losing that in our industry.

But, we also have to let go of tradition when it doesn't serve the horse. We need to understand the why behind what we do. We need to continue to research and adapt to new discoveries.

We need a true growth mindset that is willing, if necessary, to set aside our own goals for the welfare of the horse. And that growth mindset should extend to the way we talk to other horse people.

09/18/2025

Reminder -
Private hours (or groups with one student showing) are going to be restricted to 45-50 minutes tops

Doubles will be an hour

Groups of 3 (besides Giddyup Gang) will generally extend 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is your time with me not your time in the saddle.

Giddyup Gang will remain one full hour, start to finish, no early arrivals or late departures. That’s all the littles and I can focus on each other 😂😂😂😂

09/17/2025

English tack and Riding Apparel Online at Equus Now! Shop English horseback riding tack and rider apparel in store and online!

09/17/2025

Things to think about if you own

We do not talk about it enough, but loss is something all horse owners eventually face. Learning about end-of-life options, such as horse mortality composting, can ease decision-making during an emotional time.

For those considering composting, understanding the process in advance allows for thoughtful, prepared choices when they matter most.

Learn more about composting at: https://extension.umn.edu/preparing-livestock-emergencies/horse-carcass-compost-pile