Sound Health

Gag Bits, Mouth Shutters, and Martingales, Oh My!

Learning to stop or slow down our horses with slack in the reins goes against most of the training we see. But it is through release, not confining equipment, that we achieve the best results with our horses no matter what discipline we ride.

May 13, 2012 by Kristine Nesbitt in A Horse in Miracles (6 Comments)

Compassion for All Life. Not Quite.

I fear some radical, moth-loving arm of PETA is plotting against me and my vigilante justice. Not to mention, every revenge-driven moth in a ten state region. Paranoid? Not a bit.

May 12, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward

7 Natural Health Tips for Horse & Human

One little trick I’ve learned is that if I teach people about natural things they can do to make their horse healthier, they might apply those tools to their own lives. So here are 7 simple natural health tips for horse and human alike!

May 8, 2012 by Patti Bartsch, M.A., Ph.D. in Naturally Unbridled

Do you think it’s time to clean the truck?

I have a kind of reverse pride in my truck, and after all, I would never consider a truck my primary form of transportation. Would a stranger judge me harshly?

May 4, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward (1 Comments)

A Legacy of Spirit

The first time I saw Spirit he was in a small pen, alone and wild eyed, scared to be away from his mom. I couldn’t get anywhere near him. Of course, I brought him home.

Apr 27, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward (2 Comments)

It’s All About the Cake

Eighteen months ago was an incredibly low-point for me. Lower even than when my Ex abandoned me in the mountains just after moving here, which led to our divorce after 29 years together – that kind of low.

Apr 27, 2012 by Nancy A. Kaiser in Horse Tales & Teachers (2 Comments)

A Happy Moment with Fish

I find the human perspective utterly mind-boggling. We seem unable to grasp the notion that we too are just more animals on this lovely planet. I believe we share far more with our earthly comrades then we have yet to acknowledge.

Apr 23, 2012 by Alexandra Proctor in Gateway Connection

A Retirement Resistant Spirit

Spirit says, “Work = Pride. There is plenty of time to quit living once we’re dead. If you are bored with your horse, you have your own dull self to blame. Don’t retire one day early, because retirement isn’t really like vacation at all."

Apr 20, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward

Braids and Breeches: The Perfect Ride

There were lots of great rides in Spirit’s 25 years, but this was the most perfect ride… Our warm-up was going well when two women waved us over to the rail. They asked if my horse was a Lipizzaner.....

Apr 13, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward (1 Comments)

Spotless – My introduction to Dressage

It was the late 1980’s, and a bunch of us from the barn went to see the Lipizzaners when they came to town. It was a chance to dress up, eat an overpriced meal together, and see some fancy European horses.

Apr 6, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward

The Hardest Part

The biggest misunderstanding I hear is that people think working with horses in this more refined way takes more time. I suppose in the beginning stages it seems like it does. But you need to consider your return on investment.

Apr 4, 2012 by Kristine Nesbitt in A Horse in Miracles (1 Comments)

Can We Talk About Barn Bathrooms?

It was my first day at a new barn with a perfect indoor arena! Before lessons began, I asked the owner where the bathroom was. She pointed to a roll of tissue on the tack room wall and told me to use any stall.

Mar 30, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward (4 Comments)

To Heal or Not To Heal - Part Two

One Sunday in the fall, I had a sense that something was amiss with Azillian. I wasn’t sure what, just something. I was unaware back then of my abilities in communication and that I was an empath – I feel what others feel.

Mar 25, 2012 by Nancy A. Kaiser in Horse Tales & Teachers

Walk Detention

My horse and I entered at a walk, 50 minutes later we left at a walk, and in between- we walked. At first it felt normal to walk, but in a few minutes, I got self-conscious. Still walking? Was I so bad?

Mar 23, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward

Horse Agility At Infinity Farm

Think of it as a trip to the amusement park, ...with your horse.

Mar 17, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward

Looking for a Sign…

I start to look for a sign in January. It’s way too early for a hint of spring, but I generally have some free time in January. The days begin to lengthen, just a minute at a time and I watch…

Mar 10, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward

5 ½ Reasons to Have Chickens

When my husband and I were planning our move to a hobby farm in Minnesota, one of the items at the top of our list was to build a chicken coop and raise some laying hens. The chicken coop was a pretty big project (it doesn’t have to be but .......

Mar 5, 2012 by Patti Bartsch, M.A., Ph.D. in Naturally Unbridled (2 Comments)

At ‘One With the Herd’

A Herd of horses, living as they would in the wild, but with the benefit of loving and supportive humans, share their secrets through the concept of EQUINISITY: ‘the gift of finding the unexpected and truly important perspective through the .....

Mar 4, 2012 by Liz Mitten Ryan in Gateway Connection

Edgar Rice Burro, Bon Vivant

I think we all knew it was only a matter of time... Newsflash: Our own Edgar Rice Burro is will be making his theatrical debut this spring. You could consider it off-off-off-Broadway.

Mar 2, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward

To Heal or Not To Heal – Part One

Immediately, we noticed the distorted quality of her breathing. Azillian made a horrible sound as she forced air past the growths inside her nasal passages. After a thorough exam, my husband determined that Azillian wasn’t suffering, and we.....

Feb 24, 2012 by Nancy A. Kaiser in Horse Tales & Teachers (1 Comments)

Nope, it’s Me... I’m Too Sensitive – Part Two

“You know what your problem is? You’re too sensitive.” Ouch. Have you heard this? It feels like being accused of throwing like a girl. It’s dismissive. This definition of sensitive means I’m not dependable, that I’m an emotional liability.

Feb 24, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward (1 Comments)

My Horse IS Too Sensitive – Part One

“My horse is really sensitive. He isn’t a just a Quarter Horse, you know. He needs special handling.” When I hear something like this, I always peer around the barn to see if anyone else looks like their head is about to explode.

Feb 17, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward

Star-struck Students in the Celebrity Clinician Culture

These days there are so many clinicians who catch our attention and our approval. There are hundreds of clinicians on T.V., internet, in magazines, and even in the cinema. The world doesn’t have just accomplished horsemen and women now, we have.....

Feb 14, 2012 by Kristine Nesbitt in A Horse in Miracles

The Marlboro Man Isn’t My Type

The Marlboro Man isn’t for me. He’s the strong and silent type- it might be a romantic image on film, but it doesn’t look like much fun in real life. A hug from the Marlboro Man would feel like carrying an arm load of sticks and cans- way too boney!

Feb 11, 2012 by Anna Blake in Relaxed and Forward (1 Comments)

Take the Time it Takes

Sometimes we are tempted to rush things along with our horses because we have our own agenda or a client is paying us and they don't want us 'wasting' time and money. Don't fall for lies. Take the time it takes and get the ultimate payoff.

Feb 7, 2012 by Kristine Nesbitt in A Horse in Miracles