Lovely ride in the park

Beautiful day for a trail ride today! With Judge & Mariam and Pimms & Kay.

200 Acres added to Rosaryville State Park!

*NOTE: I originally wrote this post on February 6, 2020.  I have been trying to find out if the sale has indeed gone through or not, since I figured some budgets may have been cut due to Covid-19.  Still haven't found out anything.

The Maryland Department of natural Resources has acquired an additional 200 acres of land adjacent to Rosaryville State Park (the park that abuts the rear of my property and the number one reason I purchased my farm!).

I haven't found any news on the purchase, other than a few short articles that basically say, "...its acquisition will expand the park’s offerings including equestrian opportunities and an expanded trail network."  I am guessing the property is probably what a local guy referred to as the "Woods Boys"... I couple of elderly gents who were extremely nice the one time I met them riding on their property many years ago.  It touches my property on one back corner.  Here is a map from PG Atlas with the areas shaded:

Cottagecore!

I was recently introduced to cottage-core by a friend who heard a segment on NPR (national public radio), and thought, “that is exactly the sort of thing Anna does!”  So of course, I promptly asked the Google about it, and this is what I learned:

“Cottagecore” (Also called Farmcore or Countrycore) is a visual look that is inspired by a romantic version of life on a farm in places such as the U.S., Australia, England, Ireland, and Scotland. It is based on the concept of living simply and in harmony with nature. I tend to think of Little House on the Prairie, or the Hippie movement of the 1970s (only cleaner and sweeter smelling, with fewer drugs).

It involves the subjects of self-sufficiency, growing and raising your own food, taking care of family and community, so forth and so on.    It seems to be a common theme that while I know what I am interested in, I don’t always know the proper search terms to use or what the current buzzwords are.  I frequently would search for “ferme ornée” (Ornamental Farm in French), which is what Thomas Jefferson’s estate Monticello was referred as… what one might once have called a “Gentleman’s Farm”. It also revolves around the idea of an aesthetically pleasing farm, where the animal enclosures, fences, structures, etc. should not be solely utilitarian, but also must be pleasing to look at.

The one thing I found rather interesting is that apparently there is a political bent to some of this movement… being either very strongly LGBTQ, or the far-right based on traditional gender roles.  Kind of funny, huh?  I love the Cottagecore stuff simply for the aesthetic, and disregard any political leanings around the trend.

Of course, there has also been criticism because Cottagecore idealizes a refined Eurocentric farming life, which some think carelessly celebrates colonialism, as well as simplifies and underestimates the labor of farmers. (I mean, it wouldn’t be quite such a fun fantasy if you had to look at photos of underpaid immigrants laboring under the hot sun and all the human rights abuses that go on in the real world).  Then again, my argument would be that this is of course an ideal, visually appealing fantasy version of farm life.  I mean, come on, it includes fairies!

Little Pony Wookie’s first real ride!

My young 11 yr. old neighbor Yomar started helping me with Wookie last week. He has done a great job on him and it’s been a lot of fun! His first time on, Mariam led the way on Judge...

Then yesterday, I took Atticus and we went on a trail ride in the park .

Is this not the cutest picture of a kid on a pony you've ever seen?!  I can't help but say "Awww" every time I look at it!

Riding through the water jump pond:

I was very proud of both of them!  They seem to be a great match

Tracker for elderly or sick pets

I designed this dry-erase board to help me keep track of Zoey's medications, bowel movements, and feedings. Between my SO and I, it can be hard to know when she ate and when she took certain meds.  I found this super helpful, so now I am selling the design if anyone else can benefit.  

I also welcome any suggestions for improvement!

Pet tracker

So after the popularity of this design, I went ahead and made another one that I myself use in the stable to keep track of my horse care, vet visits, deworming, and so forth.  Here it is if you would like one as well, for yourself or a gift!

horse care tracker

Great day for riding!

Yesterday was a successful horse day!  Yvonne and the girls (Eve and Sage) came out to see the horses and maybe ride.  They were planning on riding Judge and Brandy, but then Susan texted me and said she planned to come out to ride, and would anyone like to join her?

So as it turned out, Susan, Sage, Maya and I headed out for a trail ride with Brandy, Judge, Pimms, and Atticus. Yvonne and Eve stayed back to work with Wookie in the round pen.  However, shortly after we headed out, my stirrup leather broke, so I had to turn around and go home.  After changing out my stirrup leathers, I decided to head to the round pen to try a new bit on Atticus and help out with Wookie.

The bit (a French link Dutch gag) worked great.  Normally, Atticus goes in a full cheek french link gag with two reins, like so: 

This is because when we started him over jumps, he was prone to getting excited and throwing some big bucks!  The gag rein works to lift his head to stop any bucking.  However, it can be a severe action, so the snaffle rein works as a simple snaffle bit.  The full cheek has been useful in training him to the one rein stop.

I like using two reins, because I can have a mild one for normal work and a stronger one in case of emergency.  I have used various forms of double reins on several of my horses over the years... for example, one rein on a rope halter as a bitless bridle, and a second on a light bit.

At any rate, I wanted to try something with some curb action, to make working him in a frame a little easier, so I thought I'd try the Dutch gag (or "bubble bit").  I also used two reins, so I had the option of only using the snaffle action, or adding curb action.  It worked very well, but I am not sure it would do anything to raise his head if he did want to buck.  At any rate, he seems to be over the silly antics of his younger years, so I am not too concerned.

So all that aside, after working Wookie on the ground a bit, Eve sat on him and had Yvonne lead her around.  Wookie did just fine, and I hope to borrow my neighbor's child, who apparently does pony races, to finish his under saddle training!

A few more products created for the horsey set...

Which design do you prefer? A nice english trotting horse throw pillow and equestrian clock... horse pillow 

Elegant old fashioned horses equestrian clock
by OrchardCreek

People Falling Off Horses Blog

Okay, I just stumbled across this blog on Tumblr, and although it's probably NOT the best thing to peruse if you're looking to regain your riding confidence, it is extremely entertaining!  So please, click for your amusement...  https://peoplefallingoffhorses.tumblr.com/

Sherrie riding Atticus in the dressage ring

Sherrie is Maya's riding instructor.  She has been teaching for 30+ years, but hasn't done a lot of riding herself lately, and has wanted to get back in the saddle... partially because she has an off the track (OTT) Thoroughbred that she will be working with once she gets his hoof issues sorted out.  I know where she's coming from... riding a young and potentially hot horse when you don't feel that you are in fit riding shape can be a challenge, not to mention intimidating! 

At any rate, she asked me if she could regularly school Atticus, and of course I jumped at the chance!  Here is some video of her riding him the other day, where she really got him to respond to her leg and to collect a bit:
             

Some fun horsey products....

Okay, in the interest of full disclosure, I have designed these things and am selling them in my Zazzle store.  But I do love them and think you will too!

race horse wrapping paper

I used to be rich...

Atticus at his first recognized horse trial!

This is from May 2017 (I've just gotten around to updating it!).  His dressage and showjumping events at the Loch Moy Horse Trials.

Enjoying the Beach...

A friend and I took two horses (Judge and Atticus) to a private beach on the Patuxent River yesterday with our trainer and a group of her friends and clients.  It made for some beautiful photos, and I am very eager to go back!

Leasing a horse

LEASING / SHARING A HORSE 

Advantages to leasing a horse:

• You'd love to own a horse, but don't want to make a full commitment.
• A risk-free way of deciding if you have the time and money to own a horse.
• No worries about the expense of vet bills, farrier bills, or increases in feed prices.
• No need to buy your own expensive tack and equipment.
• More time to bond and develop a personal relationship with one horse than taking lessons on multiple horses.
• More fun than a gym membership with the same fitness benefits!
• Getting outdoors to bond with your horse is cheaper (and often just as beneficial) as therapy!

ORCHARD CREEK FARM LEASING PROGRAM:

The potential lessee must first come out to try the horse to assure horse and rider skills are properly matched.

All necessary equipment is provided, including saddles, pads, bridles, etc. This assures the equipment is properly fitted to the horse.

The client must have an ASTM certified riding helmet, and appropriate footwear. The farm has extra helmets that the lessee can use until a proper helmet can be purchased, if necessary. We can also help you chose the right equipment if you need any assistance.

A share lease allows the rider access to the horse 3 days / week on predetermined days. What you do is up to you; ride, groom, feed treats, read a book, etc. 😊

If you would like to ride the horse on a day not included in your lease terms, just call or text the owner; frequently the horse is free, and we can be flexible on a case-by-case basis.

Jumping Lesson

Atticus had a training session with Aurélie yesterday.  Our first show of the season is coming up at the end of the month. 

At the same time, Yvonne and the kids came over and did some grooming and riding.  A productive day overall!

 

Aurélie riding Teddy

Atticus and Aurélie

My trainer, Aurélie Vilmer, has been working with Atticus on jumping and showing at the Black Eyed Susan show series at the Showplace Arena.  They are a fabulous pair and have been doing a great job!

Horses can help beat stress - Telegraph

Horses can help beat stress - Telegraph:

Click on the title above to read the article.  I have had many people say that visiting the horses or riding is the best source of therapy out there!

'via Blog this'

(ARTICLE BELOW)

I am frequently surprised at the things that we need scientific studies to prove, as it seems to me that anyone who spends any significant time with animals should see that there is much more to them than simple organisms responding to instinctive urges.  

This article reminds my of my friend's horse, Aztero, a Swedish Warmblood whom I am convinced is part human.  I remember when he wanted to go into another field, closed off by a gate... He trotted up to the gate, then looked at me, where I was standing at the other end of the pasture, whinnied and gestured to the gate with his head, ears pricked forward.  I answered him, "No Aztero, you can't go out there now."  At that, his ears flicked backwards and he tossed his head in an expression of annoyance. I'm quite sure he was thinking, "Stupid human, can't understand anything!"

And then there was a very "Twilight Zone" type interaction with the same horse.  He had been injured, and was shut into the round pen to limit his movement while his owner tried to figure out what was wrong.  She had no idea where the lameness or injury was located. One day as I was working in the pasture, I walked up to the round pen, watched him amble around a bit, and asked rhetorically, "Awww, where does it hurt, boy?"  He looked at me, lifted his right hind as foals do when scratching an ear, nosed at his stifle, looked back at me and set his foot down.  I told his owner later that I knew what was hurting him.  With rest and treatment, he was soon back to normal. Still, it was a rather creepy interaction.

I have numerous other stories about this horse and his above-average intelligence. He could've been a great Hollywood animal actor, but is enjoying his life as a dressage horse currently.

Study Confirms Horses 'Talk' to Human Handlers

• By Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA
 
• Jun 9, 2016
 
• Topics: 
  • Behavior
   
  • Communication With Your Horse
   
  • Equine Welfare & Legislation
   
  • Horsemanship Science

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Horses do, in fact, try to intentionally communicate with us to achieve certain goals.

“Hey! See that bucket of feed over there? Yeah, that one. Can you grab that for me, please? I’m kind of hungry.”

Wait a minute. Did your horse just speak to you? Actually, he might have—in his own way, of course. New research by European scientists has revealed that horses do, in fact, try to intentionally communicate with us to achieve certain goals.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

Tags!

For some reason I love making tags and labels for things.  Of course, around the farm, there are a bazillion things in need of tagging and labeling.  Here are a few tags I made for tack and feed bags for the horses, with mini icons to assist the farm sitter who may not know names too well.  What do you think?

Little Wookie!

April, my Welsh Pony, had a foal on October 14th of last year.  I suspected that she had been (accidentally) bred by Atticus, my Friesian cross stallion, as she proceeded to grow larger over the winter and into Spring.  However, when Spring came with no foal, then Summer came and went with no foal, I began to suspect she was just obese, was about to start her on a strict diet.  Luckily, before I put that plan into action, I came out one morning to be greeted by this scene!

He is absolutely adorable, and looks just like a little Friesian.  Unfortunately (well, depending on one's perspective, I suppose), he will ultimately "gray out", meaning turn all white just like his mother.  She is homozygous for the graying gene, which is dominant.  However, I still have no idea how big he will get.  According to my vet, the size of the foal in utero is determined by the size of the mare, but that doesn't mean they won't shoot up in size once born.  I'm thinking he'll be large pony size at this point.  Oh yes, he was named Wookie by Jared, due to his extreme fuzziness.  Here are a few more pics: