Do horses want a job?
When I was a kid, I dreamed of living among horses in the wild, free as they were to do as I pleased. I figured that unfettered lifestyle would make me happy. Of course, I also imagined I could talk to horses like Dr. Doolittle. It was just me and that herd bonding, sharing and […]
Maybe dogs and horses aren’t so different
I’m not a big fan of tricks for treats. I was steadfast in my resistance to this with horses through all the “new and improved” training techniques over the decades that heralded food as a “positive training” motivator. That’s good for creating muggers and distracting the horse from what you’re trying to communicate, but not […]
Horse bill of sales aren’t just for big operations
I must admit, my horse bill of sales paperwork has been shabby. As the daughter of an attorney, I should know better. I’ve spent decades in the business world operating mostly on the ill-advised handshake, so tend to be a lot more casual than I should with transactions. While I do provide a bill of […]
How horses teach us what therapists can’t
Thanks to Ash Stevens for providing this guest post. Find out more about her at the bottom of this article. Enjoy. Winston Churchill said, “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.” And don’t we know it. Much of the world has forgotten about the power of the horse with the […]
Triple Crown Trivia
Sure, this year’s Triple Crown is old news for most, but I’m not quite ready to let go of a victory that was 37 years in the making. So, if you’re in the mood to let this high continue, you’ll enjoy the bit of fun history below. Honestly, after so many disappointments, I didn’t see […]
Horse business profits can come from strange places
Because Halcyon Acres® (which doubles as a horse farm – makes for great fertilizer) includes a small produce business, I’m aware of the value of good quality compost. In recent years, the demand for aged manure has escalated with a growing number of people starting small gardens at their homes. We plant and tend about […]
Finding buyers for horses in a depressed economy
Some horses were sold to a better home for less than what other buyers were eager to pay. These decisions were not only good for the soul, but netted extremely appreciative and vocal buyers whose word-of-mouth has been priceless.
Horses for sale – what planet am I on?
There’s not much that shocks me anymore. Career activities in the white, blue and no-collar world have given me a broad perspective on ‘the dumb things people do.’ I’m not sure whether it’s the new age of instant gratification (and reduced manners), a contracting equine industry, advertising decisions (word-of-mouth is our usual approach) or the […]
Do you really care about horses?
When you reach out to one local novice in helpful ways she can easily apply, you not only change her life, but the experiences of every horse she touches. Plus, the joy you get from the appreciation expressed – not only in words and funds, but also through eager application of new approaches – is priceless.
Fire a client
Whenever I hear how simple a horse will be to start under saddle – or a client repeat how easy they are to work with – I get concerned.