Van Foster’s “Hadar” Growing By Leaps and Bounds!

Posted by Betsy on Apr 15, 2012 in Betsy's Perspective | 0 comments

Here is a video of "Hadar" at 3 Weeks Old

I hope you enjoy!

B.

First Van Foster Foal Born!

Posted by admin on Mar 14, 2012 in Betsy's Perspective | 0 comments

We are pleased to announce Van Foster’s first foal in our breeding program!  

Hadar, a stunning chestnut colt by UB40 out of Bristol Bay, is simply a perfect addition to the barn!

His name, Hadar, (pronounced “Hah DAHR”) means “Glorious, Splendor, Power, Greatness, Bedecked Beauty.

We are looking forward to watching him honor his name!  A HUGE thank you to Theresa and Twin Creek Farms for making Bristol’s foaling experience a fantastic success!  I could not be happier with their services as a top of the line breeding operation!   Please check them out for all your breeding needs.

B.

How Can Your Perspective Help Your Partnership With Your Horse?

Posted by Betsy on Mar 13, 2012 in Betsy's Perspective | 0 comments

Most people look their whole life for something or someone that evokes in them a sense of joy, hope, happiness, and, most of all, love.  Horses can give us all those feelings, if we truly connect with them and let our relationship with them be an honest partnership.

Where we often go wrong is when we expect only to take from the relationship, and neglect to give back.  Just like in human relationships, balance is key, and a self-centered attitude does not a relationship make.  You may say, but I feed and water and put a roof over my horse’s head; how is that not giving?  What you forget, is that we have already taken that wild species away from his natural way of life of playing and eating whenever he wants and exercising for many miles a day.  Often, we have taken away his companions, his entertainment, and even his enjoyment of a good roll in the dirt!  We want him to be clean and safe and not bother us too much.  Then we expect him to let us get on his back, not do anything to express any displeasure he may have,  and do everything perfectly that we ask for.  Even though he may or may not understand what that is!  The amazing thing is…He often DOES all of that!  I do not say these things to make you feel bad, I do the same thing to my horses.  If they are quite valuable, and they like to play hard, they only go out if the footing is good and in a tiny pen where they cannot do too much harm.  If they are quiet, they may get to go out in a bigger pasture, or even out with a buddy if they get along.  We have our reasons for doing this, these animals are often worth as much or more than our homes, and we try to protect our investments!  I also happen to know that my main show horse would MUCH rather be micro-managed a bit, but still be able to work every day, than be injured and laid up with only hand walking or stall rest.

What is important to remember is: If we take all this away from them, we need to be willing to give them much in return!

We need to exercise them regularly.  And when I say regularly, I mean if your horse stands in a stall all day, he MUST be at least hand walked and/or ridden every day!  If your horse is in a paddock all day, how much do you think he really moves?  Most of the time, they stand there, waiting for hay.   Get him out for a ride, a walk, a trail ride, something to entertain him and get him moving.

We need to groom their itchy spots or let them roll without a sheet.  We need to trim their feet and feed them several meals though-out the day to simulate grazing.  And most of all, we need to be their best friend.  Listen to them when they try to tell us something, and show them the way when they are confused.

If we have a grateful perspective, both parties feel good.  Dressage is all about a soft, steady connection that both horse and rider can communicate through.  The balance relies on not over reacting, but smoothly collaborating with each other to achieve the most harmonious partnership.   If your running into a block in your training, step back and check your perspective.  Are you able to see things from his standpoint?  How would he be able to understand it more clearly?  Is he burnt out?  Maybe you could go for a trail ride and come back to it.  Maybe he needs a hand gallop to freshen things.  Perhaps he just needs a good old fashioned roll in the dirt with a good curry comb afterwards to get all the itchy or sore places!  Listen to him, he will tell you what will help him, and in doing so, help you.

B.