Moon Valley Sport Horses & Equine Massage

Interesting. We usually finish up all our bodywork session with a tail stretch.

9:30 on a Wednesday night = horse show prep

That's right... we are going to horse show this weekend! It's been way too long.

Happy 12th Birthday Tinkerbelle!

Goals! As promised we'll share some of our goals for this coming year. 1. Most importantly, keep all the horse happy. healthy and sound! Somedays this one is easier than others ... 2. Now that the Covid vaccine is starting to roll out we are hoping we can get all the horses out and about more this year. Hit the trails, schooling shows, lessons and maybe some clinics. 3. Hopefully we can put Pony and Small Horse Championships back on the calendar this year! Now let's get more specific: As I rider I need to continue to work on my canter seat, enter Franklin Balls. I need to commit time to getting fit off the horse, thinking yoga or Pilates as I could you use work being looser in my hips. Mooney- To continue enjoying his life of retirement with lots of grooming and treats! Tinkerbelle- I'd like to keep working toward an improved canter to match the fantastic trot work we've been achieving. The canter is hard for her and see above my seat needs to continue to improve to help her with this. Continue to advance our lateral work with more haunches-in, shoulders-in, half pass which all really seem to help unlock her back. Hit the trails as much as possible to build strength and fitness to make her job easier and helps her brain so much. Hopefully at least attend some schooling shows. Tempe- Well I think it's time we both get out butts in gear and really get to work. The end! Linus- This on is really up to Brittany but I'd like to see him make a nice showing at training level this spring and maybe by fall it a show at first level. Diablo- First keep him in one piece which has proved to be difficult. Once he has healed from his colic surgery we'd like to get him into a consistent work routine as I think this will help him both physically and mentally. The challenge with be he is a hard worker but his body can't keep up. We need to find something that will stimulate his brain without straining his body. Thinking trail riding and maybe some obstacle work at home? Time will tell. For the Farm we hope to continue to grow our lesson and training program. Teaching and sharing our passion for horses with others brings me so much joy. I love to see the next generation learn not only to ride but to care for their horses as well as current riders building a stronger, safer relationship with their partners. I think we will have some students ready to hit some schooling shows this year which will be tons of fun. Hopefully covid will allow us to have some kind of open house/barn party this year! Project wise we will be finishing the new barn any day now if they weather with cooperate and this will be the year we get an outdoor arena! I'm sure these plans will change and be modified as nothing with horses is written in stone but we are looking forward to another year of growth both within our own riding and for the business.

A lovely example one of our favorite breeds.

The new year is hear and it's time to review your riding goals. Below are a list of steps to help you not only set your goals but reach them. Of course we know with horses we have to be flexible and our timeline isn't always the horses. But if you don't set goals you'll never reach your destination. Remember if you shot for the moon and you miss you'll land among the stars. What are your goals for the new year? Let's hear it no matter how big or small. We'll share ours short...ly! 1. Set Specific Goals. Your goal must be clear and well defined. ... 2. Set Measurable Goals. Include precise amounts, dates, and so on in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. ... 3. Set Attainable Goals. Make sure that it's possible to achieve the goals you set. ... 4. Set Relevant Goals. ... 5. Set Time-Bound Goals.

Brrrr!!! It's getting cold outside. To blanket or not to blanket, that is the question. Smartpak offers great tips at the below link.

Poor guy is so bored already. His feed pan sure does make a fun toy.

Just sitting at work watching this guy munch on some alfalfa

Check out this fun website for learning games, quizzes and more.

So many great visuals for the rider

Linus and Brittany in their lesson yesterday. Thanks Peg!

Diablo got his winter haircut tonight. Throughout the winter Diablo has a tendency to get too hot while working with his full winter coat. So we do a trace or partial clip to help keep him cooler.

Update on the horses at Longmeadow that were in the trailer accident on Sunday night. So glad they are doing well.

Is it time to add a horse to your family? Make sure to work with your instructor or trainer to find the right horse for you. Working with a professional that knows your skill level and goals and has your best interest at heart can save you a lot of heartbreak, frustration and potential injury in the future. Other tips for horse shopping:... Be realistic with your riding ability as well as your current and future goals. The last thing you want is too much horse. That can get very scary and cause a rider to loss interest. Buy a sound horse and do a PPE. Spend the money ahead of time. It cost the same amount to care for a lame/sick/injured horse as it does a health sound one. It is also very hard to rehome a sick or lame horse and have a good outcome. Take your time and look at as many horses as it takes. Never settle because you are tired of driving around and spending time and money looking. The right horse is out there. Always have the current owner ride the horse first. If they won't get on their own horse neither should you. Ask for permission to speak to the horses current vet. If the owner won't let you run! Don't take the trailer with you. Go home and watch the videos you took. Talk with your trainer and make and educated decision. If you need help finding your prefect partner send us a message, we'd be happy to help.

Cold weather is arriving but that doesn't mean we stop riding. Below are some tips to keep you comfortable during lessons and barn work. Gloves- invest in some thin but warm winter gloves. Grippy on the palm and fingers are helpful for holding the reins. Avoid anything that is too stiff or think to comfortable move your hands and fingers. Socks/Boots- Warm socks and/or winter boots will be a lifesaver. There isn't much worse than jumping off the horse on your froze toes. Kee...p and extra pair of dry socks handy incase your feet get wet from rain or snow. Winter riding breeches- That's right, they make fleece lined riding breeches. I promise you won't regret this purchase. Jackets/Coats/Vest- Ok, so I might have a vest addiction. I love the warm yet functionality of a good vest. Whatever you choose again make sure it is thin enough you can move yet warm. Also, make sure you get a size big enough you can layer under your outer layer. Base layers- Layering is your best friend. More then layers instead of one thick layer. The layers help to keep the heat between them plus as the weather changes through out the day you can shed a few. You don't want to sweat as that will cause a chill. If you have additional tips please add in the comments.

A terrible accident over the weekend on I-44. The horses are at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch and Homestead Veterinary Hospital. If you are able to donate to help please do so. These horses have been through a very traumatic experience.

Pepper and Savannah had a great lesson tonight! Savannah is quite the little rider and Peppers a star.

We still have space. Let me know if you'd like to join in on the fun and learning.

I am a lesson horse. I am a horse that isn’t as recognized as the top hunter jumpers, the best western pleasure horse, or the 1D barrel horse, I am a lesson ho...rse. I am the backbone of the foundation to do all of those things. I am a lesson horse. I am not loved by one person. I am loved by several people. I don’t have my person, I have my people. I am a lesson horse. I will teach your child and yourself more than just to ride. I will bring your child out of their shell. I will teach your child about life. I will be yours and their shoulder to cry on. I am a lesson horse. I will bring my family the joy of teaching kids. I will bring my families business growth. I am so loved by my family, even if they don’t express it everyday. My family allows others to show me love and enjoy me. I am a lesson horse. At the end of your childs’ journey on a lesson horse, they will out grow me. They will find one that jumps higher, a horse that is show quality, a horse much faster than me. But, I will never outgrow being a lesson horse. I will be the one that loved your child and helped your child grow into the rider and person they are. I am a lesson horse. At the end of my time as a lesson horse; I will be covered in grey hair. Each grey hair came from each hour I spent as a lesson horse. I will be in a field of green grass, I will be taken care of as I was when I was a lesson horse. I will watch your child from across the pasture love her new horse. But, I will love your child more than any horse can. I will be the backbone of the business, the family, and your child. Don’t forget about me, I am a lesson horse. I am a lesson horse. *stolen from a friend *