One Boarders Story
 

Where will I board my horse? 

 If you own a horse that is probably one of the most important questions you’ll ask yourself.  After considerable research on different barns and a good conversation with Jeannine, on October 1, 2006, I moved my horse “Tooey” from another barn over to Stillbrook Riding Stables. 

 Jeannine, treats every horse the same – just as if it was another one of her very own horses.  Extras aren’t done for one horse and not another.  She always has an eye open and notices if they aren’t feeling well, if they’re lame, or anything else.  She has a special gift for teaching – not only is she extremely knowledgeable but she really understands people – both children and adults.  She matches up the person’s personality with one of her horse’s.  When you own your own horse she monitors how you and your horse interact.  She makes suggestions to try something different if needed or compliments you when things are going well.  Even if you’re having a ‘not so good day’ she just knows how to explain things to you so you’ll understand and try, try again.

On May 31, 2007, Abby (one of Jeannine’s mares) gave birth to a gorgeous little Appaloosa colt – Ivan.  I think it was the day after he was born that she sent out an e-mail to everyone to see the wee fella.

It was love at first site!  I just had to have Ivan and low and behold when he was about a month old I was privileged to purchase him from Jeannine and Stillbrook Riding Stables! 

The first thing I remember asking Jeannine was, “Do you think I can handle raising a baby?”  After all, I was pretty darn new into this sport.  She assured me that yes, I could do it and she would be around to help me out.  And that she was!  I can’t tell you how many times she was there for me – whether it was me asking her a question, or her giving me a suggestion, or telling me what to work on next,  she was always there when I needed her.  I can’t imagine getting that kind of assistance at any other stable.  Thanks Jeannine, for everything you have done and continue to do.  It is very much appreciated.

I spent hours every day just going in to be with Ivan and his Mom, Abby.  Just standing with him – touching him all over, running my hands down his legs and grooming him with a soft little brush.  When I groomed him I would tie him to the post to get him used to standing while I worked with him. Before long he would pick up his feet and I would run my hand up and down his legs telling him what a good boy he was.  Once he was comfortable with that, I started to introduce the hoof pick.  Then we’d start to walk around on a lead rope – still in the little corral with his momma.  Before long I gradually introduced him to all kinds of stuff – plastic bags, the sound of stones in a plastic bottle, saddle cloths / pads, umbrellas, tarps, balls, pails being kicked around close to him.  You name it whatever I could find I would use the approach and retreat method to desensitize him to these ‘scary’ objects.  Once he would stand still I would immediately remove the object and pat him.  I couldn’t believe how fast he was growing and how much he was learning.

I continued to work with him doing the same things the same way over and over.  Consistency, repetition, and unconditional love (when I touched him I remember thinking it was like my heart was in the palm of my hand and I was trying to pass that feeling along to him) that is what I strived for every day.  I made sure that every moment I spent with him was quality time.  If I wasn’t calm and ‘in the mood’ then I didn’t work with him – I’d just watch him and his movements. 

Soon I was walking him around the yard and the in the arena.  We would go past lots of objects so he could see everything and get used to them. 

That’s just about enough on my little darling “Ivan”.

Let me get back to some more reasons why I love boarding at Stillbrook Riding Stables.

There are lots of things happening on and around the farm:
 

• March Break camps; Summer camps; Christmas camps, Halloween on Horseback camps
• Schooling shows
• KHJA shows
• Competitions at the local fairs
• Wagon and sleigh rides
• Fundraisers for PARD Therapeutic Riding
• Family get togethers

I could go on and on but I think you get the picture – we’re just one big, happy family!

Even though I’m not one of the kids, I have joined in on a couple of the camps.  There’s no age limit for signing up for camps – ha, ha!  I love going to them.  They are very informative and the day just flies by – because we’re having so much fun and learning lots.  One of the camps I attended was “Training the Horses”.  Boy, did I learn a lot at that one!  I have to admit I even joined in with the kids and did the craft session.  It was great to not have a worry in the world and just sit and have fun!  One of my very favorite camps was last summer – swimming with the horses!  Wow, what a great day.  We walked / trotted over to the river and took the horses in for a swim.  What a feeling!  We had a picnic lunch and then rode the horses back to the farm.   I can’t wait for this summer to do it again.   I think from the reaction of everybody there will be a line up to sign up for this camp. 

I’m lucky because I live quite close to the farm and can over to work with my horses every day.  It doesn’t matter what the weather is like because you can work inside the arena, groom on the cross ties in the barn, ride in one of the outdoor rings, or take a ride on one of the many trails.  Each season you get to enjoy a different view of nature and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.   Take your pick – the possibilities are endless.

The feeling I get when I’m at the barn is very satisfying.  I have learnt so much working with my horses.  Patience, understanding, listening, love, and unselfishness are just a few things I have learned to appreciate more.  Not only does this apply when working with my four legged friends but in day-to-day life these skills have really helped me out.

Jeannine, always seems to be able to fit you into a lesson that is just right for you and at a time that is convenient for you.  Whether it’s a group lesson, semi-private, or private lesson you will work hard but will come out having learned something new, improved a riding skill, and / or have something to think about and work on until your next scheduled lesson.  Not only do you learn from Jeannine when she’s working directly with you but also from listening to her when she’s talking to someone else in the class and by watching them you can learn a lot.  She encourages you to learn and try something different but will never push / force you to do something you’re not comfortable with.  Safety is her number one concern!  She wants you to learn but also wants you to have FUN doing it!

When I started riding just over four years ago, I would have never dreamt of going into one of the shows.  Well, as most of you know I have.  It’s not for the sake of winning a ribbon (although when I do, it’s a great feeling!) it’s to challenge myself and see how I can ride / perform in a different setting.  It takes courage to do this.  Sometimes I think I’m crazy…….. but after every show I’ve been in it makes me go back to the barn and work even harder.  It gives me lots of areas to work on and try to improve until it’s time for the next one.

Thanks to Stillbrook Riding Stables my childhood dream has become a reality.  As a little girl, I went on trails rides every now and again and would dream of one day having my own horse.  Dreams do come true.  I know that for a fact.