Charlie

Meet Charlie!
Charlie is a pony who likes to march to the beat of his own drummer! He likes to explore when he escapes from the paddock! Charlie was a former petting zoo pony, so you can trust that his good nature never fails! I have been working a lot with Charlie‘s manners. Because a lot of children fed him treats he tended to be a bit nippy! This is not something I want to encourage in a pony. But he really likes to be brushed, and is good to clean out his feet now. I am amazed how he stays so white, even in muddy conditions. He is learning to drive. I drive him without a bit right now as his forelock is too thick for the bridle. During the winter, he and I skijored…that means he pulled me while I was skiing. He was so patient when I fell! Just stood there as I struggled to my feet. I bought a cart for him and I know he is will enjoy being hitched exploring the country. He is so brave!
Julien

Meet Julien!
Julien is my 27 year old dressage horse (born in 1994).I bought him in 2008 and he was going to be my horse that would take me into the higher levels of national level competitions. We never made it. As I got busier coaching and training, my time to train with Julien always took a lower priority. My tours to Afghanistan put my training on hold. It was impossible for me to find the coaching I wanted close to Pembroke, the location of my other stable.After I sold my farm and business, Julien was boarded out at several different stables. He developed some lameness and health issues and became very quiet. I could ride him bareback with a halter and lead rope.
Goats

Meet The Goats!
Meet Abby, Tessa, Tucker and Midge! At Spruce Ridge, my previous farm, it was a very tightly controlled environment. There was a lesson program, including beginners, and it was never the right time to introduce other large animals. It takes time for animals to become accustomed to each other and sometimes horses can have a quick reaction….not conducive to safe lessons. As long as the horses were at the farm or at a horse show, you would never know their education was ‘lacking’. Along my self discovery journey, I said that if I was ever going to get another farm, there would be goats, and sheep and llamas and chickens, oh my!
It was off to a shaky start, but now, the horses are very comfortable with the goats. Meanwhile, the goats are more fun than the horses! They always have something to say to you.
And they follow me like little shadows..unless I want them to go somewhere and then they make a break for it! I finally got tired of the goats making a break for freedom… I got halters for them and now they lead!
They are very friendly and love to have their withers scratched. Tucker gets his hind leg going like a dog and Midge makes faces with her nose. Abby was not very friendly until she discovered scratches and now she pushes her way into line (I only have 2 hands so scratching 4 goats takes a little coordination.
Tessa is the easiest to lead so she is always my chosen oneOne of the benefits to getting the goats was supposed to be their eating habits. I heard that they would eat a lot of the weeds. Unfortunately, my goats didn’t get that memo….weeds still abound at my place! I am planning to get a couple of pet sheep, cows and alpacas in the future, maybe even some chickens! The horses here are getting some professional development!