Blog

How many of us set goals? Make promises? To ourselves or others? They may come in the guise of the ever popular “New Year’s Resolution” or be whispered to a friend, written on a notepad, jotted in a journal or sent up to Heaven during a nightly prayer. But, be honest, after the words are written, spoken, twitted or facebooked how many of us remember them? Keep them? Honor them?

This blog was published on the California Western Dressage Association Website Blog in Fall of 2015 but I feel the information applies to many disciplines and every type of warm up ring!

Beyond anything else, as trainers and guardians of these horses we are so privileged to work with, it is our responsibility to put their welfare above all else. And as Owners and Amateur riders it is YOUR responsibility to “vet” the professionals you entrust your horses to. I have had too many horses come into my program that have been failed by their people.

We always joke in my barn when someone is posing with their $2.49 ribbon about what that flimsy piece of poly satin really costs. Forget the actual class fee. It starts waaaaaaaay before that.

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day we bring you what most consider the only native breed of Ireland, the Connemara Pony. Many breeds are described as having a “gentle disposition,” but the exceptionally good-natured Connemara is truly at the top of the list and famous for this outstanding characteristic.

Besides being the month of love, February is International Hoof-Care Month. Any horse person is familiar with the phrase, “No Foot, No Horse.” And how those words ring true! We spend a lot of money, time, study, and effort on what we can do to ensure our horses have the best feet possible – everything from buying hoof care supplements, topical concoctions, and protective boots, to paying our farriers for regular care.

Every horse owner needs to know how to check their horse’s temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) rate. These vital signs are indicators of your horse’s health and well-being.

Grand Meadows VIP rider and trainer Tina Caldwell was on hand at last weekend’s Dressage Affaire and was captured in this photo with her groom, Mario Gonzales winning a whole new kind of award!

Besides being famous for the month of love, did you know February is Spunky Old Broads Month? Yep, bet you are as surprised as I am to find out. Not sure I ever thought I would see those three words… celebrated… anywhere. But it got me thinking – I am sure we all have a story about that one spunky old broad of the barn. And, no, I don’t mean the trainer! I am thinking mare here – spunky old mares to be exact.

Diane Kastama, hailing from the beautiful Central Coast of California is an accomplished International Para Driver, lifelong horse woman and a Grand Meadows VIP. We recently had the chance to talk with her after her nomination for the 2015 USEF Equestrian of the Year. (Photos courtesy of Pat Kastama.)

Grand Meadows Sponsored Rider Sabine Schut-Kery and Horsegate Farm’s Sanceo debut in Florida at the CDI Pan Am Qualifier at Global Dressage in Wellington for their first show of the Season, January 16 through 19, 2015. They went on to win the Prix St. Georges on Friday with a 71.8% and the Intermediare I on Saturday with a 74.5%.