Summer Camps!

We've got an exciting summer ahead of us with lots of activities for you and your kids here at Shenango Way Farm! Summer camps will start in June and will be packed with fun and exciting activities for a full week! Your kids will have a great time riding, grooming and caring for our horses here as well as having fun with friends, swimming, camping out and learning new skills.

Camps will be $125 for a full week (Monday - Friday) and will include one overnight camp out (kids fun camps only). Camp begins at 8:00am each morning and students should be picked up at 2:00pm each day. Dinner will be provided on camp out night.

Please bring each day:
Lunch (refrigerator and microwave available)
Bottle of water
Swimsuit and Towel
Riding Clothes: Boots are shoes with a small heel that cover the ankle, long pants and helmet (bike helmet acceptable)

Please bring for camp out:
Pajamas
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Jacket or sweatshirt

For more information about available camps, click on 2011 Summer Camps & Activities tab above. Please contact Brooke if you have any questions or to sign up for summer camps. 302.745.0464 or therealbrooke@gmail.com

Thoughts for Success in Animal Training

Today I was watching the Dog Whisperer, which is my main source of insight into the world of animal psychology. Cesar Millan's principles about dog psychology are very similar to that of horses because both are group animals. They crave social interaction and develop a hierachy within thier own kind. When the animal (whether canine or equine) veiws the human as the one in charge of the group or who owns the space, it allows us to dictate the outcome of the interaction between the human and animal. This is the key that allows us to bond with a horse and achieve the desired behavior from it.

There are major differences in the relationships between dogs and horses, however; so not everything that Cesar teaches exactly correlates to the equine world. For example, horses are not nearly as affectionate towards their own kind as dogs are. They are also not, in general, not as exercise and play focused. So the approach that I take in training and handling a horse - especially one with behavior issues - is somewhat different, but still based on Cesar's teachings on being a calm and confident pack -or in this case, herd- leader.

I have learned alot in the last two years I have spent retraining horses with special needs or problems, about both the horses and myself. Each horse is a challenge, like a puzzle. But when I see an animal come to this farm and take steps toward rehabilitation, it is a rewarding feeling.

Cesar says at the opening to each show: "No dog is too much for me to handle. I rehabilitate dogs; I train people." I understand that to mean that he believes that there is no dog that is a lost cause. Every dog can become a "good dog" with the right amount of "exercise, discipline and affection". I believe the same about horses. I believe that the behavioral problems that cause horses to become branded "wild and dangerous" or "for experienced riders only" really have a simple solution.

Now, I must confess, that I am no Cesar - yet. I still haven't figured out all the secrets to rehabilitating such horses. However, I am confident that with time and experience I will learn. It is my dream and goal to do what Cesar Millan has done for desperate dog owners for my equine friends. I want to turn every well-meaning horse lover into a calm and confident owner who can get the absolute best relationship possible with their dream animal!

Thursday March 3rd, 2011

Today was Ky's first experience with a trotting grid. His performance was fantastic! He is turning into a really nice riding horse. I'm so proud of him! What a difference in him from one year ago. Even 6 months ago!

I am learning alot about handling horses from Ky. I see him reflecting my attitudes and feelings while I am working with him. When I am feeling confident, he shows me trust. When I feel afraid, he shows me fear. Even though this is a principle that I have taught for years, I have never seen it like this before. I have never tried to break a horse before either, so maybe it has something to do with him being so young and moldable. In any case, my biggest challenges in this job (namely, getting on Ky's back) have caused me to be a better person when I come out on the far side of them. I am more careful, cautious, but more determined than ever!

Sunshine!!

Yay!! I'm so siked about the weather! This is the time when dead things begin to grow again, and the dormant wakes up!
I have a little tray in the laundry room under the window with twelve little jiffy pots in it. In each little jiffy pot there is a little seedling of a different variety growing up. I love it! I have some small cilantro seedlings, a pansy, and one I don't have identified. I cant wait to plan my garden and decide what plants I'm going grow, and begin landscaping my house and yard! I love spring!
It doesn't look like were going to have any baby horses this spring :( but still the horses are starting to come out of their winter funk.
Shedding is in season now too! I gave beauty a hug this morning and came off with my own fur coat! Thanks beauty, but I don't think my class mates will appreciate me leaving a little of your essence everywhere I go :)
I've also noticed that the trees and about to explode with new growth and buds. This is just my favorite time of year!