December 2023

Hello!

I am trying to sneak this last newsletter in under the wire and be able to still call it a "fall newsletter" HaHa!  But before even getting into some of the important notes I would like to take a moment to pat myself on the back.  Looking back at some of the goals I had set myself for 2023, being more consistent with a regular newsletter was one of those items.  And although 4 newsletters isn't exactly a biweekly, it IS more consistent that I have EVER been.  And I do feel like it has reached some ears and helped get the word out on things happening in the barn.  Though you sure can tell its been a busy 2nd half of the year, since I haven't been here since May.

Secondly, I would like to say a huge Thank You to everyone who has helped make 2023 such a successful season here at Eden Equine.  Without you guys, as clients, staff and good friends, none of this would be possible.  So thank you for helping me to live out my dream and help the 2 leggeds understand their 4 legged friends and built lasting relationships whatever your riding goals happen to be.  Thank you!

As many of you know, we do a little shut down and reboot for December and January.  Its nice (and needed) for both the horses and myself to take some downtime, refresh and recharge a bit over the winter months (although it sure feels like March out there right now!)  Not only do the horses like a little time to let their bodies and brains' rest but I also like to use this time to update some of my training.  Doing some coaching updates, as well as furthering my horsemanship knowledge.  Stay tuned to the Eden Equine facebook page to see some of the things I'm learning about.  I often share articles and podcasts I've been into.  Winter is a great time to do some "book" learning on our equine friends.  But its also a time for all of us to enjoy some of our other interests.  I am waiting for snow so I can get out and do some snow shoeing and xc skiing.  

Typically, once the horses have had the month of December off as a little break, I slowly start working with them on the ground in a few different capacities in January.  This helps me to address any issues they've been having or working through during the past season as well as work on our relationship.  Even though I don't ride the lesson horses very often, I do work very hard to have a good relationship with them, no different than one of my riding horse.  I dare say, I'll have a bit more info on this in the next newsletter.

Although we are all off enjoying some of the other aspects of our life, if you find yourselves missing some horsey time please feel free to shoot me a message and see if any of the horses are in need of a loving brush.  For any students who are safely tacking up independently, you are welcome to come spend some time brushing some of the horses and spending a little time getting some often needed "horse therapy time" during this hectic season.  So please, if your bored and missing horses, just send me a message and see who could use a brush, very rarely will I say "no one".  Just to note that students under 14 do need to have a parent/guardian here with them unless I have specified that I will be out in the barn to supervise.  Layer up and come enjoy these nice days!

I know I have chatted with a few of you about "Parent/Teacher interviews" and will be sending out more info on that once the holidays are over.  Essentially, if you are looking for a bit more in depth of a progress report for you or your child, this is the way to go.  We will book about an hr timeslot to sit down and chat about rider skill progression and "what's next" on your/your child's equine journey.  This can be anything from learning what skills are coming next for the rider, talking about realistic short and long term goals for students and get a little more information on some of the programs we offer.  How do we get more involved in horses?  What is leasing?  What does horse ownership cost & involve?  These are just a few of the things we can sit down with you and chat through.  As I mentioned I will be setting this up mid January so please watch the fb page for details and how to sign up.

I will just lay out a rough outline for programs starting up in the new year.  Typically we do some stable management and in hand classes in late winter/early spring. Then we are usually fully back in the saddle for March/April. And looking at starting the waitlisted/new students for end of June.  As always, we are a bit at the mercy of Mother Nature. And if I dare to make any predictions now, I'd say we are in for a cold Jan/Feb but who knows.  

Here is roughly what the season start up will look like....

February- Advanced students Stable management one evening/wk

                -Advanced students in hand group classes (likely) one wknd day

                -Intermediate students Stable Management one evening/wk

                -Intermediate students will be invited to come out and spend some time brushing horses each week

March    -Advanced students will begin some ridden work

                -Intermediate students in hand classes (likely 2 afternoon group options available)

April     -Intermediate students will start some ridden work

              -Beginner stable management one afternoon/wk

May      -Everyone back in the saddle!

So please stay tuned to our fb for more details as we start booking and setting days/times.  Please take time this season to spend time with those around you who mean a lot, 2 or 4 legged.  There is such a rush around the holidays, but the winter months ask us to rest and recharge so please enjoy the darkness even if we are all looking forwards to the return of the light (No more paddocks and chores in the dark!! YAY)

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and looking forwards to seeing all your fresh faces in the New Year.