Andy Ware has been my farrier for about seven years. He started his journey toward being a farrier by apprenticing at age 19. His formal training followed at Tuscon School of Horseshoeing in 1995. After moving back to the east coast, Andy continued his education with the Garden State Farriers Association. Then he began shoeing full time for the United States Driving Team farrier. From Maine to Florida, Andy shod some of the highest level driving horses in the world. In 2000 Andy and his wife Rachel moved to Vermont. He now covers Southern Vermont, New Hampshire and Mass. If you are in need of a great farrier for your performance horse you can call Andy at (802) 463-2018
My friend Rebekah and I used to "craft" together through out college. Once we graduated, she took her hobby to the next level. Check out her cool stuff. I am lucky enough to be the one who gets this great stuff as gifts!
Prices are subject to change due to costs of hay, fuel or number of horses you have. Please call me to get a more accurate price. (802)885-8626
All you need to know about the Baskir Curly breed. Even if you aren't curious about the breed, the web site is full of great pictures and interesting information about horses and farm life in Vermont.
Equus Therapeutic Riding at Oak Hollow farm in Williamtown MA
A friendly web site that has classifieds for horses and all the essentials that go with them.So after a long anticipated wait, our beloved Binga (our sow) gave birth to her little piglets. She is a first time mother and this was our first time having a sow with piglets. We usually buy them at a couple months old. I will spare you the details of the birthing, and just let you enjoy the photos.
About eight or so years ago I acquired a "Kentucky Walking" horse mare. She had been giving her owner a bit of difficulty and the owner was fed up. She said "if you want this mare take her" so the next day I came back with my trailer and surprisingly she loaded up easily.
This mare did throw some temper tantrums, but we worked them out and we really got along. Two years into our relationship, I bred her to Morgan stallion that I really loved. I know crossing breeds, especially a gated horse and a trotter might give me something weird. But Belle and Scotland were two beauties that I knew would make a great horse.
Due to financial reasons, I had to part with Belle shortly after "Midas" was weaned. Belle went to a wonderful family that still adores her and her smooth gaits. As "Midas" got older he changed from bright chestnut, to liver and back again. At one and a half I sold him to a family in New York that had a second home nearby. They kept him at my house until he was three. At three I saddle broke him but they decided they didn't have time for him, so back on the market he went. This was difficult for me because he was with me for so long.
One of my clients whom I have become great friends with wanted Midas. I was very excited, but terrified when she fell off of him during our test trail ride. This didn't deter her and she brought him home. Candi continued with his driving training and before long had him hitched to her Meadow-brook. Now I get to continue helping Candi and Midas hone in on their driving skills and experiences. On the road, I am Candi's ears. The more I am with the two of them, the more I think Midas knows that Candi can't hear, he is always keeping Candi secure.
My friend came to work with me today and definately witnessed one of my better days. She had gorgeous weather and a bounty of beautiful horses to look at. In addition, the last farm we went to served us champagne in celebration of me successfully backing her horse for the first time. Trust me, this was not the norm.
As I lift the glass of bubbly pleasure to my mouth, I had flash backs, chasing loose horses down the road with my car, diving off a horse before it bolted down a main road, falling off a pony the day before, eating dirt infront of a lawn mowing crew, the list goes on. I will ride my high horse for now, tomarrow I will put my feet back on the ground.
Today was a great day at the farm. The rain teased me into putting on my raincoat, only to take it off a minute later. Then it was hot and eventually cool. Right before the sun settled behind the horizon, the predicted thunderclouds rolled in and let go of some heavy rain. Almost as fast at it came, the storm left, leaving behind a double rainbow.
I also turned two of the horses out in the back pasture. It is always so fun watch them tear it up, literally. In the back of my mind I am thinking "Thanks guys, now I am going to have to walk around and push down the divits"
Today was Docs first time with a circingle. Like most horses, he bucked a bit with the new pressure around his abdomen. He settled down quickly and soon licked his lips.
Doc has had the rope over his back before, but not with the circingle. Now he is getting used to it touching his legs and draggin on the ground following him. These are all prerequisites for riding and driving. Note his ear back and paying attention.
Jan and I hooked up Zenon to the fore-cart to assist us with annual Green up Day. Our Neighbors were active and already got our road clean so we went around the block we use often.
The start of my day was riding with a couple of girl-friends. Candi and Elaine and I rode around in Grafton. It was the second ride of our spring, and both rides were great. Candi and Elaine, warm up the horses to make sure for a safer spring ride.
BlueMoon graduated today, he officially pulled the cart! While most of my initial work with Blue was ground work, I had a good idea he would make a good driving horse. He accepted everything so well I even wondered if he had already done it. Since I didn't know for sure, I made sure I didn't skip any steps in his re-training.
Today was the day, the planets were alined at my farm. The weather was good, Jan was home to give me a hand,all the equipment was in working order. More pictures can be seen in Blues photo album to the right.
March madness is when you get a taste of spring, then you get six inches of snow. Although I have heard sitings of snow fleas, I have yet to see them for this spring. It is one of my most exciting things to witness, I have never had a bad snow flea day. I did hear and then finally see the first red winged black bird. Oowee is its screetch.
Sunday we finally got some fresh snow. It has been about two weeks since I finished my sleigh and I have been chomping at the bit to use it. My sleigh is designed for road use, not for bushwacking. Living a dirt road, next to wetlands, our road generally gets a good amount of sand and no salt at all. After a storm, it apears I would have a two, maybe three day window of road usage. I don't want to be out too early and pass a town truck, or for our road, a huge town machine. My horse doesn't spook, but it scares the crap out of me.
The other needed piece of equipment is studded shoes. I have been measuring and re-measuring Zenons hooves to order him another pair of EasyBoots to compliment his other ones. I also ordered the studs that go with them.
To everyone currently interested in Blue Moon, it looks like he has found his new home. I hope you enjoyed reading about his accomplishments. If his status changes, I will let everyone know. Getting Blue Moon ready for a new home has been a huge pleasure. He was a spoiled, bored horse without direction when I met him. Now he is happy to please and ready to explore the world.
If you feel my training can assist you in anyway please don't hesitate to email or call. I try to keep my costs down, especially for the changing economy. Thanks for all the inquiries.
