Moon 'N' Stark Equine

I've been around horses my whole life, so it's hard to look back to try and figure out where I started... Although the people who come for lesson are all different ages and at different level I try and start at the same point... The ground, the very beginning. I try to start with the basics so I can see if there are any holes that need patching, or cracks in the foundation that might cause the whole house to crumble. There is a saying that's says "if you can't do it on the g...round, you can't do it in the saddle." And I tend to agree. It's better to start small, be safe, and be clear than to rush into a potentially unsafe situation, especially if we are talking about young kids. Starting on the ground allows the rider to grow and be confident enough to deal with any sittuation that comes their way. Where do you start?

I'd like one in every colour please! Do you have a color preference? Let me see a pic in the comments.

The other day I was giving lessons to a young woman, a new client. Out of our 5 horses I chose my mom's mare Whiskey. This was possibly the easiest choice I could have made, because Whiskey ticks all the criteria boxes. When looking at a lesson horse the first thing I try and asses is their fear response. Horses are prey animals, which can make them flighty at the first sign of perceived danger. Whiskey has proven to have above and beyond coping mechanisms, she sta...ys aware of things around her but never loses her cool. The second thing I look at is how tolerant the horse is. It's not easy having some one on your back, kicking your ribs, pulling on your mouth, and the truth is, some horses don't have a lot of patience for many mistakes. Whiskey, is nothing short of a saint in this aspect, she loves her job and is very forgiving, she has a ton of heart and just wants to get the job done right. Do you have a horse that you think makes a good partner for almost any one? (Pictured: daughter Jaedyn on Whiskey, and baby Whimzy) See more

Cause I'm board in the stall and I'm in the stall bored. Bored in the stall and I'm in the stall bored. Poor baby has an abcsess and has been stuck in a stall to keep her hoof dry. This is what we do for entertainment.

Due to all the rain and flooding we've had recently, our herd has come down with a small case of rain rot. Now, because we caught it so soon it's not a big deal and we are quickly healing. During this mild inconvenience I have realised two things: #1 is how critical it is to know your horse, what's normal for them and what's not. I think this comes with just spending time. I like to just sit and watch my horses sometimes. It gives me an abundance of insight. And #2 it's neve...r to early to start working with the hose lol. This is my girl Whimzy, I've had her since she was born and I have tried to introduce her to as much craziness as possible, so we are fully prepared for anything that comes our way. In this case, I needed to wash her with the hose, to help get rid of the minor bacterial infection. Whimzy handled it like a champ because all of previous work we had done to desensitize her. What do you do to help prepare your horse for future situation?

I've been around horses my whole life, so it's hard to look back to try and figure out where I started... Although the people who come for lesson are all different ages and at different level I try and start at the same point... The ground, the very beginning. I try to start with the basics so I can see if there are any holes that need patching, or cracks in the foundation that might cause the whole house to crumble. There is a saying that's says "if you can't do it on the g...round, you can't do it in the saddle." And I tend to agree. It's better to start small, be safe, and be clear than to rush into a potentially unsafe situation, especially if we are talking about young kids. Starting on the ground allows the rider to grow and be confident enough to deal with any sittuation that comes their way. Where do you start?

I'd like one in every colour please! Do you have a color preference? Let me see a pic in the comments.

This is my newest project, Artemis. She is a three year old thoroughbred and I love her disposition. Any time I meet a new horse, regardless of how much training they have, I always start with the basics. Creating a connection, is something I often establish through lunging. When horses are newly introduced to each other, the first thing they do is try to establish leadership by moving each other around, so I try and simulate this in a safe, controlled environment like the round pen. I strongly believe in the saying "a horse will cross any bridge you bring it to, as long as the first bridge is from you to them." What do you do to create a connection?

Due to all the rain and flooding we've had recently, our herd has come down with a small case of rain rot. Now, because we caught it so soon it's not a big deal and we are quickly healing. During this mild inconvenience I have realised two things: #1 is how critical it is to know your horse, what's normal for them and what's not. I think this comes with just spending time. I like to just sit and watch my horses sometimes. It gives me an abundance of insight. And #2 it's neve...r to early to start working with the hose lol. This is my girl Whimzy, I've had her since she was born and I have tried to introduce her to as much craziness as possible, so we are fully prepared for anything that comes our way. In this case, I needed to wash her with the hose, to help get rid of the minor bacterial infection. Whimzy handled it like a champ because all of previous work we had done to desensitize her. What do you do to help prepare your horse for future situation?

Good quality hay is of the utmost importance. Horses need a variety of different nutrients from their feed to be the best athletes, and companions they can be. I always look for a good mix of timothy, alfalfa and brome to make sure my horses get what they need. Rafter 11 is based out of the Fort st. John area and has delivered us with good quality hay for the past 3 years. If you're in need this year, they are accommodating, great company and provide over and above assistance. Go check out their page