Trillium Equine Complex

I'VE PEAKED an interest in little Hayley who has started sending me pedigrees of Morgans in need of foster or adoption she has found. She wants to learn about bloodlines and family trees in the Morgan breed. This has to be a first for me having a student wanting to learn about bloodlines at such a young age. Good for her. She is eager to look beyond a picture.

WITH THE new LED lights being strung in the feed room and elsewhere, my ancient barn radio only screams out a hiss now. I decided to take my tiny MP3 player with me this morning so I could listen to my collection of "Solitude" nature music along with some Borcello and Il Divo. The finger size player fit into a tiny zipper pocket on my jacket so I was ready to be transported into a zen zone while going about chores in the barn, at the push of a tiny button. I giggle when the ...player came alive and pumped the song "All By Myself" into the earbuds. How appropriate I thought. I opened the large bag of cat litter and grabbed a large scoop and pail. I proceeded out to the hay feeder to scatter some grit on the ground to help with the slippage from trampled snow that had melted and froze to a polished ice. It was back to the slow fill of water buckets after turnout and morning feed distributed with my little music player cheerfully making the mood of the day a welcome change from radio with all its bad news. However, that being said, my phone went off with an alert blaring away "STAY AT HOME ORDER IS IN EFFECT."

FIRST DAY of the "Stay-At-Home" order. Stall renters who practice care and custody at the farm are allowed to muck their stalls, groom and exercise for a maximum of 90 minutes or less and only during their selected timeframe as previously set out by the farm's schedule. ALL are required to wear a face mask while in the stable. As previously mentioned, the barn will be closed at 8 pm instead of 9 pm as required under this new edict. The fight against COVID continues.

ONE OF my more shy riders, Hayley harbors a deep passion for horses, just like her mom. Many many moons ago before Hayley was even a thought, Melissa boarded her Morgan horse with us and took lessons. All these years later, history is repeating itself. Hayley has cradled a deep affection for Cameo and loves all animals. I see pieces of myself in all these young girls. Hayley even keeps a journal of her rides just like I use to This is Star Rider of Trillium - Hayley.

WE HAVE long supported the Equine Foundation of Canada and so lovely to see the generosity of others. Fabulous support. Merci Helen.

AVA got to play doctor tonight. She is currently under doctor's orders to rest for a few weeks so riding is out while she recovers from an accident (not horse related.) She learned how to take vitals on Bobbie tonight and he was the perfect patient. Rylee had a good ride again on Precious and trotted half a mile tonight. It was a goal she achieved for the first time doing a rising trot. *Pics of Ava and Bobbie this evening.

WITH A BUCKET of dental floats in one hand and a caddy of drugs in the other, Dr. M stepped into the stable and signed in. We were masked up and ready to work on examining the old mares and a few others. Hero was first up to have his injured eye looked at. It is 90% healed. The vet complimented me on my dedication for treating it with non-steroid eye ointment. Hero should make a full recovery. I believe he poked his eye on a piece of hay while feeding at the hay feeder. Old... LE who turns 30 in the spring was next. As suspected, it would appear she has cataracts starting making vision a bit compromised. I have noticed her caution when coming from the bright light outside to the dimmer light in the stable. Luckily, she still has a good amount of tooth left and required no tranq. to float some sharp points off. She's such a good patient. Twist got a check up and he is good to go. Breezy's teeth are also good until next year. Then it was on to Rhizzon. A sedative was administered. As we waited for Rhiz to find her happy place, Harry glanced over at the hay. "Really nice hay you got this year!" was his comment. I had told him we've been fertilizing and seeding and that Mother Nature had cooperated given us this premium hay. As the drug started to work, Rhizzon resigned herself to have her teeth floated. She was in need of a good float as with age, she is developing a wave mouth. Cameo was next. Sedative given and she too gave up the resistance to having her teeth floated. Last one on the list was old Precious. Dr. M decided to just give her half a dosage of sedative due to her age and arthritis. She doesn't have a lot of tooth left so he had to be careful as he worked with the hand float to even out her teeth as much as possible. He did remark on her better than average condition for such an old horse. I told him she is still working a little but that I need to ease her use off a bit more as I try to move my new little students on to another horse. I decided to head home for lunch before starting the trigger on ShakeNFork to muck stalls. I'm letting the drugs wear off before I turn the temporarily drunk horses out.

I HAVE A FEW LATER EVENING WEEKDAY SPOTS OPEN FOR LESSONS IN NOVEMBER 7:15 or 8:00I HAVE A FEW LATER EVENING WEEKDAY SPOTS OPEN FOR LESSONS IN NOVEMBER 7:15 or 8:00

YOU COULD FEEL the barometric pressure drop as the horses danced with vigor on their way out to the paddocks this morning. Precious was kept in for her two lessons before finally trotting off in the now snow covered field. Avery was by with dad this morning. He helped her brush the horse and let her tack up. After doing what Avery seems a boring routine, I challenged her to stand bolt upright on the horse. "No" is her usual reply when I ask her to do something outside her co...mfort zone. I keep telling her that word is not in my vocabulary - I only accept "Yes" as a response. After several near perfect attempts we left room for just a nick of improvement for next time. When I told her she was doing the teeter totter, again the flat out "NO" came out. Of course I ignore it and surprisingly enough, the old mare took Avery on a ride over the tottering teeter totter. Dad had just stepped out of view so we had to do it again. Avery was quite excited. With just 2% left on his phone, dad did manage to capture the event. I think Avery grew another inch after her ride today. She was pretty pleased with herself. Next up after lunch was sweet Chloe and her dad was there as well. That whisper voice is growing louder with each lesson. Like Avery, Chloe did the teeter totter and giggled all the way back. She also fancied doing a rising trot with the little helper strap. She was having a very good ride today. Finally it was Kate's turn with Unique. I gave her quite the challenge today with the dreaded "L." With just a couple of tries, Unique almost made a perfect back through. Her weak point is not being patient. Once the horse figures something out, she has a 'march on' attitude. It is a good test for Kate too to just sit and wait and calm the city rush in her. I think I've finally found something that will challenge them both for the next wee while.

JENNIFER sent me this photo of Sovereign to post for Halloween. Enjoy!

ATTENTION HORSE PHOTOGRAPHERS many international equine magazines around the world..... Shawn is holding an on-line workshop and has just a few spots open. The internationally acclaimed photographer has taken many photos here at the farm over the years. I'm sure you would enjoy her years of experience and tips. Her work has been featured in many equestrian magazines around the world. Enjoy our local talent!

THE LOGGING HORSE of yesterday...

AS THE MORNING LIGHT spread across the cold ground of melting frost, I stopped in my tracks with a horse on a shank, halting with my halt. All ears and eyes were on a shimmer of crimson red, tipped with white standing stock still. Its amber eyes locked on us, with a curiosity only foxes can display, before deciding to continue its not so covert operation of field mice hunting. It was a beautiful healthy fox that seemed oblivious to the horses coming to the breakfast table. I ...fumbled wildly in my pocket for my cell phone knowing that the fox wouldn’t stay posed forever. By the time I whipped the phone out of its case and selected photo option and pushed the record button, it had disappeared off in the distance. As I continued to walk the horses out, it trotted across the pastures and passed the maple tree as the dead leaves of summer fell like confetti to the ground. It scouted out the hay barn before returning for another quick prance along the fence line as if to say Good Morning. The simple beauty of nature makes a mad world seem right for a moment. That fox made my day and gave the horses a mild distraction from the round bale. *Pic of a red fox. The one today was a very deep rich red colour similar to this. See more

Durham Region will be downgraded to "RED" this Monday. Only 10 people will be allowed in the stable at one time.

I HAVE SOME 8 PM WEEKDAY PRIVATE LESSON TIMESLOTS AVAILABLE IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED DURING OCTOBER?I HAVE SOME 8 PM WEEKDAY PRIVATE LESSON TIMESLOTS AVAILABLE IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED DURING OCTOBER?

WALKED THOSE RAMPS many times while attending The Royal Winter Fair. A shame COVID stole it from us this year.

WHAT STABLE brings in a large chocolate cake to share with friends and clients? Makes everyone's visit a little more delicious. Thanks for eating up the calories for me! It was a busy night at the barn. Kristen did a triple combination tonight on Tiger while Hayley rode Cameo. Victoria was back for more rides tonight and Lisa fussed over Rhizzon as did Marie over Breezy. Postscript: Don't try and eat chocolate cake with a face shield on.

TIMELY REMINDER WITH COVID CASES ON THE RISE, PROTOCOLS AT THE FARM MUST BE ADHERED TO. APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISITORS.TIMELY REMINDER WITH COVID CASES ON THE RISE, PROTOCOLS AT THE FARM MUST BE ADHERED TO. APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISITORS.

Madelyn scored a whole bunch of chocolates tonight reaching high and low from Miss Scarlet.

THE CUTEST DARN PONY ever! Kristen had her first session for liberty training with Mr. Chips tonight. I swear that pony would climb a staircase if need be! He never hesitated once to step up on the mounting block. He almost got a perfect bow as well. The kids are really having a blast designing their liberty acts. One great circus pony in Mr. Chips. I had little Caera tonight up on Precious. She rode all by herself around the arena and then practiced her rising trot weaning herself from the helper strap. She did a fantastic job! *Here's some pics of Mr. Chips tonight.

SAD, SAD.. When I was roughly the same age as this girl, I experienced the same terrifying mishap. Lucky for me, I survived. It was a summer vacation at my grandmother's cottage at Rice Lake. I had taken my horse on holidays with me and we were out exploring the area. An old wooden bridge didn't look safe to carry a horse and rider, so I decided the little creek/marsh below would be a better option. How wrong I was! As my horse stepped into the muck following my direction, h...e began to sink. We literally were being swallowed up in a bog. I managed to get off my horse and pull the reins over his head. It was a long struggle as I pleaded with my horse to follow, as I tugged on the reins. Eventually only his shoulders and neck were visible as he groaned in defeat. I can remember screaming at him to come. I don't know where he found the strength but he managed to heave himself enough to touch the bank. After several minutes he finally pulled himself up enough with his front legs that he was able to rise up on rubber legs. I was terrified. I was grateful to be alive. I later learned that a cow had died in that same bog. Lesson learned... never ride alone,; things are not always what they appear to be. This was just one of life lessons described in my book "Between the Irons." https://www.cbc.ca//girl-horse-no-vital-signs-flamborough-

A FEW MORE pics of Dottie

SAFE and out of the cold.... Noelle arrived late morning. The flea-bitten grey draft mare walked calmly into the stable and stall. Her owner Melissa, doted on her giving her her mash and medications to help her arthritis. I know this mare will be much admired and loved. She has a kind eye that tells a story. No more auction barn to be rescued from.

DOTTIE is coming home. Congratulations to Lisa on the purchase of The Daughter In-Law (Favorite Son x B Celebrated) who lived with us four years ago when Kate owned her. It will not be a difficult transition for this lovely mare. I'm sure she will recognize some of her friends and definitely her new/old digs. Lisa is looking forward to having her first Morgan horse. She has been bitten by the Morgan bug after owning other breeds. Lisa has been leasing Rhizzon these past few months building back her riding skills and strength after a 10 year hiatus from riding.

ANOTHER Stunning image of Sovereign taken by Stay With Me Photography. (permission to share)

HORSES ARE A GREAT DISTRACTION AND MORALE BUILDER DURING COVID TIME IN THE STABLE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANTHORSES ARE A GREAT DISTRACTION AND MORALE BUILDER DURING COVID TIME IN THE STABLE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY for a ride! I only wish I could have enjoyed it. Seems I've been a slave to the barn all weekend. After doing the morning feed and turning out the entire barn late morning, I made it in time for my one lesson. It was Toronto student day, but since 2 of my other Toronto lessons cancelled, I just had Tierney and she drove the furthest. It was only her second time at the farm. Being such a glorious day, it seemed appropriate to take advantage of the sunshine... and bugless day and ride outdoors on Miss Scarlet. It was a nice ride for Tierney. She did very well I might add. After lunch I spent the remainder of the day mucking stalls and helping with evening feed and bringing in the horses. I haven't had a few days to myself in more than 4 years so the humdrum of barn life and COVID, along with aches and pains has not made for a pleasant year. Hopefully, I will be able to arrange to take some time off in a few months even if it is to just sit a home and read a book and not have to busy myself with barn chores. Back this evening for late evening barn check and fill the multitude of disinfectant bottles strategically located throughout the stable. *Pic of Tierney on Scarlet today.

Kristen (the horse) riding Tiger, the horse.

ARRIVED safe and sound in New Brunswick. Bauer was suppose to ride shotgun but apparently he slept through the entire trip.

THE HALLOWEEN HUNT continues this week at Trillium. Kristen and Hayley wore their costumes to ride in. How fun is that! Kristen wore her horse head and even did a few jumps with Tiger. Hayley bent high and low in her Police uniform on Cameo to grab those chocolates.

BONUS DAY for Twist. He got lots of horse treats while the kids took turns learning how to work at liberty and began the process of teaching Twist to bow. He was such a good boy. The parents' applause was loud and boisterous as the girls showed their infancy attempts at signals with body language and voice commands as he walked, trotted and turned on command. *Here are a few pics of the girls working the bow.

A FEW MORE pics from Stay With Me Photography... I know Sovereign is one of her favourite Morgans.

THE MASTER at work the other day. Photos by Stay With Me Photography.

ONE OF the 'behind the scenes' part of running a horse farm. Hay just doesn't magically appear in your fields. There is a lot of science and management that goes into a good hay crop, along with a healthy dose of just the right conditions from Mother Nature to make it all work.

LIBERTY TRAINING introductory session this weekend for those students who signed up for this winter project. Now you can start planning your routine and start practicing with your selected partner. Should be fun.

ATTENTION STUDENTS! PLEASE SEND ALONG YOUR AVAILABILITY FOR NOVEMBER. IT IS ALMOST HERE.ATTENTION STUDENTS! PLEASE SEND ALONG YOUR AVAILABILITY FOR NOVEMBER. IT IS ALMOST HERE.

Going Home.... horses in Costa Rica

FLASHBACK.... The champion Morgans: Trillium Irish Signature (Trillium Samson x Time for Joy) Left and Trillium Foxy's Tribute (Trillium Samson x Trillium Pepper Shaker) full brother to Trillium Victoria Secret on the right.

WITH FARRIER day done, I still have some 20 odd horses to bring in tonight. They got turned out after each trim. While they were being trimmed, the stalls were mucked. Tomorrow I babysit the new hire.. I'll be hanging close to home. Back tonight for lessons.

REMINDER FARRIER DAY TOMORROWREMINDER FARRIER DAY TOMORROW

PRICELESS... a good chuckle for sure https://www.facebook.com/EquineLaneLtd/videos/419293982348885

THE LAST few days have been very busy with fencing, chores and lessons. It was back to a regular week and I was happy to have my sidekick with me for a couple more days before she goes back to school. Yesterday Marilyn had another sidesaddle lesson and rode with confidence while Kate got perfect 4 square halts in the outdoor ring. Tonight Ava rode very well on Miss Abbey and Lisa also rode nicely on Rhizzon. Today Kristen got to work with Opal on the line looking like quite the little trainer. Here is a pic of one of the new fence lines.

NEW FENCING DONE.. upgrades to the farm are complete for this year. We are open for business with stall rentals available.

THE LAST SWEEP and with that a wave of emotion too. James has gotten really attached to the horses and people at the farm. We wish him all the best as he goes forward, back to the 'People of the Beautiful River.' "Atiyu" my friend from all of us at Trillium.

HELMET AWARENESS WEEK...

AN OPAL MOMENT.... Jenn shared this pic of Opal. Enjoy.

A GOOD working day on the farm.... Bob and James got one fence line in with another to finish off tomorrow. I striped and re-bedded 7 stalls and muck the reminder for a total of 18 stalls. We finished up close to 6 pm.

THE WINNER by 8 lengths... Here's the race if you missed it: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1788123203550

MIGHTY HEART ran a mighty fine race winning the 161st Queen's Plate this afternoon. The 13-1 longshot took the lead early and just blew away the competition in North America's oldest continuous race. The one-eyed horse was running so hard and fast, that the pony boy had a job catching up to rein him in. The 3 year old colt was joined in the winner's circle by his trainer, Josie Carroll and owner Leah Cheston. It was a first for jockey Daisuke Fukumoto in the irons at the Queen's Plate. With a blanket of flowers draped over the colt's shoulders, the trophies were presented to the winning team.

Taken on safari in Botswana, Africa. Just captured the ears of my horse in the photo deep in the Okavango Delta.

I ARRIVED at the farm this morning to feed and turnout. The place was thumping with pile drivers, hammers etc. The fence guys were driving posts into the ground with their machine and James was up on the roof of the stable tacking down the steel and sealing areas that needed caulking, especially around the skylights. Despite 'the dancing James on the roof' and the heavy pounding of the posts outside, there was relative calm in the stable. I think the horses thought that Santa Claus was coming early this morning and his reindeer were making quite the racket. Horses were grained and turned out for the day. Kristen is coming by to bring them all in late afternoon and take care of the evening feed for me. Not my regular day off as I continue to look for reliable barn help.

A LOVELY NIGHT for a ride. Kristen took Tiger over the jump course while dad took Clipper for a walk in the woods. Mom and I hung off the rail observing and directing Kristen. Hayley had a big ride on Cameo. She rode with a gutsy attitude even when the Thoroughbreds and Warmblood were racing around the paddock outside startling Cameo momentarily. With the arena windows open and unable to see, all the mare could hear was the gallop of hooves. I was very impressed with Hayley'...s response and taking such things in stride as a hiccup. She earned a trading card tonight for her efforts. It was a busy barn this evening. Lisa also came by to ride Rhizzon and Victoria and her mom came in to muck their stalls. Once again, 19 stalls got mucked today by Kristen and yours truly. Tomorrow I do some stall strips and new bedding. At least the cooler weather makes chores bearable.

TWO THUMBS UP... was Caera's response when asked how she liked her ride tonight. She is just learning the rising trot. Between giggles, I'm not sure who was having more fun; Precious or Caera. Soon I will have to move her on to another mount, but Precious has been very kind and patient, even if she wants to take her little rider all the way around the arena instead of staying in close proximity. Precious could do the entire lesson on her own.

BY 11:40 am 24 horses were fed and watered, evening feed made up, horses turned out and 19 stalls mucked! Kristen worked right alongside me as we shared the chores. (Her school return is next week in the staggered schedule.) The Queen was not amused! Secret was introduced to a new group finding herself among foreigners. No loyal subjects here for Queen Victoria to reign over. Her realm has decidedly changed after two months of stall rest and medications. She tried in vain to ...keep her crown but in the end pleaded by noon to come in. We granted Her Majesty's request since she had given herself ample exercise trying to lead her soldiers that didn't want to be led or coerced by her. Her status has been temporarily revoked as a new lifestyle change takes place. With time freed up, Bobbie will get a workout this afternoon before we begin evening feed and bring all those horses in. I fear I will have some challenging days ahead with school back in session and no extra pair of hands.

HERE'S ONE for Bonnie to put her Loonie on! Can you imagine if he wins!

TO MY students heading back to school, be vigilant and continue to wear your masks, wash your hands and stay a safe distance. I know you have all done very well with the COVID-19 protocols at the farm so I know you are already prepared for the classroom. It is very important that you continue to follow the guidelines so you will be safe to attend the stable for your future lessons. Have fun seeing old classmates, keep yourself and family safe and crack the books with a yearning to learn again.

GOOD RIDES had by all tonight. Another busy barn night with grandparents coming by to watch as well. Ava did a fine job on Miss Abbey and wasn't the entertainment tonight. She is edging towards trying to jump. Lisa followed on Rhizzon. Another day in the books. Do it all again tomorrow.

GLOOMY SKIES today but chores went ahead as usual. All the old fencing is out in the south pastures waiting for new posts and wire. It seems very odd after 25 or more years of seeing double row fencing gone. So many upgrades to the farm these past few years, it seems endless. Rosie got worked this afternoon. No training hood this time and she was more or less flawless in her workout which included canters in both directions. Kristen takes instruction well and is becoming quite the horsewoman. I'm very fortunate to have so many gifted young riders under my roof. Ava, Madelyn and Hayley have all continued to grow with their skills and stepping outside their comfort zone to push the envelope a little more. *Pic of Rosie

AFTER powering through 17 stalls this morning, I spent the afternoon doing lessons. Marilyn was first riding side-saddle on Precious followed by Teireney up riding hunt seat. Teireney took a few lessons 3 years ago here at the farm and is now back for more. They travel a very long way for lessons so I was glad that I could accommodate them today. Kate was my last lesson on her mare Unique. It seems it was Toronto day, as all of my students drove all the way out for their lessons. Lisa was by with her cousin who is visiting this weekend. She owns a Morgan so she was very pleased to visit Trillium. We had a nice chat before they saddled up Rhizzon for a ride outdoors. *Pic of Kate and Unique as well as Teireney on Precious.