Windswept Stables

Happy New Year! January is a great time to think about goals for the upcoming year. When setting goals, consider using a format that makes them more concrete, and therefore more likely that you will follow through with them! Using the SMART goal format is one easy option. SMART stands for: Specific Be as specific as possible when setting goals. For example, "Be a better rider" is vague versus the more specific "be able to post the trot without stirrups". ... Measurable You need to know when you've met your goal! Using the example above you might say "Be able to post the trot for one lap without stirrups". Achievable Be realistic about your goals! Think about where you are and the amount of time, energy, and money you can put into your goals to determine if they are achievable. Setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration, so pick things you are pretty sure you can accomplish with some work. Relevant Set goals that move you toward the big picture of where you want your riding to take you. If you're not sure about your bigger goals, spend some time thinking about those before setting goals for the year. Time-Bound Keeping in mind that horses will be horses and work on their own schedule, putting (adjustable) time-frames to your goals can keep you accountable.

Marcus and Tre (and friends) made a trip to the beach! It was wonderful enjoying the gorgeous fall weather.

Marcus and Welly went on an adventure this weekend. We met up with Katie and made new friends! It's been great getting off the farm to explore new places.

Montana and Marcus got to explore some trails on Sunday at the Fall Pace Event at Lancaster County Central Park.

Zip is ready to move into semi-retirement. Zip is an wonderful girl, patient, a great teacher, and loves attention. Her owner is advertising her for a free lease, please contact her for more information.

Montana taking a break during the Pace event Sunday.

Welly enjoyed being a western pleasure pony this weekend!

This post and extremely helpful image explain why and how we (ideally) use the legs and outside rein to turn the horse instead of pulling them around by the nose.

Time sure flies, it's been a month since we brought home Wellington (Welly). He's been settling into his new home and we couldn't be happier with this boy. He loves hugs, napping, and making new friends. We're looking forward to when he can start giving riding lessons!

This video does a great job explaining the concept of lowering your heels by putting weight into them/letting the leg drop vs forcing them into a lowered position and why allowing the leg to stay soft is helpful when riding.

This video does a great job showing the canter seat and some common mistakes in the canter. To fix the mistakes she discusses, work on strengthening the core, stretching your hip flexors, and develop independent riding aids!

Update: stalls are filled. We will have 2 stalls open for boarding on March 1st. Contact us for more information!

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Markie. A loving and people friendly horse, he meant a great deal to the Windswept family. Markie lived at Windswept for over 20 years with several different owners. When his owner passed away in 2014, Windswept assumed ownership to assure him a loving home. Markie was a favorite lesson horse for over 15 years and helped countless students learn to ride. He enjoyed his retirement years being pampered by Erin and her family, grazing, and greeting visitors to the barn. However, over the last year he lost the shine in his eyes as he had increasing difficulty moving comfortably. Markie was a special horse to many. We were very fortunate to have had him as part of our lives for a long time. He will be missed. Please share any stories or photos to celebrate his life.

We are currently looking for a part time instructor to teach beginner - intermediate lessons 1-2 evenings per week. We would prefer an instructor who has some dressage background, but individuals with a background in other disciplines who have solid horsemanship skills would also be considered. If you or someone you know may be interested, please send Deb an email at [email protected] for more information.