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| • Joyce Leake - Animal Communication Weekend Workshop March 10-11 |
| • Joyce Leake Friday night social hour and demo. 5$ |
| • Similar Spirits - Women and Horses Gatherings. |
| • So your kid wants a horse? Informational classes at Spirit Horse Center |
| • Melisa Pearce Social time and demo open to the general public Friday May 4th 7-9pm |
| • Womens Retreat with Melisa Pearce @ Spirit Horse Center May 5-6, 2012 |
| • Little Spirits Day Camps 2011-12 |
| • Little Spirits Saturday Sessions 2011-12 |
| • June 16th 2012 Dressage Schooling Show |
| • Natural Horsemanship Clinic by Anna Twinney
October 12-14, 2012 |
| • Top Ten Winter Blanket Tips |
| • We have volunteer opportunities |
| • Composting program turns waste Green |
| • Training Tips from Toni |
| • Summer 2010 Little Spirits - what fun! |
| • Dressage Schooling Show a success! |
| • More Dressage Schooling Show photos |
| • More Dressage Schooling Show photos |
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HOW YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOUR HOLISTIC PRACTICE INTO A PROFITABLE BUSINESS.
An afternoon workshop outlining how you can live your bliss and have a successful, profitable practice.
Friday March 9th ,2012 from 10am-2pm at Spirit Horse Center in Brainerd, Mn. - All Holistic Practitioners/Business People welcome.
Joyce Leake internationally recognized animal communicator, author, television personality and owner of Animal University has partnered with Spirit Horse Center to offer an exciting seminar outlining how you can Transform Your Holistic Practice into a Profitable Business.
Many practitioners are frustrated that the daily demands of their business leaves little time for what they love doing the most: their work with their clients.
To run a successful business, you have to stay on top of current trends and push, push, push to make yourself known. Holistic practitioners don’t necessarily fit in that mold. Give them clients to work with and results are measurable. Add daily demands of computer work, bookkeeping, marketing and other business details, and their zeal turns to frustration, a feeling of overwhelm and exhaustion.
Learn how to:
*Repurpose or create new marketable, saleable products and quickly generate residual income.
*Manage your time, organize your day and be more productive from early a.m. to a reasonable p.m.
*Keep track of your bottom line so you have a daily frame of reference to guide your business decisions.
*Market without the “hard sell.’
*Use social media to create an online presence in less than 30 minutes a day.
*Keep up your good work, pace yourself and not wear yourself out.
*Network, mix and mingle to build your business.
*Manage your finances efficiently and make year-end taxes a snap.
Joyce says:
My goal is to help you through the maze of everything that’s out there, to be more productive, have more time for yourself and most of all, help those you are gifted to help because of the work you have been chosen to do. Plus, boost your income, support it along the way and create valuable residual income methods to support you when your life shifts from full- to deserved part- or retired-time.
About Joyce:
Joyce Leake is an internationally respected Animal/Interspecies Communicator and specialist in animal-human relationships. She has been featured on all media and appeared for two years on a weekly prime time animal program for Japan’s Nippon TV. She was the headliner for the Tokyo Pet Show, where due to her impressive Japanese fan base, completed the success for all corporate sponsors and promoters. Her story has been featured in national and international magazines. She is also recognized as the Animal Communicator of choice for South Korean pet enthusiasts. Her work includes celebrities of both human and animal kind; from movie stars and musicians to iconic race horses, celebrity dogs and cats and an exceptionally gripping experience, a grieving elephant. From her travels and experiences she has networked with other extraordinary individuals who enthusiastically share their knowledge through her innovative and one-of-a-kind membership website: www.AnimalUniversitycom.
She has co-authored with Dr. Vickie Wickhorst, Phd. two books, Decoding the Mystery of Interspecies Communication and a 104-page workbook, Communicating with Animals – A Twenty-One Day Guide to Success. Her desire to raise the bar is illustrated by her commitment with Animal University’s comprehensive, progressive 5 -Level Interspecies Communication Certificate Program teaching and mentoring the student from lay to professional, in the exploding field of animal-human relationship and communication.
She continues to network and promote practitioners, authors, presenters and other extraordinary individuals. Her mission is to share their great works to serve as an exchange and resource of information, practicum and research.
And, Joyce is co-participant on Animal University’s Radio weekly show. It’s great fun to share from how to’s to detailed animal communications for listeners. It’s lots of fun, energetic and completely soul feeding. Tune in!
For more information or to register contact Staci at Spirit Horse Center
Email – info@spirithorsecenterinc.com or call 218-825-4944
www.spirithorsecenterinc.com
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| Joyce Leake - Animal Communication Weekend Workshop March 10-11 |
Join us at Spirit Horse Center with published author, TV personality and internationally recognized Animal Communicator Joyce Leake! Back by popular demand, Joyce Leake will be visiting us from Colorado to teach her effective and popular Animal Communication classes. Joyce will be teaching Levels 1-5 March 10-11 at Spirit Horse Center. Join us for both days. Those who previously took Levels 1 & 2 may join us only for Levels 3, 4 & 5. Learn the joy of communicating effectively with your animals!
*Friday night March 9th 6:30pm open to general public. Join us to meet Joyce. Socialize with appetizers and refreshments and see a short demonstration by Joyce. 5$ please email or call to RSVP by Thursday March 8th. 218-825-4944 or info@spirithorsecenterinc.com.
$69.99 per day, lunch and refreshments included.
Day ONE 9am-4pm
Levels 1 & 2: How to Communicate with Animals. Learn the basics from A-Z on how to quiet your mind, connect with your animal and hear his "voice." You'll be astounded at the wisdom and insights your animals share when you engage them in a one-on-one conversation.
Day TWO 9am-4pm
Levels 3, 4 & 5: Learn how to handle difficult situations, complex issues and touchy subjects when it comes to animals. A terrific blend of psychology, philosophy and finesse. Also included are Health Insights, where you learn how to focus your intuition to discover where, how and why your animal hurts or is experiencing illness, and then what to do about it
Email Staci at info@spirithorsecenterinc.com for more information or for a registration form. Add "Joyce Leak" in the subject line.
ABOUT JOYCE:
Joyce Leake is an internationally respected Animal/Interspecies Communicator and specialist in animal-human relationships. She has been featured on all media and appeared for two years on a weekly prime time animal program for Japan's Nippon TV. She was the headliner for the Tokyo Pet Show, where due to her impressive Japanese fan base, completed the success for all corporate sponsors and promoters. Her story has been featured in national and international magazines. She is also recognized as the Animal Communicator of choice for South Korean pet enthusiasts. Her work includes celebrities of both human and animal kind, from movie stars and musicians to iconic race horses, celebrity dogs and cats, and an exceptionally gripping experience: a grieving elephant. From her travels and experiences she has networked with other extraordinary individuals who enthusiastically share their knowledge through her innovative and one-of-a-kind membership website: www.AnimalUniversitycom.
She has co-authored with Dr. Vickie Wickhorst, Phd. two books, Decoding the Mystery of Interspecies Communication and a 104-page workbook, Communicating with Animals - A Twenty-One Day Guide to Success. Her desire to raise the bar is illustrated by her commitment with Animal University's comprehensive, progressive 5-Level Interspecies Communication Certificate Program teaching and mentoring the student from lay to professional, in the exploding field of animal-human relationship and communication.
She continues to network and promote practitioners, authors, presenters and other extraordinary individuals. Her mission is to share their great works to serve as an exchange and resource of information, practicum and research.
And, Joyce is co-participant on Animal University's weekly radio show. It's great fun to share from how-to's to detailed animal communications for listeners. It's lots of fun, energetic and completely soul feeding.
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| Joyce Leake Friday night social hour and demo. 5$ |
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*Friday night March 9th 6:30pm open to general public. Join us to meet Joyce. Socialize with appetizers and refreshments and see a short demonstration by Joyce. 5$ please email or call to RSVP by Thursday March 8th. 218-825-4944 or info@spirithorsecenterinc.com. |
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| Similar Spirits - Women and Horses Gatherings. |
Join us for this popular program. Bring your own horse or use one of ours as we gather together to explore the wonderful world of horses. We will connect in fun and unique ways with the horses and each other.
All ability levels will enjoy this experience. No previous horse exp necessary.
Contact us to register or inquire.
Must pre register. If you are planning on bringing your own horse please make arrangements with Toni.
Email - info@spirithorsecenterinc.com
218-825-4944
DATES:
February 18th 3-5pm $35.00
April 21st 3-5pm $35.00
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| So your kid wants a horse? Informational classes at Spirit Horse Center |
So your kid wants a horse? Horse Ownership 101
Presented to you by Toni Wasilensky and Staci Grattan- Fornshell teachers of the Central Lakes College Basic Horsemanship Class.
Join us for a three hour session exploring the world of horse ownership from A to Z. Curriculum will include information on the care and responsibilities of horse ownership, buying a horse, a QA session, informational handouts and more.
February 19th 1-4 pm
March 25th 1-4 pm
April 22nd 1-4 pm
$15.00 individual adult. 18 and under $10.00 Family price (up to five members) $35.00
must register to attend. Please contact us via email info@spirithorsecenterinc.com or call 218-825-4944 for more information. |
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| Melisa Pearce Social time and demo open to the general public Friday May 4th 7-9pm |
FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL HOUR & DEMO with Melisa OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. MAy 4th 7:45-9:30pm $15.00
Join us for appetizers and refreshments. Meet Melisa and see a demonstration of her amazing work with humans and horses.
Please email or call to RSVP 218-825-4944 or info@spirithorsecenterinc.com |
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| Womens Retreat with Melisa Pearce @ Spirit Horse Center May 5-6, 2012 |
Join us for a special Women's Connection Retreat May 5-6 at Spirit Horse Center. The workshop features Melisa Pearce, a nationally recognized psychotherapist, author, coach and accomplished horsewoman.
Led by Melisa and her team of equine partners, you will discover new and revealing ways to explore a myriad of life questions. No horse experience is necessary as you learn to partner with these incredible and powerful teachers. They will mirror your behavior and energy, illuminate your strengths and highlight your blind spots as you move through a series of guided exercises.
As Melisa coaches and investigates the outcome and shared insights with you, true behavioral shifts occur. She deftly guides you to look at your habits and conditioning of your past, exploring your life issues and how they are showing up in your life today. With clear assessment, you choose another course and set forth with clear intention for the future. The horses partner tightly with Melisa, to stimulate you to break through blocks to your own awareness.
THIS IS HANDS-ON WITH HORSES.
NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
SPACE IS LIMITED TO 10.
Cost: $495.00, includes lunch.
Friday, May 4
5:30 pm - Registration
6-7:45 pm - Retreat Attendees Private Group Meeting
7:45-9:30 pm - Demo Evening, Open to the Public. Cost is $15.00
Workshop private registrants only.
** FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL HOUR & DEMO with Melisa OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. MAy 4th 7:45-9:30pm $15.00 please email or call to RSVP 218-825-4944 or info@spirithorsecenterinc.com
Saturday, May 5
9:30 am - 5 pm
Sunday, May 6
9:30 am - 3 pm
You will need to fly into the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport (airport code: MSP). The retreat site is a two-hour drive from the airport.
For more information about Melisa Pearce and her amazing workshops and programs go to www.touchedbyahorse.com
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| Little Spirits Day Camps 2011-12 |
Children learn the magic of horses in a safe and supervised setting.
Kids age 3-12 ride and learn about horses. Fun horse-related crafts, games and rides. All sessions run 9am-3:30pm. Cost is $65.00 per day. Please pre-register and pay. Open slots will be limited for this popular program. Contact Krista or Toni at 218-825-4944 or email info@spirithorsecenterinc.com.
Dates:
Friday, November 25, 2011 - Thanksgiving break, no school. 9am-3:30pm
Thursday, December 29, 2011 - Christmas Break, no school 9am-3:30pm
Friday, January 20, 2012 (no school ISD 181) 9am-3:30pm
Thursday, March 15, 2012 (spring break ISD 181) 9am-3:30pm
Friday, April 6, 2012 (Easter Break no school) 9am-3:30pm |
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| Little Spirits Saturday Sessions 2011-12 |
Children learn the magic of horses in a safe supervised setting.
Kids age 3-12 ride and learn about horses. Fun horse-related crafts games and rides. All sessions run 3-4:30pm one Saturday per month. Please pre-register. Open slots will be limited for this popular program. Contact Krista or Toni at 218-825-4944 or email info@spirithorsecenterinc.com.
Dates:(all sessions run 3-4:30pm)
November 12, 2011
January, 28, 2012
February 25, 2012
March 24, 2012
April 28, 2012
May 19, 2012
Cost is $25.00 per session. |
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| June 16th 2012 Dressage Schooling Show |
Spirit Horse Center Schooling Show
Brainerd, MN
Saturday June 16, 2012
Opening date: May 7th 2012 Closing date: June 8 2012
Manager: Spirit Horse Center Inc.
8386 50th Avenue
Brainerd, Mn 56401
218-825-4944
Email – info@spirithorsecenterinc.com
Website www.spirithorsecenterinc.com
Judge: Jim Hatch
Entries: Classes #1- #12 - $22.00 Classes #13 & 14 - $15.00
Office Fees: $10 per horse/rider pair
Submit entries on show entry form found on webpage www.spirithorsecenterinc.com
Submit entry form and copy of current negative coggins test (2012) required.
Mail entry, copy of negative coggins test and check to Spirit Horse Center Inc.
Make checks payable to: Spirit Horse Center Inc. - Check and copy of coggins must accompany entry.
Refunds: All fees refunded prior to closing date with vet certificate only. No refunds if show must be cancelled. Management reserves the right to cancel due to unsafe weather conditions. NO REFUNDS AFTER CLOSING DATE.
Ride times: Will be available 48 hours before the show @ www.spirithorsecenterinc.com
Attire: Riding attire need not be formal. Approved helmet and footwear are required at all times.
Arena: All tests ridden in 70 x 160 indoor arena.
Awards: Ribbons through 6 places. Classes may be combined and split as necessary.
Stabling: Limited stabling available on the grounds for $25. Overnight stabling on very limited basis for $35.
Classes: 1. USDF Intro A- Jr. 10. Training 2 – Sr.
2. USDF Intro A – Sr. 11. Training 3
3. USDF Intro B – Jr.
4. USDF Intro B – Sr. 12. First Level %
5. USDF Intro C – Jr. 13. Equitation Dressage (walk,,trot,,canter)
6. USDF Intro C – Sr. 14. Musical Freestyle
7. Training 1 – Jr.
8.. Training 1 – Sr.
9. Training 2 – Jr.
Directions: Spirit Horse Center, 8386 50th Avenue, Brainerd, MN 56401
218-825-4944
From the north: located 1 mile south of the HWY#371 Bypass split on the east side
From the south: located 1.5 miles north of the Visitors Center on HWY #371 on the eas
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| Natural Horsemanship Clinic by Anna Twinney
October 12-14, 2012 |
Talented and internationally respected Natural and Holistic Horsemanship Clinician Anna Twinney will be at Spirit Horse Center Oct 12-14, 2012 for a three-day clinic.
Anna travels the world teaching the art of creating a trust-based partnership between humans, horses and all animal companions.
You may participate:
- as a clinic attendee for all three days OR:
- as an attendee for the Holistic Horse Day (Day 1 only)
- as an auditor for Days 2 & 3.
- as a participant for the Holistic Horsemanship Day 1 and Auditor Days 2 & 3. We highly suggest this option for those who do not wish to attend (or if the class is full) as a participant all three days - this clinic will change the way you look at your horses!
Day 1 (Oct. 12) - The Holistic Horse Day will be a fun day open to all. It's an excellent way to experience an introduction to Anna's Reach Out To Horses methodologies! The Holistic Horse Day includes:
- Lecture on herd dynamics
- Demo of personality and character in the Round Pen. "De-mystifying the round pen" by creating a partnership through telepathic, energetic and body language means. Lecture and demonstration.
- Lecture on muscle testing
- Exercise on muscle testing for nutritional supplements for your horse
- Animal Communication lecture
- Animal Communication demonstration or exercise
FEE FOR HOLISTIC HORSE DAY ONLY - $85.00 if registered and paid by Aug. 15, 2012.
$100.00 if after Aug. 15. 2012.
*Lunch will be available for pre-purchase on your Holistic Horse Day registration form.
The three-day clinic price includes Holistic Day and is a package price.
Days 2 & 3 (Oct. 13-14) will be open to a very limited number of participants and a large number of auditors in our indoor arena with stadium seating. It includes more Natural Horsemanship exercises with Anna and your horse. If you are not able to bring a horse you may contact us about using one of ours. Topics will include:
- Anna's TLC method: Trust-Based Leadership and Compassionate Communication. Learn and practice the benefits of the TLC. With just a little TLC, you can set your horse up for success and achieve that connection of grace and ease you've always imagined.
- De-mystifying the Round Pen. We witness the effectiveness of the Round Pen and experience a language that goes beyond body gestures to create a lexicon that far exceeds the Round Pen environment. Create a partnership with your horse through telepathic, energetic and body language means.
3-Day CLINIC FEES (includes Holistic Horse Day): $100.00 non-refundable deposit and registration form required to hold your spot by July 15, 2012.
Early Bird Special - $435.00 if paid in full by Sept. 1, 2012.
$450.00 if paid after Sept. 1, 2012.
Lunch will be available for pre-purchase on your 3-Day Clinic registration form.
Clinic Fees do not include short-term board or horse accommodations. Indoor board in one of our box stalls, rubber mat footing, sawdust bedding, water buckets. Wash rack and cross ties available. Barn is climate controlled and we have an on-site caretaker. Stabling fees will be $30.00 per day - you provide your own hay and grain. Stalls will be cleaned and fresh bedding provided daily. Stabling available Thursday-Sunday. Please pre-register on your clinic registration form for stabling accommodations.
Trailer parking available on site at no charge.
AUDITING FEES FOR DAYS 2 & 3 (Oct. 13-14) - Please note auditing fees reflect the "borrowed benefit" one will receive from observing Anna's clinics. Auditors will walk away from this experience with an increased understanding of Anna's methods. It may not be the same as experiencing the clinic with your own horse but we feel it will definitely be worth the price of admission.
*Early Bird Special - $70.00 to Audit Days 2 & 3 - if registered and paid by Sept. 1, 2012
*$80.00 Auditing Days 2 & 3 if paid after Sept. 1, 2012.
$50.00 Auditing Day 2 (Oct. 13) only
$30.00 Auditing Day 3 (Oct. 14) only
Lunch will be available for pre-purchase on your Auditing Registration form.
* PLEASE CONTACT US TO REGISTER TO AUDIT PRIOR TO CLINIC.
We are so excited to have Anna join us from Colorado. Please join us for this wonderful opportunity. For more information on Anna go to www.reachouttohorses.com
Email us at: info@spirithorsecenterinc.com for more details or to get your name on the list of clinic participants or auditors.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANNA:
She has conducted clinics, classes and training sessions in Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, France, Holland, Sweden, Spain, Norway, New Zealand and throughout the entire United States. Anna is also the creator of the Reaching Out to Natural Horsemanship DVD series and can regularly be heard on radio and podcasts around the world including her popular podcast show Reaching Out with Anna Twinney.
Her work has been featured on TV, including Martha Stewart's Living "The Horse Whisperer" and the BBC fly on the wall documentary "Living in the Sun." In addition, Anna has written articles for a variety of national and international equine-related magazines, and is a contributing author of Horse as Teacher: The Path to Authenticity with Horses, released in May of 2009.
Numerous public and corporate demonstrations around the world have also provided Anna with another venue for sharing her knowledge.
Anna's early love of horses blossomed through her relationship with her own childhood horse, Ringo - and then as an adult with Carrie, a Thoroughbred Irish Draught mare. She and Carrie entered competitions, including show jumping, long distance riding and cross-country jumping, as well as assisting at local riding schools with trail rides and remedial horses.
Anna began her exploration of natural horsemanship as a participant in Monty Roberts' studies at "Flag Is Up Farms, during a year's sabbatical from her job as a police officer in England. For Anna, Flag Is Up Farms and their horses - especially the wild Mustangs - became a university of learning.
Following the sabbatical, Anna left an eight-year career with the constabulary and moved to the U.S. to pursue her real dream - helping horses and their people grow in partnership. Anna had been involved in investigative interview training, multicultural crime and major incidents investigations, including drug and surveillance, control room operations, rape and child victim investigations, and became an on-the-job instructor and Constabulary Force Reviewer.
While Anna was at "Flag Is Up", Crawford Hall, an internationally acclaimed horse trainer, who worked with Monty Roberts for over 28 years, became her mentor. After extensive studies into the unique "Language of Equus," she became an integral part of the research and development team for the Monty Roberts International Learning Center (MRILC).
Qualified as one of the first six instructors throughout the world, Anna was the first person ever to be entrusted with the title of Head Instructor at the MRILC and the only Head Instructor to be a member of the MRIA Board.
Anna was a member of the Development team and the originator of several Monty Robert's courses. She supervised instructor courses, numerous introductory courses and clinics. She wrote the standard exams for both the introductory and instructor courses and has been instrumental in graduating 10 instructor students, as well as being a member of the MRIA Board of Directors for a number of years.
During her tenure, Anna assisted Monty in compiling the information used in his book, "From My Hands to Yours" and has conducted numerous demonstrations to the public at the MRILC and assisted Monty during Pomona Equine Affairs.
Anna has also worked in collaboration with other leading clinicians on natural horsemanship and animal communication. Beyond her own equine training and experience, Anna has explored a number of "alternative" healing modalities over the years, including becoming a certified Karuna Reiki Master and Intuitive Healer. She has studied Equine Herbal Natural Remedies and Aromatherapy, is a certified Reconnective Healing Level III practitioner, Level II Healing Touch for Animals practitioner, and a graduate of the Carol Gurney HeartTalk Program as a certified Animal Communicator.
Her interest in the "Language of Equus" has led her to focus increasingly on the power of animal communication to strengthen and deepen our relationships with all species.
One of Anna's great passions is the survival and protection of wild horses, and she has been privileged to observe Brumbies in their natural habitat in Victoria, Australia along with colleague Eric Godward. She also assisted Neda DeMayo in the Santa Ynez Valley at the wild horse sanctuary 'Return to Freedom' for a number of years. RTF is home to the American Wild Horse and is considered a living museum. It provides a natural environment for the horses to live in herd groups and a place students can observe natural wild horse dynamics. Anna was part of the education program and played a significant role in gentling mustangs for special care and foster homes.
She continues to support a number of charities including the Equine Angels Rescue Sanctuary in Connecticut, the Horse Protection League in Golden, Colo., Zuma's Rescue Ranch in Littleton, Colo., and Equine Voices Rescue and Sanctuary in Tucson, Ariz., where she is actively involved as an Advisory Board Member.
Anna is currently in the process of creating a Learning Center close to home where, by 2012, everyone can come and learn how to create a trust-based partnership with their horse.
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| Top Ten Winter Blanket Tips |
Top Ten Winter Blanket Tips
1) You get what you pay for when purchasing new.
2) For very active horses or rough players, use a heavier denier rating like 1200 or even “ballistic” or “bulletproof.” Denier should be the “ripstop” type.
3) Horses can and will rip off and destroy other horses’ blankets. Proper sizing, adjustment and sturdiness are critical to ensure you don’t end up wasting money. Nothing is more frustrating than spending hard-earned money on blankets only to have pasture mates or tricky horses rip them off and destroy them in less than 24 hours.
4) Blankets should be waterproof and breathable, with at least medium amount of insulation.
5) Look for tough straps that are easily adjusted and have secure “T” type closures all the way around – we have found buckles on the chest do not work that well for “high play” situations.
6) Blankets should fit properly for maximum protection. All manufacturers will have sizing charts – be sure to measure, you might be surprised! Blankets that are too large or small will not provide proper warmth and protection and will come off more easily, thusly getting wet, dirty or destroyed.
7) Purchasing extra elastic leg straps is a good idea – these tend to get lost or destroyed.
8) Be sure to pull blankets and launder and repair them regularly. Don’t leave wet blankets on horses. Even waterproof blankets must be removed and dried and aired out on nice days.
9) Check for rub marks regularly and adjust straps.
10) Pick the right type for your horse – some horses react badly to over-the-head or belly band type blankets though these types are more sturdy, warmer and more difficult for pasture mates to remove.
Additional tips:
* When washing be sure to follow manufacturer instructions. You can inadvertently destroy the water resistant factor by improper laundering.
When in doubt the best policy is to wash in cold using woolite or a similar product. There are also blanket wash products on the market. Fabric softener is never OK to use on any water-proof products.
* Many manufacturers carry products to "rewaterproof" your blankets or repair small holes. Worth checking out to protect your investment.
* Belly bands and "high neck" blankets tend to provide more warmth and comfort for your horse. The additional cost is worth considering especially if you are blanketing older or thinner skinned horses.
There is much debate about blanketing - whether or not it is helpful to the horse. It is an individual decision for certain. We recommend considering the following when making your decision:
1) Does your horse have adequate shelter from the elements at all times? From all directions (wind direction), will all horses be "allowed" in the shelter by pasture mates etc?
2) Wet and cold Fall and Spring weather is the most taxing on horses. Consider rain sheets for these times.
3) Do the horses have an opportunity to eat if it is raining and cold for days on end? Do they have to brave the elements outside of the shelter to do so?
4) Consider the breed, age and condition of your horse. Elderly, thin or ill and "thinner skinned breeds" such as the Thoroughbred may require and or appreciate blanketing. |
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| We have volunteer opportunities |
Looking to Volunteer?
We have volunteer opportunities available for teens and adults. Contact us today for more information. 218-825-4944
Photo: Nancy Smith volunteers for our Little Spirits Summer Day Camps - thanks to Nancy and all of our amazing volunteers! |
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| Composting program turns waste Green |
We compost!
Spirit Horse Center has its own composting program that eliminates manure and bedding in an environmentally friendly way.
We use an aerated composting system that blows air into the waste, which stimulates the micro-organisms that are already in the mix. Their by-product is heat. Within 30-60 days, the heat breaks down the material to dirt that is an excellent source of macro- and micro-nutrients as well as stable organic matter, all of which support healthy plant growth.
The process also produces conditions within the core of the pile that eliminates offensive orders, and the high temperatures destroy fly larvae and weed seeds, which improves horses’ health and yields a high-quality finished product.
For more information on the composting system, click here. |
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| Training Tips from Toni |
Training Tips from Toni
Toni is our Facility Manager, Senior Trainer and Instructor.
Ground Manners - Spring is actually here and it is time to reconnect with our horses after the long cold winter. Connecting with our horses happens easily once we begin implementing our training plan. Ground manners can be one of the things that through the winter seems to be somewhat forgotten by our horse.
Some very basic suggestions to get your horse back on track: Set boundaries, the horse must stay out of your space, one suggestion to accomplish this is by visualizing a wall between you and he. Horses are very attuned to energy so he will feel it's presence, but if he still wants to challenge you then use your elbow to put pressure against his neck to direct him away but still hold your vision of a wall, he will understand. Make sure when you are leading your horse, be in front of his shoulder but behind his jaw and have a loose lead allowing him to walk with you. He should step off and walk when you walk and stop when you stop. This shows he is connected. If not you have the option of trotting a few steps, transition to walk, then halt, walk again, repeat as necessary. It is very important to remember to breathe when you are working with your horse. As you are ready to step into the walk - inhale and visualize the two of you stepping together, exhale as you move and visualize the path ahead of you. Always visualize what your intentions are as this will help our bodies to be tuned and ready.
Turn on the forehand is used to promote the disengaging of the haunches for suppleness, focusing and submission. The horse will pivot on a front leg while the haunches step around it. Asking the horse to halt each step so as to balance and focus. His hind legs will cross over each other which promotes stretching of the muscles and flexing of the joints. (Paying attention to his front legs that they are not planted to the ground so as to twist on his knee.) You want to create the desire in the horse to being moving his energy forward but instead redirect the energy sideways. You can use the handle of a riding crop to put pressure on his flank for stepping away as if your leg was there when riding or use the palm of your hand and direct the image of energy being sent to that spot for him to move off. You will find it fascinating, fun and rewarding to use visualization and energy as a source for connecting, communicating and directing the movement of your horse.
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| Summer 2010 Little Spirits - what fun! |
What fun we had this summer with our very popular Little Spirits Summer Day Camp sessions!
We very much enjoyed having the kids with us at the barn this summer. Our wonderful staff and volunteers did a terrific job!
Most importantly our horses deserve high praise for taking such amazing care and showing miles of patience with these eager, young learners. As always our horses are the foundation of our business and our hearts!
Check our calendar of events here to see our upcoming Fall and Winter Little Spirits and other group learning programs.
Photo - Jessica a Little Spirits August Summer Day Camper and her buddy Kheshawn (owner Kate Lepage) competing in our horse body painting contest.
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| Dressage Schooling Show a success! |
Fundraising Benefit Dressage Schooling Show held at Spirit Horse Center for the Mounted Eagles Therapeutic Horsemanship for Persons with Disabilities on June 19th 2010 was a rousing success - Area Equestrians competed and showed off their skills. The show ran from 8am to 3:45pm with a variety of junior and senior classes offered including intro and training level tests.
Competitors were scored and given constructive remarks by Judge Natalie Hinneman.
Over the noon break Mounted Eagles program participant Jenny Aulie performed a fantastic exhibition ride showcasing the skills she has learned during her 14 years with the program.
Show fees will benefit the Mounted Eagles a non profit program offering equine assisted activities for persons with disabilities or life challenges. Spirit Horse Center hosts the Mounted Eagles program each week on Tuesdays all day Thursday evenings. For more information on Mounted Eagles go to our links section on this website for a hot link.
We could not be more thrilled to have hosted such a special fundraising event for such a worthwhile cause!
Photo Asst Trainer/Instructor Kate Lepage aboard Azteca gelding Sonadors Spirit "Spirit" (owner Staci Grattan) Great Job Spirit and Kate! |
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| More Dressage Schooling Show photos |
Photo June 19th Benefit Dressage Schooling Show for Mounted Eagles at Spirit Horse Center - Talina Gonzalez sharing the love with her pal - arabian mare Foxwood Dawning aka "Foxy" a Spirit Horse Center School Horse. Super job Talina and Foxy!! |
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| More Dressage Schooling Show photos |
Photo June 19th Benefit Dressage Schooling Show for Mounted Eagles at Spirit Horse Center - Seen here Spirit Horse students Left Carrie Reirson on her gelding Gunner Right Carol Meredith riding her gelding Nelson. Great job ladies (and boys too)! |
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