HORSE LOVERS ARE STABLE PEOPLE!
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Walter Davis–Professional Farrier
And the hoofs of the horses as they run shakes the crumbling field.
-Virgil, The Aeneid
Walter Davis came as a recommendation to us when we were looking for a dependable farrier for our two adopted/orphan foals over six years ago. We have also recommended him every time. He is that good. He is that dependable. We asked him if we could post an article about him on our blog. He agreed. He is a man of few words. When we told him on a recent trail ride his horse talks more than he, his quick witted response was, “That’s because she’s a mare!”
Well, he may be right, but he will talk horses and horseshoeing.
Walter is a Virginian. Born in Winchester, Virginia, he was seven years old when he got his first pony as a Christmas gift. Riding horses has been a part of his life ever since. While attending school at Ferrum College, he rode English on the Intercollegiate Riding Team on the flat and over fences. Extra time was spent working in the stables. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Ferrum, but turned his attention to farrier’s school as his life’s occupation. After twelve weeks of study and graduation from Eastern Farrier School in Martinsville, VA, he returned to Winchester. There he began his professional career running his horseshoeing business for nearly thirteen years.
He has run his horseshoeing business for nearly 13 years.
He works Monday through Friday and spends the weekends with his wife and children riding their horses. His clients range from mules to minis to drafts and pleasure riding horses like ours. He does not work with, “heavy shod gaited horses or racing thoroughbreds.” He says,”I feel that the horses best interests are often put aside in favor of performance for those two groups.”
Walter spends weekends with his wife, Susanne, and children riding their horses.
“Working with the horses, being outside, not having a boss,” are the best parts of being a farrier he says. When we asked if it is easy to shoe a horse he replied,” The concept of trimming the foot and applying the shoe is relatively simple. The practice of doing so is not so easy. Dealing with 1,000 lbs that may or may not want to stand still is difficult. Adjusting to the size range of horses from Drafts to minis works every muscle in your body.”
"...adjusting to the size range of horses from Drafts to minis, works every muscle in your body."
We asked about being hurt. His matter-of-fact reply,” Stitches from nails going through my hand after they were nailed in the hoof, cracked ribs from a horse that pulled back and broke the hitching post which sent the rail flying into my side, but that’s really it in thirteen years of shoeing.”
Walter says the best hoof care we can give our horses is to keep them on a regular trimming or shoeing schedule.
Although he has changed his own shoes, no more English boots on thoroughbreds but Western boots on his breeding stock paint, he rides and still spends as much time as he can in his barn.
Walter likes his work
Have any question you would like to ask him? Direct them here, we will get them to him!
Improve your Riding Skills in only One Session?
Sounded like a gimmick. At least I thought until I tried it out. The “gimmick?” Polocrosse. Simply put, a game of lacrosse on horseback.
This was no gimmick.
This was no gimmick.
Before starting the game my brother-in-law, Kent, and my twin sister, Chipley, instructed me while on the ground in how to use the racket to pick up, catch and throw the ball. Kent told me this game is a great, fun way to improve riding skills. “Because you take your mind off riding and have fun with the game,” Kent assured me.
“What? I am not even able to manage this ball here on the ground!” I protested all the while noticing their five grown children did not even need to practice!
A group picture before the game!
Kent is my riding instructor/trainer. He is an excellent horseman and has sharpened my riding skills enormously over the years. He is quiet and tough. I realized there was no option, I was playing and improving my riding skills. Kent said so.
His one daughter, Esther, himself and I made up one team. Chipley was the referee and photographer. Their other four grown, talented children comprised our opposing team. “At least I will not get killed since Kent and Esther are my teammates,” I thought while breathing a sigh of relief. Kent loves the game and Esther played on the Colorado State University Polo Team while in college. To be one of their opponents is not for the faint of heart! Most especially since I am a greenhorn.
We lined up. One behind the other facing Chipley as she tossed the ball onto the playing field. Suddenly an explosion of laughter, yells for, “Here, Here, get it, get it!”, hitting rackets and horses running filled the wild western air as a flood. Running with their ears laid back, like chasing down a calf, these horses enjoy going after that ball as much as the riders! Kent was right! I did take my mind off riding. I was riding my “polo” pony, Flicka, like a downright crazy woman, and the two of us were going for the goal! Chipley actually got a picture of me smacking Flicka to go faster!!
We lined up....Chipley tossed in the ball...
There was a country song recently out on the radio. The artist and title are lost in memory, but one line I do remember. The singer declares,”I ain’t never had too much fun.” Obviously he has never played polocrosse on a pretty pony nor felt the joy of a game, family fun, fresh air and all the while improving the skill of the passion of one’s life—-riding horses.
...riding like a downright crazy woman!
There is a rider on that horse! She's going after the ball!
Oh! One more thing. My team won, 3-2, and I was one to score of those points!
The winning team!
I want to go back out west. I want to play polocrosse again.
Esther played on the Colorado State Polo Team.
Ride for AbbaCare
For those who choose life
We designed the t-shirt for our riders.
I love life.
This is why I support those who choose life. It would have been difficult learning how to ride had life not been chosen for me. Choosing life is astonishingly out of fashion. Perhaps it always has been. There is nothing new under the sun.
I also love horses and horseback riding. This summer, with the encouragement and support of my farrier, we put the two together. Ride for AbbaCare. What a great pair, horses and life.
Riders met at Andy Guest State Park
Riders met at the trail head at Andy Guest State Park on a fabulously beautiful summer morning in July. A “day made to order,” as my old neighbor used to say. Six people willing to ride and raise money for those who choose life and need support. Each rider received a t-shirt designed by us. The shirts were printed and donated to us by our “t-shirt lady.” There were new and experienced riders, in both English and Western riding habit. I enjoyed meeting the horses and much as the riders. It was a special day. Somehow doing things for folks we do not know nor may ever meet, and into the next generation we may never see, make it all the more special. We raised over $500 for AbbaCare.
Somehow doing things for folks we do not know....make it all the more special.
It is wonderful being a part of something bigger than ourselves.I am thankful to these willing riders and their beautiful mounts. As I said—
I love life. I believe they must also.
A day made to order.
Riding at Blue Rock Horses
Written by Olivia Cox
We ride and work all around the farm, not just the round pen. Olivia is working around a flower pot!
I’ve been attending riding lessons at Blue Rock Horses for about two years. It’s been really fun and I’ve grown to love horses.
But why bother with horses anyway? What’s so good about horses? First of all, horses are beautiful, fast, strong, intelligent, and friendly. Horses can teach you many things, such as responsibility, self-control, patience, teamwork, leadership, cooperation, strength, diligence, and probably a whole lot more. Horseback riding is good exercise, and working with horses makes you strong, confident, and gives you a lifelong friend.
This exercise Olivia is doing looks easy, but it is hard work to sit still, lean forward and keep your balance. She did touch High Hope's nose, good going, Olivia!
Mrs. Bricker and her siblings trade off duties visiting her mother, and my sister and I take turns taking lessons, so my lessons are usually not very consistent. But I still benefit from them. Can you benefit from part-time lessons? Yes, you can, but expect it to take a little longer. Fewer lessons also give you some time to look in to other things (horses are wonderful, but there is also room in our lives for other interests).
What I am currently learning is how to post, to the trot. The trot is very bumpy, and it can be uncomfortable to ride a trotting horse. If you rise slightly out of the saddle at every beat of the trot, it can be more comfortable. That is called posting. Although it seems easy, it’s harder than it sounds. While learning to post, I have to make sure I am posting to the rhythm of the trot, and also make sure High Hope will keep trotting. I also have to keep my heels down, my knees in, my back straight, my chin up, and my hands above High Hope’s withers. It is hard work, but Mrs. Bricker tells me that it will all become automatic. I think the sitting trot (a gentle trot that does not require posting) is easier. Next, I think I want to learn the lope, or canter, which is faster, smoother, and probably a lot more fun.
I usually practice posting in a round arena, so High Hope can trot in a circle. I will usually start out walking, then ask High Hope to trot when I’m ready. She might stop, stumble, ro shy, or even refuse to trto, so I have to work to make her trot all the way around the ring. Rising out of the saddle is not hard, just doing it at the right moment. I’ve found that it is a little easier to post when High Hope trots quickly, because the movement kind of throws me out of the saddle. I will often change directions, and take High Hope around the circle clockwise or counterclockwise. High Hope likes to trot, and is pretty agreeable during these lessons.
When it is over, we will take High Hope to the trailer, take off her saddle and bridle, put on her halter, brush her, put on her fly mask (if it’s buggy), and put her back in the pen. Of course, we never forget to pet her and tell her that she’s a good girl. Everyone deserves praise every now and then.
Our students always do some bareback riding as well. It is a great way to feel the movements of the horse. Here they are riding double. Look carefully at Anna Kate. See her big smile? It is more comfortable in the back. If it is any help, Olivia, when I was your age I had to ALWAYS ride in the front too!
The Benefits of Riding Lessons
by Anna Kate Cox
I have been taking riding lessons at Blue Rock Horses for about two years, and it has been incredibly fun learning to ride, as well as care for, the beautiful, four-legged creature called a “horse.”
Mrs. Bricker, my riding instructor, has been an excellent teacher. Not only does she teach us riding, she also teaches all aspects of horsemanship.
It is not the most glamorious part of riding horses, but Anna Kate does a fine job of caring for High Hope, and it shows!
The horses, High Hope and Webster, have been kind and patient with me while I learn about them, to ride them, and to care for them.
One of my favorite pictures of Anna Kate on High Hope. She looks comfortable, happy and enjoying time with her horse, High Hope.
It has been such a wonderful experience getting to know this amazing animal. I’ve learned the differences between trotting, cantering and galloping. I’ve learned how to clean a horse’s hoof by “picking” it, and to examine my horse for any potential health problems. I’ve learned to post, which is rising slightly out of the saddle to make trotting more comfortable for you . I’ve learned the proper posture you should have when you are riding a horse (back strait, knees in, heels down). Mrs. Bricker teaches us to pay attention to the horse’s body language and to anticipate what the horse might do.
One of the things I have enjoyed the most about taking riding lessons is learning to do something that I hadn’t done before. It builds your confidence, character and maturity to learn how to handle such a large, strong, quick animal. Another thing I have enjoyed while learning about horses is riding fast. It feels good to go so quickly on such a pretty creature. I’ve also had fun meeting the Bricker family and their two great horses. High hope and Webster have both been mischievous sometimes, but like I said before, they have been amazingly patient and kind with beginners like me.
This wonderful experience has taught me that good horsemanship is certainly worth your time to learn. It makes you braver, more self-confident, more patient, and it’s also lots of fun. I have definitely enjoyed and benefited from learning horsemanship, and getting to know these amazing, intelligent creatures better at Blue Rock Horses.
Anna Kate works hard at sitting tall and pretty. She's doing a great job!
7 Stages of Aging on Horseback
This fun article came to me from my niece, Esther. Thank you, Esther!
Thanks to Jane Savoie
7 Stages of Aging on Horseback
Stage 1: Fall off pony. Bounce. Laugh. Climb back on. Repeat.
Stage 2: Fall off horse. Run after horse, cussing. Climb back on by shimmying up horse’s neck. Ride until sundown.
Stage 3: Fall off horse. Use sleeve of shirt to stanch bleeding. Have friend help you get back on horse. Take two Advil and apply ice packs when you get home. Ride next day.
State 4: Fall off horse. Refuse advice to call ambulance; drive self to urgent care clinic. Entertain nursing staff with tales of previous daredevil stunts on horseback. Back to riding before cast comes off.
Stage 5: Fall off horse. Temporarily forget name of horse and name of husband. Flirt shamelessly with paramedics when they arrive. Spend week in hospital while titanium pins are screwed in place. Start riding again before doctor gives official okay.
Stage 6: Fall off horse. Fail to see any humor when hunky paramedic says, “You again?” Gain firsthand knowledge of advances in medical technology thanks to stint in ICU. Convince self that permanent limp isn’t that noticeable. Promise husband you’ll give up riding. One week later purchase older, slower, shorter horse.
Stage 7: Slip off horse. Relieved when artificial joints and implanted medical devices seem unaffected. Tell husband that scrapes and bruises are due to gardening accident. Pretend you don’t see husband roll his eyes and mutter as he walks away. Give apple to horse.
This was what a very wise sales lady told me years ago after I described what I wanted done to a piece of my jewelery.
I never saw that sales lady again.
She was wiser than I at that moment in life when I was so full of motherhood and babies. Well, I am full again, only this time with aging parents and grand-babies. Her advice would have been timely once again last month when I foolishly stopped riding lessons.
It was a rash, “pregnant” decision. Even the horses have been lonely. They enjoy our students every bit as much as I. It can be overwhelming, this responsibility of aging parents and grand-babies in different towns. I can say with surety, being at home with 5 young children was easier. Though at the time I did not know it. Everyone under the same roof makes a huge difference. Now, there are many places to go to care for my family. So in my “pregnant moment”, I made a poor decision. It took only one week to realize it.
I have contacted the students and apologized, and have asked if they would consider continuing with working around the times available to us. Some have!! I hope the others do as well.
A talented musician told me once when we were discussing life careers of a good way to know of the choice. He said if you cannot imagine a life without it, it probably is your passion and is worth pursuing. He was right also!
Come on! It’s time to go riding!
Go home, come back when you are not pregnant!
The Horses are Gone!
Every morning of every day when I get up, I look out the window to gaze at the horses. It is a fine way to start a day for me. Sometimes they are over a hill and cannot been seen, which was the case one morning this week. At least that is what I thought…
An eerie feeling of “empty” met me as I made my way to the barn. So eerie, in fact, I whistled several times for the horses. This usually brings a friendly whinny from High Hope along with a quick appearance. Not this morning. After several more whistles, each more urgent than the previous, the knot in my stomach grew tighter.
Our horses were not in the field anywhere. They were gone.
I knew this was my fault. I had not followed through on the “something told me” voice that said, “check the fence line” to the new paddock they had just been turned out in that day. I found a hole alright. Only it was, as my mother says,”A day late and a dollar short.”
Where does one begin to look for two horses on mountains and acres of forest? Horses are curious critters and have a knack of getting themselves into trouble. I knew two things: only God knew where they were, and horses eat grass.
So as I grabbed halters, leads, a bridle (to ride one and pony the other) and a bucket of feed, I prayed for help. Down by the beautiful Cowpasture River is a lovely hay field full of spring grass. This is where I would begin my search.
As I made the turn in the road , two heads looked up at me. They were busy eating grass! Approaching them quietly and with a calm, steady voice, I haltered them and lead them calmly back to their pasture.
This frightful episode ended well for us. I am thankful for that is not always the case. A horse belonging to a friend of mine was recently struck by a car and killed when he got out of his pasture. So, once again, I count my blessings.
What I learned and tips to remember:
* Be sure your neighbors have your telephone number. They will call if they see your horses are out.
*Always have halters, leads, and bridles where they can be gotten in a hurry (I do not leave halters on our horses at night, some owners do).
*Take some feed in a bucket when going to look for them. They come to the sound of feed and it will help calm them.
*Check fencing regularly!
Every morning of every day when I get up I look out the window to gaze at the horses.
To Everything there is a Season
When I was a teenager this was a popular song. Many moons have passed since those days, but it is true still. At my age, there have been many seasons, some good, some not so good.
I am generally the type that looks forward, not so much behind. I suppose that is why the rear-view mirror in a car is so small and the driving one so large. Yet, a season had ended for me this month that has made me quite sorrowful. I stopped teaching riding lessons.
The season I am in now, caring for my mother (with help from my sisters), has to take precedence over horseback riding lessons. It is a matter of safety and value. We have had so few lessons I cannot, in good conscience, ask to be paid to teach the same thing over and over. Horseback riding is a beautiful skill that requires dedication for safety and ability. Normal missed lessons are fine, but I am gone 1/3 of every month caring for my mother. This make my teaching ineffective. It was a hard decision. I love my riding students and teaching them. They are bright, fast learners. And above that, they love the horses.
So, for now, I have to let go. With no idea of how long or if I will every have the privilege to teach again.
Our horses and I will miss our students more than they will ever know.
Farewell for now….
I love my riding students and teaching them.
one_local_gal 