Blackberry Equestrian

06/02/2026

Transformation Tuesday: Meet Poppy 🐴✨
​When Poppy, a 13-year-old OTTB, first arrived for boarding and training, we went right back to the fundamentals.
​Previously, she couldn't tolerate a bit in her mouth without flipping her head in frustration and discomfort. Understanding that every moment is a training opportunity, we focused heavily on intentional groundwork and lunging. We wanted to give her a safe space to understand what was being asked of her, build her core strength, and find mental relaxation.
​Look at her now! Thanks to her incredible progress on the lunge, she is ready for her next major milestone. She’ll be carrying those brand-new skills of softening, suppleness, and trust right into the saddle.
​I absolutely love seeing the transformation these amazing horses make when they are given patience, time, and true understanding. This is exactly why I specialize in feeding, rehabilitation, and training Thoroughbreds. They have so much to give when you listen to them. ❤️
​ EquineRecovery PatientTraining BarnLife BlackberryEquestrian

05/11/2026

Come join our No Drama No Stress Boarding
The best care for your horse is our #1 concern
Full service care for our indoor and outdoor horses.
Contact for more information ✨️

04/30/2026

Hand-grazing a horse is a great way to provide fresh forage and mental stimulation, but it requires active supervision. Even the most docile horse can become spooked or overly focused on grass, leading to potential accidents.
​Here are the essential safety protocols for hand-grazing:
Avoid "Fresh" Grass in Spring: If the horse hasn't been on pasture, limit grazing to 5–10 minutes initially to prevent laminitis or colic caused by high sugar content (fructans).
​Stay Clear of Fencing: Don’t graze too close to wire or electric fences. If the horse spooks or decides to paw at the ground, they could easily get a leg caught.
Lead rope for extra safety I feed my lead rope under jaw this helps keep it up so they don't stop on it,while still giving you control if they spook.

​Behavioral Safety
​No Grazing While Walking: Establish a boundary that the horse only eats when you have come to a full stop and given a "release" cue. This prevents them from dragging you while you're leading them.

04/03/2026

Adding a hindquarters rope (or "butt rope") to your lungeing routine is a game-changer for building a stronger "engine."
​Why we love it:
​Active Hind Legs: Encourages the horse to step deep under their body.
​Lifts the Back: Creates a "bottom-up" stretch to strengthen the topline.
​SI Support: Helps strengthen the sacroiliac (SI) area and stabilizing muscles.
​Body Awareness: Improves proprioception and overall balance on a circle.
​Instant Reward: Provides a natural release the moment the horse engages.
​It’s all about teaching them to move with purpose and connection!
​ CorrectMovement EquineRehab

04/01/2026

We spent the day at King Animal Hospital for Sherlock's follow-up stifle assessment, and the news is official: Dr. Orlaith Cleary has given us the green light to slowly begin his training! He has healed well, and we are so incredibly grateful for the expert care and professional guidance that got him this far.
​Sherlock is such a special horse to all of us, but especially to his kid, Haylee. She was thrilled to join the road trip today and be part of the big update and seeing the hosital. Seeing them together reminds us exactly why the long road to recovery is always worth it. ❤️🐴
​So thankful and looking forward to the next chapters 🙌

​

03/20/2026

03/17/2026

With a heavy heart, we share the passing of our beloved Cherry last Sunday. She was 29 years young and truly one in a million.

She passed on March 8th—her birthday—completing a beautiful, 29-year circle. Cherry touched so many lives during her time with us and she leaves behind a legacy of lessons, memories, and love that can never be replaced.

Thank you to everyone who loved her as much as we did. We’ll miss you forever, sweet girl. 💔✨

03/03/2026

Shedding season made easier 👍👍

02/18/2026

Baby Benedict thinks hes a wild boy but really he just wants to be a hunter.
This just 4yr is showing some great hunter potential 👌

02/10/2026

Every Moment is a Training Opportunity 🐴✨
​With this extreme cold keeping the horses inside more than usual lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time mucking stalls and observing how each horse handles the downtime. It got me thinking: Training doesn't just happen in the arena.
​Every time you step into that stall is a chance to make your horse better. Whether it’s:
​Asking them to stand patiently by the door while you work.
​Requesting they move over politely so you can reach the other side.
​Waiting quietly for their next flake of hay.
​We shouldn't just think, "My trainer will handle it," or "They’re good enough." When we engage their "thinking brain" during these routine chores, it keeps them mindful and relaxed. A horse that knows what’s expected of them is a happy horse!
​If we don’t give them a job to do—even a small one like being patient—they get bored. And we all know that bored horses find "naughty" ways to entertain themselves! 😂
​Next time you’re mucking or grooming, don't just go through the motions. Use that time. Every moment is a training opportunity!
​ Horsemanship