Questover Farms

10/04/2025

Friday musings,
I was talking with a client about their horse that had a spooking/bolting issue.
During a ride they were watching the horse did a hard spook/bolt at one end of the arena while we were cantering. I got control of the situation by bending the horse to a stop then promptly started cantering on the opposite end of the arena after a few laps the horse blew out and started calming down. Once that happened I started cantering closer and closer to the “spooky” area but I’d only canter closer about 15’ or so then canter back up to the “good” side then back down 15’ more than before into the “spooky” area. Fore long the horse was just cantering around like nothing happened.
The owner asked some great genuine questions.
Why didn’t I make the horse immediately go the spooky end after I got the bolt under control?
Horse gain confidence through approach and retreat. So by just picking the canter back up where we left off and going to the “safe” spot we were still working on cantering confidence and by gradually increasing my cantering to the scary area then back up to the safe area we were using approach and retreat, to gain confidence. Yes, without a doubt I could’ve laid into the horse and made them go forward immediately into the scary area. But it wouldn’t have created confidence. Just blind, tense, anxious obedience that would last only for so long before that coke bottle really blew up.

See if we could gauge the anxiety or fear a horse has on a scale of 1-10 then in my opinion and experience when that horse is over 4 or 5 on that scale you can’t train them, only make them. I know this from previous employments in extreme situations. You may do what’s being yelled at you but you sure ain’t sure about it. You’re just doing it. That’s what makes approach and retreat so important it actually builds lasting results.

The other question was once I had that horse bent down and the hindquarters were tracking under and then stopped why didn’t I let go of the rein?
If I bend a horse down to stop and they are pulling on that direct rein I personally do not let go of rein. Their feet may be stopped but their mind is still running away, hence the pulling on my rein. So I wait, however long, for the feet to be still and the mind, I wait until they quit pulling on the reins and actually put slack in the rein before I give the rein. If they bolt, even at a walk,
I start the whole process over again.
Have a good weekend!!

10/03/2025

09/26/2025

08/26/2025

✨ Questover Farm’s very own “Princess Buttercup” was absolutely flying this weekend — showing up, showing off, and looking fabulous while doing it! We’re so lucky to have this superstar on our team ❤️

07/31/2025

07/19/2025

Next up for introductions: Meet Butter!
Nicknames: Butterbean, Butterball, and Pretty Girl (we call it like it is!)

Butter has been part of the Questover family since day one—she was our owner/trainer’s very first horse and holds a special place in our hearts. These days, she’s a beloved part of our lesson program, perfect for either total beginners or advanced riders. She knows when to take it slow and when to show off!

Butter loves all apples (she’s not picky!), but Cosmic Crisps are her absolute favorite. She also has a soft spot for anything fuzzy, twisty medal courses, and long trail rides—especially the kind with a gallop or two.

Want to meet Butter in person? Come take a lesson with us and see why this pretty girl is such a favorite around the farm!

07/17/2025

Meet the Horses! 🐴
First up: Lesson horse Eddie!
Nicknames: Edcow, Mr. Ed, and just plain Ed!

Eddie is the newest member of our herd, and we’re so excited to introduce him!

Before joining us, Eddie spent about 15 years as a school horse at St. Andrews. When the program closed, he semi-retired here at Questover Farms, and now he’s our go-to guy for beginner and novice riders.

Eddie is absolutely loving the slower pace of semi-retirement. His favorite things? Orchard alfalfa hay, crunchy carrots, and relaxing ba****ck rides. 🥕💚

We’re lucky to have such a kind, steady soul in our barn family. Schedule your lesson and meet the wonderful Mr. Ed!

07/05/2025

Looking to level up your ride this summer? Whether your horse is quirky, sensitive, green, or just needs a little fine-tuning – I’ve got you covered!

I specialize in working with all types of horses and riders, bringing a calm, understanding approach that helps unlock each horse's full potential (even the tricky ones 😉). From groundwork and confidence-building to ride refinement and show prep, I tailor each session to meet you and your horse where you're at.

🗓 Now booking for July – limited spots available!
📍 I travel to farms in the Charleston area
💬 Message me to set up your lesson or ask questions!

Let’s make some real progress this July – no matter how normal or “personality-plus” your horse may be 🐎✨

06/22/2025

✨Putting in the work with my own horses is where it all starts. Every ride is an opportunity to grow, refine, and lead by example—both in and out of the saddle✨

🌻One of the best parts about riding two completely different horses is having two completely different goals. With Butter, it’s all about refinement—working on the little details like haunches-in and shoulder-in to further her education. Eddie, on the other hand, knows those things, but the challenge is getting him to engage his core and show up with ✨passion✨. I’m grateful for both of these awesome partners who keep me learning, growing, and reaching for better every ride.

06/21/2025

If you’ve followed me on my personal account, you already know Butter is my go-to, do-it-all mare. She’s a rock-solid trail horse, has dabbled in cow work, tackled cross-country courses, shown in both hunters and jumpers, and will happily go ba****ck in a halter one day—then turn around and jump 3’ the next, just because I asked her to.

There’s a common belief in the horse world that specialization is the only path to success. But in my experience, versatility builds a better horse. Each “off-discipline” experience made Butter sharper, more confident, and better in the show ring.

Cow work improved her lateral movements. Cross-country taught her to be careful and bold. Trail rides gave her the brain and body to handle pressure with ease. The things that were supposed to distract us? They ended up being our biggest strengths.

So here’s your sign to try something new with your horse—something totally different. Chances are, it’ll make you both better. 😉

06/20/2025

✨PROGRESS>PERFECTION✨

In horse training and riding, it’s easy to focus on outcomes—straight lines, clean transitions, perfect posture. But real horsemanship is built on consistent, incremental progress, not perfection.

Each ride is an opportunity to improve communication, build trust, and better understand your horse. The reality is:
✅ Horses (and humans) learn through repetition and release
✅ Setbacks are part of the process
✅ Growth often happens slowly and quietly

Perfection isn’t sustainable—but progress is. If your horse is more relaxed today, if your timing was just a little quicker, if your ride ended better than it started—you’re moving forward.

06/19/2025

Looking for thoughtful, effective lessons in the comfort of your own arena? Whether you’ve got a horse with a few quirks or a steady, reliable partner, I offer instruction that meets you where you are—literally and figuratively.

I specialize in building confident, connected horse-and-rider teams. From green projects to seasoned pairs looking to refine their work, my approach is calm, clear, and rooted in partnership.

🌟 Great with “quirky” or sensitive horses
🌟 Experienced with green, nervous, and “thinking” riders
🌟 Also great with your average, wonderful, willing horse!
🌟 Groundwork, flatwork, and foundational jump work
🌟 Customized sessions for every horse/rider combo
🌟 Serving Charleston and surrounding areas—yes, I come to you!

Now accepting new students for July & August—spots are limited!

Let’s build confidence, connection, and lasting progress—together.

DM to schedule your first session or ask any questions