From the ground up Farm

11/22/2022

08/28/2022

Remember, the dressage (or reining) movements are not obedience tests that the horse does, rightly or wrongly. This thinking is one of the common traps into which we can fall, when we follow the blazing stars on Instagram and/or train mainly for competitions.

Rather, each is an exercise to further a horse’s balance and gynmasticizing, much like yoga or tai chi.

The horse is not misbehaving if he cannot carry off a movement, like trot half-pass, as Tee is endeavouring to try for me here. Yet, we compare ourselves and our horses to the superstars we see on Youtube. Is he too straight? Is his sideways movement not matched by his forward? Is his effort altogether too little, too slow, or too tentative?

Perhaps. But the horse is willingly doing the best that his body—and, let's be honest, his rider—will allow. Slowly, gradually, if I encourage him over time, he will incrementally be able to offer me more.

Be grateful for what your horse can do now, today. Then, say thank you and build him up gently in the weeks, months and years to come.

We riders may understand how to do the splits or a hand stand but it does not mean that we can physically do them. Imagining how we might do a gymnastics routine—even though we may see ourselves performing well in our mind—is no guarantee that we could actually pull the thing off.

And so it goes, with our horses.

📷 Cattle Cait.

08/27/2022

Soooo I have news! Winter is expecting puppies!

This was not a decision I took lightly, she turned 6 on August 7th. I've always known I'd like to breed her but I wanted the right male and the time just wasn't right , until now. I was never in love with other great Pyrenees dogs as I was with winter, so I was always thinking another livestock guardian breed. Originally I was leaning towards a anatolian. That is until a friend introduced me to the Karakachan! I did research and just loved the look and personality of these dogs. In comes Koda. Koda is a 2 year old Karakachan/Maremma cross. He came and immediately fit right in and has proven that I made the right choice in a make for winter. Neither dogs wonder off, they both have great guarding instinct and NEVER show aggression towards livestock. They are totally great with children but weary of strangers if I'm not around ( that's their job!) I wasn't looking for pure bred, I was looking for a type. A large, lean dog. Something with a long snout ( I've been seeing shorter and shorter faces on these dogs and I can't stand it! ). I want dogs with a easy to care for coats, one that isn't excessively fluffy but thick enough for all weather. And of course, I'm looking to put out puppies that will be able to go out with livestock and do their jobs. I have no doubt they can equally make great pets but i see so many livestock dogs being re homed due to attacking livestock! These puppies will be introduced to fowl, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle and horses. They will be here for a minimum of 12 weeks but if someone is looking for a guardian, they can stay longer and learn their jobs well before going to work. All puppies will come with a return contact. I know there are many dogs out there, and many LGDs in shelters, these puppies are my responsibility and I won't have them passed around or ending up in the wrong place.

We are very excited, expect maturity photos shorty. Pups should be here the 6th of Sept!

05/28/2022

Hey hey we are making hay.

03/23/2022

When mom keeps you up way past your bed time.

03/19/2022

It's hard being the cool mom!

03/17/2022

Getting tags ready! We ran out of tags so I had to let the lambs out and order more. Now I get to go out there and play match the lamb to momma! 😄

03/15/2022

Look at this handsome fin ram lamb born today along with 3 sisters! He will be joining our farm to help improve on our dairy sheep. Thank you hog hill farm

03/15/2022

Oh how I love watching the babies.

03/13/2022

I didn't get any icy pictures today, the snow was blowing in my eyes! We had a second mom have triplets a couple days ago and Cleo had twi s born on her birthday yesterday! And of course, I have twi who look like they will lamb tonight with these frigid Temps.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and staying safe!

03/08/2022

There are some big things happening behind the scenes right now. God willing, there will be a big announcement coming soon. Pray for our good fortune to continue.

Also, enjoy some lamb and sheep photos.

If anyone of my friends is looking for a lamb for Easter, please reach out. We will have a few set aside.

03/05/2022

Is there anything better then cuddles with mommy?