Fairhope Stables

09/08/2025

Going at speed in heaven, I’m sure…Multi-titled “Martell”.
Pictured here as RWC with Rick Adams.
Special horse….special owners, the late Ed & Ann Moore.
So sad to lose him. He’s been part of the family for so many years….

08/31/2025

So many of us are coming home from the green shavings at Louisville, or headed to the new facility at Oklahoma, with hope, excitement and long awaited anticipation.

Some know the feeling of being undefeated. Some of us never leave with a ribbon, but only the hard-earned right to compete for one on the world stage. Some of us never show.

And each of those horses, the talented, the tried and true, the exceptional, the needs a new job-horse, the bred or growing, and the retired — have another life.

Back at the barn, aging like fine wine, holding legacy in their hooves. Tears of joy and sorrow inbetween pats and hay nibbles.

Most of today’s amateur and kids horses were the makings of cover pages and advertisements one or two decades prior, or even before their rider was born.

So whether you left the arena with something or nothing, your horse knew no different.

We watched on the magnificent mile an icon reach in defense of his title, and fail, and rider dismount into retirement, with all the world to see. We watched another take 20 years to wear the roses in spectacular fashion. We saw the biggest class of first timers in the sport in a long time.

Every day, I also see the saved, the want-ad,and surrendered list eb and flow. The unspoken.

Divorce, wrong discipline, cost, incureable, ethic. Many reasons afflict the human condition. None of them are easy.

I had the pleasure to see an older mare in her twilight phase of retirement, as of recent. And even with only a 20pound toddler or 8 year old on her back, you could see her neck crest, eyes twinkle, and in her very elderly and stoic way, she set up as she has been born, bred, and led to do, no matter the arena. Alive with purpose. One Google later, and I found a victory pass picture with incredible motion. Most of her story unknown to me.

My daring toddler bolted out to greet her and tripped into her walk path this mare just held up her in-step leg so as to not crush my two foot tall baboon.

Not a skill taught, but compassion for fellow creature, or even on a thred, the complete lifetime of humans in her life who, actually, cared for her. Life is a cycle. Kindness in, kindness out.

Perhaps her most remembered win will not dress her in roses. It wont be documented on glossy ad pages, or announced in famous arenas.

It will be the victory pass of the grace of her heart, when she owed us nothing, to give us everything.
And two little children, now have fistfuls of mane in their hands, and love inspired in their hearts, for THE horse.

Something the mare will never reap the benefit, but will change the lives of these children forever.

Our children won compassion, from the heart of a horse.

May that be the gift and consideration we give our equine partners no matter the win, lose or draw.

In the eyes of your horse, they already won.

Good luck to all exhibitors headed to the and those returing from

For the love of the horse.

07/13/2025

Let’s just say it out loud: the horse world has a gatekeeping problem.

If you do things your way, you’re “doing it wrong.”
If you charge for your time, knowledge, or experience, you’re “only in it for the money.”
Feed alfalfa? People say you’re asking for colic.
Feed coastal? You’re starving them.
Barefoot? You’re irresponsible.
Shoes? You’re cruel.

The reality is this: too many horse people are more interested in judging each other than helping each other.

We all say we love horses, but sometimes we forget to show that same love to the people who are out here doing their best to care for them.

There is more than one right way to raise, train, ride, feed, and manage horses.

Some horses live in pastures.
Some live in stalls.
Some get regular bodywork and chiropractic.
Some get turnout and a salt lick.
Some horses trail ride barefoot and happy.
Others are shod, clipped, and compete at high levels.
They are all valid. They are all deserving of good care.

And so are the people who love them.

Let’s normalize asking questions instead of shaming people for doing things differently.
Let’s support the quiet, hardworking horse owners instead of criticizing them behind their backs.
Let’s stop assuming “our way” is the only way.

Because at the end of the day, horses don’t care about your Facebook opinion.
They care about consistent hands, kind treatment, good feed, and someone who shows up.

Train your horse. Ride your horse. Love your horse.
And let other people do the same.

The goal is better horses — not bigger egos.

06/27/2025

06/26/2025

06/24/2025

06/24/2025

A couple of things to keep in mind during show season and with it being so hot.

First, lots of bathing and sponge baths happen this time of year before, during, and after shows and training sessions. Take the time afterwards to dry your horse’s hooves. Especially around the heel bulb area and even more importantly if the horse is wearing pads of any sort.

Second, cool your horses down properly. Remember, your horse does not get to retire to a nice air conditioned house. Cool them down and make sure their breathing has returned to normal and they have at least started to dry. That is a good indication that they are no longer actively sweating from exertion.

Third, heat founder and heat colic are real. Make sure your horses are drinking clean water and have some way to at least get out of the sun if they are outside. If they are stalled they should have clean water, hay, and a quality fan. For horses prone to founder or exhibiting signs of discomfort cold hosing and or ice packs wrapped on the feet and lower legs after working or showing is a great deterrent. It can also help the cool down process and is great for muscle, tendon, and ligament inflammation. Placing a wet towel in the freezer for 15minutes and then laying it over a horse’s withers can also help while hand walking a hot horse.

Remember, horses are just like us. They can over heat, they can push or be pushed too hard, and just like us extreme heat can increase the possibility for injury. Be smart, keep an eye on your horses, and do not work in the heat of the day when possible.

06/22/2025

THANK YOU
Cleveland TriState Invitational!

OUTSTANDING!

06/21/2025

On the way to pick up Harris Training and Riding Academy for the Cleveland TriState Charity Horse Show

04/16/2025

⚡️ROUND 3 VOTING IS ON!⚡️If we win today, I’ll get to play with a full band at the final 4 live finale on 4/24 at 3rd & Lindsley (you’re invited)! Please vote for my song “Silly Silly Silly” in Lightning 100’s Music City Mayhem by 11:59 PM tonight. I wouldn’t be here, and I won’t get there, without you. It’s a tough round today, so if you can, please text the link to as many people as you can stomach! Thank you from all I am for your support.

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