Cornerstone Farm South

05/31/2026

Day 4…Parents …what to look for in a riding program🦄

Lesson Horses….

These are the creatures that will introduce your child to the wonderful world of horses! They should be seasoned, well mannered horses that have patience. They are steady eddys …not a souped up sports car …but a solid SUV or sedan type!

Many programs make a huge investment in supplying safe, dependable horses and sadly some feel that a lesson horse is more like a machine.

It’s QUALITY…or QUANTITY

What does this mean?

A good program limits the number of rides each horse is scheduled for. Horses may work once a day or maybe a morning lesson and one afternoon lesson. These horses get scheduled days off to rest, are given rest breaks during the lesson, are fed a healthy diet and get routine support like a massage or chiropractic to keep them comfortable doing their job. They are happy, pleasantly plump but not fat and get ample turnout time. They have equipment that is fitted to them so saddles are not pinching and tack is clean so it feels good for both horse and rider

However, some programs view these horses more like a machine. They teach multiple lessons in a row or 4-5 rides per day to maximize profit. The horses in this type of program are often sulky, look uncomfortable when working or may even act out in unpredictable ways as they are trying to communicate that they are tired and uncomfortable.

Now …ALL horses will have moments …even the BEST lesson horse can have a spooky event or miscalculate a distance ….because they ARE animals NOT machines. I am sad to say that some quantity based programs may even resort to tranquillizing horses before lessons to make them more “rideable”. This is NOT acceptable.

So what questions should you ask?

How many lessons does your horse teach in a day?

What days does your horse get “off” to rest?

Observe the care of the horses …stalls clean, fresh water, clean well cared for equipment, and horses are shiny and look content or even happy to see humans come to see them.

It’s ok to ask …because THIS is the horse that is going to determine whether a child becomes a confident rider who now has a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their life …or they become overly cautious, afraid or even decide to never ride again because they have only known horses that sadly do not like their job.

Every horse (just like people) can have a bad day …but when EVERY day is a bad day …that’s when the question should be asked …is this acceptable for both the horse and the human riding it.

Choose wisely ❤️🦄❤️

05/31/2026

Day 4…Parents …what to look for when selecting a riding program🦄

Lesson Horses ….

What is a lesson horse? These horses should be seasoned, steady eddy types who know the ropes!

Why? Because your child is learning and did you learn to drive in a supercharged sports car or a very safe SUV or sedan?

Not all lesson horses are the same and here is why….there are different models …I think of it this way - is it quality or quantity???

Some programs make the investment in having quality for the long term. There is an investment in keeping these horses healthy and sound. It’s ok to ask how many lessons a horse teaches per week - or even in a day - and what kind of support do they receive?

Does the horse get rest breaks?
Does the horse get ample turn out time?
How many rides does this horse get in a day?
What about its diet, shoeing, body work (yes horses get massages too!!)

For the programs that honor quality there are ample horses, they are happy to do their job and are shiny, pleasantly plump but not fat, and are solid citizens for most of the time - but they are animals so they can still occasionally have a “horsey” moment - they are NOT machines

Sadly, there are programs out there that the business model is QUANTITY. The more riders they can schedule per horse the better. Horses might work all day, stay tacked up for next rider, with limited time to rest in between. Or the program only has one or two horses and they are all they use.

These horses will tell you in their demeanor. They are sulky, crabby, or may act out because they are tired and uncomfortable. Often - the horse is blamed for behavior that is caused by too many rides and they are just worn out. I am sad to say too…that some places even give their horses tranquilizer before lessons to make them complacent - this is NOT acceptable at all.

So do not be afraid to ASK good questions and see if the answers make you feel comfortable…

This IS the horse that is going to help
Your child LEARN to be confident and successful in the saddle …or …scared and defensive because they have been exposed to horses that are tired, and act out because they are overworked ….❤️🦄❤️

05/30/2026

Day 3…Parents …what to look for in an Equestrian program

Sportsmanship …..

Today it is even more important than ever to help young people understand what it means “to be a good sport”.

Horses make you humble…. Kind of like golf! You can hit a hole in one and next shot is in the sand trap or worse …the bushes 🌳🌿🌳

It’s not just about the kiddo, it’s also the fact that your child will spend time learning from an adult who will model behavior - is the instructor one who encourages students to support each other or do they foster an environment of “win at all costs”.

I am not just talking about riders who compete on horses…I am talking about BARN CULTURE….competition can be used as a motivating tool but also a nasty sword.

Most parents think …this is easy …right? You just get on a horse and it carries you around?? Well NO… it’s a relationship of give and take, balance and timing, lightness of hand and steadiness of leg… it’s always changing because horses have minds of their own …not like riding a bike!

So riders will have moments they excel and moments they struggle with mastering a concept ….

Questions to think about:
1) Does the instructor model leadership that is healthy for your child?

2) Does the barn culture feature support and working together or is it “solo focused” ?

3) Do riders cheer each other on? Or do they feel they have to be “better” …constantly competing against each other

So how do you figure this out?

At CSF we host several open houses or farm days where new people can come meet the instructors, chat with current parents and our students act as tour guides …. I also offer to give references to parents (both current and former students) as they can ask questions to see how they have enjoyed the farm and share their experiences.

Sportsmanship can be exercised in so many ways ….and if we are kind to other humans …well horses pick up YOUR energy … and reflect it back to you - so find a place where a good vibe and supportive atmosphere is important. ❤️🦄❤️

05/29/2026

Day Two for Parents….understanding our sport and selecting the right place to learn to ride….

#2 Horsemanship ….what does this mean?

When selecting a place for your child it is important to understand horsemanship.

This is a broad term - but in general it is learning about ALL the aspects of horse care, equipment, ground handling - and it should be a VITAL part of the learning process.

Understanding how to work around horses as well as how your equipment works is so important ….not just for knowledge …but also safety!

Here is an example …. I rode at a barn and was a volunteer, then a working student and learned all the aspects of care and equipment …but at the same barn that was optional and students could pay a little extra to skip the steps of grooming, putting on equipment (tacking). My best friend always had tacking service (we started together at age 6).

She was a very accomplished rider. Competing at a high level and was recruited by a college team.

She called me crying the first week of college. She had NEVER tacked up a horse before. The team required riders to prepare and care for the horse they were assigned to ride. She put galloping boots on the horse incorrectly, did not adjust the fitting of her tack …so she was very embarrassed when it was obvious she had no clue …and she almost fell off when her saddle slipped because she did not know how to tighten her girth! Luckily she was ok …many times people are seriously injured or horses are injured just because of this lack of knowledge.

So ….horsemanship is literally the “ground work” that helps you better understand your relationship with your horse, its care and learning ALL you can to be not just a passenger but an active RIDER

What to look for …

Learning to groom/bathe
Putting a halter on/leading safely
Knowing how to saddle & bridle
Basic horse psychology
Proper vocabulary - learning parts of the horse or equipment
Is there supervision with the horses?

Sooo very much more!

Lessons on rainy days are not canceled because that is the perfect time to work with your horse or learn more about horses rather than just riding!

It’s also WORK …and building RELATIONSHIP

Things that are needed to be successful in any endeavor. Kids who ride and learn the work ethic behind it become some amazing adults. The skills learned in the barn have SO many life lessons …

Find a place where horsemanship means more than just riding ….its about learning!

❤️🦄❤️

05/28/2026

As we head into summer …I feel it is important to provide education for parents who will entrust the care of their child to learn about the love of horses …maybe for the first time

I still remember my first lesson …that was 53 years ago…..

So for the next week - I will post a daily tidbit for new parents to the sport

Here is #1
Our sport is unregulated in the USA
ANYONE can represent as a “professional”

That only means they take your money and provide a ride - no training, no required first aid or safety, no insurance required, no experience! Background checked? Safe sport? Concussion prevention trained???

So …when looking for a riding program the first thing to ask is for any credentials (because you CAN be certified)…and ask for THEIR equestrian resume - see what they have done and for how long

Parents are often shocked to hear this …but it is true

Do your homework before entrusting your child to any equestrian program 😊

Feel free to share ….there are many excellent instructors out there ….there are a lot more that can be very scary …be wise and have a happy summer ride! ❤️🦄❤️

05/22/2026

Summer sessions …just a few spaces left Tiny Tot age 4-6 June 8-10th has (2) spaces left

Regular sessions age 6 and up
Week July 6th (1) space left
Week of July 27th (2) spaces left

Students who attend a summer session go to the top of the fall waiting list 🙂

Credentialed instructor
30 years of summer sessions in Collier County

EMAIL [email protected]

Come enjoy the ponies this summer!

05/19/2026

Horsemanship Summer Classes start THIS SAT! We have eleven classes planned for this summer!

05/19/2026

Cornerstone Farm South fosters horsemanship and team work in a sport that often wants to skip these steps….

Whether learning hoof care to how to do a basic trim or pull a loose shoe….to braiding manes (a lost art form)!

I am thankful for the people in my life who challenged me to learn more without a saddle..

This year our summer horsemanship clinics will be open to anyone who wants to participate. Classes are hands on - cost $50 session which are 1.5-2 hours.

Some topics this summer….

Summer Skin Care
Heat and Horses - vital signs
Trailer safety and what to pack
Breeding selection/conformation
Safety plans and first aid Triage
Longing safely
BITS!
Stall safety and design

And more!

EMAIL us at
[email protected] for full course descriptions/calendar and registration

05/19/2026

Calm ….very true ….very true

Calm in the Chaos: What a Disney Horse Moment Teaches Us About Good Handling 🐴✨

A viral video titled “Merida’s Horse Gets Caught in a Balloon at Disney World” shows a tense but impressive moment on Main Street: a large horse carrying a costumed rider becomes startled after a balloon gets tangled near its leg. 🎈 The situation could easily have escalated, but the handlers, rider, and nearby cast members respond with remarkable calm and coordination.

The horse reacts as any prey animal might when something unexpected touches or wraps around its body. Instead of bolting wildly, it rears and protests, but remains relatively contained. That speaks not only to the horse’s temperament, but also to the training and composure of the people around it. 🐎

What stands out most is the handling. The attendants do not panic. They stay close, keep hold of the lead, and work together to keep the horse from turning a frightening surprise into a dangerous runaway situation. The rider also remains impressively composed, staying balanced and calm while the horse reacts beneath her. 👏

Some viewers initially criticized the horse or questioned its training, but many equestrians saw the situation differently. The horse was reacting to an unusual and sudden stimulus rather than simply “misbehaving.” 💭

That is an important distinction. Even the best-trained animals are still animals. Public performances involve countless variables: crowds, noises, children, loose objects, weather, costumes, and distractions. Training can prepare a horse for a lot, but it cannot remove every instinctive response. 🌟

The video is also a reminder of how much behind-the-scenes preparation goes into live theme-park entertainment. It is not just about the visible performers. Nearby staff members appear to help manage the space and keep guests away from the unfolding incident, showing the importance of a wider safety system rather than relying on one person to solve everything. 🎭

There is a useful lesson here for anyone who works with horses: calm handlers create calmer outcomes. When something goes wrong, the goal is not to overpower the animal or punish the reaction. The goal is to reduce pressure, maintain control, and give the horse a clear path back to safety. ❤️

In the end, the clip is less about a horse “causing trouble” and more about a team responding well under pressure. The horse was frightened. The rider stayed composed. The handlers acted quickly. And the situation, which could have become far worse, was managed with professionalism. 🙌

Sometimes the most impressive horsemanship is not flashy at all. It is quiet, steady, and visible only when things go wrong. 🐴💫

05/18/2026

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