VanOosten Show Horses

08/23/2025

08/21/2025

❤️ Little girls and horses…
It’s never just a childhood phase.
It’s the start of a foundation for life.

Horses don’t just teach riding.
They teach patience when nothing clicks.
Responsibility when stalls must be cleaned before play.
Grit when a stubborn pony refuses to cooperate.

They show that trust isn’t given...it’s earned.
Through consistency.
Through respect.
Through time.

Every little girl who swings a leg over a horse learns:
Falling doesn’t mean failing.
It means getting up, dusting off, and trying again.

Discipline isn’t punishment...it’s commitment.
Kindness isn’t weakness...it’s strength.
Confidence isn’t being loud....it’s showing up, even when you’re scared.

Horses shape little girls into women who don’t quit when life gets hard.
Women who know sweat and sacrifice come before reward.
Women who carry themselves with grace,
but aren’t afraid to dig in and fight when it matters.

It’s the 6 a.m. feedings.
The cold winter rides.
The tears after tough lessons,
and the laughter after small victories.

It’s brushing a horse in the quiet of the barn,
realizing responsibility never takes a day off.

So yes…
little girls may grow out of braids and pony bows.
But they never outgrow the lessons their horses taught them.

And maybe that’s the greatest gift of all.
❤️ Michelle Knutson | Born In The Barn

06/23/2025

What a fun, HOT weekend at EMAA 2.
Everyone did so good this weekend. I couldn’t be prouder. Zoe had great rides on Concho kitty in western with great placings at her second show ever. Nevaeh got her first neck ribbon on Manhattan Aflame DCR!!! All the hard work paying off.
Ashtyn rode A Lovely Expression  and had great rides in a very competitive english classes. Ashtyn also had an amazing ride on Concho kitty in huntseat. Mecah had an awesome weekend on Manhattan Aflame DCR finishing with much deserved Championships ribbons.
Xaiver had a blast and was a lead line rockstar this weekend placing first and second in his classes.
We are so happy with all the kids this weekend they all did amazing in the grueling heat. I can not express how proud I am of this group! You know their hearts are in it when its so miserabley hot, and they insist to continue on and ride in the heat ♥️♥️♥️🤩
Last but not least…thank you to their parents for all your help and allowing and trusting in our process We appreciateall your help and feeding us all weekend! Love our barn family 😘

06/23/2025

True ❤️
www.haresandgrace.com

06/16/2025

Horse camp is next weekend, there’s still some spots left, get them while you can and come have some fun!!

06/02/2025

On Monday Ashtyn’s class at Westwood Elementary got to meet an Arabian horse!!! Young Money went to school again! Great fun 🤩



05/19/2025

✨Day two and final day of EMAA✨
We had an amazing weekend everyone did such a great job.
Mecah got fourth in the 17 and under saddle seat class, and then she went reserve in the championship, on Young Money.
Ashtyn got first in the 17 and under saddle seat class, and got fourth in the championship, on A Lovely expression.
Nevaeh got second in her 10 and under saddle seat class, then got fourth in her championship, on Manhatten Aflame DCR. 
Zoe got third in her 10 and under western class, then she went sixth in her championship, on Concho kitty.
Xaiver did so good in lead line and got third, on concho kitty.
So proud of everyone today they have all came so far and have made huge improvements, so excited for the next show!

05/18/2025

✨Day one of EMMA✨
We had a great start to the show, everyone did amazing.
Ashtyn got fourth in the saddle seat jackpot on A Lovely Expression, and FIRST place in the saddle seat half Arab.
Xavier got second place in lead line with Concho kitty and even got a toy horse.
Mecah had a great class in the saddle seat jackpot and got second in the native costume on Young Money.
Holly had a fabulous ride in the saddle seat jackpot, and placed second on Manhattan Aflame DCR.
Zoe got third place in the walk only, and then an amazing ride in the western walk jog class, on Concho kitty. Her second time ever showing!
Nevaeh got second in the walk only class, then did great in walk trot saddle seat class on Manhattan Aflame DCR. Her first time showing a country pleasure horse!
Ashtyn also got fourth on Concho Kitty in hunt seat jackpot.



05/09/2025

Best “Broomer”😂 ever
As he calls it

05/06/2025

>>> Summer Horse Camp

03/17/2025

✨HORSE RIDING LESSONS✨
We offer horse riding lessons for all ages, and teach disciplines such as western, huntseat, and saddleseat. We will cover all basics from taking care of the horse to basic everyday riding or even to show ring ready riding. Whatever you need we can help!

If you are interested or have any questions please contact us.
Holly:616-299-0227

01/25/2025

It’s hard as a trainer not to get caught up in progression when horses are only here for a month. Push, push, push to get the most out of them.

Especially when starting a horse we can get caught up in them being able to do a certain amount in a months time.

Here’s a secret though, the best trainers won’t push your horse to do the “most” in a month, instead they will build your horses confidence, teach them the steps they need, and also give them the mental breaks they need.

If a horse gets something perfect when I’m working with them it’s not uncommon for me to step off and put them away right there. I recently had a horse that could NOT get his right lead, instead of trying over and over again I worked on fundamentals every day and didn’t even ask for him to lope. One day I asked for his lope to the right and he got it right away. This was only about 10 mins into our ride and I STEPPED OFF and put him away. The next ride was amazing he got his lead every time I asked.

The benefit to training this way is that you are building a mentally sounder horse. It’s really just the cliche saying “live in the present” don’t be concerned about what you need to accomplish in a certain amount of time, instead stay in the present training session. Focus on what your working on for the day and you might accomplish even more then you imagined. Pc