Farm Journal: Summer-y Summary

August 17th, 2010 by Miranda Bogardus

I don’t really know how this happened, but it appears that summer is history.  A few orange leaves are visible on the tips of my neighborhood trees, the pear tree is dropping small pear-bombs onto unwary riders in the outdoor ring, and the Scotch thistle in the mares’ field looks like something out of the Little Shop of Horrors.

We have been beyond busy.  The ponies and I are more than ready for our end-of-season break.  But we have had a lot of fun.  The final regular session of Canter Camp was last week, and we celebrated with the traditional Friday pizza, awards, and “Becky Day”.  Canter Camp riders all managed to negotiate the outdoor ring, work on up and down hill balance, create a fairly sophisticated trail course, play a variety of mounted games, and, of course, canter.  We were especially happy to be joined by friend and graduate Erika Anderson and her horse Pretty Girl for the last week.

Lunch

The Jr/Beginner Camp, new this year, was a big hit.  We were fully staffed with helpers and leaders, and the horses were truly saintly as we made it through what was the first group riding experience for most participants.  Thanks to Sofia, Francesca, and Shaina for their assistance, and for perfecting the art of the “mid-trot leader-change handoff”  with Fleur.  You have to see it to believe it.

At camp we always share.

Also, huge thanks to the “T-shirt committee” of Phil Drinker, Kathy Gulick and various members of their families who got pressed into service.  The T’s were a great success, and I look forward to seeing them around town.

I will post more pictures as I get them, and plan on being a bit more forthcoming on the blog with plans for the fall.  Summer offers no time for reflection, at least not in this business.

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Farm Journal: Spring Things

April 29th, 2010 by Miranda Bogardus

We have been through several stages of spring so far this year at Baymare Farm. From snow to mud to rain and more mud, to daffodils and peepers and more snow and more mud, this has been a fairly typical spring by Vermont standards. It started a little earlier than most, for which I am deeply grateful. The fewer days that I spend draining and rolling up 200 feet of hose each and every time I water the horses, the better I like it.

The horses have almost shed out their prolific winter coats and are starting to look sleek and shiny, though not yet in their full summer splendor. Many of our riders have received instruction in the correct application of the tool known as the shedding blade, and most of them have gone home covered from head to toe in horse hair of varying shades. Sorry mom. I always tell students that though they may harbor many expectations of their riding lessons, staying clean is definitely not among them.

After a winter of relative leisure spent hanging out in their run-in sheds eating, socializing, and napping around the “community center” provided by the round bale, the horses have gone back to work. They have settled into a regular routine of exercise, lessons, and grooming, and have been ridden through the inevitable kinks and friskiness that are as much a part of spring as the return of the robins and redwing blackbirds. We are still basically stuck in the indoor arena for serious work and lessons, but have ventured out on little strolls around the property for cooling out and relaxation.

We have been delighted to host another Therapeutic Riding group from Park Street School in Springfield this spring. Thanks to the efforts of Park Street nurse Jenny Anderson and the generosity of the Knights of Columbus and individuals from the Park Street community, four young people have been able to participate in six group riding sessions. None of them had prior horse experience, and they have spent their time learning to groom, tack up, lead, and get acquainted with their horses, as well as getting an introduction to basic riding skills. The riders have the same horse for the whole session so that they can really get to know a little bit about that individual. They learn whether their horse has any ticklish spots or any places where they love a little extra currying, whether they hate having the girth tightened or are stoic about it, if they are easy to bridle or a little sly about taking the bit, if they would rather lead or follow, if they prefer carrots or apples.

This group has worked hard and had great focus. Though today was only their fourth lesson, they are all able to stop, start, and steer, can balance with no hands in the two-point position at a walk, and are beginning a little trot work with the help of their leaders. We are especially grateful to our team of volunteer assistants (we call them “wranglers”), who are a huge help in keeping the lessons flowing smoothly and safely. Our wranglers for this session have been two mother/daughter teams: Jenny and Erika Anderson and Kathy and Sofia Gulick.

I am happy to report that the lengthening hours of daylight have inspired me to spend a little more time with my own horse, Max. Poor Max is a lot like the proverbial shoemaker’s child, always last on my list of things to do. We tend to go in fits and starts, and he is always testing me to make sure I really mean what I say. So far this spring we’ve had some pretty good rides, and I am looking forward to more as the weather and outdoor footing continue to improve.

Willa and Ruby in the run-inWaiting for the rain to stop.

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Featured Rider: Erika Anderson

February 26th, 2010 by Miranda Bogardus

Erika Anderson is the logical choice to be our first featured rider on the new website. She started riding at Baymare Farm as a beginner when she was in third grade and her feet barely reached the stirrups. Currently a sophomore in High School, she has become an accomplished rider and is the beloved assistant instructor and chief cat-herder for the summer horsemanship camps.

Erika has worked hard on her riding and horsemanship over the years, sticking with it while many of her peers lost interest or focused on other sports as they got older. Even though she has a lot of other commitments and demands on her time, she has remained a loyal friend of the farm and unfailing in her loving care of her own horse, Pretty Girl.

Erika’s relationship with Pretty Girl is a story in itself. The two have a special bond developed over years of mutual growth and learning. Under Erika’s care, Pretty Girl has evolved from a plain bay mare of unknown origins to a well-schooled, versatile horse who loves to jump and lead the way. Though Erika still enjoys riding and having lessons on the horses at Baymare Farm, there can be no doubt that her heart belongs to Pretty Girl.

We know that Erika’s character and energy assure her success in whatever future she chooses to pursue. We also know that horses, especially one plain bay mare, have played a part in forming that character. Thank you Erika, for all that you do!

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