Country Time Acres Blog

Grooming gives children a hands on experience.

Gypsy and Makhi enjoy a moment together.

It seems we are all facinated by them and enjoy their beauty but, many of us have never been close to a horse. Barn tours are a perfect way for children and adults to get up close and personal in a calm and friendly enviroment. I schedule my tours for small groups or individuals. These tours give participants the opportunity to learn about horses and the huge responsibility that comes with them.”What do horses eat? Do they bite? Why do some horses wear shoes?” These are all things children want to know.  Sometimes, depending on the weather I will do a mini performance with one of the horses. A tour doesn’t have to be complicated. Many just want the opportunity to touch one. If I have a child that is comfortable with the horse I often let them walk the horse and maybe even do a trick or two. Gypsy is perfect for tours because of her calm nature. Children also love grooming Savannah because she is so tiny. We end the tour with some carrots or apples and all children get a gift packet from us reminding them of their visit.  Did you visit?  Leave a comment!!!

Jenna Lamb ( second from the end) at the 2008 "Angel's for Children" production.

We give our children roots and wings. Jowana with Makhi and Gypsy.

Once upon a time the horse was seen as an object to own. Their beauty and spirit made man want to catch him and tame him. The only way they could do that was to break him and force him to do what he demanded.   In doing so, he broke the horses spirit  and made him nothing more than a creature to be controlled and used. When he no longer served his purpose he  was sold or disguarded like yesterdays trash.

Over the years the image of the horse has changed. People like Ray Hunt, Pat Parelli and Buck Brannaman have changed the way we see and treat the horse. He is no longer something to be owned and controlled but a partner who once he has gained your trust will reward you with respect and leadership. More and more we see equine assisted therapies. The horse is used to help those mentally and physically challenged. They are even using miniature horses for seeing eye animals. Finally, we are starting to see all that these beautiful animals have to offer.

The Root Farm located in Verona, New York is one of those places. The facility offers hippotherapy, adaptive vaulting, a vaulting club, driving, day rehab and equimuse ( a type of music therapy). My daughter, Jenna has had the good fortune to attend several events at the Root Farm and work closely with their  staff. Last year they did a beautiful equine production called “Angels for Children”. Jenna was one of the performers. I didn’t get to attend but, after seeing the photo gallery I was quite impressed and inspired.  This played a positive role in my production “Le Cirque of Horses”. I was disappointed to see that the production will not take place this year. It is not often we get to see the horse in a setting such as this, one that is of such beauty and entertaining. It truely is magical.

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots, the other is wings. Visit the Root Farm. For great horse apparel, picture frames, jewelry, handbags, toys, music and more, visit Country Time Crerations, for a schedule see the side bar Pages/Events. See more of Jenna’s Never Ending Road Trip.  Did you visit?  Leave a comment!

Ethan Cox and Savannah.

Jewell Cox gives Savannah a hug.

     It has been a busy week for Savannah and it’s not over yet.  Savannah is about 11 weeks old. This week she had her hooves trimmed for the first time. She did a great job, as did my farrier, Cindy Lowe. I guess all that time playing with her legs and feet paid off. She didn’t kick, bite or run away. I was so proud of her. She also did her first trailer loading, it took about two minutes to get her on the trailer. Other things we are working on include, the circle games, left and right and over the pole, she gets two feet on the pedestal and is doing the squeeze game between barrels. Her first assignment as a therapy horse was a visit with Ethan and Jewell Cox from Kentucky. Both children enjoyed petting her and look forward to future visits.                                                                                                                                           For great horse gifts visit Country Time Creations. Did you visit? Leave a comment!