Almost Heaven Horse Source!

… Harmony … Understanding … Athleticism … Achievement

Posted by admin on January 9th, 2010 in General, Testimonials

Riding After Fifty

I came to riding later in life than most.  I had always wanted to ride but never had the opportunity.  As my children left home, I found that I had the time to explore riding.  My first experience with lessons locally was not what I what I had hoped for as I was riding with young children under the age of ten; after a few months I decided to try another riding center. Along the way, I found a nice little horse, a Quarter horse and bought him.   And where I was learning  to ride him, I found that I wanted more-I wanted to know him, what motivates him and  how to better communicate with him.

I was introduced to Kirsten and felt that she had the personality that would work well with me.   She  has provided me with riding instruction along with information on the personality of my horse,  With that information, I can better work with him as a teammate.  I found that riding is not controlling a horse but working together.  Kirsten has provided me with professional instruction.  To begin with, she has encouraged me in all my lessons, and rather than feeling that I will never “get it” when it comes to riding because of my age, Kirsten acknowledges all improvements in my quest.  Any one who is older or who rode as a child and is a little nervous about returning to riding, I encourage you to work with Kirsten as she is  positive and patient. As an educator, I find that Kirsten possess the skills of  great teachers.

Kirsten’s knowledge of horses, horse care, and training is amazing.  I also like that Kirsten is experienced in different areas of riding;  jumping, dressage and trail riding, just to name a few. You won’t find yourself preparing for jumping if your interest is in dressage.   She knows both the English and Western disciplines.  She has me riding in open fields with confidence.  When riding with Kirsten, you feel energized, confident and pleased with your work.  For those of us who are new to riding or are returning to it after a number of years, I think you will find  that Kirsten is the perfect instructor.  I hope you have the opportunity to work with Kirsten Lee as she will take you and your horse to a level of riding that I found no where else. Good luck to you and enjoy the ride.

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Posted by admin on January 9th, 2010 in Testimonials

I bought my gaited horse Flash in the fall of 2006 and he was a handful for me a novice rider. He would not stand still for mounting, he did not lunge on a line and my gosh if he saw a squirrel or cat he jumped a yard. Even though he was a mature horse at the age of seven he had not been taught to do any of the smooth gaited walks or rocking horse canters gaited horsed excel at and are bread to do. I even had one trainer I tried tell me, “I should find another horse”.

How lucky I was to have met Kirsten! What a difference Kirsten made in his training, her ability to see outside the box and see all the great things Flash was capable of really encouraged both of us to do better. She picked up on our bond immediately and figured out ways we could better work together as a single unit rather then just a horse and owner. Flash and I had an immediate improvement in communication after only one lesson with Kirsten.

Kirsten is an invaluable resource for any horse and owner, her patience knowledge and kindness would work well for any one with a desire to listen and succeed in any equestrian activity. She has a special way with horses and they respond to her almost immediately. She does not use force or any harsh training methods but rather relies on the unique bond between the horse and rider in a gentle yet disciplined way.

I am happy to say because of the training my horse Flash and I received from Kirsten, we now are winning blue’s in the show ring, doing running walk, canter, trotting, and racking. We ride on trails fearlessly just for the fun of it, and the trainer who said I should pick another horse, well lets just say the last time she saw us in the arena I thing I saw her jaw drop to the ground!

Thank you so much Kirsten,

Pam and Flash

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Posted by Kirsten on December 13th, 2009 in General

The Redline “Sylwester” Freisian Saddle is designed specifically for Friesian horses’ backs, shoulder and movement, as well as to bring the rider into a classically correct yet comfortable, position.  Unfortunately, my femurs are 2 inches longer than “normal” for someone with my seat size, so sadly, my Friesian and I need to let this gorgeous saddle go on to another fortunate equestrian. The seat size is 17″ and the gullet is extra wide to accomodate ANY similarly shaped breed- I tried it on a client’s wide-backed, extravagantly moving dressage Saddlebred as well as our own drafty cob and both the mares LOVED it.

The Redline is handmade in Europe.  The leather is black, with gorgeous contrasting red trim along the front of the flap and the back of the cantle.  The seat is comfortable while still giving a good feel of the horse.  Read more about it at http://www.legacyfriesians.com/redlinesaddles.html

The saddle is in great used condition.  As with any used saddle, there are some light surface scratches. The tree is sound, the stitching is tight, and there are no wear marks on the seat or flaps.  The leather is supple and well-conditioned.   The shine in the photos is from a fresh coat of Leather Therapy!

I am asking $1250.  This saddle sells for $2950 new!

Please email me wvhorsetrainer at gmail dot com with any questions you may have.

The fine print: I’m selling these saddles privately to protest Ebay’s raised fees.  You can check out my 100% positive feedback  on eBay: username knytrydr. I accept Paypal, which offers you, the buyer, security and protection.  I list items to the best of my ability.  If I made a mistake, I will take the saddle back within 7 days PROVIDED IT IS IN THE SAME CONDITION that I sent it, and refund the purchase price.

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Posted by Kirsten on December 13th, 2009 in General

I have a deep love and respect for the diversity of horse cultures, so was thrilled to find this saddle!  A globe-trotting equestrian had brought it back from her travels in Brazil.  As she described, this is the saddle used by gauchos for their long days in the saddle.  I intended to use it for medieval reenecting/ SCA games.  It reminds me loosely of the ancient Roman four-horned saddle.  Unfortunately, the gauchos’ caballos are not as broadbacked as the drafts and draft crosses I take to the gaming lists!

brazilian gaucho saddle for sale

brazilian gaucho saddle for sale

unique brazilian gaucho saddle for sale

unusual brazilian gaucho saddle for sale

As far as I know, this saddle has not been on a horse except when I tried it on Angus, our Shire-cross.  It has some minor scuffs from being transported and on display.  Ornate carvings decorate the seat and pommel/horns. the seat itself is a light colored suede.  The seat itself is flat, so should ride “larger” than an American western saddle (ie, you would take a smaller seat size in the Brazilian than a western.

This saddle will make a unique Christmas present for the equestrian, globetrotter, or history buff in your life!

I am asking $250 for this saddle.

Please email me wvhorsetrainer at gmail dot com with any questions you may have.  I don’t know much at all about this style of saddle, but will answer questions to the best of my ability!

The fine print: I’m selling these saddles privately to protest Ebay’s raised fees.  You can check out my 100% positive feedback  on Ebay: username knytrydr. I accept Paypal, which offers you, the buyer, security and protection.  I list items to the best of my ability.  If I made a mistake, I will take the saddle back within 7 days PROVIDED IT IS IN THE SAME CONDITION that I sent it, and refund the purchase price (though not the shipping).

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Posted by Kirsten on December 13th, 2009 in General

Arabian Saddle Company “Solstice” Endurance Saddle , 17 1/2 inch seat, extra wide gullet.  Good used condition.  I just had the billets professionally replaced by the master craftsmen at Journeymen Saddlery in Middleburg, VA.  This saddle cost $2300 new!!!

I am cleaning out the tack room and every saddle that is not in regular use has got to go!

solstice saddle-left side

solstice saddle for sale-width

solstice saddle-rear

solstice saddle- ID numbers on flap

solstice saddle-right side

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Posted by Kirsten on November 26th, 2009 in Testimonials

First, let me say that Kirsten Lee is magical with horses. I am in my fifties and returning to being with horses and riding after a 30 year break. I met Kirsten through her website and knew that her philosophy about the ways people and horses can be together was very aligned with mine.

I thought that I had some basic skills after having ridden for much of my youth, but quickly learned that I knew nothing about training completely green horses. From the beginning Kirsten grounded our time with the horses around respect, safety, and fun for both me and the horses. My two horses had been worked with for a few 30 minute sessions over a two year period before being introduced to Kirsten. In about an hour Kirsten loaded them both onto the trailer masterfully and, most importantly, without the horses feeling trauma or force.

Over the past few years the key things I have learned, and continue to learn from Kirsten are to give the relationship with your horses the time it requires, be fair and patient by allow horses to work through the things we are asking of them, be present every moment, and set appropriate boundaries in order to be a respected leader. I am still learning from Kirsten every time we have a horse interaction as she makes everything a teachable moment. Kirsten also taught me that every interaction is a learning opportunity for the horse. She brings wisdom, kindness, and an immense amount of knowledge into each training experience. Whether you are looking for natural horsemanship training methods, or riding lessons at any level, I would recommend Kirsten Lee as a master teacher, trainer, and mentor.

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Posted by Kirsten on November 16th, 2009 in General

Jaime Jackson’s pioneering “track” system takes natural horse management to the next level! Based on the wild horse model in which mustangs travel great distances during the course of their day, the track system encourages movement, restores health, increases fitness, and improves mental well-being. Jaime’s book, “Paddock Paradise,” details the research, reasoning and creation of a track-based natural horse boarding model.

Instead of an open pasture, horses are offered a long, narrow “track.” The track traverses varied terrain, building fitness, increasing health, and building better hooves… naturally. Horses which are sedentary in a pasture situation are much more active “on track.” ,

Living “on track” benefits competition and pleasure horses, youngsters and retirees. Owners enjoy freeing up riding time from fitness work as well as savings on vet bills!

We are so excited to be implementing Jaime’s strategies and offering them to our boarders! Check back for updates and more information. Please contact us with any questions, comments and queries!

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Posted by admin on September 9th, 2009 in Farm Updates

Well, the SCA heavy combat practice was a huge success for us here at Almost Heaven.

The many comings and goings of people, the noise of sword on shield, the clattering armour and the cacaphony of voices went from idle curiousity to gradual boredom on the part of the horses. Nothing out of place, nothing abnormal, just a strange human custom! Radical success!

While that was happening I managed to knock out some much needed tractor maintenance. With fall about to kick in were getting antsy to get the horses and the grove ready for winter. Lots to do, lots to do.

Nothing like the change of the seasons and faltering sunset times to give a sense of urgency! Two more pastures were cleared of unwanted growth on Monday, and the trails were largely cleared last week of overgrowth… Just in time for fall leaf rides! I cant wait!

Kirsten continues to teach and train, on the farm and off, and were currently in the process of plotting out the dates and events she’ll be riding at for the next couple months… while doing her best to dodge compliment after compliment on the quality of her training and work from the various clients, customers, students, and brokers that have worked with the horses she’s trained! Google “perfect horse trainer” some time and see who comes up

As for me, My next huge project is the clearance and rebuild of the Grove fence. Ive got a few good hours of work to get 3 more fields ready for horses, then the replacement of an 1100 foot fenceline between the first and second fields will get the 5th field hot, leaving me with the hard one, the upper perimiter fence. I’ve still got some mowing to do up there, particularly in front of the downed trees there. Anything to make the tree removal easier is welcome!

Colty has grown a sufficient amount that Ive shut off the bottom lines on his field, greatly easing access through at feeding time. Gates are great, but ducking under is priceless. We may have to call him Mack though, hes built like a truck!

Lastly, Calico has a new friend, Argent. This cute grey kitten with light rings on his tail introduced himself to almost every horse on the farm one afternoon and I managed to catch it on video! Once I get it off the camera Ill post it!

Best to all,

Mark

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Posted by admin on August 14th, 2009 in Farm Updates

I figured it was time to sit down and update the website with the goings-on here at Almost Heaven. As with all well-intentioned efforts, sometimes the hardest part is writing it all down, Particularly when youre doing it on an iPhone!

Summer has been in full swing for some time now. Kirsten has been busily teaching horses and students, on the farm and off, with a level of effort I frankly am awestruck watching.

Weve done several off-farm shows putting as many miles on Gideon, Lucy, and others as we have on the truck and trailer, it seems! Gideon has consistently shown Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion every time he gets off the trailer; and Lucy.. whom we now know is Light the Stage continues to impress judge and trainer alike. The two of them have been like an incredible one-two punch and have propelled Kirstens point totals into the stratosphere whilest impressing the rest of us mere mortals with the flexibility and professionalism which she carries and instills from horse to horse to horse.

Not only has she been showing our own horses, but she has also been showing and competing some of the American Warmbloods from Steffanie Simpsons White Hall Farm down the road. The two of them are actively engaged in teaching Saddlebreds the ins and outs of the traditional disciplines; building success upon incredible success; and have together a dasboard full of ribbons to speak their own mute triumph! They silently tell the tale of the trail that horses like Ollie, Fly, and the other Saddlebred Sport Horses are blazing across the panhandle!

Whats a Saddlebred doing in the show hunter ring? you ask… Winning!

My most recent project has been fenceline cleanup and some improvments to the infrastructure. Almost all of the fence on the north side has been mown an cleared on both sides with a bushog, weedwacked, and mown underneath with a push mower.

Just yesterday I replaced 1100 feet of electric fence and added some more t-posts for stability of the line, allowing us a bit more freedom if we need to run a double line down the road.

Starting next month, Ill be doing the same thing to the grove fields where we winter some of our herd. Last spring was not kind to a couple of the fence lines up there, and itll give me a chance to do some much needed maintenance ahead of fall rotations.

The waterfall in the arena has been rebuilt by Kirsten, using a beautiful shower curtain we pulled from my old house. The plants grow, the gardens grow, and thanks to myself and Mike, the rocks are shrinking! We have some spinners now to add to the wonderful wind chimes, and have amused many a happy pony with them!

The arena has been reassembled after the last big mow and we can start preparing for fall shows in earnest, the largest of which for this author will be Siege if Glengary. Weve also almost completed a free-jump area in the front paddock for teaching and excercising jumps from the ground instead of the saddle.

Were attempting to schedule some stone dust for delivery to knock a few more major items off the project list. Ive been slowly extending the t-post line up the boys perimiter field and hopefully will have that finished by fall, and can then finish up the double fence around the entire boarder area.

Some people say Im crazy for mowing all the time. But it looks sooo nice when its done, doesnt it? Two more areas to knock out today or tomorrow and the north half is done! Hurray!

Our latest adventure was a trail ride to benefit the local NM-MVH Hunt. We headed up to Shepherdstown on Saturday with Dolly and Gideon and had a wonderful morning ride, renewing old friendships and making new ones with some great people. I cant wait to do it again! Dolly was a total rockstar and settled in just fine for my first real public ride off the farm. Of course, Gideon was a complete champ about the whole day, and as for myself, I hope I made my trainer proud!!!

Thats all the news I can bear to type with one finger on an iPhone!

Best to all!

Mark

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Posted by WebWhisperer on July 21st, 2009 in Website Updates

The long spell of sun and hay
kept me completely AFK
The server move, once muchly needed
Has indeed been completed!

If there are errors bugs or crashes
Or pages burning down to ashes
Seek the admin email please
Ill bring the server off its knees.

Mark

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