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 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 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 Kirsten on January 22nd, 2009 in General

It is on my list to go to Scotland, buy or rent a horse, and disappear into the highlands of my forebears.  I just found a kindred spirit in this endurance rider:

Run for the Roses

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Posted by admin on December 26th, 2008 in Farm Updates, General

Merry Christmas from us and the ponies to all of you who’ve been with us in the past and the present, and shared the blessings of our wonderful horses. May the year ahead be twice as good as the year behind you, and may your ponies be graced with lots and lots of carrots

Love,

K&M

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Posted by admin on December 26th, 2008 in General

A very Merry Christmas to Tray, Elizabeth, Marque, and Tyler Johnson!

We couldn’t think of a better present to offer to you this Christmas than…
A little time sharing our Dream by coming to tour our working horse farm! Step back into history and see the world as it was… see some rare breeds of horse that have all but vanished since the advent of the tractor. See descendants of the mighty warhorses of old.  And if the stars are right, perhaps ride one!

My wife Kirsten and I would be happy to host you! Merry Christmas!

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Posted by Kirsten on September 26th, 2008 in General

Autumn has officially begun, and we celebrate the end of an exciting, successful summer!   We are taking the horses in training on many adventures off the farm, including trail rides, horse shows and medieval reenactments.  We firmly believe that consistent training in a surprising variety of situations creates brave, smart, obedient horses at horse shows, on trail rides, and in any situation.

Check out our natural horse training adventures and the horses’ progress at our blogsite, http://www.natural-horse-training-methods.com/

We welcome Cricket to our family.  Cricket is a 6 year old appendix Quarter Horse mare.  She is a granddaughter to the great Secretariat!  We look forward to her giving the young horses confidence on their first trail rides.  Cricket will also be available for riding lessons with our certified riding instructor, and possibly a half-lease to just the right horse person!  Please contact us- you may be the one!

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Posted by WebWhisperer on September 20th, 2008 in Farm Updates, Fun Horse Games, General, Testimonials

It never ceases to amaze me the twists and turns life takes when you least expect it. Who would have thought that I would be where I am now? If you had told me two years ago that I’d be living in the West Virginia Panhandle, married to the best natural dressage, natural hunter-jumper, natural horsemanship trainer, and all around incredibly talented wife Kirsten, I’d have laughed at you and gone about my business.

But then, here I am. Now, I’m getting valuable hands-on experience as a natural horseman and learning to ride while learning to teach my horse curiosity, friendliness, and courage. Dolly Madison and I are taking every opportunity to ride in our large grass arena, and are frequent visitors to the pole bending/Saracen head game row where we weave in and out of the poles like champs. That is an amazing feat of horsemanship for a guy with such a late start.

I’m also really blessed to be a part of the turnout board operation. Daily walks amongst the pastures are relaxing and fun, and watching the play of horse politics at feeding time is the source of endless hours of amusement and discussion. I’ve had the opportunity to turn an open field into structured pastures, creating order out of emptiness.

I’ve been gifted with watching new horses arrive unsure and uncertain of themselves and their surroundings, and be completely transformed by the open fields, good grazing, and natural environment we have here in the wv panhandle. And I’ve been blessed by seeing horses riding through farm lanes and trails that have existed since the Civil War, on land granted before the founding of our Country. Our horses graze on the very same grass grazed on by Stuart’s, Jackson’s, and Lee’s horses. How cool is that?

But best of all, is the time I get to spend with Kirsten working with the Horses. They’re a part of our daily lives. So many major operations, the people you speak to are not the person who manages the barn, who stays up all night with the sick horses, or shovels out the barn after the horses. Here, on this farm, we’re it. We’re as close to the animals on a daily basis as possible and horsemanship and horse care is integrated fully into our daily lives. I’ve learned so much in so little time, and she is the best horsemanship teacher I’ve ever met. It’s an honor to board my own horse here, and a privilege to learn from her teaching.

And it’s a privilege to be 15 days older than she is :=) Happy Birthday, my Love!

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