Horses of the Ozark Hills
It’s been a while since my last blog post, if your new here, I’m Reese! You can read more about me here. Over the last two years, I have been training my two Haflingers, Rosemary & Jasmine, to drive. It’s been quite the learning experience and a roller coaster ride of ups and downs working […]
I have ridden and owned a lot of different horse breeds over my almost 18 years, but Missouri Fox Trotters have always been one of my favorites. Their friendly demeanor and smooth gait has enthralled numerous equestrians. If you gaze out at my pasture you will see two Missouri Fox Trotters: Coconut and my cousin’s […]
- The Stables
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In November of 2021 I posted about the beginning construction of a horse barn being built on my family’s property. It was one of the 3 buildings built last year for Pine Meadows Venue, my family’s wedding & events venue in Southern Missouri. Other than the exciting announcement that I was getting a horse barn, […]
It’s pretty obvious that I LOVE horses. But you might not know that I am also quite the book worm. For the first time on this blog I am combining two of my favorite hobbies in the form of this horse book review. I had the opportunity recently to read Horses Adored and Men Endured, […]
- All About Horses
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By now you have probably read quite a few “2021 recaps.” It seems like everyone is posting them, and as I began to think, “What’s the big deal? I am so over this,” I realized how important and appealing it is to take the time to sit down and remember the year. One of the […]
It was almost a year ago that I began the training process with my team of haflingers. All my hard work reached its climax when I hitched my team to a buggy for the first time. After months of ground driving my team successfully, we were definitely ready when the time came to have them […]
For many people, fall is their favorite season of the year. The chilly weather begins, bringing hot drinks, warm clothes, and all things pumpkin! Not everyone enjoys sipping pumpkin spice lattes and enjoying a piece of pumpkin bread; however, there’s a good chance that your horse likes pumpkin! Orange pumpkins are a safe and healthy […]
Your a hobby equestrian with no experience training horses, until you buy a young horse who forces you to get some training experience! Or in my case, 4 horses & a pony who force you to! Some of my followers may remember that last year I lost three beloved senior equines, who spoiled me with […]
- All About Horses
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“I first heard about My Happy Lesson Binder by entering a giveaway held by Sparkles Rainbows and Unicorns. After receiving one of the prize copies of the digital binder, I became an affiliate of the program.” “My Happy Lesson Binder is a super fun, creative, and successful way to keep track of all your lessons. I have had […]
- All About Horses
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Exactly one year ago, I shared this DIY horse popsicle recipe to help you keep your equine cool & hydrated all summer long! I hope this repost will inspire you to show your horse some love this summer by making these DIY frozen treats! Horse popsicles are not only safe for your horse, but aid […]
- Training the Haflingers
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It’s been awhile since my last update on the halfies. My newest followers may not know that I am training a team of Haflingers. Working with Rosemary & Jasmine has been a slow and steady process. We have had some rough days, and some really amazing ones. My last training session was one of those […]
- All About Horses
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Do you remember the first time you put a fly mask on your horse? I do! I just recently started using fly masks, and it was not shorty afterward that all sorts of questions regarding this new piece of tack popped into my head! I knew very little about fly masks to begin with. I […]
Have you ever heard of the Great British Equinery of Indiana? I am so glad I had the opportunity to learn about the Great British Equinery through The Backyard Horse Blog and receive their products by winning The Backyard Horse Blog’s 2021 Winter Contest! Whether this is your first exposure to this wonderful company or […]
This past week I had the exciting opportunity to share my equestrian story on Decidedly Equestrian! Decidedly Equestrian is a blog dedicated to giving their audience honest reviews of equestrian products. Run by a team of experienced equestrian women, the product reviews include a convenient scoring chart, lots of pictures, and an honest opinion, making […]
Shopping for horse tack (or anything really) can be a super fun occasion to look forward to, but it can also be a loathsome and time consuming experience. I always get excited about purchasing new horse related products! Nevertheless finding good quality products and brands can be a challenge. Which is why I’m so excited […]
- Technique and Training
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The Ozarks have been blanketed in snow recently, with temperatures in the negatives some days. As I am writing this post it’s snowing! For many horse owners, myself included, winter and snowy conditions equals less riding. Lingering questions about the safety of riding in snowy weather go unanswered for many horse owners. Horseback riding in […]
- All About Horses
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The passing of an equine friend is never easy, as I know all too well. Recently, one of my oldest horses, Penny, passed away. This horse has been with me since 2010, for over ten years! She started as one of my first lesson horses at a riding stable, and later was purchased by my […]
- Training the Haflingers
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Being only the second month of the new year, your New Years Resolutions are probably still fresh in your mind. When committing to these goals, did you give a time frame of completion? Goals are often accompanied with a completion date in mind; losing 10 pounds in five weeks or not eating sugar for a […]
- Horse Care
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Hop in the truck and hitch up the trailer cause it’s time to go to the vet! I joined Penny and Rosemary on their trip to the vet recently! I enjoy going to the vet as I always learn something new and my horses get the medical care they need. Penny simply got a check […]
- All About Horses
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Did you know that one year ago today I posted my first blog post! Looking back it’s been one wild year, filled with ups, downs, masks, and quarantines! But it has also been a wonderful year of growth for my one year old blog and for me personally as an equestrian & horse owner! In […]
- Training the Haflingers
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Do you get your horse a Christmas gift?? I usually make my horses homemade peppermint flavored treats for Christmas. But there are numerous gift suggestions & ideas out there, like giving your horse the day off or getting them a new stable toy! This is the first Christmas I will be spending with my Haflingers […]
- Horse Girl Style
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With the price of everything on the equestrian market, horse girls often order for their horse before they order for themselves. Which is exactly why I was riding in a pair of hand-me-down riding breeches that had too many holes to count! Knowing I needed to upgrade my riding wardrobe, I began to search the […]
- Horse Care
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“Senior horses hold a special place in a horse owner’s heart. They’re the sweetest, the kindest, and the oldest….which sometimes means that it’s even harder for them to stay warm in winter weather. The icy chill isn’t always good for our senior horses, and while we want what’s best for our horse it’s not always […]
- Training the Haflingers
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It’s been awhile since my last update on the Haflinger’s training. If you’re following me on Instagram you are probably more up-to-date. I am proud to report that Rosemary & Jasmine can stand tied, be groomed, lunge, and wear a saddle, saddle pad, and bit! They have come such a long way from the halter […]
- The Stables
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We all know a horse gals dream, riding into the sunset with her trusted horse, hair blowing in the wind. Her desire for a relationship, a friendship with her beloved equine; much like the horse movies she watched as a little girl. But for a country gal like me there was always another addition to […]
- Horse Care
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Your about to read my first product review! The product being reviewed is a Standard Hay Pillow Slow Feeder Bag, 1 3/4 inch mesh size. I ordered this specifically for my Haflingers, who I have been in training; therefore, they stay in a dry lot to keep them close. They consume their hay very quickly […]
- Kids on Horseback
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This might seem like a lofty claim, and I don’t have years of experience teaching students to ride, I only just started! But I have confidence in this game of my semi-own invention. That’s right I didn’t 100% invent this activity. It’s an already well known game that my six year old riding student and […]
- Farm Girl Life
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Meet Tatum! This little pony just joined my equine herd! Tiny and sooo very fluffy, due to his winter coat, Tatum is my cutest & tiniest equine! This sweet guy belongs to my little sister Quinn, who has been diligently visiting Tatum since he was a foal! We bought him from our neighbors, so Quinn […]
- Horse Care
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If you drive through Southern MO there is one thing you’re guaranteed to see: round bales. In the fields, barns, and feeders, round bales are used by many people across the United States and for many different livestock including horses. During the winter months many of my pastured horses can be seen munching on round […]
- All About Horses
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Autumn weather is one of the many reasons why fall is my favorite season! The cool air mixed with the warm sunshine just make me want to be outside. It makes me wish that the this is what the weather was like all year round. Then maybe I would really ride everyday like I want […]
- Training the Haflingers
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The training of my Halflinger trio has come to a semi-halt with how busy I have been recently. I am waiting to officially began training until I can devote myself to them everyday at the same time. (Basically when volleyball season gets over, for those of you who don’t know, I am in highschool!) Meanwhile, […]
- All About Horses
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Put on your sweater and grab your pumpkin latte, cause fall is officially here! Fall is one of my favorite seasons, I love the colors, the favors, and the weather that invites me to saddle up and go for a ride. Something else I love are lists! Lists create clear goals and concrete them in […]
- Farm Girl Life
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As much as I don’t like to admit my failure, about 28 days ago I failed to collect the eggs for a few days. We have a rooster in our coop so all our eggs have the potential of becoming chicks- IF the mamma hen does her job and sits on the eggs, keeping them […]
What is it about Cowgirl Boots that make me wonna go for a ride? Slip em on and out the door; feeling free, strong, and sassy. Through the muck, in the stirrups, and eventually down the aisle. What is it about Cowgirl Boots that make we wonna smile! So my first attempt at published poetry […]
- Horse Care
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If you’re like me, then you probably have looked out into your horse pasture, pleased to see your grazing equines, your gaze only to be met by the body of blue in your field. You give it a questioning look and wonder,“Is it okay for my horses to be around that stagnant body of water?” […]
- Farm Girl Life
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When people ask me if I am a morning person, I want to say yes. I love seeing the sunrise & drinking coffee; plus getting started early aids in the making of a productive day. Getting out of bed early is hard, but once I am up and going I am always glad I got […]
- Training the Haflingers
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You may know that the 3 newest additions to my horse family are unbroken. So it is up to me to train these horses. I get the responsibility of establishing a foundation for them to build upon. I have never trained a horse before and am super excited and a little nervous to take on […]
- All About Horses
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Do you love horse merch? Are you interested in a horse related prize box giveaway? In honor of posting 100 blog posts, The Backyard Horse Blog is hosting their first ever contest giveaway!! Win a horse related prize box by subscribing before August 20th! So hop on over to the Backyard Horse Blog and subscribe […]
- Kids on Horseback
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In the process of planning a horse camp, I had to pick all the day’s activities for on and off the horse. It was honestly a super fun, yet challenging process. And even though the games and crafts I chose were for horse camp, I want to share them with you all, because I think […]
- Kids on Horseback
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Something very exciting happened at the Morrison Farm this weekend! I hosted our farms first ever Horse Camp! Organizing a horse day camp has long been a dream of mine! This week I got to fulfill that dream and share my horses with 29 kiddo campers! I am super excited to share what hosting a […]
- Horse Care
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Flies are just part of summer. They plague our horses, buzzing around their face and biting their body. As horse owners it is our responsibility to make sure our horses live a comfortable life, thus fighting flies becomes our job in summer. Like anyone, we want to do our job as effectively and efficiently as […]
- All About Horses
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With summer comes hot weather and with hot weather comes a hot, sweaty horse! Keeping your horse hydrated and cool is important in the summer heat. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, however, horse popsicles might just be the coolest option! Let’s just face it, watching your horse lick a frozen fruity treat is […]
- Training the Haflingers
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I have some exciting news to share- my horse family has gained three new members! They get their friendly spirit and curiosity from their Haflinger heritage, and their short stature from the tad of Welsh Pony in their blood. These three new additions are related, a mother and two daughters. I am so glad I […]
- Farm Girl Life
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I step out the backdoor. Greeted by Zeus the dog, I carry a bucket of milk replacer to the tack house as I walk through the yard. A tractor is parked on the front lawn. A faint breeze blows past, taking in a whiff of air, I can smell I’m on a farm alright. I close […]
- All About Horses
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Do you keep your horse in your backyard? Because if you do you totally need to check out: The Backyard Horse Blog! One of the goals of this blog is not only to help all equestrians, but especially those that keep their horse at home. All five of my horse’s live on the property, so […]
- All About Horses
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I have sad news to share with you guys today. One of my horses, Holly, had a seizure and passed away. I witnessed the whole thing and I think the worst part was their was nothing I could do. I couldn’t get the vet here faster or give her the medicine I didn’t have or […]
- Horse Care
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1. Recognizing the wound As I was bringing Phoenix into his paddock the other morning, I noticed a piece of brown hanging on his lower leg, right above his hoof. With more inspection, I saw that he must have cut himself and that a piece of flesh was dangling on. My horse’s have definitely had […]
- Horse Care
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As horse owners, it is our job to ensure our horse’s well being and health. By performing a daily health check on our horse, we can keep our horses healthy and safe. So whether you’ve done this on your horses for years or you never have before, it is important to be refreshed on how […]
- Technique and Training
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I went on a ride recently that didn’t go as planned. It was supposed to be a fun ride around the farm with my sisters and friend. The ride was fun and we all had a good time, no one got hurt, things just seemed not to go right, from the other horses getting out […]
- Technique and Training
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“There he is right across from you, your horse. His feet beat the ground in a rhythmic pulse, his nostrils flare with his deep breathing, then suddenly there it is! He starts to hang his head low, licking his lips. Recognizing the signs of submission, you lower your eyes and take a tiny step back. […]
- Tack Tips
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As equestrians, we know that horses and horse stuff are very expensive. So it’s important to consider the pros and cons, and ask ourselves if this is necessary before we purchase it. So when I sat down to consider if I needed to purchase a new breast collar for my horse Max, I did just […]
- Tack Tips
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There I was, riding on Max down a dirt road. The sun was warm on my face and a slight breeze floated through the air. Coming to a fork in the road, I cued Max to stop. But He didn’t. Max has never really stopped when I say “woe,” but when I tighten the reins […]
- Farm Girl Life
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If you have horses, chances are you have other animals to! Dogs, cats, maybe even a goat or donkey, and possibly you have some chickens? Or perhaps you don’t; maybe you should consider adding some chickens to your stable yard family. Not only are chickens low maintenance and provide breakfast, but it is astonishing how […]
- All About Horses
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Hay guys! The Horses of the Ozark Hills is now on Pinterest!! Now you can save your favorite posts and DIYs from Horses of the Ozark Hills as pins! Plus check out other things that inspire me and other equestrians. Like this super cool quote: There are some really great ideas & tips on Pinterest, […]
- Horse Care
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Have you never made homemade horse treats?!?! I had never baked horse treats till recently, when I wanted to try baking something new with my sisters. I wanted to make a treat for my horses, but also for my dogs! I wanted simple, yet healthy ingredients. So I kinda combined some different recipes I found […]
- All About Horses
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Did you know that there are, on average, 450 different breeds of horses and ponies?! If you are interested in a list check out this site. It lists 353 horse breeds and 100 pony breeds in alphabetical order. As I began to look over the list I realised I didn’t know as many horse breeds […]
- Horse Care
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It’s that time of year again, the grass is growing and the days are warming up, real soon the pasture will be ready for our horses. I know that my horses are ready to trade their dusty hay for the luscious grass. However, this time of year also causes me to evaluate my horse’s feeding […]
- Farm Girl Life
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Senior equines have a special place in my heart. They are trained to serve us; they work hard their whole lives, and when they come to their end days- it’s our turn to serve them. Sometimes that means spending money on medicine or a special diet, or sometimes that means ending their suffering. A few […]
- Farm Girl Life
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The days are getting longer and the grass greener, sure signs that spring is almost here! And what a better way to kick off spring than to have a SPRING BREAK! This is especially helpful for equestrians who have lots of preparations to make for the good weather and growing grass. Plus what a great […]
- Farm Girl Life
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Hay! A week or so ago, my farriers told me that Chestnut’s, one of the horses in my care, neck needed to be popped and that he needed to see a horse chiropractor. *Let me say that this was really surprising because I didn’t know there was such a thing for horses* So we called […]
- Horse Care
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Not only is grooming good for your horse’s health, but it can be an enjoyable chore in which you get to know your horse better! Which is why it’s so important to know how to effectively groom your horse. Benefits of a good brushing A well groomed horse is a pretty sight, however; they’re many […]
- All About Horses
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As your leading your horse back to their pasture after a good ride, he whinnies at another horse in the next paddock over. So you both walk over to say “hi” and your horse touches noses with the other pony. “Aww they must be friends” you say, and you take a pic of your horse […]