Happy New Year!!

Just a quick blog post to wish everyone a very healthy and happy New Year! 2015 was a great year for our little Southwind family and we have high hopes for 2016!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support!

Boarder Spotlight Series: Meet Susan & Teddy!

Good Morning!

Today we are continuing our boarder spotlight series! Meet Susan Lauffer and her horse Teddy!

1.) Can you tell me a little bit about your horse(s)?
Teddy is a 14 year-old Percheron/TB gelding that I’ve owned for 8 years. He’s a wonderful horse who can jump a 3-foot course one day and teach a beginner lesson the next. He’s very friendly and knows how to get strangers to pay attention to him and give him treats.

2.) How long have you been at Southwind?
I’ve been at Southwind for about 12 years. I came with a mare named Emma who was determined to always be sick or injured. I finally retired her at Southwind where she happily lived out her years. Then I had an OTTB named Yankee who had to be retired due to very bad kissing spine. But the third time’s been the charm with Teddy!

3.) What types of riding/competing do you do (if any)? 
I grew up doing the hunter/jumpers but switched to eventing and dressage. Teddy and I have also done a few jumper shows.

4.) What is your favorite part about being at Southwind
My favorite part of Southwind is the great group of boarders and people who work there. It’s a terrific place!
And a very special event at Southwind was the day a few months ago when I looked into a stall and saw Arrow, who was the very first horse I ever owned! I had sold him almost 20 years ago and had no idea he had moved into the barn. He’s over 30 now, but he’s in great shape and his owner Maggie takes incredible care of him. It’s been great to see him again!

*NEW* Boarder Spotlight Series: Janet & Jenny

Good Morning everyone!

Today we are starting our new 'Southwind Boarder Spotlight Series' where we ask our boarders a set of questions to learn more about them & their horse(s)! Up first is boarder Janet and her mare Jenny!

1.) Can you tell me a little bit about your horse?
Jenny is a 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare who raced at Finger Lakes without ever putting a lot into it. I bought her as a 3-year-old after her trainer realized nothing was going to change.

2.) How long have you been at Southwind?
Since spring of 2001, when I moved my late mare Molly to the farm. Jenny arrived in 2005.

3.) What types of riding/competing do you do (if any)?
Low-level eventing and jumpers, and some dressage.

4.) What is your favorite part about being at Southwind? 
The consistency of the care, low-key atmosphere, and the tack room conversations.

Calling all Southwind Boarders

Good morning everyone!

Here on the blog we are looking to do a mini-series to highlight our wonderful boarders!! So, if you are a current boarder at the farm please email tara@mythiclanding.com for a short list of questions to fill out! We really have such a great environment at the farm and we want to share more about our wonderful boarders!

Also, if you are looking to come join in the fun this winter (with an indoor arena!) please email Sheri at sherithornley@msn.com or visit: http://southwindfarminc.com/

Our awesome IEA Team for Northern Light Farm here at Southwind 

Don't forget... a few spots open for boarders!

Good morning!

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed it with friends and family. On this chilly Monday morning, we wanted to remind everyone that there are still a few board openings at Southwind for the winter! Our experienced staff all live on the property and help maintain a routine that keeps our horses happy and healthy.  Not only do we have the facilities you need to train your competition horse, there are also miles of trails for conditioning and pleasure.  All types of riding are welcome, as are your own blacksmith and veterinarian.  We have always emphasized a relaxed atmosphere that is essential to every horse’s well-being regardless of discipline.  Our location in Damascus, Montgomery County, MD provides easy access to I-270 and I-70.

PS- did we mention that we have an indoor arena!?!? 

Be sure to check us out and contact owner Sheri Thornley today to set up your appointment!
www.southwindfarminc.com

Happy Thanksgiving from Southwind Farm!

Good morning everyone, 

Not much going on this week with the upcoming holiday so we wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of our wonderful clients, boarders and 4-legged friends! We hope that you have a nice holiday and are able to enjoy it. 

We know that Spike is looking forward to any Thanksgiving scraps he may find... 

Calling all geldings!!

Good morning!

We hope that everyone had an enjoyable weekend. Did you know, that here at Southwind we accept all types of horses and disciplines into our farm family? However, (even though we love our mares) we are currently looking for a few geldings to add to the herd! If you have a gelding and are looking for a place to board with an indoor this winter, come check us out!
We also allow boarders to bring in their own farrier and veterinarian as well! We are a place to board where everyone is welcomed, so be sure to visit our website for more info:  http://southwindfarminc.com/

Southwind mascot, Spike, says "We need some more guys to join me around here!" 

We can't forget the Waredaca results!

Good morning,

With the fall competition season coming to a close, we forgot to mention the results from the Waredaca Fall Starter two weekends ago! Sheri took her baby horse, Biricchino aka "B," to compete in the Beginner Novice Horse-A division and finished in 4th place!! He is really catching on to the eventing world and learning how fun it is!

Boarder Lauren Carey also competed her horse, Jackalack, for their 2nd event ever in the Beginner Novice Rider-B division and WON! Lauren may be new to the eventing world, but based on how well she has done these past two events, we think she may be hooked!

Lauren & Jackalack looking great! 

(Photo from her Facebook) 

Lisa Austin was right behind her in the same division finishing with a tie for 2nd place with her horse, Lookndownthebarrel. Great job!

We also just have to share this incredible photo of Sheri's horse, Toga, taken by the very talented
Pamela Heemskerk-Hefley! What a great group of people we have at Southwind!

Time is running out! Come board with us before winter hits!

Good morning everyone,

Winter is coming! We don't want to think about it, but fall is almost over and winter is on it's way. If you are looking for somewhere with access to an indoor arena and a community feel that can't be beat, come join Southwind Farm!  We are located in Northern Montgomery County in Damascus, MD, and our 60-acre facility includes two barns, 50 stalls with mats and windows, a large indoor arena with an automatic watering system, two outdoor arenas, jumps, a small cross-country school, and miles of trails. We have over 35 acres of pasture is divided into fields that can be rotated to maintain the grazing.  Mares and geldings are separate, with small group turnout.  We blanket within reason (if it’s too hot, we’ll take it off, etc) and have parking spots for trailers. Plus did we mention that we have an indoor?

For more information or to come out and visit the farm, please contact Sheri at: (301) 253-9417 or
sherithornley@msn.com

Great Weekend for Southwind Riders!

Good Morning!

Yesterday, several of Southwind's riders competed at The Maryland Horse Trials Fall Starter #2. Everyone bundled up in the cold and wind and went out to compete! Southwind's owner, Sheri, competed her sales horse Biricchino, aka "B," in the Beginner Novice-B division and did very well! It was his first official Beginner Novice and he finished on his dressage score of a 33.50. Lisa Austin Competed her own, CMA Lookindownthebarrel in the Beginner Novice-C division and finished in 5th on their dressage score of 31.50. Lauren Carey competed her own Jackalack in the Beginner Novice-D division and won on their dressage score of a 30.30! This was their first event ever! Way to go everyone!

Lauren & Jackalack with their 1st place ribbon 

Also an update from Heather & Northern Light Farm: "Congratulations to IEA Team Northern Light Farm today! The team won 4 Blue ribbons out of 7 riders...not too shabby! Also congrats to Mitch Walker for winning the Sportsmanship Award. Patting your very difficult ride and wearing a smile is in fact a valued trait."

Way to go NLF IEA Team! (Sorry, no photos this time!)

Preparing Your Older Horse for Winter, an article from Hagyard Equine

Good morning!

We hope that everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful weekend! Here at Southwind, we have several older horses here on the farm. We work hard to give all of our horses, especially the older ones, the best conditions possible. It is very important as we prepare to head into the winter season that owners of older horses take necessary measures to ensure a good winter for them! Today we share an article link from Hagyard Equine written by Gina G. Tranquillo, VMD, CESMT on preparing your older horse for winter. Take a look here: http://www.hagyard.com/custdocs/PreparingHorsesWinter.pdf

And remember, if you are looking for a place to board this winter where your horse will not only get the best of care, but YOU will have access to an indoor arena, please visit us at: www.southwindfarminc.com 

Welcome New Barn Manager Kerri Moxley!

Today we want to send out a big Southwind welcome to our new barn manager, Kerri Moxley. Kerri is a lifelong equestrian and comes to us with her Thoroughbred mare, Lassie.  Keep reading below to learn more about Kerri and be sure to say hello next time you are out to the farm!

"I have had a passion and love for horses since the day I knew what a horse was. I often times, as a 4- year-old, would sneak out of the house, through the fence in the back yard and find my way right into the middle of all the horses. Needless to say mom decided it was time for lessons. I spent my middle and high school years working at the barn. I began teaching under my trainer when I turned 18, and branched off on my own when I turned 20. I ride and teach hunters/jumpers. I see there are lots of eventers here, so I wonder how long it will take to get sucked into the daredevil lifestyle? I have shown up and down the east coast on the A-circuit and loved every minute of my life with horses." 

So happy to have you Kerri!

Great Weekend for Southwind Riders!

Good Morning!

This past weekend several members of Southwind went out to compete at the Seneca Valley Pony Club Starter Trials! Everyone did very well including Sheri's newest project, Biricchino (aka "B"). This was not only his first event ever, but he has only been off the racetrack a few months! Sheri said he earned a few 8's in dressage and although a little sloppy in show jumping, he went around cross-country quietly and confidently to finish in 5th place. Way to go Sheri & B!

Boarder Holly and her mare Clementine also went out to compete and did very well finishing in 2nd place! 

Another boarder Lisa Dehart Austin took her horse, CMA Lookindownthebarrel as well and finished in 1st place! Way to go! 

Here is a great shot of the group with groom & supporter Lauren Carey (who was a big part in the day- thank you Lauren!) and of course Spike!

Fun weekend

Good morning!

Not a whole lot going on with the farm this past weekend to share. Southwind's owner, Sheri, had her two daughters in town and word on the street says they made some delicious apple cider!!

Don't forget that Southwind is still seeking a full-time barn manager. Duties would be to oversee and help with daily barn chores, interact with boarders, take care of horses, arenas, property, and some spoiled barn cats. This is a great opportunity for someone that is reliable. organized, and willing to work. We would love someone with ability to service equipment, build fence, run tractors, etc but that's not critical. Housing and horse board possible for the right person as well.

Speaking of boarding... we only have a few spots left before we fill up for winter! If you are looking for somewhere new to board this winter with access to an indoor arena be sure to come check us out! Contact Sheri today to set up your appointment: (301) 253-9417 OR sherithornley@msn.com

Help Wanted at Southwind Farm!!

Good Morning everyone!!

Southwind is seeking a full-time barn manager. Duties would be to oversee and help with daily barn chores, interact with boarders, take care of horses, arenas, property, and some spoiled barn cats. This is a great opportunity for someone that is reliable. organized, and willing to work. We would love someone with ability to service equipment, build fence, run tractors, etc but that's not critical. Housing and horse board possible for the right person as well.

From Sheri, Southwind's owner: I need a working manager...someone that can so some barn chores plus keep our awesome routine running on a daily basis. Involves being able to think ahead, multitasking, dealing with boarders, and being very aware of what's going on in the barn. Not hard if you are used to dealing with people, the horses are the easy part! One of the tasks is to dump and fill the water buckets every day...a tedious time consuming task, but it has to be done. You would help with turning in and out, feeding/throwing hay, feeding the outside horses, then a few odd chores. Would also be great if you could help drag arenas and sometimes mow fields. If you are interested I'd love to meet you! I can offer a salary that includes housing and utilities, and board for a horse. Let me know if you think you might fit into that spot. Check out the website www.southwindfarminc.com it is a beautiful farm with great people and a great opportunity for the right person. Thanks!

Send Sheri a message here: https://www.facebook.com/sheri.thornley.9

Looking for a place to board? Come check us out!

It was a beautiful holiday weekend in Maryland and we hope that everyone was able to enjoy it! Did you know, that here at Southwind we accept all types of horses and disciplines into our farm family? We also allow boarders to bring in their own farrier and veterinarian as well! If you are looking for a great place to come board where everyone is welcomed, visit our website for more info:  http://southwindfarminc.com/ We are now currently accepting boarders so come visit us and take a tour!

Don't forget! Welcoming new boarders now!

Good Morning!

Don't forget to tell your friends! We are currently accepting boarders (both mares & geldings) to our farm. We also offer field board for clients with one or more horses in stall board. If you want to learn more, feel free to contact Sheri at: (301) 253-9417 or sherithornley@msn.com and set up a time to come out and see the farm. We would love to have you!

CALLING ALL BOARDERS!!! Join the Southwind Family!

Are you looking for a new place to board where you are not just another number? What about access to an indoor arena, outdoor arena, cross-country jumps and trails for hacking? Here at Southwind Farm we welcome boarders of all ages and disciplines. We are more of a "family environment" and have a community feel. We are currently accepting boarders (both mares & geldings) to our farm. We also offer field board for clients with one or more horses in stall board. If you want to learn more, feel free to contact Sheri at: (301) 253-9417 or sherithornley@msn.com and set up a time to come out and see the farm. 

Happy Monday!

Good Morning!

We hope that everyone enjoyed their weekend despite the heat! Even though the temperatures have been ranging in the low 90's, that doesn't mean winter isn't coming ;) If you are looking for a place with an indoor arena to continue riding this winter, we are currently accepting applications for boarders! Visit our website at www.southwindfarminc.com for more info!

Also, don't forget that Southwind Farm is looking for part-time/full-time barn help.  The duties include turning in/out, dumping and filling water buckets, dragging rings, tidying up, etc.  Our ultimate goal is to find a farm manager that can oversee the daily chores of our large boarding stable. Candidate must be good at time management and must be reliable. We truly feel this is a great opportunity for the right person! On-farm housing and a stall for one horse possible. Contact Sheri today with your application!

Part-time Help Needed

Good Morning everyone!

Southwind Farm is looking for part-time/full-time barn help.  The duties include turning in/out, dumping and filling water buckets, dragging rings, tidying up, etc.  Our ultimate goal is to find a farm manager that can oversee the daily chores of our large boarding stable. Candidate must be good at time management and must be reliable. We truly feel this is a great opportunity for the right person! On-farm housing and a stall for one horse possible. Contact Sheri today with your application!

Sharing an Article: Stall board vs. Pasture board

Good morning!

Did you know that at Southwind Farm, if you have a horse in stall board we also offer field board options for other horses? When boarding your horse, there are many decisions to make. One of those decisions is whether to stall board or field board your horse. What is the best environment for your horse to live in? Many people can be unsure at first for several reasons: recently acquired the horse, changing careers, occasional pleasure riding only, etc. Really, the answer is, that it depends. It is important to make sure that your horse is comfortable, happy and most of all, healthy. Stall boarding or field boarding can play a major role in this.

Some people say that a mixture of stall and field board can be the best option. Others with high sport performance horses feel that stall board is the best option. Here another opinion, an article by Ed Dabney who is a natural horsemanship trainer:

"Stall versus Pasture Board"

By Ed Dabney

I strongly feel horses are happier and healthier mentally, physically and emotionally if they are allowed to live the way God designed them - out in the open, not in a box. Horses are not like us. They don't like small cozy places. As prey animals, they like to be out in the open so they can move and see all around.

Horses who live out in a pasture 24/7 are usually healthier than stall boarded horses who live in a hot, musty barn full of urine and manure odors. Walk into most full boarding barns at 6:00 in the morning when the barn has been closed up all night and the ammonia smell from the night's urine will knock you down. I feel sorry for the horses having to stand in there and breathe that all night. No wonder they develop respiratory problems.

I understand that not everyone has the option of pasture or paddock boarding and must board their horse in a stall with little or no turn-out. I also understand that stall boarding is sometimes necessary for some stallions, horses recuperating from certain injuries or for upper level show or performance horses that need the protection of a stall to prevent injury or coat fading.In Wyoming my horses lived in the pasture and had a run in shed available to them but they never used it. They were happy to stand out in 15 below zero weather in a blizzard munching hay. They would grow a heavy winter coat and snow would pile up on their backs. As long as they had plenty of good quality hay their body would generate enough heat to keep them comfortable. (Note: if they were losing body heat the snow on their backs would melt.)Observing my own horses in Wyoming indicates to me they obviously prefer to live outdoors. Certainly we prefer to be indoors on a cold or rainy day cuddled up by the fire in a warm blanket drinking a cup of hot chocolate, however my opinion is, we should allow horses to live in the way they prefer rather than try to force our human characteristics on them.




Original article can be found at:  http://www.eddabney.com/articles/stallvspastureboard.htm

A Special Southwind Welcome!

We are doing a special blog post today to officially give a big Southwind welcome to Jonathan Jose Aristondo! Jonathan was born last Wednesday and is the son of Luis and grandson of Jorge (who work with us!) Congratulations on your new arrival!

Boarding at Southwind: Did you know?

Good morning!

Although none of us want to think about it, winter is coming!! Do you board at a farm with an indoor? If not, wouldn't you like to get in some extra riding when it' gets dark at 5pm or when the weather isn't awesome? 

Did you know that here at Southwind  all types of riding are welcome, as are your own blacksmith and veterinarian.  We have always emphasized a relaxed atmosphere that is essential to every horse’s well-being regardless of discipline! So what are you waiting for? 

To find out more and our current rates, please visit our website: www.southwindfarminc.com   

Great Show & Big Thank you!!

This past weekend was our Jumpapalooza show and despite the heat everyone did a great job and had fun!

We also wanted to send a big THANK YOU to everyone that helped out! We couldn't have done it without you guys! Also, if you missed the show because of the heat we have great news for you! You can come out this THURSDAY, the 23rd, to school our courses. More details to follow soon. Again, many thanks to everyone that stuck out the heat yesterday, it was fun hanging with you all!!

Lexie and Major had a lot of fun! Thanks Yvonneke for sharing this photo with us!

Spike says horse shows are hard work! 

We also want to send another big congrats to Southwind boarder & friend, Janet Andres and her mare HeatWave, for their win in the Training-2 division, second in the Training-3 division, and win the Overall High Score Award at the Karmic Run Dressage Show. 

 "Jenny obviously wanted me to stop with the photography and take her off the trailer, but when you win your training 2 division and place second in training 3, and win the overall high score award, you have to expect your human to get a little excited."