Happy New Year 2020!

As another year comes to a close we want to thank the wonderful group of people who make up our Southwind boarding community for another great year at the farm! We have high hopes for 2020 and can't wait to see what the new year brings. If you are looking for a fresh start for your horse, consider making the move to Southwind in the new year. Learn more at the link below!

www.southwindfarminc.com

Merry Christmas from Southwind Farm!

As another holiday approaches, our Southwind Farm family sends you and your loved ones our warmest wishes. May you find the true spirit of the season and may it fill your heart with joy this year! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Southwind Farm!

www.southwindfarminc.com

Calling All Boarders! Get a fresh start in 2020 at Southwind Farm!

Calling all horse owners!

If you have been on the fence or thinking about making a boarding change for your horse(s), now is the time! The new year is right around the corner and Southwind is currently accepting stall boarders for the upcoming year. Come join a barn family with outstanding care and a welcoming environment. Horses of all ages and breeds are welcome and you won't find a more conveniently-located barn in Montgomery County with easy access to bordering counties.

To learn more about the Southwind's values and our standard of care visit: www.southwindfarminc.com or reach out to Sheri Thornley at  sherithornley@msn.com today!

Steps to Winterize Your Trailer

"It’s that time of year when we all start to ask ourselves, “how can it already be this time of year?!” Whether you spend the warmer months camping, attending horse shows and events, or both, it can feel like every winter arrives sooner than the last. Before you know it, the leaves are falling, temperatures and dropping, and it’s time to pack up the trailer for the season (HorsesDaily)." If you own a horse trailer and are slowing down for the season, now might be a good time to clean, organize or prep your trailer for the colder months ahead.

If you are looking for an indoor to ride in this winter even during bad weather months, come board with us at Southwind! www.southwindfarminc.com 

Here are a few tips from Horses Daily to winterize your trailer:

-'Clean it inside and out! If the weather is still warm enough or you have access to hot water, it is a good idea to give your trailer a thorough cleaning before prepping it for winter storage.'

-Learn how to manually override your brake controller.
'It’s crucial to get familiar with your tow vehicle’s brake controller, no matter the season! The brake controller sits in your tow vehicle, and powers the trailer brakes whenever you press your foot on the brake pedal. If you haven’t already, read your brake controller manual and learn how to test your brake controller’s functionality.'

-Get antifreeze service for trailer living quarters
'For RVs, travel trailers, or any other trailer with living quarters, a professional can run antifreeze through the water pipes to protect them from cold temperatures. This method to winterize a trailer generally involves hooking up a bypass line to avoid the hot water heater, draining moisture from all valves in the trailer, as well as other technical processes. It can be done once at the beginning of winter.'

-Cover your trailer and park it off grass
'Your trailer is clean, drained, and winterized. Now you just need to store it safely for the season. First, covering your trailer will protect it from the elements–but as we’ve discussed before, not any old trailer cover will do, especially for horse trailers. Standard horse trailer covers are generally manufactured too short so they leave tires, bearings, and fenders exposed. Instead, buy an RV trailer cover to protect your trailer from its tires to its roof. Find them online and order based on your trailer’s dimensions.'

'Second, avoid parking your trailer on grass. Grass traps moisture and pests, which can wreak havoc over the course of the winter. Look for a gravel, asphalt, or concrete parking spot. If you can’t find one, put wood planks over grass to park the trailer on (Horsedaily.com)."

Tack Room Organization Tips!

Any time you bring equestrians together at a place like a boarding barn, it's easy to accumulate clutter and become disorganized. Especially during winter when there are extra layers and things to keep warm. That's why we take great care at Southwind to keep our barn aisles and tack room spaces clean and clear of clutter. We know our boarders work to do their part as well and for that we are thankful! If you are looking for a few tips to get your own tack room or space organized, here are a few thanks to an article from Equus Magazine.

• "Mount leftover or recycled household cabinets for additional off-the-floor storage. If you don't have any "extra" cabinets, post a want ad on an online swap site. For easier access, remove the cabinet doors."

• "Repurpose a blanket rack to hang saddle pads. Storing your damp saddle pad on a rack instead of over your saddle protects the leather from salty sweat. This will also help your pad keep its shape."

• "Purchase a step stool that has interior compartments. A storage step stool is a great place to keep grooming aids, such as braiding and/or banding equipment. Plus, it is highly portable."

• "Invest in a filing cabinet to organize important papers. Assign a file to each horse in the barn and keep a copy of his health, insurance and farrier records along with special feeding instructions or other documents. Keep the originals in the house for safekeeping."

• "Use clear, plastic drawers to organize everything from brushes to first-aid supplies. The translucent containers make it easier to quickly find what you need (Equus Magazine)."

If you are looking for a place to board this winter that works hard to ensure our boarders are happy and safe, visit www.southwindfarminc.com! 

Happy Thanksgiving from Southwind Farm!!

We wanted to take a quick minute this morning to wish all of our boarders, their families and friends a Happy Thanksgiving later this week! We are always thankful this time of year for the wonderful group of people and horses that make up our barn family.

What Makes Us Different? Great Question!

Southwind Farm is a unique place. We are not the same as every other boarding barn out there and are proud to have a few things that we can say truly makes us unique!! In case you didn't know...

• Southwind Farm has NO breed or age restrictions on our boarded horses. We love horses of all shapes and sizes and welcome them into the herd!
• We have NO training or lesson requirement, and our boarders have access to over eight different trainers who regularly come to the farm. OR you can bring your own trainer in for weekly/monthly lessons. 
• We allow you to bring your own vet and farrier so you can keep peace of mind!
• Our owner and manager Sheri Thornley lives on site 24/7 so you can know someone is always there. 
• We welcome riders of ALL disciplines! The more the merrier!
• We have all the amenities of a bigger barn but have a unique, close family feeling and camaraderie among our boarders.
• We are located in northern Montgomery County but are just minutes from three other big counties: Frederick, Howard and Carroll!

Sound like something you might want to be a part of? Come take a look and see for yourself! Contact Sheri today or visit, www.southwindfarminc.com. 

Just Loving Life at Southwind Farm

Hello everyone! We don't have a lot to update about this week, except for the fact that we are thrilled with our boarders, and everyone (including the horses) seems to be loving life at Southwind Farm these days. Some days you just have to take a minute to reflect on all of the good in life and we are so thankful for our group of boarders who are like family here at Southwind.

Don't forget! We are always open to new boarders to join the Southwind family, so if you know anyone in Damascus, Maryland or the surrounding area looking for a new place to call home for their horse, you can check us out at:

http://southwindfarminc.com/

Have a great week!

Tricks to Stay Warm While Riding in Colder Weather

Photo Courtesy of Dani Sussman.

We hope that everyone has a wonderful start to their week. Today we wanted to share an article from the USEA entitled 'Tips and Tricks of the Trade: Competing in Cold Weather' because as we all know, not everyone can go south during the upcoming winter months to continue their training. Staying warm but not limiting your movement while working around or riding horses is so important!

We are very fortunate to have an indoor arena which helps block wind and prevents frozen ground during the colder months, but riders have to prepare themselves as well! Don't forget, if you are looking for somewhere to board this winter that has an indoor arena, come visit us! www.southwindfarminc.com

And now for the article!  Click here to read some tips and tricks of the trade from one Colorado equestrian!

Six Tips to Help Keep Your Horse Healthy During Fall & Winter!

It doesn't matter if you live in the North, South, East or West, now is the time to prepare for a healthier horse as fall and winter weather roll in making horse care more difficult in many areas. While fall is a time to fully enjoy horse ownership, it is also a time to prepare for inclement weather brought by winter which will be here before we know it!

"Although horses are very adaptable to cold weather, managing their physical and nutritional needs takes some planning (Equimed.com)."

At Southwind Farm our staff works diligently to manage the needs of each one of our boarders during the winter season. We take the care of all of our animals seriously and work to make sure they are safe, healthy and also happy during the winter months!
www.southwindfarminc.com 

Here are a few tips from the Equimed article to keep in mind:

• Tip #1- Provide adequate shelter

The immediate response to a sudden change in temperature is for the horse to change its behavior, by seeking shelter from the cold and wind or to huddle together, to decrease heat loss. When weather becomes cold and windy, shelter should be provided. Although stalling is unnecessary for all horses, some protection from winter elements is important. If nothing else a three-sided shed with the open side opposite the prevailing wind usually serves to protect horses in most climates. Some younger horses may not be experienced in seeking shelter when the weather in intemperate and owners should make sure these younger horses are protected from the weather.

• Tip #2 - Pay attention to deworming and vaccination schedules

Internal parasites become active again this time of year as it cools and can proliferate in pastures. Make sure to perform a fecal egg count and deworm only if necessary.

• Tip #3 - Maintain proper levels of fitness and conditioning

Before cold weather hits, take note of your horse's normal behavior during conditioning exercises. If you know your horse's healthy habits during a workout, it is easier to spot problems, like stiffness, lameness or cardiovascular issues. As weather becomes cooler, many horses are ridden less, but horse owners need to be aware of any changes in the physical condition of their horses.

If the horse is young or older, isn't used to much physical activity, or has health problems, you will need to maintain light exercise and gradually work up to a level that will either maintain or improve the horse's level of fitness during cold weather.

Horses that are stabled most of the time will require at least a 30 minute workout each day and will benefit most from an hour or more of exercise activity as conditions allow during inclement weather.

To read the rest of the article, click here.  Prepare now and bundle up for Mother Nature! Happy riding all!

Fall Trailer/Travel Safety Checklist

Fall is a great time to venture out and take your horse on new and exciting trips! Whether to competitions, trail rides or equestrian destinations, fall is a popular season to enjoy on horseback all of the beauty nature can offer. However, after a busy spring and summer season or even some time off due to hot weather, it's important to maintain trailer safety before you go! Here is a great horse trailer safety checklist from The Equestrian Group Insurance, to help you plan and make sure you are travelling as safely as possible this
fall season!

Fall Horse Safety Trailering Checklist HERE! 

If you are looking for a new place to keep your horse that has all of the large facility amenities but the small barn feeling, consider Southwind Farm! Located in northern Montgomery County with close access to Frederick, Howard and Carroll counties, Southwind Farm has everything to offer! Learn more about our board here: www.southwindfarminc.com 

Reminder: Stalls Available for Boarders!

We hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed it with friends and family. We wanted to take a quick minute to remind you that there are still a few stall board openings at Southwind for the winter! Now is the time to get your stall before it gets too cold.

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 to see the farm and learn more today!

www.southwindfarminc.com

Fall Trail Riding Tips!

Fall can be an excellent time of year to venture out on the trails and we encourage it here at Southwind Farm! With the changing leaves, beautiful scenery and wildlife, plus cooler temperatures it can be a very enjoyable experience! However, it's important to maintain safety and safe riding practices at all times, especially out on the trails. Thanks to an article from Horse & Ride it talks about seven possibly dangerous situations that can arise while out on the trails. The article talks a little more about each one and how to avoid it, if possible. Take a minute to check out the article below and make sure you stay safe this fall as we love all of our boarders and horses! www.southwindfarminc.com

Photo credit: Pine Creek Valley Trail Riders

"Proper planning can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying a trail ride and trail ride safety. Without it, you can wind up in predicaments ranging from inconveniences to serious threats to your safety, as well as that of your horse and your trail-riding pals.'

'Even with proper preparation (see sidebar, "Plan Ahead," below, for tips), unexpected situations can arise, and you must act quickly to keep all the horses and humans in your party as safe as possible. Here are a few common problems in trail riding safety to keep in mind. If one of these situations sneaks up on you, you'll also be armed with information necessary to get out of it quickly and with as little harm as possible (Horse & Rider)." Read the full article here! 

Post-ride Trailering Trips for a Smooth Trip Home

Some horses have natural anxieties about the trailer that come from a previous owner, experience or just a quirk in their personality. Keeping trailering safe and calm for both you and your horse is important to being autonomous with your horse. Often times it's easy to know what to do pre-trailer ride but the ride home can often be overlooked. Thanks to an article from horseandrider.com, there are a few more things to think about before throwing your horse back on the trailer and heading out.

"You’re headed back from your trail ride. You reach the trailer, unsaddle, brush off your horse, get him loaded, and head down the road. Twenty minutes! It’s a new record time. This is exactly the behavior that gets riders in trouble. After a long day of riding, and especially after multi day trips, it’s tempting to hurry up and get on your way. When you do this, you create chaos. You hurriedly go through the motions and leave yourself open to forget important things, such as a saddle left on the ground. You overlook the once-over that ensures that your horse is injury-free and your equipment is in good repair.

'Over time, your rushed process causes your horse to become anxious at the trailer, which makes your ride back more difficult and puts a sour tone on an otherwise-pleasant experience (Horse & Rider)."

Here are a few tips from the author to ensure a safe and smooth trip all the way around!

• After your ride, use your checklist to ensure that everything you’ve brought is accounted for and put away. If you break tack or lose a hoof boot, make note of it so you can replace it.
• As you head back to your trailer, mentally prepare yourself so you don’t become overly anxious and affect your horse’s emotional state. If you get anxious your horse will, too. 
• Before you load your horse, he should be relaxed and comfortable. If you rush him, he’ll feel as you do when you’re rushed in and out of an appointment—emotionally run-over. Instead, tie him to the trailer and loosen the girth, but don’t get in a hurry to jerk the saddle off. Let him relax as you prep your tack room.
• Organize your tack room so that when you take off your horse’s gear you don’t have to struggle to put it away. Hang up your bridle, pull out grooming supplies and water buckets, and make sure everything’s clean and ready to use again.
• After your horse has cooled off, but before you load up, make water available. 
• Complete a thorough check of your horse by rubbing your hands over his body after your ride to look for injuries.
• After your ride, inspect your trailer and the load-up position. Not all trailers have good internal lights so bring a flashlight or head lamp if there’s a chance you’ll load up after dark.

At Southwind we love our trail riders and adventurers!! With close access to several county parks and areas to ride in, there's always a spot to load up and go exploring! Learn more about our farm and boarding opportunities at: www.southwindfarminc.com! 

Amazing Horse Facts Part 2!

Hello all! We are continuing our Random & Amazing horse facts today in order to mix things up a bit and to expand your equestrian knowledge. (Because, why not??) Some of these you might know and some might surprise you!

Also don't forget that we love and welcome horses of all breeds, ages and disciplines at Southwind! Learn more about our stall boarding available at:  www.southwindfarminc.com!

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

21. An adult horse’s brain weights 22 oz, about half that of a human. (Source: The Equinest)

22. Horses still hold a place of honor in many cultures, often linked to heroic exploits in war, China being one of those countries. (Source: National Geographic)

23. Horses can not vomit. (Source: The Equinest)

24. There is only one species of domestic horse, but around 400 different breeds that specialize in everything from pulling wagons to racing. All horses are grazers. (Source: National Geographic)

25. A horse can see better at night than a human. However, it takes a horse's eyes longer to adjust from light to dark and from dark to light than a human's. (Source: Cowboy Way)

26. The first cloned horse was a Haflinger mare in Italy in 2003. (Source: The Equinest)

27. Horses like sweet flavors and will usually reject anything sour or bitter. (Source: The Equinest)

28. Wild horses generally gather in groups of 3 to 20 animals. A stallion (mature male) leads the group, which consists of mares (females) and young foals. When young males become colts, at around two years of age, the stallion drives them away. The colts then roam with other young males until they can gather their own band of females. (Source: National Geographic)

29. Most of the time, wherever a horse's ear is pointing is where the horse is looking with the eye on the same side. If the ears are pointing in different directions, the horse is looking at two different things at the same time. (Source: Training Horses Naturally)


30. Horses produce approximately 10 gallons of saliva a day. (Source: EquiNews)

31. On the underside of a horse's hoof is a triangular shaped area called the “frog," which acts as a shock absorber for a horse's leg, and also helps to pump blood back up the leg. (Source: PawNation)

32. Horses height is measured in units known as "hands." One hand is equal to four inches. The tallest horse on record was a Shire named Sampson. He was 21.2 hands (7 feet, 2 inches) tall. He was born in 1846 in Toddington Mills, England. (Source: Cowboy Way)

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

33. The average horse's heart weighs approximately 9 or 10 pounds. (Source: Steinbeck Equine)

34. The record for the longest jump over water is held by a horse named Something who jumped 27 feet, 6 and 3/4 inches on April 25, 1975 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was ridden by Andre Ferreira. (Source: Equine Life Solutions)

35. The record for the highest jump made by a horse is held by a horse named Huaso who jumped 8 feet, 1 and 1/4 inches on February 5th, 1949 in Vina del Mar, Chile. He was ridden by Captain Alberto Larraguibel. (Source: YouTube)

36. Scientists believe that the first known ancestor of the horse lived about 50 million years ago. This prehistoric horse is called Eohippus and had four padded toes on the front legs and three padded toes on the back legs. (Source: Chronozoom)

37. Horses with typical anatomy are "obligate nasal breathers" which means they must breathe through their nostrils and cannot breathe through their mouths. (Source: The Horse)

38. Horses drink at least 25 gallons of water a day (more in hotter climates). (Source: Healthy Pets)

39. It takes 9-12 months to re-grow an entire horse hoof. (Source: The Equinest)

40. Horses with pink skin can get a sunburn. (Source: The Equine.com)

41. A zebroid is a cross between a zebra and any other member of the family Equidae (which, besides zebras, includes donkeys, ponies, and horses). … A "zonky" is a cross between a zebra and a donkey. … A "zony" is a cross between a zebra and a pony. … A "zorse" is a cross between a zebra and a horse. (Source: Cowboy Way)

42. You can tell if a horse is cold by feeling behind their ears. If that area is cold, so is the horse. (Source: The Chronicle of the Horse)

43. Horses have 16 muscles in each ear, allowing them to rotate their ears 180 degrees. (Source: University of Minnesota)

44. If a horse has a red ribbon on it’s tail, it kicks. (Source: Equine Tips)

45. Horses are social animals and will get lonely if kept alone, and they will mourn the passing of a companion. (Source:  The Equinest)

Tah dah! There you have it! totally amazing (some bizarre) horse facts to store for that next trivia game you play!

Random & Amazing Horse Facts: Part 1

Good morning all! Today we want to mix things up a bit with some totally random, yet amazing, horse facts to expand your equestrian knowledge. (Because, why not??) Some of these you might know and some might surprise you! Today we start part 1 so take a look below and enjoy :)

And don't forget that we welcome horses of all breeds, ages and disciplines at Southwind! Learn more about our stall boarding available at:  www.southwindfarminc.com!

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

1. Horses have the largest eyes of any land mammal. (Source: HorseswithAmie)

2. Horses can run within hours after birth. (Source: ScienceKids)

3. When horses look like they’re laughing, they’re actually engaging in a special nose-enhancing technique known as “flehmen,” to determine whether a smell is good or bad. (Source: Wikipedia)

4. At one time people thought horses were colorblind. They’re not, though they are better at seeing yellows and greens than purples and violets. (Source: The Horse)

5. A horse's teeth take up a larger amount of space in their head than their brain. (Source: LiveScience)

6. You can generally tell the difference between male and female horses by their number of teeth: males have 40 while females have 36 (but honestly, most us are going to use the much “easier” way).

7. Horse hooves are made from the same protein that comprises human hair and fingernails. (Source:  Ker.com)

8. The horse trailer (“horse box”) was invented by Lord George Bentinck, a U.K. man who needed a more effective transport for getting his six horses from one racetrack to another.

9. In 1872, Leland Stanford (1824-1893) made a bet that at some point in the gallop all four of a horse’s legs are off the ground at the same time. Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) proved him right by using a series of 24 cameras and photographing a racehorse named Sallie Gardner. (Source:  HorseswithAmie)

10. Horses are more secure and comfortable when trailering if they can face the rear, but they prefer openings. (Source:  Animal People News)

11. Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up. (Source: ScienceKids)

12. A 19th century horse named ‘Old Billy’ reportedly lived 62 years. (Source: Manchester Museum)

13. From 1867 to 1920, the number of horses shot up from 7.8 million to 25 million. Experts believe this was due to the rise of the automobile. (Source: HorseswithAmie)

14. Because horse’s eyes are on the side of their head they are capable of seeing nearly 360 degrees at one time. (Source: ScienceKids)

15. The fastest recorded sprinting speed of a horse was 88 kph (55 mph). Most gallop at around 44 kph or 27 mph. (Source: Purely Facts)

16. The Przewalski’s horse is the only truly wild horse species still in existence. The only wild population is in Mongolia. There are however numerous populations across the world of feral horses e.g. mustangs in North America. (Source: Onekind)

17. Horses use their ears, eyes and nostrils to express their mood. They also communicate their feelings through facial expressions. (Source: CBS News)

18. Horses will not lie down simultaneously because at least one will act as a look-out to alert its companions of potential dangers. (Source: EquiSearch)

19. Vocalizations are highly important to horses. Examples: Whinnying and neighing sounds are elicited when horses meet or leave each other. Stallions (adult male horses) perform loud roars as mating calls, and all horses will use snorts to alert others of potential danger. (Source: Onekind)

20. Approximately 4.6 million Americans work in the horse industry in one way or another. The US horse industry has an economic effect of $39 billion annually on just nine million American horses. There are approximately 58 million horses in the world and the vast majority are cared for by humans. (Source: American Horse Council)

How many of those did you already know and what was new? Happy Riding everyone!

Enjoy Fall at Southwind Farm!

Fall is right around the corner and cooler temps and autumn leaves are only a matter of days away! Today we want to send out a quick and friendly reminder that we have a few spots left for boarders this fall at Southwind Farm. Come enjoy one of the best seasons for riding at Southwind knowing your horse is getting top care!

For more information, contact Sheri at: sherithornley@msn.com or visit: http://southwindfarminc.com

CONGRATULATIONS SHERI !!!!

Taking a moment this morning to congratulate Southwind's owner, Sheri Thornley, on a fantastic placing at the American Eventing Championships!! Sheri and her horse Toga finished 8th overall in Training Amateur Championship 2019, was Reserve Champion T.I.P. (Thoroughbred Incentive Placement for highest OTTBs) and her Training team for USEA Area II finished as Reserve Champion teams. Way to go Sheri! Southwind is proud of you!

 

Good LUCK Sheri at the AECs!

We are taking a quick minute this morning to wish our very own Sheri Thornley good luck and three great phases as she travels to Lexington, Kentucky for the USEA American Eventing Championships this week! Working to qualify each year, Sheri is an "AEC veteran" having competed several times. However this year the event will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park as a first. Good luck Sheri & Toga! We can't wait to hear how it goes!

Follow all of the action here: https://www.facebook.com/events/255004492043352/

Learn more about the AECs here:

The 2019 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships (AEC) will take place at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on August 27 - September 1. Every horse and rider combination from Beginner Novice through Advanced level will complete their AEC week with show jumping in the prestigious Rolex Stadium. The USEA is teaming up with Equestrian Events, Inc.(EEI) and Mary Fike to make the 2019 AEC an unforgettable experience for every competitor. 

With the AEC being the pinnacle of the sport for the national levels, new and exciting updates have been made to the 2019 AEC. Updates include the addition of a 'Modified/Training Championship,' the increased purse for the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final, and the return of the Adult Team Championships (ATC). 

Photo Tour of Southwind!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

We'll let these photos, taken by the very talented Scott Stinnett, speak for themselves!
If you are looking for an all-inclusive boarding operation that has all the amenities without the large barn feeling in Montgomery County Maryland, come out to Southwind Farm today!

Learn more at: www.southwindfarminc.com!!

www.southwindfarminc.com

Six Cool-Down Strategies for Your Horse

"Summer's heat and humidity can be much more than just uncomfortable. They can be deadly. Horses lose their lives every year to heat stroke. Countless others struggle through anything from weakness to colic as a result of inadequate care in hot weather. Don't let this happen to your horse (horseandrider.com)!" Click on the article from our friends at Horse & Rider to learn about some cool down strategies for your horse to help finish out these last few weeks of summer and hot weather!

To learn about Southwind's facilities (including a shaded indoor arena and trails!) for boarders of all shapes and sizes visit: www.southwindfarminc.com!

Rider Safety in the Heat

Shew, it's been hot and humid recently! While summer rages on, our horses still need to get ridden when safely possible. And although we focus a lot of times on our four-legged friends, it's important not to overlook our own bodies as riders in this summer heat.

Thanks to our friends at the CDC here is a great chart to help you spot the early signs of heat-related illnesses and what to do if it happens to you or someone you know. Remember to always stay hydrated and work your horse only as much as you both can handle.

We're so thankful to have an indoor arena which at least provides a bit of shade and a cross breeze when there's one available, but staying safe and keeping hydrated is still important! Learn more about our other amenities at: www.southwindfarminc.com!

Safety First WhenTrailering This Summer!

With summer in full-swing and abundant competitions, clinics and schooling opportunities almost every weekend, it's important to maintain trailer safety when you are hauling horses.

Trailering in the summer requires some different precautions compared to other seasons such as spring or fall, so we are sharing this quick article from Equus magazine for all of our friends as a reminder!

"The inside of a horse trailer can easily become 20 degrees warmer than the air temperature outside. Horses working to keep their balance in such conditions can quickly become stressed, fatigued and dangerously overheated. As you travel this summer, take precautions to ensure your horses stay cool on the road.

• Open trailer windows and vents. But make sure that doing so does not encourage a horse to assume an inappropriate position while you are moving.
• Do not put sheets or coolers on traveling horses, even to "keep them clean." They'll overheat and arrive sweat-stained anyway.
• Skip heavy quilts and bandages on legs and go with lighter-weight shipping boots. If all the horses in the trailer are experienced travelers, you may want to ship with just bell boots on to protect coronary bands.
• If you have to stop en route, park in a shady spot if possible. Offer the horses water before you set out again.

Once you've arrived at your destination, unload and offer more water as soon as you can do so safely (Equus.com)." To read the original article, click here! 

To learn about our top-quality care of all breeds, ages and sizes of horses here at Southwind Farm visit: www.southwindfarminc.com today!

REMINDER: Annual Yard Sale THIS SATURDAY! 7/27

Good morning everyone!

Just a quick reminder that this Saturday, July 27th is our Annual Southwind Yard Sale from 8:00am to 2:00pm. It looks like the weather is going to cool off a bit and be lovely! This yard sale is a multi-vendor sale with everything from soup to nails, tack, tools, back to school stuff, household items, antiques, and even some furniture!! You won't want to miss this!

For those who want to participate its' not too late! The cost is $10 for as big a spot as you need for a table or two. (Sorry, no plastic tarps allowed as they kill the grass.) 

Email Sheri Thornley at: sherithornley@msn.com for more info/questions.  We hope to see you this Saturday!

Yard sale address: 11415 Bethesda Church Rd, Damascus, MD 20872