Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Come Join the Southwind Farm Family!!

Southwind Farm has immediate openings for stall boarders of any age, breed or discipline. Come to Southwind and enjoy two outdoor arenas, an indoor arena, a few cross-country schooling fences and trails to enjoy your horse!

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.

Contact owner Sheri Thornley today to set up your appointment to see the farm and learn more at: www.southwindfarminc.com

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Happy Father's Day from Southwind!!

Southwind Farm wants to wish a Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there (human and fur baby children!!) We hope you have been able to enjoy this beautiful day!



Tuesday, June 16, 2020

You're going to LOVE boarding at Southwind Farm this summer!

Southwind Farm is not just any boarding facility. We have a few things that we can say truly makes us unique and reasons why our boarders love being here. We have a few stalls open for summer, so read on and contact owner Sheri Thornley for more information!

  • We LOVE horses of all shapes and sizes and welcome them into the herd! We have NO breed or age restrictions on our boarded horses.
  • We LOVE to encourage learning from all types professionals! 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 LOVE our boarders to have peace of mind by allowing their own vet and farrier at the farm! 
  • Our owner and manager Sheri Thornley LOVES to live on site so our boarders know someone is always there. 
  • We LOVE riders of ALL disciplines! The more the merrier!
  • We LOVE our unique group of boarders! We have all the amenities of a bigger barn but a close family feeling and camaraderie among our boarders.
  • We LOVE being located in northern Montgomery County and just minutes from three other big counties: Frederick, Howard and Carroll!


Come take a look and see for yourself! Contact Sheri today or visit, www.southwindfarminc.com 

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Travel With Your Horse Safely This Summer!

Things are finally starting to open back up and with that comes more off-the-farm riding opportunities for our boarders & their friends! Also, with summer weather pretty much in full-swing it's important to maintain trailer safety hauling horses. As most equestrians might know, trailering in the summer requires some different precautions compared to other seasons such as spring or fall, so we are sharing this quick article for all of our friends as a reminder! Click on the link below to read more and happy outings!

http://www.examiner.com/article/fifteen-tips-for-safer-summer-horse-trailering

To learn more about Southwind Farm we might be a good fit for you and your horse(s) this summer, 
visit www.southwindfarminc.com

We have a few openings for stall boarders of all breeds, ages & disciplines!  

Monday, June 1, 2020

Stalls for Summer: Available now!

Southwind Farm has openings for stall boarders of any age, breed or discipline this summer. Come to Southwind and enjoy two outdoor arenas, an indoor arena, a few cross-country schooling fences and trails to enjoy with your horse!

Our experienced staff all live on the property and help maintain a routine that keeps our horses happy and healthy. 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 and our large farm feels more like a tight-knit community. 
Our location in Damascus, Montgomery County, MD provides easy access to I-270 and I-70 and bordering counties.

Contact owner Sheri Thornley today to set up your appointment to see the farm and learn more at: www.southwindfarminc.com


Sunday, May 24, 2020

Happy Memorial Day 2020

Southwind Farm remembers our fallen service members with pride this Memorial Day weekend, and together we pay homage to those who have given us our freedoms.



Monday, May 18, 2020

7 Tips for Getting Back in the Saddle

As things slowly begin to open up and riding can resume here in Maryland, we know it might not feel the same as it did before. Even if it's only been a month since you've ridden, it can be hard to get back into a riding routine and feel in sync with your horse again. Thanks to a quick article from 'I Heart Horses' we are sharing 7 tips for getting back into the saddle after the time off.

1.) Don’t get frustrated when you aren’t as good as you used to be. You might not be as quick with your aides or as sharp with your eye right off the bat. That is okay, it will take some time for it to come back...but it will!

2.) Spend time with your horse before getting on. Of course it's your horse and they remember you, but there might be a small lack of trust so it's best to spend some extra time grooming, grazing and loving on them to ensure that you are the same person they know and can trust.

3.) Don’t commit to a barn, instructor, or horse immediately. If you were taking lessons casually or not sure about staying at your particular place of boarding, take the time now to research new farms and instructors and call about availability to see what might be the best fit for you and your horse. (Hint: Southwind Farm has stall boarding spots available!)

4.) Go for a trail ride. Enjoy the first few rides back, no pressure! Take the time to reconnect with your horse before jumping back into to a regular workout routine.

5.) Attend a riding clinic once things are open again. If you are comfortable, when clinics begin again, think about looking into a few that could help you re-develop goals and things to work on with your horse.

6.) Make it an appointment and stick to it! Be sure to set out consistent time each week to spend with your horse (as much as your facility and schedule allows) so the transition back is easier.

7.) Make friends with horse lovers! If you haven't ridden in awhile and are looking for suggestions of places to go, reach out to other equestrians or people you know who own horses and talk your ideas through with them.

Learn more about why Southwind Farm is a great place for horses and riders of all disciplines at www.southwindfarminc.com !



Sunday, May 10, 2020

Happy Mother's Day from Southwind Farm!!

🌼 Happy Mother’s Day to all you horse and human mommas out there from everyone at Southwind Farm! We hope you can enjoy this beautiful day and rest assured knowing that all of your equine children are being taken well care of! 🌼



Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Trailer Tune Up before Summer!

If you are like most you haven't been able to get out lately due to current circumstances, chances are your horse trailer has been sitting around. That's why it's important to do a trailer tune up before summer so it's ready to go when you are! "A well-maintained trailer will be safer for both you and your horse than one in shoddy shape(Equisearch)."

Here's a handy checklist from an article at Equisearch to get you started.
(Note: Unless you're a truck/trailer-maintenance expert, ask a reputable trailer dealership or an experienced trailer-maintenance person to perform most of these tasks for you. With this information in hand, provide this person guidance, and check the trailer over when you pick it up.)

  • Check all tires.
  • Invest in spares.
  • Rotate your tires.
  • Check the brakes.
  • Tighten the lug nuts.
  • Enhance your tire kit.
  • Remove and clean the mats.
  • Check the floorboards.
  • Lubricate the metal. 
  • Make sure all the trailer lights work.
  • Check the lights.
  • Bonus: Apply reflective tape.

For more tips and details on the ones above, click here for the article link.


If you are looking for a new place to call home for your horse later this summer visit www.southwindfarminc.com to see if we're the right fit for you! 

Monday, April 27, 2020

Staying Motivated While At Home

Some days at home during self-quarantine (especially without barn time!) can feel as if they drag on forever making it hard to be productive. It's important to find small ways to keep positive as best you can.

Here are a few tips to keep your spirits high while at home:

1.) Adjust your thermostat to your perfect setting before you get up so it's ready to go.

2.) Open the windows for some fresh air and allow as much sunlight to come in as possible!

3.) Customize your alarm: Start out the day with a song that motivates you and gets you in a good frame of mind.

4.) Find a friend: Lean on a friend or family member for social interaction through a call, text or video chat service.

5.) Dress the part: Dress for success to help you feel good. Just because you might not be going out these days, it doesn't mean you can't dress up if it makes you feel better!

6.) Add green to your work space to to add life and warm it up! If you have fresh flowers blooming outside, bring a few in. If not, you can also have some artificial plants.

7.) Add a photo or inspirational item that make you feel happy to your work space.

8.) Go outside and take a walk to get some fresh air whenever you need the break.

9.) Keep planning for the future! Make a list of all the things you'd like to do once this is over and restrictions are lifted. (#1 on most lists... RIDE THEIR HORSES!!)
If your plans are to find a new barn for your horse(s) to call home this summer, consider coming to Southwind Farm where all types of boarders are welcome and treated like family!



Monday, April 20, 2020

Southwind Memories (Photo Fun!)

During this strange time at home we want to compile some photos of better days had at Southwind Farm. We hope these photos bring a smile to your face this morning! Thank you to everyone who shared them with us!! Enjoy!






















Monday, April 13, 2020

Share Your Southwind Memories With Us!!

During this strange time at home we want to compile some photos of better days had at Southwind Farm. If you have a photo of something or someone special from Southwind or a great memory had with us, send it via Facebook messenger with a quick description or caption. We will be sharing them soon to hopefully bring some joy and a smile to our viewers. Hang in there everyone and thank you for your continued support of Southwind Farm during this unprecedented time. We look forward to seeing your photos!!

Learn more about the farm and our welcoming boarding opportunities at: www.southwindfarminc.com .

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Goal Setting While at Home

Although we don't know when barn life will go back to normal and competitions will resume, setting goals now while at home can do two things: provide hope and help prepare for when the time comes! With the extra time at home, riders can re-watch old videos or go over old test scores to see what areas can be improved upon through goals.

Thanks to this article (click to read more) from Dressage Today magazine, here are a few goal setting tips to keep in mind.


1. Small accomplishments are still accomplishments.
2. It’s human nature to be critical.
3. When you set a goal, use positive language to phrase it.
4. If we set goals in such a way that it makes the first step difficult, it is unlikely that we will attain the goal.
5. Remember that goals are helpful tools, but they do not exist in isolation.

Southwind Farm has the facilities and support network to help all of our boarders achieve their individual goals, whatever they may be! With an indoor arena, two outdoor arenas, some XC fences, trails and more, Southwind is the place to be! Learn about our current boarding options by emailing Sheri Thornley at: sherithornley@msn.com today.





Monday, March 30, 2020

Ideas for Stay-at-home Equestrians

Looking to keep your mind sharp and learn new things while you are at home and show season is postponed? Here are a few ideas of things you can do to fill your time:

-Go through and read your local show or organization's rule book(s) so you can learn new things and be better prepared when competitions resume

-Re-watch (or watch) your favorite horse-themed movies!

-Update your yearly goals list and detail out smaller goals to start with

-Re-watch old competition videos, both of yourself and professionals and see what you can learn!

-Read a new horse-related book! Whether a training book or a work of fiction.

-Meet up with fellow equestrians in online meetings or hangouts to get your fill of horse talk!

Hang tight everyone and stay safe!! We will get through these challenging times one step at a time!


Learn more about Southwind at www.southwindfarminc.com!

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Barn Safety Tips from AAEP

In this unexpected time of life we wanted to share this info graphic from American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Southwind Farm is home to a wide variety of equines and their people so we want to make sure that everyone stays safe!


To learn more about Southwind Farm and our current boarding opportunities, email owner Sheri at: sherithornley@msn.com or visit, www.southwindfarminc.com 

Monday, March 16, 2020

Stalls Available Now :) Don't Wait- Claim Your Spot!

Reminder: Stalls Available for Boarders!

Southwind Farm has immediate openings for stall boarders of any age, breed or discipline. Come to Southwind and enjoy two outdoor arenas, an indoor arena, a few cross-country schooling fences and trails to enjoy your horse!

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.



Contact owner Sheri Thornley today to set up your appointment to see the farm and learn more at: www.southwindfarminc.com

Monday, March 9, 2020

Post-winter check in for your horse

Shew! You have made it through another winter with your horse(s)! You are seeing longer hours of sunlight and temperatures are slowly warming with each passing day. That means it's time to plan your horse's spring health program vaccines and examination. No matter what you want to do with your horse this spring, it's important to have a check in with yourself and your vet to address anything from winter moving forward. Here are a few questions to ask yourself & possibly discuss with your vet:

  • Has your horse been in work through the winter?
  • Describe your horse’s feeding program. Have there been any changes in feed? Is he eating normally or have you noticed any peculiar habits?
  • Has there been any weight change? Are you feeding a special diet to control body condition?
  • Have there been any respiratory concerns, coughing, or nasal discharge over the winter?
  • Have you observed any lameness in your horse? Any lumps or swellings?
  • Is your farrier happy with the condition of their feet and/or shoes?
  • Is your horse receiving any treatments or medications?


These may seem like a lot of questions to answer but even if you’ve owned your horse for years, things can quietly change over a winter season so it's important to check in! That's why here at Southwind Farm we work tirelessly with each boarder to address any concerns or needs they have for their horse(s). No matter the age or breed we love all of our horses here at Southwind!

We would love a chance to welcome your horse(s) into the herd so email Sheri at: sherithornley@msn.com to learn about our boarding availability! 
www.southwindfarminc.com 

Monday, March 2, 2020

Spring Pasture Maintenance

Spring is right around the corner and with temps slowly rising each week, there is hope for all that green grass and warmer days are close by! If you are like most farm owners and equestrians in Maryland thanks to an unusually-warm winter, your pastures have been transformed into giant mud pits. So what can you do to maximize your spring growth this year?

Thanks to an article from the University of Minnesota Extension program, here are a few spring pasture to-dos which can help you get the best use out of your fields for not only springtime but the rest of the year. (Note: we take our pastures very seriously at Southwind and do everything we can to ensure our horses are happy and healthy year-round! www.southwindfarminc.com)

Take a look at the excerpt from the article below:
Plant seed- "The best time of year to seed a pasture is fall. But, spring is an adequate time if you missed fall seeding. April 1st to May 15th is the best time in the spring to reseed your pastures. Keep horses off newly seeded pastures until the grasses become well established and you’ve mowed two to three times.'

Take soil samples-'Test your soil to see if your pastures need any nutrients. You can take soil samples once the frost is out and the ground is dry.'


Fertilize-'Test your soils before fertilizing, so you know how much you need. Often, pastures only need nitrogen.'

Control weeds- 'Spring is a good time to spray annual weeds to prevent them from establishing. Mowing is usually sufficient for annual weed control, but an herbicide may be needed with large numbers of weeds.'

Check fences- 'Snow and deer can damage fences. Check all fencing before turning out your horses.'

Plan your grazing system- 'Think about your pasture’s health from last year. Did you have enough grass or did the horses turn it into a putting green or mud pit? You may need to provide your horse with hay during certain times of the grazing season, and set aside a sacrifice area when the pasture needs rest.'

'Feed your horse their normal hay diet before turning them out to pasture during the first several grazing events of the year (along with the time restrictions). This will prevent rapid eating of pasture grasses, thus preventing digestive upset and laminitis (Original article here)."

Monday, February 24, 2020

Stalls Available for Spring!

Reminder: Stalls Available for Boarders at Southwind!

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 spring! Now is the time to get your stall before spring season starts so you and your horse(s) can settle in and enjoy the many amenities Southwind has to offer!

Our experienced staff live on the property and help maintain a routine that keeps our horses of all ages happy and healthy.  Not only do we have the facilities you need to train your competition horse, there are also trails for conditioning and pleasure.  All types of riding are welcome, as are your own farrier 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.

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

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Save the Date: 4/19 PVDA Schooling Show at Southwind!

Spring is right around the corner and for our dressage boarders the Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA) show circuit is only a few weeks away. This year Southwind Farm will again host a PVDA schooling show, on Sunday April 19th. For more information you can contact the show manager, Carolyn Del Grosso at mandcdelg@aol.com or visit: 
https://pvda.org/page/show_omnibus to see the full list of competitions.

To learn more about why Southwind Farm is the place to be this spring visit: www.southwindfarminc.com!

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Reasons to LOVE Southwind Farm!

Southwind Farm is not just any boarding facility. We have a few things that we can say truly makes us unique and reasons why our boarders love being here!
  • We LOVE horses of all shapes and sizes and welcome them into the herd! We have NO breed or age restrictions on our boarded horses.
  • We LOVE to encourage learning from all types professionals! 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 LOVE our boarders to have peace of mind by allowing their own vet and farrier at the farm! 
  • Our owner and manager Sheri Thornley LOVES to live on site so our boarders know someone is always there. 
  • We LOVE riders of ALL disciplines! The more the merrier!
  • We LOVE our unique group of boarders! We have all the amenities of a bigger barn but a close family feeling and camaraderie among our boarders.
  • We LOVE being located in northern Montgomery County and just minutes from three other big counties: Frederick, Howard and Carroll!
    What else is there to LOVE about Southwind?? Plenty! 
    Come take a look and see for yourself! Contact Sheri today or visit, www.southwindfarminc.com 

    Sunday, February 2, 2020

    Upcoming Events close to Southwind Farm!

    Did you know one of the greatest perks about Southwind is our location? The farm is nestled in the heart of Damascus, Maryland in Montgomery County minutes off of I-270, but is also conveniently close to other counties as well! Five minutes up the road and you are in Carroll County with access to I-70. Drive 15 minutes and you can be in Frederick County and 25 minutes puts you in Howard County which makes Southwind perfect for boarders located in any of those areas!


    Southwind is also close to many local events of all disciplines! So if you board here and enjoy taking your horse out there are a variety of event options to choose from (including miles of trail riding!). If you are curious about some of the upcoming events close to the farm visit our friends at The Equiery here: http://equiery.horsetrader.com/shows-and-events

    If you want to come take a look at Southwind and see why we have boarders that commute from all over the DC & Baltimore metro areas, email Sheri today at:  sherithornley@msn.com or visit: www.southwindfarminc.com!

    Monday, January 27, 2020

    Easy Ways to Help Prevent Ice Balls This Winter

    Winter weather doesn't have to mean you can't take your horse out and about. Looking for a safe, quiet hack in the snow but you are concerned about ice buildup in their hooves? There are a few things you can do to help prevent them from happening!

    Thanks to our friends at Equus, we are sharing some tips from an article entitled "4 easy ways to ice-proof your horse's hooves" which offers some great ideas to get you started! (Click here for the full article or keep reading below for the tips!)

    "One winter hazard that riders in northern climates know well is ice balls. When snow and ice get packed under a horse’s hoof, it warms up slightly against the sole, then freezes readily against the cold metal of the shoe. The ice can quickly build up until the horse is walking on a hard, solid mass of frozen material, called “ice balls” or “snowballs.” The wetter and more dense the snow, the more likely it is that snowballs will occur. “Slushier” ice will fall away from the foot more readily, and light, dry snow won’t pack well, but wet or icy snow can easily get compacted into a tight, hard block.'

    'Walking on the uneven mass even for a short time can cause a number of problems from tripping and sliding to strains or sprains of the muscles, tendons and joints. Persistent snowballs can lead to bruises and hoof cracks. Horses do OK much of the
    time when there is snow all around, but once on a firm surface, many will teeter as if they are on high-heeled shoes.

    'Removing large masses of ice from under your horse’s feet can be difficult, and by the time you discover them, the damage may already be underway (Equus.com)."

    1. Let your horse go barefoot.
    2. Add anti-snowball pads.
    3. Try a home remedy.
    4. Get your horse hoof boots.

    Don't feel like dealing with the ice and snow at all? Come board your horse at Southwind where  you have access to our lighted, indoor arena! Learn more at: www.southwindfarminc.com