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!
Monday, March 30, 2020
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
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
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:
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
- 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)."
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)."
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