What a weekend for nice weather!

Hi everyone,

Monday is here again and we hope that you were able to get outside and enjoy this past weekend. The weather was gorgeous for February with temperatures in the low-60's. What a nice relief from all the snow and cold we've had this winter. The horses sure enjoyed going out and sun bathing!!

We hope everyone has a wonderful week as Sheri prepares for Southern Pines!
Hang in there, this cold weather can't last too much longer!

-Southwind Farm

A Nice Break from the Snow

Well, after Southwind got almost 2-feet of snow last week, Sheri and daughter Jenny got a nice break over the weekend. Both of the girls traveled to New York City, stayed in Times Square, and saw the Lion King Musical on Broadway. How fun!! We are glad they enjoyed the trip but the horses and everyone here at Southwind are happy Sheri is back home.

Here are some photos from the trip:

We Made It Through!! Whew.

As you all know, here in Maryland we've been having quite a rough time this winter. Recently, we had lost our power at Southwind for a few days. If you haven't experienced loss of power at a working farm, I hope you never have to! Nonetheless, we made it through and all of our horses are happy and warm despite the inch of snow we received yesterday. Fingers crossed that we don't get the predicted snow later later this week... if we get any more snow we will have to make one of these:

Stay warm everyone!!

-Southwind Farm
Damascus, MD

Welcome New Boarders!!!

Southwind Farm is happy to announce we have yet even more new boarders! We are thrilled to have Northern Light Farm at Southwind. Heather Achen brings us Katana, Simon, and Cookie. Jocelyn Linde brings Cosmo. All of these horses are great new additions to our barn!

Here's a little info on Heather:

USHJA Certified Trainer Heather Achen is originally from Philadelphia, PA. She has explored every avenue from Western, Driving, and Eventing. Even has competed successfully as Pennsylvania State Champion in the Tennessee Walking Horse Circuit for a few years. But after all this has decided to become focused in the Hunters.  With over 20 years of experience, her riders win and qualify in their appropriate divisions year after year.

Training with named riders such as Michael Plumb and Richard Lamb at Radnor Hunt Club in the Eventing world while at the same time studying Dressage with US Paralympic Team Rider Robin Brueckmann, and her trainer Paul Belasik has given Heather the deep understanding of what it takes to make a good athlete. “This is where I learned suppleness is everything in horse and rider.” –Heather

In the mid 90’s, Heather rode with former US Olympic Team Rider Lise’ Quintero at Hunter Farms in Princeton NJ. Andrew Philbrick and Lise’ took special interest in helping develop her skills in Stadium Jumping. “It was fun to ride next to Frank and Laura Chapot at a small show on the farm I was based.” Later turning to Hunters as a main focus, Heather understudied with Mark Gory and Ben Guanciale on the rated Hunter circuit. She really found her love in the horse industry. Being a perfectionist, this was the discipline of choice.

Obtaining a Bachelors Degree for Equine Science and granted acceptance to Hartpury College, England, Heather also has a solid managerial background as well. College gave great opportunity to rub elbows with the big timers. “Originally I went to a Jr. College and later returned for an additional two years for I realized I was getting a cram course in politics by meeting and clinicing with people like Micheal Matz, Chris Kappler and Ann Kursinski”.

No Clear Diagnosis for Toga....yet!

Hi everyone!

So, we heard back from Virginia Tech on Toga's diagnosis and well, there isn't a diagnosis yet! After the bone scan and other lameness exams it still seems like it's his right front foot. His hind end arthritis is not an issue at the moment and he flexed great and jogged sound. Go figure! His coffin joint was injected and now he is allowed to be ridden again.The positive is that at least these tests ruled out the "heinous" stuff, but it's still frustrating. Keep your fingers crossed for poor Toga that we can figure this out and keep him sound!!

For now, we will leave you with a photo of best buddies:

Southwind Getting More Snow?! How to Make Sure Your Horse is Warm

Well, Monday is here again and the forecast of 4-6 inches of snow for tomorrow is looming over us. Here in Damascus, Maryland we have already experienced several snow days this winter.
Have you ever wondered how to tell if your horse is truly warm in the snow? How do you know if their coat or coat plus blanket are sufficient enough to keep them warm? Here is an article by Nancy S. Loving, DVM on the topic.

Q. In the winter, how do I know if my horse is warm enough?  Is his winter coat sufficient for warmth or does he need a blanket too?

A. Horses respond to the shortened days leading up to winter by growing a winter coat.  It is this hefty fur coat and the underlying fat that insulates a horse against inclement weather.  Sheds and stalls provide additional protection from wind, rain and snow.

However, a thin horse or a hard keeper may need added protection from the elements.  In today’s age of hi-tech materials, there is a huge selection of blanket possibilities.  So, when you drive down a country road, you will likely see horses sporting all colors and types of blankets in the chilly winter weather.  How can you tell if your horse is comfortably warm and snug beneath his blanket, or if he is OK without one?

As a general rule, most healthy, unclipped horses don’t need added blanket protection in temperatures above 10 –20 degrees Fahrenheit.  Below that, a blanket helps conserve calories and keep your horse comfortable.  A wet horse often shivers as a natural response in order to warm the muscles.  This does not necessarily mean a horse is chilled, but rather it’s his body’s way of coping with the environment.  Offering extra grass hay will help him stay warm from the inside out by utilizing the natural combustion chamber of the hind gut as it digests the high fiber ration.

If your horse is blanketed, put your hand beneath the blanket to see if he feels dry and toasty warm.  If so, then he is likely just fine.  The danger comes from over-blanketing.  Too much insulation, particularly on a warmish day with the sun shining, creates a possibility of overheating.  If your horse feels slightly damp (sweaty) beneath his blanket, then the blanket needs to be removed. A fat horse or one with a dense and thick winter coat may do better if left without a blanket. Usually, a good plan is to remove a blanket during the day, especially when the sun is out, and then replace it in the evening when the temperature drops.  If your horse doesn't wear a blanket, be sure to brush out his fur and remove mud and dirt so his hair will fluff up to retain heat.

--Nancy S. Loving, DVM

Stay Warm Out there Maryland!!!


To access the full article, click here.

Monday Catch-Up!!

Hi Everyone!

We hope you had a wonderful weekend! Things are going well at the farm lately for all the horses, boarders and of course mascot, Brody!
Here is Addie's pony Thomas in the snow last week:

Toga heads to Leesburg next week to  for a bone scan. We hope to figure out this weird lameness that is only detectable when cantering to the left with a rider on his back. Did not block to his foot, so that's good news!  We hope it can be treated but mostly just want to know WHAT it is!!! Say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed for Toga!

Also, with this weather warming up a little bit after the "Polar Vortex" we received last week, I was able to enjoy a nice trail ride!

And in case you missed it on Thursday, here is a photo of Sheri and her first pony, Pudge, who started it all for Sheri!