Shepley Hill Eventing LLC

12/15/2022

Tonight I had someone call about lessons...
We talked some and then I told her my prices and then we talked some more. Then the dreaded question... “do you do a multiple lesson discount?” As I replied “No Ma’am” the tone tone changed. She proceeded to mention “shopping around”. Which I totally believe in, not every program is for every kid. However, in this industry YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Your best deal isn’t necessarily the safest for your child. That $25 lesson is most likely from someone who doesn’t know much more than your child on a horse they just picked up from the sale last weekend.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Safe horses aren’t cheap, well trained horses aren’t cheap, maintenance on that old school horse isn’t cheap, the insurance so your child can ride isn’t cheap, the list can go on and on. Let alone the countless hours your trainer has been gaining and acquiring the knowledge that they’re passing on to your child. When you start adding all that up and multiply it by a few horses that $40-$50 lesson isn’t so bad.
So next time you’re looking for a farm for your precious child, don’t look at the prices look at the community at the barn, and the effort the trainers put into the kids. Because that extra $20 will be 100% worth it in the long run. Your kid will remember having fun instead of a trip to the ER because “sparkles and glitter” broke their arm.
A good lesson horse is worth its weight in gold.

by Julia Beaty

12/07/2022

Virginia Tech Releases Highly Anticipated Helmet Ratings

This is great information to have!! !

The Virgina Tech Helmet Lab has released its much-anticipated equestrian helmet ratings. Taking the top spot in the rankings is the $460 Champion Revolve X-Air MIPS helmet, but in good news for riders who are both frugal and safety conscious, the re...

11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃 from our family to yours!!

11/10/2022

‘The Rider Should Never Find a Distance…’: An Excerpt from In the Middle Are the Horsemen - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary

Preach 🙏 Stay out of their way and let them do their job ❤️

In this excerpt from his international bestselling memoir In the Middle Are the Horsemen, eventer Tik Maynard ponders a controversial theory from the jumping coach of one of the best riders in the world. A

10/31/2022

First off, we have to thank Course Brook Farm and all of their volunteers for always putting on an amazing show!!

We have some rockstar riders at Shepley Hill, Naomi and Shay rocked Advanced Elementary this weekend, both holding their first and second place ribbons from start to finish.

Naomi won first in the junior costume class as well, as a Jurassic Park trainer with her Dinosaur!

Jacqui and Odie came in second in the adult costume class(no pictures) as Barney the Dinosaur and his kid! While they rode a beautiful dressage test and went clear in stadium, they had a refusal on cross country which landed them in seventh instead of first.

Everyone over all had an AMAZING day, and it was a great end to the season. Everyone made great strides this year, and I think I speak for everyone, when I say, we’re all counting down the days till spring season is back.

10/16/2022

Naomi and Rae went to Baile Hill Farm today for their jumper show and came home as division champs!

09/18/2022

Shepley Hill’s Event Team have been rocking it this show season! I couldn’t be more proud of all the accomplishments my students have made this year!

This past Saturday Jacqui, Naomi, and Shay went to ride at the S*T Championship hosted at Apple Knoll Farm Equestrian Center.

Everyone performed some of their best dressage tests to date!! And followed up with going double clear in stadium and out on cross country!!

Jacqui finished 4th out of 16th on her mustang Odie.

Naomi finished 6th out of 9 on Rae her lease pony!

Shay came in 5th out of 10 on everyone’s favorite Pony gelding, Woody!

Big thank you to all the volunteers that keep these area 1 events running!! And a big thank you to Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto for coming out to take photos of all the divisions!

09/05/2022

Might not have been the sunniest of days today, but Shepley Hill Eventing still put in all they got!!

Hey, at least it wasn’t 100° and dusty right?

Big thank you to Apple Tree Farm and Scarlet Hill Farm for putting on an amazing show as always, and their wonderful volunteers who we couldn’t do without!

08/08/2022

The Shepley Hill Eventing Team has had a busy week showing!!

July 31st the team visited Valinor Farm for their summer schooling event!

Odie and Jacqui had a beautiful dressage test, going clear in stadium with one refusal on cross country. Bringing home a 5th place.

Naomi and Rae had their first three phase together having a lovely dressage test as well!

Jules and Rowdy also came out to play, and performed so well!! We love our baby horses, and will be sad to see them head back to college this fall.

Then on Wednesday we headed out to Apple Knoll for some jumper night fun with Roxy, Odie, and Rae!

August 7th had us at Orchard Hill! Everyone having super successful rides.

Odie and Jacqui came home with second in Senior BN.

Rae and Naomi came home with 3rd in Junior Elementary!

And Maisy and Roxy came home with 4th in Pre-elementary!!

Thank you to all the events and volunteers in area 1!! We appreciate everything you do! Apple Knoll Farm Equestrian Center Valinor Farm Orchard Hill Equestrian Center

07/28/2022

Thank you Apple Knoll for hosting a wonderful jumper show, as always.

The Shepley Hill Eventing Team had some really successful rides and learning experience last night!

Now they are getting in gear for Valinor this weekend!

05/23/2022

Thank you to Course Brook Farm and all their volunteers who show up time and time again to run an amazing show, and keeping us cool with all your wash stations!

We definitely brought the firey chestnuts up to Course Brook Farm yesterday!

Odie and Jacqui put down an amazing dressage test in the morning.

Jules jumped at the chance to get to show Roxy this weekend, despite the last minute planning they were absolute rockstars this weekend.

Danielle and Roma made their debut together at eventing! Roma having some prior experience, but this being Danielle’s first time they rocked it taking home first!

05/15/2022

The Shepley Hill Team cleaned up well this weekend at Emerald Isle, both showing dressage and schooling cross country in preparation for Course Brook Farm next weekend!

04/17/2022

Successful Day for these lovely ladies at Valinor farm!

04/04/2022

Miss Roxy the Rockstar Lesson horse, getting a special treat after her lesson. I think she enjoyed it, what about you? ♥️

03/30/2022

Charlie and Odie having a jump lesson this evening in preparation for the upcoming show season!!

Come kick off the winter dust with us at Shepley Hill Eventing!

03/27/2022

On Farm Lease Available, Lessons included

On site lease available with lessons included

Acton MA

Vinnie is an 18 year old thoroughbred cross looking for a new dance partner. Looking to hone your dressage skills, bond with a sweet personable horse, and join a fun program with good people? Vinnie is your guy! He is a thoughtful horse with lots of buttons and lots to teach. That said, he would appreciate a rider with a little education already about sitting quietly and having soft hands; he is not for a complete beginner.

The lease includes the use of all Vinnie’s tack. He has everything you need to show up and have fun. The lease also includes the use of all facilities at Shepley Hill Eventing- our indoor arena, outdoor arena in good weather, heated and air conditioned tack room and bathroom, and spacious loft for storage.

Two lease options are available:

⁃ Half lease Vinnie and ride 3 times per week. This package includes 2 lessons per month. $550
⁃ Full lease Vinnie and ride 5 times per week. This package includes 4 lessons a month. $1000

Located in Acton MA.

03/27/2022

Shepley Hill Eventing in Acton MA, has two stalls available for boarding.

Board is $1000 a month which includes up to three feedings(Nutrena grain), 1st cut New York Hay, blanketing, individual all day turnout, and a 12x12 matted stall for inclement weather.

We have a nice 70x140 attached indoor ring with jumps, and an outdoor 100x200 ring with jumps, and a heated tack room and bathroom to beat the chill.

The owner of the farm lives on property and the barn is a quiet, drama free, family atmosphere. We are looking for someone who wants to join the program, with two lessons a month minimum required. We are happy to have all ages and experience levels- come learn, make friends, and enjoy what Shepley Hill Eventing has to offer!

02/13/2022

Offering stall board in exchange for dedicated weekend barn help!

Hours are Saturday 9am-5:30pm and Sunday 7am-5:30pm. Some flexibility of schedule with working student help, and plenty of the time in the middle of the day to ride your own horse.

Chores include all basic barn care- feeding, watering, turnout, and mucking stalls. We are happy to teach someone the little things specific to this barn, but we need someone who is already safe and competent to handle the horses. Please also have your own reliable transportation.

In exchange, bring your horse to Shepley Hill Eventing and enjoy full boarding amenities. Your horse has a dedicated stall, individual turnout, quality NY 1st cut hay, and Nutrena feed up to three times per day. We have a 72x140 indoor arena with mirrors, a 100x200 outdoor arena, an outdoor roundpen, heated and air conditioned tack room and bathroom, kitchenette, trailer parking, a hay loft for storage, and a good community of horse people.

11/04/2021

Developing Lightness and Feel: Exercises from Geoff Teall - The Plaid Horse Magazine

Developing Lightness and Feel: Exercises from Geoff Teall - The Plaid Horse Magazine

Within the 263 pages of “Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation,” Teall covers an impressive multitude of topics aimed at helping riders increase the effectiveness of their time spent in the saddle.  From setting goals and finding the right trainer to high-level jumper course wor...

10/15/2021

5 Things Trainers Wish You Knew: Sales Edition

5 Things Trainers Wish You Knew: Sales Edition

We’re coming into horse sale season, and particularly at a time when sales have been wacky for more than a year, it’s going to be an interesting ride this autumn. If you’re on the hunt for a new horse, here are a few things trainers wish you knew.

04/20/2021

L.O.N.G day at the computer. I made great progress on the Valinor Farm 2 Phase proofs but am stepping away from my computer for the night now. If all goes as planned, they should be posted tomorrow. You know the drill. Pre-register to be emailed once proofs are posted at this link. Ill be back at it bright and early in the morning! https://flatlandsfoto.com/proofs/2021-competition-photos/valinor-april-2-phase/

04/19/2021

Trot - position of hips/pelvis

Trot - position of hips/pelvis

12/02/2020

Kyra Kyrklund is not only very wise, she is very funny: "In front of the leg is a bit hard to explain. It’s a bit like God – everyone has heard of him, but no one has seen him. It is hard to explain the feeling of ‘in front of the leg’ but when it happens, it’s like magic. It is a bit like explaining how strawberry jam tastes – it is easier if you have eaten it before or even tasted a strawberry. It is the same with the good feelings you get when you are riding: think about that feeling, give it a name, then it will be easier to get it back..." enjoy the entire article https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2020/12/kyra-kyrklund-the-young-horse-the-first-step/

09/08/2020

Here's a great Challenge! Do YOU have soft hands? Go ride holding an egg in each hand through different speeds and horse events that you might do i.e. jumping, barrel racing etc Hard boiled eggs don't count. Can you hold the reins with an Egg in each hand and not break one?

pic and exercise idea credit: Tina Spangler TLC

04/02/2020

When there are endless projects to do, we love to do them in the rain 😊😊

03/29/2020

The Barn Isn’t a Safe Place Anymore - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary

The Barn Isn’t a Safe Place Anymore - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary

View this post on Instagram Looking through these ears for the last time for the foreseeable future. After today the barn will be closed to boarders. I respect that call 100% and I know the

03/23/2020

Canada and Australia Will Not Send Athletes to the Tokyo Olympics - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary

Canada and Australia Will Not Send Athletes to the Tokyo Olympics - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary

Canada and Australia will not send athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games due to COVID-19 risks and are calling for the Games to be postponed until 2o21. The Olympic committees for both countries issued

02/18/2020

Hailey and Major

When we are stuck north of the Mason Dixon Line for February break we make the time in the box count 😁

02/15/2020

Photos from Tamarack Hill Farm's post

02/11/2020

I find it mildly comical that even when I go out of town to teach I still end up doing the things

01/26/2020

Riders Core Training

Riders Core Training

I've talked lots in the sessions on the riders pelvic position, how to achieve opening your hips. The attached video clip hopefully lets you see exactly why its vital:-
* Your in balance - not loading the horse's forehand.Your center of gravity is more correct.
* You can be independent from the reins, your horse won't lean on you and vice versa.
* Legs are under you and in a position to be effective.
*Your horse can come through and over his back.
* Your hips are more open and so your weight can be used to influence the horse.
* Less prone to injury as corrected position means more in balance.
* Not loading the horse's forehand and so less fore limb stresses.

12/25/2019

Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays today and throughout this week. May everyone enjoy their horses a little more ❣️🦄

12/06/2019

Done With Going Round and Round on the Rail? Try the “10/5 Challenge”!

A great exercise to work with while stuck in the box. Keep the brains and bodies tuned up 😊

Use the 10/5 Challenge when you’re both done with that 50th loop around the rail and want to do something completely “off the wall” (pun intended)!

10/31/2019

JAMES EQUESTRIAN

I will never be able to describe the power of time spent cleaning stalls.

During this time I have made some of the biggest decisions in my life. I have silently thought my way, step by step, through some of the biggest disasters of my life. I have ugly cried my way through heartbreak all while cleaning stalls. I’ve thrown bags of sawdust in range as I thought about all of the sh*tty things going on in my life. Each stall has oddly given me a place of comfort as I stood, fork in hand, feeling empty during the times I’ve felt so alone. It has taught me to appreciate the serenity of the quiet. Realizing the ones in my life I can count on and the numerous fake people who are only present when convenient for themselves. I’ve enjoyed a free gym membership, as I’ve sculpted my back and shoulders into “he man”, just sifting away. I’ve stumbled my way, dry heaving, with sunglasses ....cleaning stalls through last night’s hangover, because god forbid my best friend be forced to stand in a dirty stall. Today I spend my morning, cleaning stalls and processing my life. I’m mentally making life changing decisions, as I write this post, knowing that whatever I decide, it will be the right one, as it was made in a stall.

I understand that there are those who think us horse people should get “real” jobs. And that all we do is spend our days “playing” around. I’m genuinely sorry that you have never been exposed to a lifestyle that teaches you discipline, how to love unconditionally, put something other then yourself first, bust your ass for the things you want and need, kept humble by a 1200 lb animal, the real meaning of “hard work”, early mornings and late nights spent caring for something other than YOU. Those are things a “real job” will never give you.

Some of you haven’t cleaned stalls .....and it shows.

10/28/2019

Horseman's Exchange

💜🐴🙇🏼‍♀️

10/16/2019

Proactive Coaching

10/08/2019

Equine Solutions

A great illustration of how a horse is knocked off balance by using the inside rein to turn/bend. The right is correct, as the horse is turning with both shoulders, the left horse has been knocked over his outside shoulder, and will fight for his balance beneath the rider by allowing his haunches to fall in.

10/07/2019

The Back Tack

I did not know a horse could do that...

Written by Alissa Kelly

I did not know a horse could bring people into your life that end up meaning the most to you.

I did not know a horse could make the hardest days of your life bearable.

I did not know a horse could teach you to put others first.

I did not know a horse could remind you time and time again that your gut is always right.

I did not know a horse could break your heart.

I did not know a horse could pick you up when you have fallen a part.

I did not know a horse could teach you to dream again, after you thought it was not possible.

I did not know a horse could make you pray.

I did not know a horse could bring you closer to Jesus.

I did not know a horse could teach responsibility, work ethic and dedication.

I did not know a horse could make you believe in something when no one else does.

I did not know a horse could make you learn to forgive and forget.

I did not know a horse could humble you faster than you can say humble.

I did not know a horse could make you a winner.

I did not know a horse could teach you how to lose gracefully.

I did not know a horse could install patience in you.

I did not know a horse could make you listen better.

I did not know a horse could give you their heart.

I did not know a horse could change your life.

I did not know a horse could do all these things, but now I know.

09/10/2019

Weltino's Magic

While you are out riding this weekend, remember the circile of aids.

08/26/2019

Prophet Hill Farm