Blackberry Ridge Farm

01/05/2026

❤️❤️❤️Happy New Year ❤️❤️❤️

12/27/2025

Loads of turkey after a wonderful Boxing Day with TVH. 💚

11/24/2025

2014… a load of Hilltoppers Tvh closing meet! ❤️

10/08/2025

10/08/2025

A great Fall Break happening! Lots of help around the farm and lots of ride time!

04/08/2025

So happy for spring, but this is Always on our mind this time of year . 🌱☀️

🌱SMART GRAZING! 🌱 Spring is here, which means the arrival of grass, but knowing when to let your horses 🐴 graze and why and why can be confusing. 🤔

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, like sugar, that can be stored for later use; essentially, it’s how plants make their food. Sunlight directly influences when sugars in the grass are at their highest. Grasses accumulate sugars during the day, with sugar levels peaking in the late afternoon and evening.

USE CAUTION WHEN WEATHER IS COOL OVERNIGHT
During cool nights (below 40°F), plants use their sugars for growth at a slower rate, resulting in higher sugar concentrations in the grass the following morning. Spring and Fall are especially prone to temperature fluctuations, so use extra caution during these seasons.

HORSES AT RISK
- Overweight horses, including those with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or insulin resistance, are particularly vulnerable to laminitis due to the increased insulin sensitivity caused by high sugar intake.

- Fructans, a type of sugar found in grasses, can contribute to digestive issues like colic and hindgut acidosis. Take extra caution if your horse's digestive system is sensitive to change.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES:
- Incorporate a dry lot or track system if possible to reduce/eliminate intake of high-sugar grass.

- Introduce horses to spring grass slowly if they are not on full turnout to allow their gut microbiome to adjust to the increase in sugars and avoid digestive upset.

- Use grazing muzzles during turnout to restrict grass intake and reduce sugar consumption, especially if your horse is at risk (see above).

- Avoid overgrazing and maintain pasture health. When plants experience stress, such as drought, overgrazing, or nutrient deficiency, they may store more sugars to conserve energy and survive until conditions improve.

**This graphic is only a guide. Factors such as location, weather, grass species, and your horse’s health history should be considered. Consult your veterinarian if you have questions.**

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving to all! 🦃🧡

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from BRF 🎃❤️

10/27/2024

Some beautiful pics of the day from TVH’s 36th Opening Meet! Hosting our 17th of the 36th (I think)… our Farmer with Debbie and Mocha with our oldest grand daughter, Finley went out today.

It was a lovely day with 120 of our closest friends. Another “Super Bowl” checked off the BRF “to-do list” ❤️

10/07/2024

We’ve been starting to prep for months, but The countdown to Opening Meet is on! Checking things off Debbie’s lists everyday to get the farm ready! Today- cutting some new trails! ✅
We couldn’t do it without this crew right here!

09/25/2024

Manly the barn kitty enjoying some outdoor time before the storms set in. ❤️⛈️