Whispering Willow Farm

07/30/2025

https://youtu.be/GNdkiOXWRe4?si=2ssVJwCgPXZPRpOk

my birthday sightings July 9th 2025

07/30/2025

https://youtube.com/shorts/Nk9At14JMAc?si=qjoJ3TY3jhycRJU0

06/22/2025

https://youtu.be/Ey6Gqvo5PYU?si=aCn3rx0rErtkdS9v

evening meal in the backyard

06/22/2025

yard visitors

deer herd 4.15.25

06/22/2025

06/22/2025

lots of nature encounters on the farm.
this was my morning wake up call -
recently

06/13/2025

good morning from the bathroom window

09/28/2024

https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2021/10/the-aids-and-the-horse-a-classical-approach/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFkvmBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHc2Lv2uiXec9ix2mLQzQQbyATt7-u8YyzXqQm8oMuK_zamMEsRb73cTWtQ_aem_0pi5lPbPHjtMQ0EeQ-Kc8Q

The aids and the horse: A classical approach Posted on October 9, 2021September 24, 2024 by horsemagazine The Aids – how they work… One of the great classical trainers, teachers and authors of the twentieth century was Henri van Schaik. In this wonderful article which first appeared in THM in Ap...

01/20/2022

This winter we have been enduring some cold temperatures and winds that have had most barn owners on edge keeping their horses warm during the changes. As we prepare for another cold wave, cold weather colic is something to keep in the forefront of our minds as swings in temperature can lead to complications for some horses. There are ways you can be vigilant and prepare for these changes to help your horses through these cold times.

•Horses must drink 10-12 gallons of fresh water every day and when temperatures drop this can be challenging to some. Ensuring horses have access to water is pivotal in keeping them hydrated and during these cold temperatures frozen troughs and buckets can happen quickly. Some horses may also be less likely to drink if the water too cold (usually below 45 degrees). Monitor your horse’s water intake and if you notice they may not be drinking as much as they should offer them warmer water. While electrolytes are not a replacement of fluids, giving them to your horse can also help to increase their water intake as well as giving them a warm mash/soaking their grain.

•Horses were designed to forage and graze. During the winter months when pasture dies it is important to substitute with enough forage. When a horse does not have access to forage for hours at a time, their gut slows down which can lead to complications when their next meal arrives. Giving horses constant access to forage is important for keeping their gut motile as well as their body temperature raised in the colder weather. Heat is produced through digestion with the greatest amount released through microbes digestion of high-fiber feeds. Not only does forage assist in heat production but is also a great way of minimizing ulcer formation within the horse’s stomach.

•If you have horses that live outside make sure they have access to a dry shelter. Make sure it is something that can block strong winds and excess snow accumulation/rain which is vital in helping horses stay warm especially with the breezy days we have been having.

Knowing your horses “normal” is important in catching a colic episode quickly. Some of the common signs to look out for are; repeated laying down, rolling, getting up, or attempting to do so, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, decreased/no manure production, looking at/kicking belly, pawing, stretching or “parking out.” The key to increasing the chances out a good outcome is to identify it early and involve your veterinarian. If you have any concerns your horse may be colicking we are available 24/7!

08/12/2021

😊😊😊😊😊

07/24/2021

Olympic dressage tmrw: The rest of the U.S. riders compete tomorrow: Adrienne Lyle rides Salvino at 6:21 p.m. local time (5:21 a.m. Eastern), and Steffen Peters, on Suppenkasper, is the penultimate rider at 9:42 p.m. local time (8:42 a.m. Eastern).
Chronicle of the horse