Z Reason Farm

10/24/2026

We have been lucky this year with all the rain resulting in green pastures through the end of October. But with our second frost and this one much harder, the grass growing season is basically over.

Last year, we were feeding flakes of hay outside by September and round bales went in the first weekend in October and we had put a second one in each pasture by this weekend.

Today we put the first round bales out of the season, so the horses have hay ready to start munching on as the grass stops growing.

Betty supervises the work well. 😆

My focus here is that horses always have forage available to them. This is a very large part in why my boarding fee per month is what it is.

09/25/2026

Promise (owned by Nancy) has moved to the role of babysitter/ Auntie for 5 month old Dehlia (owned by Samantha). 💜

08/30/2026

Finally dug up the hydrant that has not worked since before we bought the farm. Cut off the old hydrant, turned the water on and we had water coming out the pipe!!!! New hydrant attached and working!

08/06/2026

It’s rough being a yearling 😴

06/28/2026

Wh***ey enjoying the new fan in the wash stall after her post work rinse.

06/22/2026

We asked equine professionals, “What is one thing you wish clients understood?” Their answers are important for riders of all ages to read and understand.

“That “just one thing ” I do for you that takes me 5 minutes? Yeah, that actually adds an hour to my day. And if I don’t charge for doing the “little” extra things, then I can’t get to the big things”

“How hard it is to go 24/7 365 days of the year. And the money/time/mental facilities it takes to run the farm…”

“The tremendous amount of responsibility we carry on our shoulders. For the client, as well as the horse.”

“That horses aren’t vehicles that anyone can drive. You can’t just buy a 3’6″ horse and do the 3’6″ any more than you can just buy a grand prix horse and do the grand prix.”

“Organizing turnout is way harder than you expect. Who goes where, for how long, with a buddy or not. It is way more thoughtful than just putting a horse in a field.”

“The most expensive ponies are the old ones stepping down. If you want a deal, ask for a green or quirky one.”

“Just because I’m available to the horse 24/7 doesn’t mean I need to be available to the humans 24/7! Clients understand that we drop everything for the horses at all hours, and they expect the same for them which is really unfair. Clients who respect boundaries and our ability to have free time or a day off are worth their weight in gold.”

“There is no guarantee that your horse will stay sound.”

Next time you head to the barn or chat with your trainer, try keeping these things in mind. While questions are always welcome, the timing and the way that you ask them can be key. Remember, your trainer wants you and your horse to succeed, so there is almost always a reason for everything they do!

06/11/2026

It’s officially ‘fan in the aisle’ season. All the horses have fans in their stalls too.

05/31/2026

Dexter and Caspian owned by Lindsay Porter.

05/10/2026

Stall Available – Peaceful Adult-Only Boarding in Windsor, PA 🌿

We currently have one stall available, preferably for a gelding, at our quiet, adult centered barn in Windsor, PA.

With only 12 stalls, our farm offers a calm, low-key atmosphere ideal for horses and owners who value attentive care, small turnout groups, and a relaxed environment. We welcome a variety of disciplines and horses in every stage of life — from yearlings and young horses to active riding partners and cherished retirees.

📍 Conveniently Located in York County, just over the river from Lancaster County: • 35 minutes from Lancaster City • 25 minutes from York City • 45 minutes from Harrisburg

🐴 Boarding Features• Spacious, clean stalls with attentive daily care• Maximum turnout whenever weather safely allows• Small herd turnout groups (maximum 5 (ideally 4) horses per large field)• Individual turnout available if space permits (additional fee)• Indoor arena (60’ x 115’)• Grass outdoor ring• Trails on and around the property• Trailer parking included (space permitting)• Outside trainers welcome with proof of insurance — no ring fee

🌾 Feeding & Turnout Philosophy• High-quality first-cutting hay provided in slow-feed nets indoors• Round bales in slow-feed nets under hay huts during winter turnout• Horses are never without forage for more than 4 hours

🌱 Turnout schedule prioritizes movement and safety:• 24/7 turnout potential whenever temperatures are below 80° and water sources are not freezing
☀️ Summer: horses come in during peak heat (only in 4-5 hrs per day)
🥶 Winter: typically go out around 5:30 AM and in after 9 PM
⭐️ Horses remain outside in most weather conditions, coming in only during icy conditions for safety

🛡️ Additional Amenities• Security cameras in every stall and throughout the barn• Blanket changes included• Holding/catching for routine vet and farrier visits included• Owner lives onsite with 40+ years of horse experience

👩‍⚕️ About the Owner:
Care is provided by an experienced horsewoman with a background including:• Many years as a veterinary technician• Former broodmare farm manager• Active involvement in local equestrian organizations• USEF/USDF member actively competing in schooling and recognized dressage shows

📸 Farm Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9q6zDtVEgAKBxqvKA

If you’re searching for a quiet, well-managed barn where your horse will be cared for like family, we’d love to hear from you. Many references available.

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05/08/2026

There was a time when I boarded my horse and got heated, Jamie Sindell writes. I’m talking full-blown righteous fury over what I saw as egregious examples of poor care. Mistakes that made me seethe with rage. But now? I own my own farm. I’ve spent almost three years caring for my own horses. And I can say, with absolute certainty, that most of the time when I threw an inner-temper tantrum, I needed to relax.

Caring for horses is hard work. Caring for horses is not a perfect science. If I could go back in time, I’d tell Past Me to chill. Because now I understand things like…

Horses drink water.
I would show up to the barn, see an empty bucket, and my inner alarm bell screamed: NEGLECT. What I know now is it’s not like horses say, “Hey, I’m extra thirsty today, lady. I’m going to drain my bucket the minute you turn your back.” Odds are your horse went on a little water bender, and the staff just hasn’t been back around to top it off. He’s not dying of dehydration. He just drank a lot.

Horses hurt themselves.
I used to find a scratch or bump and immediately stew over it: Why didn’t anyone tell me about this? Maybe it’s because no one saw it? Your horse could’ve done it in the privacy of his own stall, or while playing in turnout, when it didn’t look like much. Just because you see it now doesn’t mean it was obvious earlier. So maybe don’t go full psycho until you get the scoop.

Sometimes it’s best to skip turnout.
Back then, I was always complaining that my horse didn’t get enough turnout. If he was especially spicy, I’d blame it on that. Now? I’ve seen my ponies wipe out on the flattest, driest paddocks because they were acting like drunk frat boys. Add mud, ice, or sketchy weather, and the risk goes way up. Sometimes, a shorter turnout or zero turnout means your horse stays in one piece. So, ask yourself: do you want a fresh horse… or a broken one?

Horses don’t require a hay buffet.
If your horse maintains a healthy weight, most likely he’s getting enough food. I used to sneak my horse extra flakes to ensure he was “living his best life.” In hindsight, that was inconsiderate and unnecessary. Hay is expensive, and horses love to p*e all over the extra. Also, my horse didn’t need to be a porker to be happy–he needed not to founder.

Horses p**p. A lot.
I remember walking into a stall and thinking: Why is this so gross today? But some days, horses p**p more than others. And if they were kept in due to weather, it’s going to look (and smell) nastier. A bad stall day here or there doesn’t automatically equal poor care.

📎 Continue reading this article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2025/05/15/confessions-of-a-reformed-boarder-karen/
📸 Photo © Jamie Sindell