Lee Tubman clinic at Pegasus Circle Farm this weekend!

Lee Tubman is teaching a clinic at Pegasus Circle Farm in Mankato this weekend, November 6-8. 

Lee Tubman is an international dressage Grand Prix competitor and trainer.  He is currently long-listed for the Canadian Olympic team and trains out of Wellington, FL. He competes Delight, his 11-year-old Hanoverian by De Niro in Grand Prix.

Lee Tubman riding with Robert Dover

Pegasus Circle Farm offers a sand 60' x 200' outdoor dressage arena, a 60' x 120' sand/rubber footing indoor arena with mirrors, a grass jump field, and a grass track for conditioning.

Dressage outdoor arena at Pegasus Circle Farm

Here is the schedule for the clinic, which runs Friday evening through Sunday early afternoon. Auditing is free! Questions? Contact KT.

Have you always wanted to own your own farm? Check out hobby farms and horse properties for sale in the Twin Cities metro area at www.donavin.com

Karen Lee Clinic at Apple Treat Stables this weekend!

Apple Treat Stables, minutes west of I-35 at Hwy 19 in Northfield, MN

Karen Lee, a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist dressage trainer, is coming to Apple Treat Stables in Northfield, MN, this weekend for a dressage clinic. As of yesterday, there was even an open riding spot both days!  Rides are $80 each or $140 for both days. Contact Mary to sign up. Auditors also welcome!

Karen Lee

Karen Lee trains out of Hay River Equestrian in west central Wisconsin. She is an L level dressage judge as well.  Her teaching style is practical and systematic and focused on both horse and rider being relaxed. 

Apple Treat Stables' indoor arena which is fully insulated and heated

Looking for your own stable or hobby farm?  Check out www.donavin.com

Ivory Hills is Hosting a Dressage & Jumping Schooling Show!

Dressage in the outdoor at Ivory Hills Stable

If you're looking for a local schooling show to watch this weekend, be sure to check out the annual Ivory Hills Stable Schooling Show this Saturday October 17.

Jim Hatch will be the judge at this show taking place in Wilson, Wisconsin at the lovely Ivory Hills Stable. Classes include dressage through Second Level, western dressage, equitation, and jumping through 3'6".  Go here to look at the prize list.

Western Dressage rider at Ivory Hills Stable

The classes will be held outdoors weather-permitting and the current forecast is for sunny with a high of 48. There will even be a lunch stand on the grounds!

You might even catch a glimpse at this adorable foal!

Have you always wanted to have your horses at home?  Browse www.donavin.com to see horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the Twin Cities metro area.

9731 230th St., Lakeville, MN 55044

Check out this updated farmhouse on 15+ acres in Lakeville! The 3-bedroom, 3-bath farmhouse was originally built in 1935 and has its own pond, gorgeous mature trees, a 2-stall barn, and a carriage house with upstairs apartment. There are a total of 2,069 sq. ft. and 6 garage spaces!

There's a lovely 4-season porch overlooking the backyard and pond.

33' x 66' barn has 2 box stalls, an enclosed tackroom/office (currently set up as a bunkhouse), and plenty of storage for hay, shavings, & equipment.

Acres of fields could be home to your horses and you could grow your own hay too!

Backyard pond invites wildlife and is surrounded by evergreens and deciduous trees.

The backyard is well-shaded by these stunning trees which are perfect for climbing!

For more photos of the interior of the house and the barn, go to the virtual tour.

Aerial shot of the property, go here for an aerial video

Not quite what you're looking for?  Go to www.donavin.com to search other hobby farms and horse properties for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

Don Schramm Clinic this weekend at Woodloch Stable!

Don Schramm with clinic participants

This Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, Don Schramm will be offering a dressage and jumping clinic. The clinic will be at Woodloch Stable in Hugo, MN.  

Saturday morning will be private dressage lessons and then Saturday afternoon will be group stadium lessons and Sunday will be group cross country lessons. Here is the complete schedule.

Auditing is free! So make plans to watch and learn from one of eventing's best. Don of Schramm Equestrian is originally from Australia and was one of 2006's Australian Young Rider Eventing squad. He has competed internationally at the *** level.

For more details about the clinic, take a look at the clinic Facebook page. Contact Lindsay with any questions.

Looking for your own equestrian facility to host clinics at? Browse www.donavin.com to find your dream hobby farm or horse property in the greater metro area of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

Wildfire Farms Schooling Show this Saturday!

Wildfire Farms in Maple Lake, MN, is hosting another dressage schooling show this Saturday September 12th.  Entries close today, Sept. 8th, so if you wish to enter, be sure to get it in right away.

Here is the entry form. Classes include intro through 2nd level and above, western dressage, and prix caprilli (with jumps!). The judge will be Jim Hatch. Prizes for high point of the show (personalized halter) and high point series (personalized cooler)!

Prix Caprilli 

The show will be held in their regulation size outdoor dressage arena with warm-up in the indoor arena. This is a super fun show at a gorgeous facility!  Come out to support local riders!

Email wildfirefarmshow@gmail.com with any questions.

Outdoor arena at Wildfire Farms

The stalls at Wildfire Farms

Are you looking for your dream farm?  Take a look at www.donavin.com to see over 15 horse properties and hobby farms for sale in the greater Twin Cities metro area.

Horse Agility Clinic at U of M this weekend!

Palargo, owned by Sheri Pederson competing in Horse Agility

Have you ever heard of Horse Agility?  It is an unmounted series of challenges for horses and their handlers. It is like a combination of Dog Agility and desensitization training and is perfect for horse lovers who can't ride, horses who can't be ridden, or anyone who wants to deepen their bond of trust with their horse!  

Horse Agility, according to the International Horse Agility Club, "is a discipline and internationally competitive sport in which horse and handler, both on foot, navigate a course of obstacles while focusing on clear communication and positive horsemanship." The IHAC tracks competition results, members, events, and more. There are 5 levels: Starter, First, Medium, Advanced, and Advanced *. Each test has 10 obstacles and for each obstacle, 5 points are awarded based on completion of the task (i.e. going through a tunnel or weaving among cones) and 5 points are awarded for good horsemanship.  Horse handlers can submit videos of their courses for grading by qualified judges via monthly On Line Competitions (OHLA).

This Saturday and Sunday July 18-19 from 9 am to 5 pm, instructor Denise Anthony will be offering a clinic at the U of M Equine Center for those interested in learning more about Horse Agility. Denise Anthony and her daughter Adriana (who will be co-teaching the clinic) are rated among the top 100 in the country in the OLHA video league for Horse Agility competitors.  For more details about the event, email the organizer Sheri Pederson (who is ranked 40th!) or go to the Facebook event page.  Auditing is $15 and you might even get to try it out!

Can't attend the clinic but want to learn more?  Check out the website of the International Horse Agility Club and consider investing in their official handbook.

Looking for a hobby farm of your own where you can play with your own horses?  Browse horse properties and acreage for sale at www.donavin.com.

3975 Kenyon Blvd., Faribault, MN 55021

Love horses and dogs? This 10 acre hobby farm just outside Faribault is for you! Check out the grooming area in the basement, a pole shed & separate barn, chicken coop, & multiple fenced areas for training dogs or horses.  

6 fenced dog and horse arenas with hay fields and mature trees.

50' x 72' pole shed can be used for indoor riding or dog training in inclement weather.  Alternately, you could put stalls in or use for storage. 

Walk-out basement is currently set up as a dog grooming business.

Dog bathing station in the basement is all set up for a dog grooming business.

The backyard is a huge fenced area for your dogs to roam.

The 1300 sq. ft. home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and an open floor plan.

Take a look at the virtual tour and more photos of the interior of the home.

Aerial view of the property

Not quite what you're looking for?  Browse other properties for sale at www.donavin.com.

ReAnna Stables Dressage & Western Dressage Schooling Show!

The author riding in a schooling show at ReAnna Stables

ReAnna Stables in Hampton, MN, is hosting a dressage schooling show this Sunday, July 19th. Classes include lead line, equitation, traditional tests (Intro, Training level, & First level and above), as well as Western dressage tests (Intro, Basic, and Level 1 & above). Jim Hatch will be the judge.

Western Dressage horse and rider

Entries are still being accepted if they receive your entry by Wednesday or Thursday so email Shanna Brack today to get your entry paperwork to complete. Tests are $20 each, there's a $15 office fee, and you can reserve a stall or jump out of a trailer.

ReAnna Stables entrance

ReAnna Stables is a lovely boarding facility with a 29-stall insulated barn, a heated/AC bathroom and lounge, and several pastures for turnout in small groups.  The show will be held in their 60' x 170' indoor arena with skylights, rain or shine.

 
Prefer to look at horse properties and hobby farms for sale to host your own schooling show?  Go to www.donavin.com to browse homes and acreage for sale in the metro area of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

10 Tips for Keeping Your Horses Safe in the Heat

Kaleidoscope, photo by Molly Goossens Photography

As the temperatures soar this week in Minnesota, many horse owners are taking additional steps to safeguard their horses during the heat wave. Did you know that horses generally handle cold better than the heat? Most horses are more comfortable at 20 degrees than 80 due to their large body mass and relatively small surface area to dissipate heat. In general "hot blooded" horses (i.e. Arabians & Thoroughbreds) handle heat better than "cold blooded" hores (i.e. draft horses), and horses in their prime do better than foals or senior horses.  Pay attention to each individual horse and monitor them closely during a heat wave.

Horses, unlike dogs, sweat rather than pant.  They can sweat up to 10-15 liters/hour!  Sweat evaporates easily in hot & dry weather and horse owners just need to be sure they provide enough water and salt to compensate.  

However, Minnesota tends to have hot & humid weather which can be devastating for horses if measures aren't taken to protect them.  Some horses even develop anhidrosis (the inability to sweat) after prolonged exposure to hot & humid conditions. This happened to my TB/Connemara gelding I owned in Houston, TX (pictured below) and it was difficult to keep him cool in the hot summers. I had to ride early in the morning or late in the evening and sponge him off partly though my ride.

The author with Johnny B. Goode

So what can you do to keep your horses safe in the extreme heat? Here are 10 tips:

1) Provide plenty of clean, preferably cool water. Horses drink 5-7 gallons of water a day even when the temperatures are cooler. In hot and humid weather, horses can drink up to 20 gallons or more. If your horses are turned out with a herd, be sure the dominant horse isn't preventing other horses from drinking.  

2) Test for dehydration by pinching your horse's skin on her neck.  If it takes a few seconds to snap back to his neck, he is dehydrated. 

3) Add electrolytes. If you find your horse isn't drinking enough even when plenty is available, you can add electrolytes to your horse's feed or water.   Note: if adding to water, provide plain water also as some horses won't drink salty water.

4) Ensure your horses have daily access to mineral salt.  While salt blocks were originally intended for cattle who have rougher tongues, some horses lick or chew them.  You can also provide loose mineral salt to their grain or via a separate container in their stall/paddock.

The brand of loose mineral I provide to my horses

5) Provide shade via trees or a shelter during turnout if possible.  Direct sunlight can contribute to their overheating, just like it can for people.

6) Bringing horses into stalls can help as long as there is good ventilation. 

7) Use fans to cool off hot horses.  At the Beijing Olympics, misting fans worked well to keep hard-working equines from overheating. Regular fans can help but for safety, make sure they are industrial grade.  Box fans, while very popular and inexpensive, are designed for indoor use and can get clogged with dust and can short out and catch fire.  

A non-industrial box fan (be sure to keep the engine clean from dust!)

8) Let your horses rest. Refrain from exercising your horses when temperatures and humidity are high.  A rule of thumb is to avoid working your horse when the combined temperature and humidity are over 150. If you must ride during the hottest days of summer, ride first thing in the morning before the sun heats the air further, and under cover (i.e. in a covered or indoor arena or shade) if possible. 

9) Watch for signs of heat stress. While it is normal for horses to breathe heavier after exercise, their breathing should return to normal afterwards.  A horse who is resting but whose nostrils are flaring, especially rapidly, may be succumbing to heat stress and even collapse. Take the horse's temperature (normal is 99.5-100.5, a temp of 105 can cause thermal damage and heat stroke). Also check the respiratory rate (count flank rising and falling in 15 seconds then multiply by 4). Normal resting respiratory rate is 12-16, during exercise it can rise to around 80 but should come down to under 40 within a half hour after stopping. Make every effort to cool him down until the vet can arrive.  Read more here.

10) To cool down an overheated horse, hose or sponge with cold water. Contrary to the old wives tale, cold water does not cause colic. Apply cold water on the inside of the upper part of the front legs and between the hind legs and under the tail.  It is important to not let a horse stand while soaked in water as this can just trap the horse's heat. Scrap off excess water and reapply, if necessary. Learn more about why this is necessary in this article.

Looking for your own hobby farm or horse property? Go to www.donavin.comto browse equestrian facilities and acreage in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota.

Roebke's Run Horse Trials this weekend!

Ashley Randel & WRF Come Along Pond

In the mood to watch some daring eventing?  You're in luck!  Roebke's Run at Schweiss Stables in Hector, MN, is hosting their second CIC*/CIC** horse trials this Saturday and Sunday.  Not familiar with eventing divisions and the heights of the jumps at each level? Go here for more information.

Ride times for dressage (Saturday morning) and cross country (Saturday late-morning to afternoon) are posted here.  Stadium times (on Sunday) will be determined once cross-country is completed.

This horse trials will also feature the Adult Rider Team Challenge. Teams of 4 riders all at the same level (Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, Intermediate/Preliminary) will compete with other teams for ribbons and cash back.  The top teams gets 60% of the money pooled! Cheer on your favorite horse & rider teams.

Ronald Zabala-Goetschel on Master Boy

Last month's horse trials at Roebke's Run has 155 participants, including Ronald Zabala-Goetschel from Ecuador, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics and qualified for the upcoming Pan American Games. For more on the esteemed riders who participated in last month's horse trials, go here.

Nick Staples on Bound by Blood

Here are a few more photos of the nationally known Roebke's Run cross-country course. For more photos of Roebke's Run jumps, check out this gallery.

Have you always wanted your own cross country course?  Sunborn Stables in Chisago City is for sale and features a water complex as well as other jumps. Or, you could add in your own to any of the other hobby farms and equestrian facilities available at www.donavin.com.

Fireworks and Horses: How to Keep Your Horses Safe

Ever wondered what your horses think of fireworks? While the 4th of July is a fun, celebratory event for you and your friends and family, it can be a nightmare for horses. As prey animals, horses have highly tuned senses. Their acute sense of hearing comes from large ears that can even swivel to find the direction a sound is coming from. Their eyesight, while not bifocal like humans, is very sensitive to changes in light and darkness.  

Some horses develop phobias of thunder and fireworks, as dogs sometimes do. One gelding I know circles and paces in his stall whenever a thunderstorm strikes, sweating and clearly quite distressed. Horses who are particularly skittish or sensitive to loud noises might especially susceptible.

So what can you do to keep your horses safe? 

Even otherwise calm horses may panic and bolt if fireworks are set off nearby. Ask your neighbors to refrain from huge and loud firework displays if you're concerned about how your horses may react. 

If possible, bring your horses into stalls or a smaller paddock, ideally a safe and familiar place where they are less likely to run through a fence. If your horses are not used to being stalled, it may be better to keep them outside rather than stressing them with a major change in their routine. Also, it's best not to separate them from their familiar herd. Make sure the area does not have any safety hazards such a protruding nails or anything a nervous horse could hurt themselves on and that your fencing is secure and solid.

You can also play music to help drown out the explosions. According to this study, horses are more relaxed when listening to classical or country music than jazz or rock. 

Equifit ear plugs

POMMS ear plugs

Another method, if your horse is used to them, is using equine ear plugs. These are designed for show horses to reduce the roar of the crowd.

Calming oral supplements with magnesium or other ingredients may help a nervous horse to calm down in general but it may take a few days or longer to see results.

If your horse is really at risk of over-reacting and getting hurt, using acepromazine ("ace") as a mild sedative is another option but consult with your veterinarian about this. Note: it has to be given 20-30 minutes in advance or more.  Once a horse is panicked, it's unlikely to have any effect.

Want to keep your horses at home so you can keep an eye on them during fireworks and thunderstorms? Browse hobby farms for sale in the metro area of the Twin Cities of Minnesota at www.donavin.com

17250 Marystown Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379

Looking for an equestrian facility for your boarding, training or breeding operation?  This 20-acre horse property offers a 36-stall barn, an indoor arena, grass pastures with shelters, and a 5 bedroom 3 bath stunning home in Shakopee. Imagine living in this horse paradise, just 30 minutes from Minneapolis!

First, a look at the horses' home...

This aerial view shows the large grass pastures with shelters, the exercise track, and the barn.

Picture your horses enjoying these grass pastures this summer.

The 60 x 120 indoor arena is well-lit and has natural light through high up windows.

The barn has 36 stalls with wood panels and sliding doors.

The tack room has built-in saddle racks.

Now, a look at the lovely 3600 sq. ft. home...

This gorgeous 4 season porch with wooden ceiling and floors has views of the surrounding trees and a bay window.

The Master Bath has tile floors and a Jacuzzi tub.

The dining room boasts this quality china cabinet as well as another bay window.

The kitchen has wood floors and plenty of space for a breakfast table.

The lower level offers a fireplace and a kitchenette and could become an apartment.

For more photos, go to www.donavin.com/marystown

To arrange a private showing, contact Donavin Prescott