Happy Easter!
There's so much to look forward to this spring and so many changes.
We are attending and sponsoring the HDS Spring show and CDI* next weekend. Watch the CDI* and have a complementary glass of Solstice Farms CDI Cabernet.
Then, "Mother's Day Out" follows closely on May 8. This is our dressage show and silent auction to benefit "Familytime Crisis and Counseling Center". Check the website, http://solstice-farms.com for prize list and links.
Congratulations to Emee Ermel on the purchase of Sir Walkabout, a very exciting young horse from Walkabout Farms in Willis.
Watch for more updates and news including upcoming regular clinics with Debbie Bowman.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Save the date!
Our next HDS schooling show will be the annual charity event on Mothers Day, May 8.
Solstice Farms "Mothers Day Out" will benefit "Familytime Crisis and Counseling Center", a shelter for women and children who are victims of abuse. What a wonderful way to celebrate all mothers and women!
We will also host a silent auction during the show to raise funds for the shelter.
Please consider donating an item to the auction if you can.
Pass the word on to anyone you think might be interested in the show or the auction.
We had lots of fun last year and gave the shelter a check for $1000. I hope to double that this year with all your help.
Solstice Farms "Mothers Day Out" will benefit "Familytime Crisis and Counseling Center", a shelter for women and children who are victims of abuse. What a wonderful way to celebrate all mothers and women!
We will also host a silent auction during the show to raise funds for the shelter.
Please consider donating an item to the auction if you can.
Pass the word on to anyone you think might be interested in the show or the auction.
We had lots of fun last year and gave the shelter a check for $1000. I hope to double that this year with all your help.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The comfort zone
I don't know about you but there is a little voice inside of me that says, "Nothing good comes without suffering". Hard work and toil are a badge of courage and a reason for disdain toward others who we label as "slackers"
OK so compare that with every riding lesson you've ever had. How many times do you hear the word, "relax". Or the phrase, "Don't try so hard"?
Hmm something is amiss here.
Our horses should exhibit, "Relaxation of the back, elasticity of the steps, harmony, attention and confidence."
And yet, also "a desire to go forward, engagement of the hind quarters, impulsion. All these require work and energy from them and us.
So where is the balance between the two seemingly opposite ideas?
Think of it this way. With every ride, spend most of your time in the comfort zone. Familiar movements and gaits. Then spend 20-30 percent of the time pushing the edge. Get out of the comfort zone but . . . make sure to return there before the ride is done. And mostly, recognize the difference.
and . . .don't try so hard!
by Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
OK so compare that with every riding lesson you've ever had. How many times do you hear the word, "relax". Or the phrase, "Don't try so hard"?
Hmm something is amiss here.
Our horses should exhibit, "Relaxation of the back, elasticity of the steps, harmony, attention and confidence."
And yet, also "a desire to go forward, engagement of the hind quarters, impulsion. All these require work and energy from them and us.
So where is the balance between the two seemingly opposite ideas?
Think of it this way. With every ride, spend most of your time in the comfort zone. Familiar movements and gaits. Then spend 20-30 percent of the time pushing the edge. Get out of the comfort zone but . . . make sure to return there before the ride is done. And mostly, recognize the difference.
and . . .don't try so hard!
by Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
set backs and starting over
As F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, "Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over."
No one knows this better than dressage riders! Many things conspire to get in the way of our goals: weather, injuries, family commitments. The most accomplished riders are not necessarily the ones who ride every day regardless, but the ones who "Keep their heart in it" when times are tough.
Disappointment and frustration are a part of this sport. But so is beauty, inspiration and great satisfaction.
Don't let the rain, cold and gray get you down.
By Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
No one knows this better than dressage riders! Many things conspire to get in the way of our goals: weather, injuries, family commitments. The most accomplished riders are not necessarily the ones who ride every day regardless, but the ones who "Keep their heart in it" when times are tough.
Disappointment and frustration are a part of this sport. But so is beauty, inspiration and great satisfaction.
Don't let the rain, cold and gray get you down.
By Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
Monday, January 3, 2011
The long winter's nap
The winter solstice has passed and the days are beginning to get longer. Although our coldest and grayest weather may be ahead, it is time to mimic nature and slowly begin the big yawn as we come out of hibernation. Blink your eyes a few times and notice things around you in a new way. Have you changed as well?
Take a little time rather than jumping into New Years Resolutions. Just be. Your visions and goals will appear in their own time.
Share when you are ready.
Take a little time rather than jumping into New Years Resolutions. Just be. Your visions and goals will appear in their own time.
Share when you are ready.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year - New ideas
I am very excited about the upcoming year at Solstice Farms!
We have some major renovations planned, starting with additions to the landscape along the east and south sides of the property. This week, 15 pine trees are going in along with 6 oaks and 2 cypress trees. We have some lovely holly bushes to create the understory and provide a "wooded walk" along the perimeter. More Pampass grass is being planted along the bayou to provide privacy. The outdoor arena down slope will be covered with rosemary to provide a wonderful aroma as well as erosion control.
The new streets (Kirby and the Mowery extension) have motivated the new plantings and security fencing that will come soon. The exciting news is that the practice field for the Houston dynamo has been completed at corner of Kirby and Mowery. It will include a sports medicine center just now being started. More soccer fields are planned in stage two of this development that will be used by clubs and other teams.
These will be GREAT neighbors! Drive over there when you have a chance and take a look.
You can also search online for the "Houston Amateur Sports Park"
There is much more news and plans for 2011 to come so keep "stopping by"
by Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
also check out Solstice Farms group on facebook..
We have some major renovations planned, starting with additions to the landscape along the east and south sides of the property. This week, 15 pine trees are going in along with 6 oaks and 2 cypress trees. We have some lovely holly bushes to create the understory and provide a "wooded walk" along the perimeter. More Pampass grass is being planted along the bayou to provide privacy. The outdoor arena down slope will be covered with rosemary to provide a wonderful aroma as well as erosion control.
The new streets (Kirby and the Mowery extension) have motivated the new plantings and security fencing that will come soon. The exciting news is that the practice field for the Houston dynamo has been completed at corner of Kirby and Mowery. It will include a sports medicine center just now being started. More soccer fields are planned in stage two of this development that will be used by clubs and other teams.
These will be GREAT neighbors! Drive over there when you have a chance and take a look.
You can also search online for the "Houston Amateur Sports Park"
There is much more news and plans for 2011 to come so keep "stopping by"
by Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
also check out Solstice Farms group on facebook..
Monday, December 27, 2010
Winter tip
The cold weather can make your saddle slippery at just the time you need a little more "stick" to stay with your frisky horse.
To combat this, use a dry glycerin bar and wipe the seat and flaps of your saddle and the inside calf of your boot. You'll stick like glue! Alternatively, use a small amount of liquid cleaner/conditioner just before you ride to make your saddle "tacky".
Then . . .be very grateful you live in Houston so you don't have to do this very often!
by Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
To combat this, use a dry glycerin bar and wipe the seat and flaps of your saddle and the inside calf of your boot. You'll stick like glue! Alternatively, use a small amount of liquid cleaner/conditioner just before you ride to make your saddle "tacky".
Then . . .be very grateful you live in Houston so you don't have to do this very often!
by Marie Morgan
http://solstice-farms.com/
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