I always love to watch the satisfaction of riders when they overcome a new challenge, have that ‘aha’ moment or a ‘first’ experience. Watching from the sidelines as a parent, must be a bit overwhelming if you didn’t grow up on a horse. I know it can be alarming, even if you did. However, I find an amazing sense of calm when watching my sister teach her students, including my own children.

Recently, while doing night chores, I was lucky enough to see a young student canter for the first time. Her smile said it all. That night, her confidence grew as much as her love of horses. I could not help but watch as Lisa’s voice extended the confidence to the rider as she explained the mechanics. Lisa matched the right school horse with the rider to ensure success and continued learning.

I should assume that after 30 years of teaching, she has a tried and true method but I still remain in awe of my sister, Lisa. She supports riders in putting all the pieces together so they have the skills to recreate, to practice, and to take things to the next level. She teaches equitation and horsemanship and in expecting students to give it their best, instills a lifetime of skills that can be applied to all aspects of life.

For the rider that night, it is only the beginning. She has the bug and natural talent. She is already spending more time at the barn to help with chores. I have no doubt she will soon be very comfortable at the canter and look forward to watching another lesson.

– CDW

Whiskey, the big draft that joined us at BLF in October, has settled in very well.  He has been eating hay and grain and has been gaining weight at a good pace. He loves being around other horses and seems to be very happy. At this point, he shares turnout with the NY State rescue, that is still with us.

Thank you to the many people that have contacted us to see how they can help Whiskey.  An extra BIG THANK YOU to those of you that have brought grain and hay for Whiskey. We greatly appreciate your support to get him back to health and happiness. Whiskey’s case is interesting. Before letting his horse get even worse, the owner decided the best thing to do was to hand him over legally and have him placed with us.  His care is significant and we are very appreciative of the help we have received. Drafts are big eaters! Next up for Whiskey – he will need his feet done and be wormed.

Picking up Whiskey was a very emotional and hard time. His owner obviously loved the horse and realized that he no longer had the ability to care for him as he needed. This is a very hard decision to make and yet critical for the survival of the animal. He loaded on the trailer with little trouble and traveled well. When we got him back to BLF and he got off the trailer, he was instantly animated at the sight and smells of other horses. Although he had immediate access to food, he was more interested in making friends with those in neighboring paddocks. We should have taken video to share. It was beautiful. People tend to forget that horses are herd animals. They want to be with other horses. It was very clear that Whiskey was happy to make friends.

Throughout our many years of boarding and lessons, we have rescued a number of horses and other animals. Rescued animals come to us for a number of reasons. Most come prior to being neglected, because their owners know they will have a happy life at our farm spending time in our paddocks, not a life in a stall.

At Bonnie Lea Farm, our horses are home raised and trained by Lisa. They are known for their kind and gentle manners, talent,  healthy lifestyles and happy demeanor.  At Bonnie Lea Farm, we welcome riders of all levels and ages. Our BLF Family is made up of a mix of wonderful adults and youth. Come be a part of our family! For more information on our programs, please visit the links above.

NY State Police Press Release

Time Warner Cable News Video Link

Channel 6 News Video