Webpage & Photos © Edgewater Farms LLC 2008
Extreme Makeover
Horse
Edition
It was a complete makeover...
The first edition of E. M. H. E. ended successfully with lots of satisfied smiles, many thankful people and of course, some very happy horses. We had an excellent turn out of inquiring horse owners. They freely rotate around, audit the different stations of clinicians. Each clinician was educating and working with horses and their owners.
The day began at 8:00 a.m. as the first trailer pulled up the driveway through the heavy and mystic fog that fell upon the farm. You could hear the sounds of the truck’s tires on the gravel drive before you could see it. The resident horses sounded off soft knickers as if to welcome the visitors. With warm greetings, hot coffee and plenty of girlish giggles it was apparent the participants were bubbling with excitement. There was also a bit of nervous anticipation of what the day would bring.
With the precise scheduling by Carissa, the day flowed flawlessly as participants rotated through the various stations. Each horse and rider spent an hour with each clinician. A walk through the farm brought smells of fresh fallen leaves, colors from the warmest of sunsets, and soft fuzzy horses preparing their coats for the impending winter ahead. But the sun won the struggle with the looming fog. It set a wonderful backdrop of warmth for the professional photo shoots with Adam Malsack. Across the drive to the west you could see Carissa Rivara, the John Lynons certified trainer. Her calming and supportive voice encouraged a young lady who was seemingly overwhelmed with her gelding’s behavior.
What an outstanding day !!!
Down the wide aisle that separated the barn from the corrals, one could see the resident horses poking their heads over the fences with unwavering attention. Its almost as if they were listening to the Equine Nutrition Specialist, Danyelle Gabbert evaluate body conditions and carefully design nutrition programs for the visitors.
I’m pretty sure I saw Birdie, the resident miniature horse, make haste to her little hut. About the time Renee Opinker, Equine Dentist, set up her equipment for evaluations of the horses’ equilibration. (smile!)
Rounding the corner to the indoor arena I heard Jackie Curtis reassuring a troubled mare and its owner. She explain that by making some changes to the way the padding system worked and rearranging the rigging on the saddle, they could be riding in comfort and harmony again.
The barn aisle was filled with the sweet smell of fresh pine shavings and the soft sound of music as Lisa Pavlowich carefully and gently gave each equine participant a body massage.
Participants and auditors alike were invited to a Pilate/Yoga session led by Nancy Vanderveldt, who helped everyone engage their core muscles which is where balanced riding begins.
The Curtis family generously opened their home for a wonderful and nutritious sit down lunch served by Jess Handy and Megan Werch. The plates abounded with homemade food and freshly picked fruit.
It wasn’t a surprise to see Dan with his friendly smile and generous heart hurrying across the yard to lend a hand to anyone who may have needed it.
By the end of the day, feeling quite content, more than one person was ready to curl up on the couch and watch the sunset...
thanks Again to:
Carissa Rivara of Yellowhorsellc.com
Adam Malsack our Photographer
Danyelle Gabbert the Equine Nutrition Specialist
Renee’ Opinker, Equine Dentist
Lisa Pavlowich Equine Massage
Nancy Vanderveldt our Yoga/Pilate instructor of greenlakespa.com
Jess Handy and Megan Werch out Lunch Hostesses
