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Stall board is available to students taking a minimum of one lesson a week, and to horses in training. Students of all levels are welcome and encouraged; we only require a genuine concern for your horse’s well being and a passion for learning. Oh yes ... a positive attitude and good sense of humor is a definite PLUS ! There is normally a waiting list for boarding, but we are always happy to take you on a tour and answer any questions you may have. Stalls do sometimes become available unexpectedly. We encourage your active participation in your horse’s health and well being! Winter Blanketing and Summer Fans
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=== Hay We strive to keep the best quality grass hay available. It is usually Coastal Bermuda that has been analyzed at 12 -17% protein. Of course all hay purchases are subject to availability but this is our goal. High quality New Mexico alfalfa is also available on request. === This is the subtropics and, as a result, we sometimes share our space with unwanted guests. Our exterminator uses only non-toxic products to control rodent, fire ant, and roach populations. We are still working on the pigeons. If only Chester the cocker-spaniel could jump higher ... We do have barn cats that purr really well and occasionally catch a mouse. === Fly Predator Program We are into our second year of using fly predators from Arbico, and are very excited with the results. We have very few flies left, and use traps and lures for the remainder. Next year should be even better. We work with Arbico for mosquito-larva control as well. === Owner lives on the premises, as does the stable help. Also, we have two really large dogs that can look very scary ... if they wake up. === Board and training fees are due on the first of the month, and are considered late if paid after the 10th, unless other arrangements have been made. Late payments will be charged an additional 5% of the total bill. Our farrier is excellent, but requires advance payment before working on your horse (a reasonable request). We send out reminders each week when your horse is due to be shod. We believe that regular shoeing is very important; therefore, if you forget to leave a check, we will pay the farrier and charge you a 5% fee for doing so. If you are forgetful by nature, you can leave a check well in advance. Our farrier will NEVER take a check until he has worked on your horse. === We realize that many of you are quite committed to your riding and learning and yet are short on time due to family and/or professional commitments. Our grooming service is designed with you in mind. Your horse and tack will be kept in tip top shape so you can concentrate on your ride. Tacking up and cooling down is also available on weekdays only (at this time). Price is subject to services requested but runs between $100 to $150 per month. === Tack rooms are communal so it is important to keep your tack in good (meaning clean!) condition for yourself and others. Bridles can be kept in good condition rather easily. Very soon after riding, wipe the bridle with a damp cloth and rinse the bit. This will take care of 90% of the dirt that creates wear on your nice tack. Do the same for your saddle billets and panels and underside (where it contacts the horse or pad) All this can be done in 5 minutes without much effort and can make a HUGE difference in the life of your tack. Of course a nice deep cleaning and conditioning is great too when you have the time and energy! Saddle covers are always a good idea (the barn cats love to sleep on saddles). Due to our limited space in the main barn, each boarder is allowed one tack trunk only. Rubbermaid (or similar brand) cabinets are much more efficient however. === Winter Blanketing and Summer Fans Blankets are put on at 45 F. More frequent blanketing (e.g. for clipped horses) require an extra charge. Blankets will be sent away for cleaning and repairs at the end of the season unless taken home first (you may prefer to do your own cleaning). When the clean blankets are returned, they should be taken home so mice (the ones not eaten) don’t take up residence. In the summer, we encourage the use of powerful fans, but they use a lot of electricity. Therefore, there is an extra charge for running a fan in your stall. Due to fire hazard potential, all fans will be thrown away at the end of the summer season unless taken home. === Our farm runs well because people are genuinely nice and courteous to their horses and each other. Our boarders are the best around. It is our sincere desire to continue this generous spirit by supporting one another and being open about any problems that may arise. If you have any problem here, please feel free to speak with any of us. Don’t let it fester. === Prior to coming to Solstice Farms, each horse must have a negative Coggins test dated within the year. The horse must also be free of any clinical signs of disease. Once established here, each horse must continue to have Coggins tests done yearly, and proof thereof submitted to the farm office. This is also a state health requirement. Vaccinations: There has been much discussion about the wisdom of vaccinating animals as often as recommended by vets and drug companies. At this time, we require encephalitis (including West Nile) and flu/rhino twice yearly; Rabies every other year; Strangles once yearly. We recommend the EPM vaccine, since the Gulf Coast region has a large opossum population. If you have strong opinions against these requirements, we will gladly listen. However, please remember that our responsibility is primarily for the group, and secondarily for the individual. Dental care: We are very lucky to have a leading expert in equine dentistry as our regular vet and dentist. Michael H. Davis, DVM provides excellent dental care which is an important part of your horse’s feeding efficiency and bit acceptance. Mike lectures throughout the country and teaches at many equine dental schools. We recommend yearly or twice yearly dental exam/work for your horse. Alternative treatments: We are great believers in the saying that “good riding fixes most problems”. However, sometimes we need a little help from our friends. Amy Seale provides excellent massage therapy for both horse and rider. A dressage rider and instructor herself, Amy brings a rich perspective to the process. Amy is usually here once a week. Occasionally, Amy and Tilsa Hale conduct a weekend workshop on body awareness and dressage riding. It is quite a treat! === |
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