In case you couldn't tell, it's Summer Time!! We are on break from normal lessons right now. But don't worry, we'll be back in the fall and I know some four-legged friends who can't wait to be spoiled with carrots!
Check back periodically for updates. We have also had a change in office staff recently. Kate is our new office manager as Megan recently accepted a new job in Arizona. We are happy to have Kate with us and we hope that you will love her as much as we do!
Have a fun, safe, and happy summer!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Meet Bernadette!
We introduced our horses a while back, but failed to introduce the woman who makes it possible! Shame on us...!
Bernadette Olsen is a woman who wears many hats. Not only is she our Program Director and Instructor, she also owns the horses, and oversees their training. She has over 20 years of experience in the equine field working with students of all ages and abilities. She received formal training in traditional horseback riding disciplines in Germany. Bernadette continued her education to earn her credentials as an Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor so that she can provide the best instruction for our students.
When Bernadette is not teaching lessons at BBTRC, she is training with her horse Durk in dressage. Here they are competing last weekend in San Juan Capistrano.
Bernadette puts her whole heart into whatever she does. We are so grateful to have her and the BBTRC program!
Thank you Bernadette!!
Bernadette Olsen is a woman who wears many hats. Not only is she our Program Director and Instructor, she also owns the horses, and oversees their training. She has over 20 years of experience in the equine field working with students of all ages and abilities. She received formal training in traditional horseback riding disciplines in Germany. Bernadette continued her education to earn her credentials as an Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor so that she can provide the best instruction for our students.
When Bernadette is not teaching lessons at BBTRC, she is training with her horse Durk in dressage. Here they are competing last weekend in San Juan Capistrano.
Bernadette puts her whole heart into whatever she does. We are so grateful to have her and the BBTRC program!
Thank you Bernadette!!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday's Trail Ride
Skippi got new shoes this week to help with her feet. She's been on stall rest for the last month and while she is excited to get back to helping to teach, we want her to get used to her new shoes before returning to "work." So Ethan got to ride Oreo out on trail!
We got a great group shot right out of the gate:
Then we did some warm-up exercises:
Going around the block Ethan worked on posting and riding in his 2-point or jumping position:
Back at the stables and ready to give his trusty steed a treat!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Tuesday Fun
Josh comes on Tuesdays for lessons. His normal horse for lessons is Peanut. Unfortunately Peanut is sore in one fo his feet and so we are giving him some rest.
Today Josh got to ride Bisquit for the first time! Bisquit's wider body is great for the kids to feel secure, plus she has an ultra-smooth trot that doesn't bounce her riders too much. So here are some pictures from Josh and Bisquit's lesson today!
Today Josh got to ride Bisquit for the first time! Bisquit's wider body is great for the kids to feel secure, plus she has an ultra-smooth trot that doesn't bounce her riders too much. So here are some pictures from Josh and Bisquit's lesson today!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
An Afternoon with the Dentist
A few weeks ago Dr. P came out to check on Bisquit-we had noticed something on her tongue and wanted the vet to check it out. Turns out that the growth was normal-all Draft horses have it. But Bisquit's teeth were very long and needed to be "floated."
Horses teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. Sometimes, when their teeth don't wear down evenly from eating, chewing, etc., sharp edges and hooks grow. This can cause issues when the horse eats and how the bit interacts with their mouth.
Below are some pictures of Dr. P floating Bisquit's teeth:
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Horses teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. Sometimes, when their teeth don't wear down evenly from eating, chewing, etc., sharp edges and hooks grow. This can cause issues when the horse eats and how the bit interacts with their mouth.
Below are some pictures of Dr. P floating Bisquit's teeth:
In this picture one of our wonderful volunteers Alyssa is helping Dr. P by holding Bisquit's tongue to the side.
This all looks a lot scarier than it was. Bisquit was a real trooper and handled the procedure well!
Next up was Skippi. She had had this done before and was the rock star of the day!
Alyssa struck a pose with Skip for this next one:
Up next was our pony, Blue. He hadn't ever had his teeth done and he was so good about this!
Our feathered friends made an appearance too!
And that was the visit by our good friend Dr. P!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Introducing....
The Horses!!
Miss Skippa Bug
Skippi is an 18 year young extremely beautiful pain mare. After being a famous show horse in the Western arena and mommy to seven foals, this beautiful and kind animal was put away after her owner retired from the equestrian scene. Skippi was somewhat forgotten but luckily stabled next to Bernadette's horse Durk. Skippi caught her attention, reminding her of her horse Cheyenne, who had passed away from cancer. After a few months of bonding with Miss Skippa Bug and noticing that nobody ever came to take care of her, Bernadette decided to put a note at the stable door asking the owner to perhaps donate the horse to the BBTRC. The day our famous therapy horse Johnny retired, Bernadette received a phone call from Skippi's owner, thrilled about the idea of Skippi becoming a therapy horse. Skippi was given a second chance in her career to make a difference in the lives of so many children who absolutely adore this gentle, reliable, and loving creature.
Peanut
20 years young, this beautiful palomino quarter horse gelding was rescued by the BBTRC from a riding program "gone wrong" in Indio, CA after somebody informed us that the horses donated to that program were neglected and abused. Peanut and his friend Ed were starved, beaten, had skin diseases, rotten teeth, open wounds on their bodies and had their hooves cut so short that it was extremely painful for them to walk. With lots of time and loving care, the volunteers of the BBTRC nursed them back to health. Peanut is one of the program's favorite therapy horses. He knows that most of his riders are not able to hold on very well and helps them through his sensitivity and gentle nature to accomplish their goals. Whether he is standing patiently next to a wheelchair making it as easy as possible for the student to get on his back, volunteering his head for our little students to explore his eyes and ears, or carrying rings on his ears to make his rider smile, everybody loves Peanut. He is definitely one of a kind and we are lucky to have him!
Bisquit
Bisquit is our 7 year old Draft mix who had been abandoned by a local trainer after being severely beaten and abused. At one time, the beatings cause her to rear and flip over in her small stall. As a result she suffered a major injury to her head which to this day gives her trouble bending the proper way. Through all her suffering she still kept her love for people, especially children and has been a fantastic asset to our program ever since. Had she not been adopted by the BBTRC, she would have gone to the horse auction, which for most horses means the end of the road.
Babe
This 26 years young little Mustang girl was captured out of the wilderness of the Utah mountains when she was seven months old. She was thrown in a trailer with 50 other mustang foals and transported to California. She was adopted by one of Bernadette's neighbors 24 years ago. After she jumped out of the trailer, scared to death, she ran into their backyard and didn't leave it again until Bernadette decided to adopt her. After standing in a small space for over 10 years, she had to learn how to walk again-just like some of her riders! Through the relentless work of the volunteers of the BBTRC and Bernadette, this little horse became a true treasure. Being street smart and careful, Babe is everybody's favorite trail horse. No student too young or too disabled can enjoy a ride on this beautiful little mare. Whether she brings her blind rider home safely or gives her little riders the feeling of empowerment from being able to ride a big horse "all alone", she is an amazing member of our horse family and is still going strong, although she is the "Grandma" of our center! We love you Babe!
Cherokee
This lovely girl has been with the Back Bay TRC from day one. Since she was a baby, her amazing spirit and her striking personality have captured the hearts of everyone. Nothing gives the students more joy than riding Cherokee after graduating from our beginner program with their heads held up high! She is a true jewel in the horse world. We love you Princess Cherokee!
Oreo
This gorgeous 16 year old paint mare found her home at the BBTRC when she was temporarily out of a job and needed a place to stay. Shortly after her arrival, everybody fell in love with this amazing black and white horse. We were heartbroken to learn that after she had been with us for just over a year she was to be sold as a lesson horse. Luckily, in a joint effort by the Olsen and Kelly families, Oreo was purchased/donated to the Back Bay TRC. Now she can continue taking care of her big and very little fans as a super valuable therapy horse.
Blue
Our 6 year old Welsh pony cross, Mr. Blue, was donated to the BBTRC after his companion, a little girl who suffered from leukemia, passed away and her family couldn't bear the memories any longer. Although still very young, he brings a smile to the face of every child who is lucky enough to meet this handsome little guy. He truly enjoys the attention of little hands brushing him and is very gentle and careful with all his little students.
Skippi is an 18 year young extremely beautiful pain mare. After being a famous show horse in the Western arena and mommy to seven foals, this beautiful and kind animal was put away after her owner retired from the equestrian scene. Skippi was somewhat forgotten but luckily stabled next to Bernadette's horse Durk. Skippi caught her attention, reminding her of her horse Cheyenne, who had passed away from cancer. After a few months of bonding with Miss Skippa Bug and noticing that nobody ever came to take care of her, Bernadette decided to put a note at the stable door asking the owner to perhaps donate the horse to the BBTRC. The day our famous therapy horse Johnny retired, Bernadette received a phone call from Skippi's owner, thrilled about the idea of Skippi becoming a therapy horse. Skippi was given a second chance in her career to make a difference in the lives of so many children who absolutely adore this gentle, reliable, and loving creature.
20 years young, this beautiful palomino quarter horse gelding was rescued by the BBTRC from a riding program "gone wrong" in Indio, CA after somebody informed us that the horses donated to that program were neglected and abused. Peanut and his friend Ed were starved, beaten, had skin diseases, rotten teeth, open wounds on their bodies and had their hooves cut so short that it was extremely painful for them to walk. With lots of time and loving care, the volunteers of the BBTRC nursed them back to health. Peanut is one of the program's favorite therapy horses. He knows that most of his riders are not able to hold on very well and helps them through his sensitivity and gentle nature to accomplish their goals. Whether he is standing patiently next to a wheelchair making it as easy as possible for the student to get on his back, volunteering his head for our little students to explore his eyes and ears, or carrying rings on his ears to make his rider smile, everybody loves Peanut. He is definitely one of a kind and we are lucky to have him!
Bisquit is our 7 year old Draft mix who had been abandoned by a local trainer after being severely beaten and abused. At one time, the beatings cause her to rear and flip over in her small stall. As a result she suffered a major injury to her head which to this day gives her trouble bending the proper way. Through all her suffering she still kept her love for people, especially children and has been a fantastic asset to our program ever since. Had she not been adopted by the BBTRC, she would have gone to the horse auction, which for most horses means the end of the road.
This 26 years young little Mustang girl was captured out of the wilderness of the Utah mountains when she was seven months old. She was thrown in a trailer with 50 other mustang foals and transported to California. She was adopted by one of Bernadette's neighbors 24 years ago. After she jumped out of the trailer, scared to death, she ran into their backyard and didn't leave it again until Bernadette decided to adopt her. After standing in a small space for over 10 years, she had to learn how to walk again-just like some of her riders! Through the relentless work of the volunteers of the BBTRC and Bernadette, this little horse became a true treasure. Being street smart and careful, Babe is everybody's favorite trail horse. No student too young or too disabled can enjoy a ride on this beautiful little mare. Whether she brings her blind rider home safely or gives her little riders the feeling of empowerment from being able to ride a big horse "all alone", she is an amazing member of our horse family and is still going strong, although she is the "Grandma" of our center! We love you Babe!
This lovely girl has been with the Back Bay TRC from day one. Since she was a baby, her amazing spirit and her striking personality have captured the hearts of everyone. Nothing gives the students more joy than riding Cherokee after graduating from our beginner program with their heads held up high! She is a true jewel in the horse world. We love you Princess Cherokee!
This gorgeous 16 year old paint mare found her home at the BBTRC when she was temporarily out of a job and needed a place to stay. Shortly after her arrival, everybody fell in love with this amazing black and white horse. We were heartbroken to learn that after she had been with us for just over a year she was to be sold as a lesson horse. Luckily, in a joint effort by the Olsen and Kelly families, Oreo was purchased/donated to the Back Bay TRC. Now she can continue taking care of her big and very little fans as a super valuable therapy horse.
Our 6 year old Welsh pony cross, Mr. Blue, was donated to the BBTRC after his companion, a little girl who suffered from leukemia, passed away and her family couldn't bear the memories any longer. Although still very young, he brings a smile to the face of every child who is lucky enough to meet this handsome little guy. He truly enjoys the attention of little hands brushing him and is very gentle and careful with all his little students.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Our First Blog!
Hi there friends!
Over here at the BBTRC, we really wanted you guys, our friends and family, to really get to know us. Our website is great, but we wanted more. We wanted to share with everyone what's going on at the center, with the horses, the students, and our volunteers.
So our goal is to bring you pictures of everyone and everything! We hope you will bookmark our blog and come back often to catch up on the happenings of the BBTRC!
Stay tuned for our first pictures, and maybe even a Student of the Month!
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