Celebrating 20 years at Moose Ridge Farm, reflecting on my journey with horses, from the lessons taught by Lucky, my first horse, to the positive reinforcement work with Radu, Vaquero, and Pedro. These horses taught me more than just riding—they revealed the beauty of connection, communication, and respect.

Vaquero filled my cup in so many ways! He taught Dolina to canter, brought amazing students, and made riding fun again. I always felt at home when I sat on his back. Here are a few pictures of Mr. V, and I’m sure he has the most beautiful buckskin-colored angel wings on right now!

Pedro may be retired from lessons, but he still lights up for Target games—especially when Dolina joins in. These moments of gentle play keep him sharp, happy, and deeply connected to his people.

Jackie came to the farm a year ago this month, wide-eyed and holding her breath. She stood frozen on the cross ties and walked like a giraffe. But not anymore—now she’s a funny, confident little girl with so much expression!

Dolina and I rode Cricket and Winston during our ferry trip to Islesboro’s Pripet Farm. A perfect horsie day with great lessons, kind hosts, and inspiring rides!

Shawna is the Positive Reinforcement Queen … she explains how building trust and joyful communication through clicker training helps horses feel safe, connected, and eager to learn.

Annie and Cricket stole the show at this year’s Lincolnville Strawberry Festival Parade — what a wonderful day celebrating with our community!

This morning, Jackie clearly used her “target training” to tell me she wanted to wear her flysheet instead of fly spray… she walked right over and marked it with her nose! That moment told me so much about how our communication has grown and how powerful positive reinforcement can be.

Look who’s got manners—Ferris Mewler! Our cat now sits for meals, thanks to positive reinforcement and a little breakfast motivation.

Ahhhh — such a lovely Horsie winter thus far! From clicker training with Pedro, Annie Sue, and Mr. Derek to paddock picking with Kristine and sewing Horse Blanket Bags with Katie, there's so much joy and warmth this season.

Merry Christmas from all of us at the barn! Vaquero, Pedro, and Annie-Sue helped celebrate the season—with wreaths, a few snorts, and some antler resistance from Derek and Ody.

So it’s cold out tonight and I’ve tucked everybody in—and closed the outside doors too. These two water buckets were filled with HOT water at 9 PM, and we’ll see if either one doesn’t freeze overnight...

Apple Field, the kindest mare I know (and I’ve met many mares over the years), has joined Lucky in the heavens... Thank you to everyone who loved and learned from this amazing soul. She was the heartbeat of Moose Ridge Farm and a true gift to our community.

I don’t believe in drop nosebands—so Dolina turned one into a fashionable belt instead!

This IS wonderful!! Good food for thought about riding horses bitless AND shoeless! Vaquero’s new Linda Tellington-Jones bridle, Pedro’s rope halter, and 20 years of barefoot success — even Radu’s titanium shoes now make great decorations 😄.

I rediscovered a trainer that I admire and am so thankful to find him again. I read another book by Mark Rashid about 19 years ago that I have in my barn library...

Annie-Sue was an angel at the annual Strawberry Festival! Big thanks to India, her family, Justin, Julie, and Dolina for keeping our little madame in line. Can’t wait for next year’s celebration!

Annie-Sue was my surprise anniversary gift — a tiny, fuzzy 5-month-old mini with a big whinny and an even bigger heart. From pulling sleds and carts to bonding with Dolina and healing from laminitis, she’s brought endless joy to our farm life.

Teaching Vaquero—a tall, 16-hand horse—to lower his head on cue has been a game-changer. From fly masks to forehead kisses, head lowering is practical, calming, and a beautiful way to build trust through clicker training.

We have a new friend—Vaquero! This 17-year-old buckskin has a kind heart, a playful spirit, and a big love for clicker training.