A rustic barn with a metal roof and red trim is set against green trees on a cloudy day with a rainbow in the sky.

From farm life to horse wisdom, creative projects to heartfelt reflections–this is where stories are shared, memories are kept, and inspiration grows.

Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Happy Fall from Charlie

Fourteen-year-old Charlie may be slowing down, but his happy barnyard shake still brings all the smiles this fall.

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Thankful at Puckerbrush

A beautiful day at Puckerbrush Farm in Newburgh, Maine, celebrating Jillian and Athena at their first dressage show — and they shone!

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

A Morning of Dressage with Grand Prix Rider Rebecca Waite at Moose Ridge Farm

We had a wonderful Saturday at Moose Ridge Farm with USDF Grand Prix rider Rebecca Waite! Riders enjoyed private dressage lessons, auditors learned from a positive reinforcement demo, and everyone left with fresh inspiration. Rebecca will return in late October for another clinic—don’t miss it!

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

A Beautiful Show Day at Brook Ledge Farm

A wonderful show day at Brook Ledge Farm with Jillian, Athena, and Morgan. Morgan earned High Point Rider of the day 🩷 and Athena was a star in the ring. Grateful to Jan and Erin for such a peaceful, beautifully run dressage schooling show!

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Meet Our New Farm Dogs: Tippy Tail & Chester!

We’re thrilled to welcome Tippy Tail and Chester, our two new Jack Russell puppies from Madra Beag Farm in Maine! At just 9.5 weeks old, they’re already learning sit and recall with positive reinforcement—and bringing endless joy to the barn with snuggles, play, and puppy antics.

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Spring Awakening: The Ducks Are Back!

The ducks are back for the second spring in 20 years! Alexandra shares the joy of their return, along with the sights and sounds of spring awakening on the farm. From the birds singing to the sun shining, it’s a sign that warmer days are ahead. Get the latest updates on the horses, the fields, and life at Moose Ridge Farm as we navigate Maine's "mud season."

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Throwback to Annie-Sue's First Days on the Farm

This was when Annie-Sue arrived at 4 months old on August 12, 2006. I remember she was this soft little peach fuzz baby and when I entered the barn, she had the highest little whinny…

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Hungary Says YES to Bit-Free Dressage at National Levels

Hungary's new regulation, allowing bit-free dressage at national levels, is a game-changer for equestrians. This will open doors for athletes, whether they compete or not, and lead to more innovation in bitless bridle designs. We love ours and hope this trend will inspire riders worldwide to embrace bitless riding.

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

There’s a New Gal at the Farm!

There’s a new gal at the farm: welcoming Athena (who arrived mid-November) and is leased and loved by Jillian and Morgan. She is available for Dressage lessons occasionally when her new moms are not riding her. She is such a love bug!

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

20 Years of Lessons and Growth at Moose Ridge Farm

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.

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Remembering Vaquero: A Legacy of Love and Laughter

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!

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Target Games with Pedro

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.

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Jackie’s Year of Growth

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!

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

A Day at Pripet Farm

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!

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Shawna Karrasch on Trust and Clicker Training

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.

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Alexandra Mackenzie Doan Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Jackie & the Flysheet

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.

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