• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Equestrian Style
      • Riding Style
      • Equestrian Care
    • Books
    • Movies
    • My Life
    • Opinion
  • History
    • Equestrians
    • Breeds
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Travel
    • Trail Rides
    • Trail Rides
    • South America
    • Europe
    • USA
    • International
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Riding
    • Clinic
    • Horse Shows
    • Lessons
    • F#
  • Reviews
    • Books
    • Movies
    • Horse Tack
  • About

An Equestrian Life

Farm Life
/
September 23, 2019

Planning for Planting

I have plans, BIG PLANS. Well, no, maybe medium sized at best. But my plans involve getting some planting done. There’s a few areas around my house that need sprucing up (although not with spruce trees, they are too big), and I want to put in plants around the barn. I’m not very good at selecting plants to make a beautiful space, but I’m going to try. My main issue is that I get a whole bunch of flowers, and then I just have flowers, which fade away over the winter, and then I have no plants. Just a barren landscape. 

But I’m going to try to fix this, starting with the areas that have no plants, because ripping up my beautiful flowers seems like a really dumb idea right now, even if I will have nothing there in mere months.

When I need trees or bushes, my first stop is the Arbor Day Foundation. I love trees, we need more of them, and I love their mission. I will gladly put my dollars towards helping spread trees, so I try to get my plants from them first. The only downside of getting your plants from them is that they are quite small. It takes them a while to get big, and they are prone to being run over with the lawnmower in the meantime (whoops). But I have patience, and they are easier to handle when they are little. 

The Barn

With my new barnyard, I have an opportunity to put some plants in around the barn and not have the horses immediately rip them out. It’s kind of an ugly barn, which I am working on, but putting some nice plants will help. I want to have whole little garden in my new fenced area, but that’ll have to wait. 

Getting a membership to the Arbor Day gives me 10 free trees. I selected the “Wildbird Garden” option which gives me a bunch of trees I can use around the barn. The Northern Red Oak will be outside the pasture, but provide some share. The River Birch can go right in the pasture – I have a few of these around and they’ve done well. I may add a few more to my order to make a nice cluster of them in the pasture. 

The gray dogwood will go inside the fencing, next to the barn. Eventually I want to put a stone patio and bench there. It’ll be a nice place to sit while waiting for the farrier or vet. 

It also comes with some other shrub and decorative trees, but I think those will do well placed closer to the house. 

My shed, located near the barn, is bright white. I originally choose this because I thought it would look so clean and lovely, instead it’s a massive highlight on my property. It’s the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. I want to get some evergreens to hide it a bit. 

I am a big fan of evergreens that grow as columns, so I’m going to add some Emerald Arborvitae to my order. Thinking in the future when my barn may be visible from the road eventually, I’m going to get enough of them to shield both sides of the shed. Eventually I’m going to clear more for pasture, and I’m just imagining the horror of revealing my bright white shed to the rest of the valley. It would be an eyesore for all my neighbors instead of just me. If I’m really ambitious, maybe I will go out and make trim them into lovely shapes. I mean, maybe. If I’m not too busy, or just have better things to do.

I also want to get a row of these to line my arena, but as always, it’s a work in progress. That’ll be the finishing touch once everything else is completed. 

The House

The rest of the Wildbird Garden, the Arrowood Virburnum, Sargent Crabapple, and the Washington Hawthorn, will go by the house. There’s a blank area of foundation that needs to be covered, directly outside of Bridgette’s room, and facing the road. 

The tulip tree and the blue spruce will go somewhere in the yard, but I really don’t know where yet. I guess I’ll figure something out. 

The Felling

In addition to planting trees, I need to remove some trees. I recently discovered that black walnut trees are poisionous to horses, and I have them everywhere. I feel like I should point out that they are only poisionous when ingested, so simply having them doesn’t mean the horses are going to die. But I’m splitting hairs here – having them where the horses can access them, and if they are really hungry or stupid… well, it could happen. Plus I even have video of Vintage eating a black walnut tree. I have no idea why she choose to eat it. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjsw1tpndqc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

No one has died yet thank goodness, but I’ll be removing a bunch of these guys soon. It’s chainsawing season! 

What gardening or planting have you done around your barn? Any recommendations for inspiration? 

Share

You May Also Like

July 27, 2023

Taking Action Against Burrs

April 25, 2017

Property Tour

May 15, 2017

So Many Foals

Previous Post
Weekly Round-Up Sept 20, 2019
Next Post
How to Take Better Selfies
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

Driven by curiosity about everything in the horse world - the history, the breeds, the cultures. Wanting to spend my life seeking adventure with horses. Is this you, too? Let's discover together.

Plan Your Next Riding Adventure

stone bridge with castle in background

All Inclusive Riding Trip in France

horses galloping through an open field in the UK

Valley Trail Riding in England

scenic view of montana from horseback

Ranch Vacation in Montana

horses in a line going through a field in Spain

Dressage Jumping Hacking in Spain

aerial view of polish riding stable for trips

Jumping Training in Poland

Blog Topics

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Travel

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video

Stu is being haunted by the dog he lives with.

Subscribe to My Channel

Equestrian Vlog

Equestrian Vlog Equestrian Vlog

Stu is such a big silly!

Follow Along for equestrian humor

Recent Posts

  • horse sticking its head out of the stall door

    My Trainer Called Me a Weanie

    June 12, 2025
  • horses fighting in a dry lot pasture

    “Should I buy a Horse That Hurt Someone?”

    June 10, 2025
  • stylish equestrian standing next to a chestnut warmblood

    Looking Stylish in the Heat – Summer Riding Shirts

    June 7, 2025

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for clicking them as it helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian ) Don't forget to get photos of yourself! #horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer. #horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹 #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
7 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@aneqlife
  • Home
  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.