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An Equestrian Life

Farm Life, Horses
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September 19, 2019

The Biggest Surprises of Owning Your Own Farm

I’ve been living on at my farm for a while now. I lived on my parents farm as a teenager so I didn’t have the same anxiety when I first moved here that many people did (how will I keep my horse alive?!). However, there’s some things that popped up that surprised me. It’s things I sort of knew about from my parent’s farm, but I was shielded from the full impact by, you know, my parents. 

There’s so much maintenance

Ah, the beautiful farm! Everything is neat and tidy, and pristine. Of course I’ll keep it looking beautiful, we tell ourselves. Why would we not? Well, I swear, the horses are on a mission to destroy everything possible. If it was nice at somepoint, and it’s where they can reach it, they are going to rip it to shreds.

Nothing escapes their wrath. Got a nice board fence? Well, by golly, they are going to rip the boards out! Or alternatively, fling their entire bodies against it to leave some niec cracks. Did you actually like that fresh paint job on your barn? The horses thought scratching their teeth on it would give it some character.  Or particuarly memorable, when we planted a line of lovely trees – Berry came up directly behind us and ripped them right out, one by one. 

Why? Do they need a reason? No, they just like entertaining themselves. In some cases, I think it’s a form of self expression. They rake their teeth on things to tell me how slow and lazy they think I am (This is usually at feeding time).

They destroy everything, and when they aren’t the ones destroying things, pesky things like weather, or that herd of vultures, come along to destroy things. I sure hope I didn’t need those shingles on my roof, cause they’re all going to be gone soon. 

Everything is time consuming

Everything is breaking and/or falling apart, so now you’ve got to fix it. Fixing things takes so much time. Devote an hour to getting something done, and then realize it took up the whole day. Weekends are now spent on farm maintenance, and not just repairing stuff. The pasture needs mowing so weeds don’t sprout up. Need to weedwack the fencelines and clear branches out of the field. Grade the earth and put down gravel so you won’t have a mudpit when it rains. It adds up fast and so much of the time I’ve been working on something, then realize I can’t even ride that day. Not that I usually feel up to it anyway – much too tired.

Nothing is Hard

Even though some of it can seem intimidating, it turns out it’s really not hard. Things can be strenuous physically sometimes, but only a bit more than actually caring for a horse requires. Plus, it’s like a workout, it’s good for you! The ones that are really hard just need a few more people. Many hands make light work and all. 

But I’m referring more to the overall act. The paralyzing fear of doing something because you’re afraid you’ll mess it up is more of a factor than the actual labor. It results in wanting to hire someone or wait for someone to come along who will do it for you. If you’ve got a big budget, sure, hire it out, problem solved. But most of these things end up being really simple. Some things take google searches or YouTube videos to figure out, and then just experimenting. Like any skill it takes practice to get everything perfect, but it’s generally passable. My fence might be be a little crooked, but it’ll only bother me every time I walk by it, every day for the rest of my life. Maybe that was a bad example. But hey, the fence still works as a fence!

You realize you are capable of more than you thought

I had never used a chainsaw before. They were frightening. But now it’s fun. I never changed tractor oil, or leveled ground or spread gravel or stonedust, but now I’ve done all that stuff. 

It starts with just pushing outside your comfort zone a little bit, then a little more, and soon you’re realizing that you are completely capable of figuring these things out and getting them done. It’s a confidence builder and it’s empowering. You are creating, building, finding the solutions, and innovating. You are able to do all these things, and so much more. 

It’s true having a farm is a lot of work. But it’s also so rewarding. Not just referring to the peace and beauty of looking out at your horses grazing in their field, but the sense of acomplishment. It’s looking at the fence you put up, the barn you renovated, and the field you mowed. It’s inspiring for the next task that needs to be done. Cut down that old tree? No problem! Not only will you do it, you’ll figure out how to get some cross country jumps out of it. Maybe there’s even some nice wood in there for a few tables! (Ok, this hasn’t happened… to me. Maybe one day!)

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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.

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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