Category Archives: Uncategorized

Dawn Bellis at Rising Hope Farm

Posted on August 10, 2013 by Pat Miran

Dawn Bellis had an extensive background working with horses. At the age of 13, she began training horses for other people. Her mother owned a riding stable in Litchfield, PA, where Dawn learned to ride at an early age. She … Continue reading →

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Shadow Goes For Training

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Pat Miran

Sunshine hit the truck’s windshield as Ballentine’s Horse Heaven. The pleasant June and July days passed by as Ann and Shadow settled into the new home. Dawn Bellis became an important part of their lives. Other people often joined Shadow … Continue reading →

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Farewell Murray Creek Riders

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Pat Miran

By May all the Murray Creek Riders had left Ballentine’s Horse Heaven, except for me. There were numerous reasons that they left; training, internships or new horizons. The barn was quiet as the days grew longer. Then in June came … Continue reading →

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Homemade Fly Spray for Horses

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Pat Miran

Flies pose problems for animals and people during summer months. Pepper or Robin. The ingredients were simple: water, vinegar and a little soap. I read that flies don’t like peppermint and added some to the mixture. The peppermint gave the … Continue reading →

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Desensitizing Horse to Blanket with TTouch

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Pat Miran

The stable was quiet in the early morning. The weather had been rainy and cold. I found CJ and TTouch method designed to relax the horse. I decided to give it a try. The TTouch method was developed in the … Continue reading →

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Barefoot Horses – Soft Soles and Dry Hooves

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Pat Miran

The stables have been quiet for the last few weeks. Donna moved her horse, Socks, to another stables, Emma left for an internship in Kentucky and I found myself without any riding buddies. To compound the feeling of melancholy, the … Continue reading →

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Dean Krissler – Farrier at Ballentine’s Horse Heaven

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Pat Miran

There are several farriers who come to Ballentine’s Horse Heaven. Pepper, Sam and Myrtle. Unfortunately, Gene retired due to health reasons. A career as a farrier can be short or long but it is always dangerous. A farrier works on … Continue reading →

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Sleipnir – The Eight-Legged Horse

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Pat Miran

Winter has been long and so far, spring has been cool, except for this week. The weatherman promised temperatures in the 50’s, even 60! As the thermometer climbs, everyone begins to think about the start of ‘horse season’ when the … Continue reading →

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How Horses Use Their Sense of Smell

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Pat Miran

Saturday turned into a warm day, a reminder of spring. I drove up to the stables and we saddled up Pepper and CJ, and then headed towards Sutliff Hill Road. At the base of the hill CJ picked up his … Continue reading →

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How Horses Hear

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Pat Miran

Cold grey clouds covered the sky a few days ago when I saddled Pepper. I pulled on a ski mask, fitted the winter helmet cover’s strap under my chin, slipped on thick fleece lined gloves and headed up the road … Continue reading →

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