Tag Archives: horseback riding

The Safety of Riding with Tapaderos

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Pat Miran

A few years ago I purchased a used saddle with tapaderos or ‘hooded stirrups’. I had never used stirrups with tapadero coverings and was surprised how comfortable not to mention how stylish they were. The saddle was a little small … Continue reading →

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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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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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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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Horse Flies and Other Pests

Posted on August 11, 2012 by Pat Miran

Oppressive heat and biting flies require that the horses stay in the barn at Ballentine’s Horse Heaven during the hot summer months. Horse flies pose a constant irritation and potential health problems. Outside in the pasture the flies are merciless, … Continue reading →

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Summer Riding and the Heat Index

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Pat Miran

Every summer beginning in June, the horses at Ballentine’s stables are kept in the barn during the heat of the day with turn out at night. Fans are set up to circulate air when temperatures get exceedingly high. Riding routines … Continue reading →

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That Darn Goat Again

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Pat Miran

Monday proved to be hot but by afternoon the temperature cooled, the sky turned blue with white puffy clouds and a slight breeze blew off the mountain. Around 6:00, Donna and I met at the barn for an evening ride. … Continue reading →

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Riding Season Begins at Ballentine’s Horse Heaven

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Pat Miran

My late evening ride through Round Top park reverberated with periodic drumming produced by woodpeckers searching for grubs in dead trees. A golden sun cast long slender shadows across open woodlands illuminating a few patches of green grass surrounded by … Continue reading →

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