Category Archives: Uncategorized

Jackie Kennedy and Sardar “Black Jack”

The world in 1962 proved turbulent, dangerous, filled with espionage, closed door politics and intrigue. The Cold War fought between the principle players the US and USSR; raged across the globe pulling smaller nations into their sphere of influence. The … Continue reading

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Farrier Kenny Bellis Visits Ballentine’s Horse Heaven

A gray haze clouded the sky restraining the early April morning. A slight chill clung to the shadows but spring definitely hung in the air. When I pulled in front of the stables Kenny’s truck was already there. I walked … Continue reading

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Polar Vortex and Winter Riding

Winter has been weird. So many days in January, February and March dipped into the teens with negative numbers at night. Why so much strange weather? Was it Global Warming or just bizarre weather? Weathermen started throwing around the term … Continue reading

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The Safety of Riding with Tapaderos

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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Learning to Drive a Cart with Barb Barnes

A few months ago in September, when the weather was warmer, the leaves a golden yellow and the grass still green, I found myself back at Windy Ridge Stables. Barb Barnes was expecting me. She stood in the indoor arena … Continue reading

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Tinsel-n-Lights Celebration 2013 – Waverly, NY

It was dark, cold and anything but lonely. Hundreds of people filled the winter night on their way to or from the holiday celebration underway in Muldoon Park. Quickly, I passed the fire engine parked to serve as an emergency … Continue reading

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Memorial Trail Ride for Kenneth W. Bellis, Jr.

Kenneth W. Bellis, Jr. held several different jobs during his lifetime, but for those who own horses he’ll always be remember as a farrier and a horseman. Born December 30, 1954 in Sayre, PA, he graduated from Tioga Central School … Continue reading

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Horses in the Valley Halloween Parade

Every year one of the three Valley municipalities, Athens, Sayre or Waverly, host a Halloween Parade. This year it was Waverly’s turn to have the parade. Friends and neighbors left the warmth of their homes to stand out in the … Continue reading

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Equine Dentist or Vet to Float Teeth

What does floating teeth mean? Simply put, floating teeth can be compared to trimming a horse’s hooves. Both require filing, smoothing and evening out rough areas. Since equine teeth never stop growing and wear unevenly; it is advantageous to file … Continue reading

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Horses and Native American Trade Routes

When I was young the idea of a vast inter-continental network of Native American trails, weaving across the North American continent was unheard of. It was Lewis and Clark who blazed their way across the American wilderness to the Pacific … Continue reading

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