The Whole Approach-creates balanced horses and animals

08/31/2017

A Sudden Change in a Horse's Personality
is most likely a sign of pain.

Most horses do not sit around plotting how to be "bad". Nor do they tend to go from their usual self to a bucking bronc, kicking fool or biting piranha without there being an underlying cause.

The most common cause of an abrupt personality change most commonly occurs from "PAIN". AND the painful area you may discover may be secondary to the root of the problem.

For example: I have a horse that began biting when being saddled, dragging her hind feet so the toes began to square and was very sore over her hips. The vet exam and diagnostics showed the root cause as issues in her front feet. Once they healed the rest of body (with the aid some alternative therapies) healed.

So.....keep in mind, that what you see may go deeper than you think.

Keep an open mind and look for the root cause and explore alternative therapies for you and your horse!

Happy horsin' around!

08/25/2017

Balance. a simple word, yet so hard to achieve. Animals do it better than we do. They take their cues from nature and if we do not interfere with that, they achieve a natural balance within themselves that most of us are looking to achieve.

Slow down, put your agenda aside and observe animals in nature and feel the natural peace and balance that exists.

08/24/2017

Be your best....be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually balanced. Together you and your horse can achieve more than you ever imagined....dream, balance and take action.

Need help? I am available for Animal Communication sessions, business or personal coaching, reiki and intuitive sessions and classes in person and online.

www.baybluefarm.com

08/24/2017

"Holistic" is going back in time to find the methods, cures, and remedies that our great ancestors used to use. New and improved isn't always better 😊

08/22/2016

Horse Rescue

Dare I open this hot topic? I do dare......

I have rescued, rehabilitated, retrained and rehomed more horses than I can count. Most have been OTTB's that found themselves in the wrong hands, however I have had many breeds come through my farm.

With that said...NOT ALL OTTB's are rescues. Many find themselves in less than ideal situations and truly need rescuing. Yet many simply are in need of a new career. I believe most people are diligently working towards helping to keep as many OTTB's out of the "pipeline"-the feedlot, the slaughter house, as possible.

People feel good about themselves when they "rescue" something. We all do. However the more we use "that" word the more "that" word comes up. It's the simple "law of attraction". Keep saying rescue and more rescues are needed.

The more each one of us takes permanent, long term responsibility for each of our animals the easier it will become over time for ALL animals.

If we begin to work from the opposite end of the slaughter houses...the farms and homes where a horses life begins, the less unwanted horses we might find in the pipeline.

Watch for the next post for helpful hints on "how to" help the situation and to be part of the solution.

Below are before and after pictures of one of my OTTB's that found herself in the wrong hands...but landed softly at my farm then onto a great home.

08/15/2016

Evaluate Yourself

This can be tough. It's hard to admit we have things to work on, but know that we are a better person for working on them. here are a few things to look at that would greatly benefit you and your horses relationship.

1. Know your personality type
2. Know what time of day you are most productive for certain activities
3. Know what you "don't" know and seek help from a professional
4. Be willing to find a horse suitable to YOU
5. Be willing to put in the work and not lets others do all of it for you
6. Be willing to change what isn't working
7. Be open

08/14/2016

Evaluate Your Horse

A Holistic Approach

At times we all struggle with keeping our horse sound, healthy, happy and in good weight. How do we go about evaluating an issue?

This is a great place to "tune in" to yourself and your horse. Bring out that intuition and leave judgement, ego and opinion at the gate. Open yourself up to animal communication and intuitive knowing.

Get comfortable(a bucket is always a good seat), take a few deep breaths, let everything go and ask your horse to help you discover what might be going on. Listen, hear, feel, smell or even taste what you get.

Ask your horse to "show" you where it hurts, what doesn't fit, who is bullying him,and so on and what can you do about it. More than likely you already have a clue what is going on and what you should do. Sometimes we just don't want to hear it.

Always remember and never forget to be sure you have also consulted an equine professional for assistance as well....veterinarian, dentist, chiropractor, etc.

This tool will help you and your horse bond and create a partnership.

08/12/2016

Horse Care Tips-a basic guideline of things to consider:
1. Nutrition
2. Stabling/Pastures
3. Hoof Care
4. Dental Care
5. Veterinary Care
6. Equipment-Suitability, Fit and Condition
7. Training- for both horse and rider

08/11/2016

Horse Care

A tricky subject at best.

As every equestrian knows, everybody is a pro and only they know best. My advice, take it with a grain of salt (white salt, trace mineral salt, loose, block???) smile and learn from them, even if that means WHAT NOT TO DO!

In my experience, if a horse is healthy, happy, in good flesh and muscle tone, someone is doing something right.

I highly suggest you educate yourself on the needs of your horse(s). Evaluate your horse, evaluate your skills, always be willing to learn, choose your professional horsemen well, change
as you need to and always do the best you can.

Remember there are TONS of ways to properly feed a horse, train a horse and so on. Be kind, be generous, be helpful without being overbearing and you just might help a horse or fellow horseman that may be struggling.

If you have any questions please ask me!

07/29/2016

Chincoteague Ponies

It's that time of year again when the famous ponies of Chincoteague make the annual swim, Pony Penning, during slack tide in the channel between Assateague and Chincoteague island.

3 years ago I joined in on the week long festivities. I was very excited to make the trip and even hoped to purchase a pony.

I arrived on Chincoteague Island, which was buzzing with people full of excitement. This little town is full to the brim during pony week.

It was then that I had a small panic attack about the welfare of the ponies. What if I see sad, thin, unhappy ponies? What if this is all for profit and the welfare of the ponies are of little concern? What if people bring dangerous trailers to take the newly weaned babies home? What if there are unfit owners who purchase them? And so on....I took several deep breaths, re-grounded and re-centered myself and thought long and hard about what was to come. I decided an event like this could not continue for as long as it has if procedures weren't continually updated and if the welfare of the ponies weren't a priority. I would give it my all, pray for the safety of the ponies and see what happens.

I was impressed, greatly impressed, by the care, attention and love these ponies received by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. To me each person had the ponies best interest in mind, they had high standards of care, keep excellent records on each pony and truly seemed to do their best to keep the integrity of the wild herd, healthy, happy and WILD!

Fellow horseman, I highly recommend you add this to your equestrian bucket list. If you choose to purchase a pony please have the means to properly care for it and the knowledge to raise it well. And remember, there are Chincoteague ponies out there that have been purchased and now need homes...so keep an eye out.

(PS...although I did not purchase a pony on that trip, my dear friend, Amy did! Her pony, Summer, is a wonderful, sweet girl...1st pix is her)

05/01/2016

Staying Balanced

Moving horses
Most horse owners know you need coggins test and a health certificate to move your horse across state lines. What else could be needed?

The obvious stuff :-)

Coggins and Health Certificate
Hay and grain (for travel time and at least 1 additional week)
Water (carry as much as you can)
Electrolytes, Supplements
Medications-that are good to have on hand (speak w/your vet!)
Bute, Banamine, Omeprazole
First Aid Kit
GPS, Map, directions, etc.
Pitchfork, manure bucket/bag, bedding for trailer, hay bag/net
Water and feed buckets, snaps, chains, etc.

The NOT so obvious stuff :-)

Are your horses mentally, physically and emotionally ready to travel?

As much as I thought I prepared my horses, livestock, dogs and cat, I came up a little short in some areas. I was so caught up in the OBVIOUS stuff I forgot to see the NOT so obvious stuff.....The mental, physical and emotional well being of my horses.

I did ok on the physical part. 2 of my horses are 30 years old and my 2 sheep are 11 and 12. I have several others with special needs, I worked hard to make sure each of my animals were in the best shape they could be in order to make the trip. And I am happy to say everyone arrived healthy!

I lacked in their mental and emotional preparation. Each animal knew we were moving and were even given the choice on whether or not they wanted to make the trip. Most did.

What I learned was that most had no clue what "moving" actually meant! The horses that have been with me all of their life, or long term were the most troubled. They have had a very structured life and the move was everything but structured! It pushed everyone to their limit.

Once I realized what the problem was I quickly put my Animal Communication and Reiki skills to use.

I let everyone know that I heard and understood what they were feeling and telling me. We worked as a group first then I gave each one the individual attention they needed. Everyone came around quickly and are back to their old self.

I learned a big lesson. BALANCE. In order to achieve true BALANCE each horse had to be physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced in order to be spiritually balanced.

Once everyone was again balanced, the smaller issues-grumpiness, picky eating, pushy, sadness and more, disappeared.

Look, Feel, Listen and Hear.....they are talking to us constantly. We need to take a step back and see it from their point of view and generally BALANCE can be restored.

Here are a few pictures from the move.

04/28/2016

Life Changes

Hello Everyone. It has been much too long since I have given this page any attention. I thank you all for staying with me and I look forward to catching up.

I have been pre-occupied with BIG life changes. I sold my Arizona horse farm and relocated myself and my entire animal family (19 animals!) to Aiken SC. This meant a drive across the country, giving up my Arizona horse business, selling items, buying things needed for the long trip, finding a farm in SC, and so much more.

In order to get the farm I desired that could accommodate my family and my needs as well as meet my business needs, I decided to buy land and build my home and barn facilities. It has been a fun undertaking and I will begin sharing the journey with you.

As prepared as I was for this incredibility wonderful life change, there was and still are plenty of things that have come up that I could not have planned for. The animals and I have faced each challenge head on and keep working toward the light.

Life is a journey and I am enjoying the ride! you should too....so set your goals, aim high and start having the life you want....bumps and all....enjoy your ride!!

06/29/2015

Does your "Horse Trailer" fit?

Yes you read that right, does your horse trailer fit your horse? NOT does your horse fit in the trailer!

Most horsemen put at least a little thought into whether or not their saddle fits their horse. Advanced horseman also consider the fit of their horses bridle, bit, splint boots, saddle pad and even the size of their stall or paddock are taken into consideration.

BUT what about your horse trailer or the trailer you plan to have your horse shipped in. Is it truly a proper fit that will allow your horse to safely and comfortably load, ride and unload from it?

Here is a simple yet very effective method to ensure your horses safety and to provide him with only good trailering experiences.

MEASURE YOUR HORSE
MEASURE THE HORSE TRAILER

One of my homebreds is big, really big....not just tall, he is long and he is wide. His blankets have to be custom made. He wears a size 90. Yep, 90". Big D has custom made his blankets and sheets for the past 12 years.

He is 17.1H and 11 feet long...nose to tail. Needless to say, he doesn't comfortably or safely fit into many trailers.

SO.....measure the length of your horse, nose to tail, across the chest and hip for width as well as their height. NOW, measure the trailer for the same components.

WILL your horse safely and comfortably fit?

Too many people only go by height. And even then, too many horses are traveling around "ducking" to get in and out of a trailer as well as during the ride. I call those small trailers "keychain" trailers-small enough to hang from my keys :-)

There was a time when those smaller trailers suited most horses. However, most breeds have been bred to be taller, longer and wider than they were even 20 years ago. Like all things, we must grow with the times and continue to improve our horsemanship skills through better care and treatment of our beloved horses.

Use your best judgment and your intuition...if it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't.

Just because you can get a horse in a trailer doesn't mean the horse fits!

06/22/2015

Equine Dental Work

This is one area I feel is one of, if not the most important part of good horsemanship care and one of the most neglected.

If a horse's teeth are in poor health it DOES affect their skeletal alignment, way of going, ground manners, eating, weight, and soundness. Which translates to moodiness, training issues, riding issues, handling difficulties, weight lose, muscle lose, and much more.

Just because a horse is maintaining good weight or doesn't drop feed when eating DOES NOT mean they do NOT need their teeth done.

Before all else check teeth. Here are a few tips that your horse is in need of an equine dentist.

1. Check the muscles on the forehead below the forelock. Are they even or is one side bigger than the other?
2. Open your horses lips and look at the front incisors and bite. Are they straight, crooked, "smiling" at you, wavy, broken?
3. Grab a flashlight, and look INSIDE their mouth. Are there any extra long "points" (hooks), wavy look, ramp look, have sores?
4. If you can safely do this, slide a finger inside their mouth (keeping it pulled towards their check and away from teeth), does it feel sharp? Careful....I have a scar from extra sharp teeth!

Please please please have your horses teeth looked at by a professional equine dentist every year. Most do not charge for a look-see.

I promise you, you will save on feed, training time and issues, fancy new unnecessary tack and most of all you will have a HAPPY, PAIN FREE and HEALTHIER horse!

Your HORSE will greatly appreciate having good teeth. And lets be honest...it's ALL ABOUT THE HORSE!!!

05/24/2015

Horse Showing
(or attending any equine event with your horse)

A few tips to help every exhibitor have a fun, safe time.

1. Trailer parking- leave room for others to unload and work around their trailer.
2. Dogs-keep them on a leash or in a pen/crate
3. Warm up ring-be courteous. Pass left shoulder to left shoulder
4. Lunging-lunge in designated areas only
5 .Rules-follow the rules of the hosting facility and show personnel
6. If you don't know ASK

Attending horse shows/events are part of training horses. Lets face it, horses can't gain experience unless they go to shows/events!

If you have a green or young horse, stay clear of high traffic areas until your horse has a good understanding and comfort level with horse shows.

Experienced horsemen-keep an eye out for inexperienced horses and beginner/novice horsemen and give them the room and encouraging words they need. Remember, we were all beginners once and every horse was once green, young and inexperienced.

For horse show/business consultations, virtual lessons, and animal communication sessions call Jennifer at Holistic horsemanship! 928-301-1345

Tell her you saw this post and receive a 10% discount on any one service...offer expires June 10th!

05/15/2015

Equestrian Etiquette
There are many "unwritten" rules in life that lets us know if a person has etiquette (manners). Many of the same principals apply, or SHOULD apply in the world of horses. Here are a few examples:

1. Treat HORSES and others as you would like to be treated.
2. Respect others opinions and ways of doing things
3. What you do in your "personal space" DOES affect others.
4. Be on time. For your lesson, vet or farrier, paying board, etc
5. DO NOT gossip
6. Dress appropriately
7. Follow the rules

Although these may seem obvious, to many they are not. Over the years it has become apparent to me how self-absorbed many of us have become, myself included. It is time we all take a step back and remember WE are a community. An Equestrian Community. Regardless of level, breed or discipline we are ONE and we need to continue to join together for the good of ALL horses and horsemen.

Many happy rides and horse hugs to all!

05/07/2015

Breeding Season has been in full swing for a few months and is soon coming to a close for 2015.

If you are considering breeding your mare or stallion, here are a few things to consider:
Pedigree
Conformation
Personality
Performance Records
Sell-ability
Financial Commitment
Time Commitment

Breeding is a gamble...weight your pros and cons, count your pennies and if you are breeding for a specific color, s*x, height, movement or certain performance type, etc you might consider buying one that is already "here". Then you know exactly what you are getting!

Best of luck to all breeders!

Let's see your 2015 babies. Post your pictures here.

With that said: here is my 2 day old C**t, I feel very lucky to have had a safe and uneventful delivery for my mare and foal .

05/03/2015

Retraining OTTB's
It's easier than you think....or make it ;-)

Thoroughbreds are horses, equines like any other breed...HOWEVER with that said, most are raised and trained with the hope that they will become a winning racehorse. So their knowledge and life experience is geared toward racing.

They tend to be sensitive, forward thinking, and are accustomed (and like) to have each and every (and there can be MANY) of their individual need and quirk met in their own preferred way.

A few important tips for people looking to purchase, own, or retrain an OTTB:
1. Learn and understand the racehorse industry
2. Give the horse time to learn and know what is NOW expected
3. Learn your horse...smile at the quirks, enjoy the quirks
4. Begin from the ground up...as if it were a new foal learning
5. Go SLOW, be PATIENT
6. Enjoy your new, loyal, intelligent, athletic friend

05/01/2015

Equestrian Inspirational Messages, Sayings, Quotes and Words to Live By:

Just Ride It
Just Jump It
I'm The Boss Mare
Horses aren't my whole life they just make my life whole
Keep Calm and Ride On
Manure Happens

What are some of your favorites? Post them here!

04/30/2015

04/30/2015

"Know your Audience" for a successful equestrian business

Are you a trainer or an instructor? Do you own or manage a boarding facility, tack shop or an equine/equestrian business?

Are you as successful as you would like to be?

Knowing your audience is one of the most important factors to being successful. A few things to consider about who your audience may be or who you would like them to be:

What age group does your business target?

What is the average "disposable" income your clients need to have to afford your services or products?

As your clients age, children for example, is your business able to grow with them or will you need to refer them to another equestrian professional?

A few other things to consider for a successful equestrian business are:
Location, your expertise, continuing education for yourself and your staff and a true desire to want to excel!

The equestrian world needs excellent businessmen and women like yourself. Best of luck to everyone.

If you feel you would like assistance with your business, or to review of your business, I would be happy to do a business consultation with you. Contact me and let's get started!

04/29/2015

Need help selling your horse?

FREE help writing your ad, taking your photos and creating your video TODAY only! I will assist the first 5 people that contact me!

Selling Horses is an art form and everyone can do it successfully if you follow a few simple steps.

1. Be truthful about your horse
(not just to the buyer, but to yourself. Be painfully honest here it will benefit you and your horse greatly. Important points to evaluate: temperament, personality, conformation, blemishes, injuries, abilities, limitations, pedigree, current use, past use and true future potential.)

2. Know your horse
Every detail is important, the good and the not so good points
(Each owner can live with different things. One may not mind a cribber and for another it may be a deal breaker.)

3. Write a well written ad
(punctuation, spelling, grammar, proper terminology AND be sure to answer the typical- WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY-if perspective buyers have to ask common questions, you are LOSING perspective buyers)

4. Use only fabulous pictures
(Nothing beats a fabulously taken conformation shot, headshot or that incredible action photo. Be sure the horse is clean, and well represented for their bred and or discipline. When taking the picture, be sure to choose a location without clutter, use good daylight and take many, many photos so you can get that special one! Just hold down the button on that smartphone and start shooting!)

5. Video
Yep you need this! Buyers want to see that they are sound, how they move and what they know. A 5 minute video can seal the deal!

If you need help writing your ad or getting your photos just right, contact me and I will help you so you and your horse can find his perfect next home!

04/28/2015

Horse buying season is in full swing!

Horse Tip
When purchasing a horse:
1. Know yourself
(be really honest here)

2. Know what you really want
(discipline, level of training horse needs, what you can financially afford)

3. Seek help from an experienced horseman
(not just your friend or neighbor that has owned horses)

If you need additional tips just ask!!

If you need help finding a horse or guidance on a horse you have found, contact me today to set up a consultation!

The perfect match can be found the first time around!

Happy horse shopping.

04/28/2015

Welcome fellow Horsemen!

Holistic Horsemanship-The Whole Approach is a place where traditional training and teaching methods are enhanced with holistic modalities such as Animal Communication, Reiki, Emotion Code and Massage.

Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Jennifer Nicolella and here is a little about me.

I have been training horses and teaching riding and horsemanship lessons for close to 30 years. I have extensive show experience on the A Circuit with Hunters, the Quarter Horse, Paint and Arabian breed circuits. My race track experience comes from being a hot walker, groom, assistant and an owner. I bred horses for the race track and show ring and was the proud owner of 2 well bred TB stallions, Doctors Orders (by Tom Fool) and Mega VIP (by Cozzene).In addition I was a veterinary technician for more than 20 years and I am a certified Large Animal rescue technician.

A few years ago I realized it was time for me to connect with my students and horses in a different way. I began to see a need for horseman to connect more deeply with their horse and to become partners.

After continuing my education in animal communication, reiki, equine massage and emotion code, a new type of training emerged: Holistic Horsemanship-The Whole Approach

The Whole Approach works by helping to balance the horse and horseman physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

We begin with an evaluation of both horse and horseman from the ground up and create a personal program to suit each partnership.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have or to set up a lesson, consultation or reading.

Whether you are near or far, we can connect through Skype and phone or in person.

I look forward to working with each one of you.

Many happy rides!!