Big Skye Ranch Equestrian Facility

06/10/2026

Pi prefers to have a water fountain in his stall rather than a bucket, showcasing his distinctive character. He’s full of fun and quiet the character

06/03/2026

That smile says everything. Luanne is officially Phoenix’s person, and watching the two of them click has been pure joy. This partnership is going to shine from quiet hacks to future paper chases and all the memories they’re about to make.

05/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BFky8DFzc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/23/2026

I wanted to share a few thoughts on the actual girthing process.

I see so many people come for lessons, or even just tack up, and they tighten the girth straight away. Then they check the tightness by pulling at the elastic.

Let’s break that down.

The girth is not just a strap we tighten so we can get on. It is pressure around the horse’s ribs, sternum, muscles, skin, and soft tissue. The horse deserves time to understand and adjust to that pressure.

I have two mares that, if you over-tighten the girth too quickly, they would just lay down. That is not them being naughty. That is them saying, “This is too much.”

A few things I like to do:

• Tighten from both sides so the pressure feels even
• Go slowly — one hole at a time is enough
• Let the horse move during the process
• Don’t over-tighten
• Check the girth from the sternum area, not just by pulling at the elastic

I really like the horse to move at least once before the final tighten, and then again before mounting. Even just a short walk can help the body settle, the skin adjust, and the horse feel less trapped by sudden pressure.

When people say a horse is “blowing up,” I don’t believe they are just being difficult. Most of the time, they are bracing. They are preparing for pressure, discomfort, or something they have learned to worry about.

And when a horse is “girthy,” I think we owe it to them to listen.

Sometimes there is pain involved — ulcers, saddle fit, back soreness, body discomfort — and that should always be checked properly. But sometimes it is also learned from being rushed, over-tightened, or not heard over time.

Small changes matter.

Slow down.
Let them move.
Tighten kindly.
Watch what they are telling you.

It may only take us an extra 60 seconds, but to the horse, that 60 seconds can mean, “I hear you. I am not just throwing tack on you. I am paying attention.”

That matters.

05/03/2026

Jaxson enjoying some buttercup time 😘

04/18/2026

The old man playing with Zeus

02/24/2026

It’s pretty but man does it make for hard work

02/01/2026

05/31/2025

Welcome, Anne and Kasinia!
We’re so excited to have you as part of our barn family! Looking forward to lots of fun, laughs, and great memories together. Let the happy barn days begin!
Glad you’re here! 😜

04/12/2025