Lone Star Farm

07/19/2026

It's been HOT lately. 🔥

The horses still need fed. The waters still need filled. The stalls still need cleaned. Farm life doesn't stop just because the temperature climbs. In fact, the work tends to increase to ensure the comfort of the horses.

We don't ask our kids to help build this farm.

But when they watch Mom and Dad working hard, they often want to grab a bucket, carry a hose, or lend a hand in whatever way their sweet small hands can.

Not because they have to.
Because they want to be part of something.

We hope they grow up knowing that hard work isn't something to avoid—it's something to take pride in. That caring for animals means showing up every day, even when it's uncomfortable. And that the greatest lessons often happen outside the saddle.

The kids aren't here to build the farm.
The farm is here to help build the kids. ❤️

07/07/2026

10 years ago today, we got the keys to Lone Star Farm. ❤️

I came across this photo today, and I couldn't believe it's already been a decade.

Like so many dreams, it all looked a lot simpler from the beginning.

Looking back at that photo from 2016, if someone had told that young couple everything they'd face over the next 10 years, they probably would have been overwhelmed. But I also think they'd be amazed at what they built.

Over the last ten years, this little farm has seen countless lessons, new horses, lifelong friendships, laughter, tears, renovations, late nights, early mornings, muddy boots, frozen water buckets, and more hay bales than I could ever count.

We've welcomed incredible boarders, celebrated milestones, watched riders accomplish goals they once thought were impossible, and built a community that means more to us than you'll ever know.

Has it always been easy? Not even close.
Has it been worth it? Absolutely.

Ten years ago, this was simply a dream. Today, it's a life we're incredibly thankful for.

Here's to the first 10 years... and to whatever adventures the next 10 have in store. 🩵🐴

Thank you for being part of our story.
— Tanya & Nick

WisconsinEquestrian

06/29/2026

With summer in full swing, we wanted to share a quick hot weather training safety reminder!

🔥 How HOT is too hot?!🔥

Check out this handy chart to determine whether it's too hot to ride safely.
🚒🧯👨‍🚒📛

🥵 Keep in mind that older animals will have a lower tolerance to heat

💧 Make sure your horses have fresh water and a place to catch a breeze or get shade.

🚿 Give them a rinse with the hose to cool them off and help the sweat evaporation process

🍉 Cold treats like apple dunking in the water trough, and watermelon can be a fun way to get horses to take additional fluids. Double check that whatever you choose is safe for horses!

06/18/2026

One thing about barn ownership is that the work is rarely one big thing.

It's dozens of tiny tasks woven into the day.

Prepping grain buckets while a water tank fills between lessons. Keeping tabs on what needs to be ordered so nothing runs empty. Recording training rides for owners, and double checking lesson summaries for students.

Staying one step ahead so tomorrow runs a little smoother.

Nobody really notices these moments, and honestly... that's okay. The goal is for everything to feel seamless because the horses can count on consistency, whether anyone sees the work behind it or not.

It's a lot of quiet effort, but there's something really satisfying about ending the day knowing tomorrow is already a little easier. 🩵🐴

06/15/2026

One thing that saved me time today: I mapped out my training rides for the week in ReinTrack.

Between lessons, boarders, training rides, my beautiful kids, and trying to ride my own horses, if I don't have a plan, my own horses are usually the first thing that gets pushed aside.

Five minutes of planning now saves me a lot of decision making later in the week. 🩵🐴

06/13/2026

Some partnerships just feel meant to be. 🩵

We're so excited to congratulate Laura on leasing our farm sweetheart, Charm!

These two met last summer and immediately clicked. Watching their bond develop has been a joy, and it's clear they bring out the best in each other.

We can't wait to see what adventures, milestones, and memories this summer has in store for them. Congratulations, Laura—we're so happy to be part of the journey! ✨🐴💕

06/11/2026

And this is exactly how we operate over here at LSF!

Correct development through purposeful, careful work over time. Our horses are happy, healthy athletes that genuinely love their jobs because they understand how to do them, and are physically capable thanks to our approach to training and fitness. 🥰

One of the hardest things for riders to accept in developing or retraining horses is this:
Correct work often looks slow, quiet, and even a little boring for a long time.
Young horses and retraining horses should not be rushed into bigger movement, faster tempo, or more expression before they have the balance and strength to carry it.
If the horse is constantly pushed in front of his natural balance, the hind legs never truly learn to step under and carry weight. Rather, the horse learns to run forward to avoid falling.
This is where so many problems begin:
• Quick, hurried rhythm that looks stiff
• Heavy shoulders
• Hollow backs
• Tight under-necks
• Leaning on the hand
• Lack of true throughness
• Difficulty collecting later
The horse may look flashy for the moment, but underneath, he is running on imbalance rather than developing strength and confidence in his own biomechanics.
In correct development, the rider allows the horse time to organize his body.
That means:
• Slower tempos
• Smaller steps
• Relaxed repetitions
• Long periods of stretching
• Transitions done without rushing
• Allowing the hind leg time to catch up to the front end
Especially in the beginning, the work should almost feel boring and overly simple.
Gymnastic development is not created through energy it is created through relaxation, balance, and repetition of basic skills.

As the horse becomes stronger and more confident in his balance, he naturally begins to offer more.
More reach.
More suspension.
More power.
More self-carriage.
More expression.
Without the need for the rider to keep trying to produce it. His body became capable of producing it honestly and without pressure.
The best movement is developed patiently.
Not manufactured prematurely.

05/29/2026

Thinking about offering a couple beginner-friendly horse experiences at Lone Star Farm this summer and I'd love to gauge interest!

🐴 Option 1: Horse Lover Day Camp
A fun one-day experience for kids who love horses! Learn grooming, horse care, horse safety, parts of tack, barn life, and enjoy hands-on activities with our horses. No riding required.

🐴 Option 2: Beginner Horsemanship Program
A 4-week small-group program designed for children who want to learn more about horses and riding. Students would learn grooming, tacking, horse handling, safety, horsemanship, and basic riding skills in a supportive, educational environment. (This group would be limited to 4 participants) I would be open to running this for adults also!

Both programs would be geared toward beginners and focus on building confidence, knowledge, and a strong foundation around horses.

If you have a child who might be interested, comment below or send me a message with:
• Child's age
• Which program interests you most
• Preferred days/times

No commitment at this stage—I'm simply seeing if there's enough interest to put these together! 🥰🐴