As a long term member of the Brook Hill Farm family I am extremely looking forward to kicking in gear and getting ready for 2011! What a great year for rescue and rehabilitation 2010 was. So many horses were given second chances and were placed in loving, caring homes. Though it is only January, it appears that we will be helping just as many, if not more, horses in need find the homes best suited for them.
To those of you new to this page, Brook Hill Farm is a rescue and rehabilitation center that values not only the need to physically rehabilitate a horse but also mentally and emotionally. Individual care and attention is given to each and every horse as they heal and make wonderful companions for others. Regardless of a horses past, at Brook Hill Farm they are a member of a herd of roughly thirty horses where they learn to be a horse again: running, playing and rolling with others. We take caring for our horses seriously and never rush the rehabilitation process. A rehabilitation and exercise plan is established for all horses that may include ground work, work under saddle, or simply some TLC.
This year we already have a couple new additions to our herd with promising futures. One of them is a quarter horse named Chance who came to us late in December. Chance is a wonderful gelding with little work under saddle; however, he is kind and good natured and we expect him to learn the ropes quickly. For more information on Chance and other horses in need at Brook Hill visit our website at www.brookhillfarm.org or keep visiting our blog site for updates on our horses progress. Thank you and have a Happy 2011!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Never Fear
“Never Fear! The Farm is Here!”
By Nicole Miglis
In life, sometimes we have to step outside of the box and do things that we wouldn’t normally do. We only get to live once, so why not try new things? You never know if you can end up absolutely loving it! It seems as though as we get older we get sucked into the routine of life. It also from time to time appears as though there isn’t much time for fun anymore due to the mundane rituals of life. Let’s be real, how can you honestly say you wouldn’t like something if you haven’t even tried it yet? That is where I decided to make one of the best decisions of my entire life.
I have friends at home who love horses. They absolutely live, breathe, eat, and sleep everything HORSES. I never really understood the hype because I didn’t have the chance to be around too many horses in my lifetime. Not until I came to college did I finally understand what my friends were talking about for the many years that I had known them. A few months back, I was talking to a friend who mentioned to me that she was looking for a place to volunteer where they had large animals on the premises. I told her that I had come across this place online called “Brook Hill Farm,” and I proceeded to tell her that their website had shown that you can learn about horses, get acquainted with them, and even learn how to care for them. We agreed to go out to the farm on a Sunday.
This is where my adventure officially began and that Sunday which was very much anticipated had come very quickly. It was my first time in a long time being around horses. I had done some riding when I was younger, but that was so long ago I couldn’t remember a thing. I forgot how to even approach a horse! Yet, I was interested and curious, but still a little intimidated at the same time. I mean, you would be too if you weren’t used to being around a 1300 pound animal! JoAnne Miller and Tracey Russler were so friendly and welcomed us with open arms. Brook Hill Farm is one big family that works together for the greater good of the horses. This is what attracted me most to the farm.
Brook Hill Farm has truthfully changed my life from the very first day that I decided to go. I feel as though there are times where I feel like I do not fit in with others, but not at Brook Hill. All of the girls there welcomed me with open arms and did think twice about it! I honestly feel like they accepted me into their family and allowed me to just be me. They didn’t judge me, they helped me. Their knowledge about horses far surpassed mine, but they didn’t stick their noses high in the air. They wanted to help me and show me all the things that they knew. If I did something incorrectly they didn’t scold me, they would simply show me the correct way of doing it so that the next time I would do better. Brook Hill Farm really has a fantastic program going on here. I am learning at an exponential rate and I truly am learning how to refine myself.
I just recently became a college intern at Brook Hill. JoAnne and Tracey matched me up with a horse named Solomon. He is a beautiful thoroughbred cross, standing at a whopping 17 hands. I feel like I fell in love with this horse because he is so special to me. He teaches me responsibility, accountability, and most importantly patience. I can see a huge difference in my day to day attitude, as I am much more patient since working with Solomon. Being from the North, having patience doesn’t come very easily, but he changed my demeanor when it came to that specific area of my life. I also honestly feel like he is my buddy. He’s more than a “pet,” he’s a companion.
Being a beginner when it comes to horses can seem nerve-racking or even intimidating, but in reality it’s not bad at all! Brook Hill Farm was amazing, as they were patient and very helpful. Once you understand the basics, it seems like learning anything else! I must warn you, you may fall in love with these majestic animals because they can easily win your heart!
By Nicole Miglis
In life, sometimes we have to step outside of the box and do things that we wouldn’t normally do. We only get to live once, so why not try new things? You never know if you can end up absolutely loving it! It seems as though as we get older we get sucked into the routine of life. It also from time to time appears as though there isn’t much time for fun anymore due to the mundane rituals of life. Let’s be real, how can you honestly say you wouldn’t like something if you haven’t even tried it yet? That is where I decided to make one of the best decisions of my entire life.
I have friends at home who love horses. They absolutely live, breathe, eat, and sleep everything HORSES. I never really understood the hype because I didn’t have the chance to be around too many horses in my lifetime. Not until I came to college did I finally understand what my friends were talking about for the many years that I had known them. A few months back, I was talking to a friend who mentioned to me that she was looking for a place to volunteer where they had large animals on the premises. I told her that I had come across this place online called “Brook Hill Farm,” and I proceeded to tell her that their website had shown that you can learn about horses, get acquainted with them, and even learn how to care for them. We agreed to go out to the farm on a Sunday.
This is where my adventure officially began and that Sunday which was very much anticipated had come very quickly. It was my first time in a long time being around horses. I had done some riding when I was younger, but that was so long ago I couldn’t remember a thing. I forgot how to even approach a horse! Yet, I was interested and curious, but still a little intimidated at the same time. I mean, you would be too if you weren’t used to being around a 1300 pound animal! JoAnne Miller and Tracey Russler were so friendly and welcomed us with open arms. Brook Hill Farm is one big family that works together for the greater good of the horses. This is what attracted me most to the farm.
Brook Hill Farm has truthfully changed my life from the very first day that I decided to go. I feel as though there are times where I feel like I do not fit in with others, but not at Brook Hill. All of the girls there welcomed me with open arms and did think twice about it! I honestly feel like they accepted me into their family and allowed me to just be me. They didn’t judge me, they helped me. Their knowledge about horses far surpassed mine, but they didn’t stick their noses high in the air. They wanted to help me and show me all the things that they knew. If I did something incorrectly they didn’t scold me, they would simply show me the correct way of doing it so that the next time I would do better. Brook Hill Farm really has a fantastic program going on here. I am learning at an exponential rate and I truly am learning how to refine myself.
I just recently became a college intern at Brook Hill. JoAnne and Tracey matched me up with a horse named Solomon. He is a beautiful thoroughbred cross, standing at a whopping 17 hands. I feel like I fell in love with this horse because he is so special to me. He teaches me responsibility, accountability, and most importantly patience. I can see a huge difference in my day to day attitude, as I am much more patient since working with Solomon. Being from the North, having patience doesn’t come very easily, but he changed my demeanor when it came to that specific area of my life. I also honestly feel like he is my buddy. He’s more than a “pet,” he’s a companion.
Being a beginner when it comes to horses can seem nerve-racking or even intimidating, but in reality it’s not bad at all! Brook Hill Farm was amazing, as they were patient and very helpful. Once you understand the basics, it seems like learning anything else! I must warn you, you may fall in love with these majestic animals because they can easily win your heart!
A New Year
Hi everyone, Well a new year is here and we are going to work harder here at Brook Hill to get out the word about what we do. This year we are going to have several guest writers who will tell you there story and experiences here at Brook Hill. We hope you enjoy the experiences of the individuals that are part of the Brook Hill family. Our first two posts come from a new person at the farm and someone who has been a part of the farm for several years.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Say Hello to Bonnie!
Bonnie just got here a few days ago but she is already looking so much better thanks to a Brook Hill volunteer who groomed her to perfection. We don't know much about her history but we can see the deformity in her left front leg that sadly resulted from an unset broken bone. It leaves her limping along but doesn't seem to have affected the sunny gleam in her eye or the sweet disposition this pony exudes, despite it all. We'll be following Bonnie to see just how her arrival here will affect her future....
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Rain and Mud
Wow what a winter it has been so far.....
I feel up to my neck in rain and mud. The volunteers have been real troopers working hard to keep the horses safe and fed and keep the facility up. We couldn't continue without the help of all our volunteers and staff. So a big thank you to you guys.
Our 4-H group is studying for horse bowl and learning all sorts of fun horse knowlege. These kids soak up this stuff.
I feel up to my neck in rain and mud. The volunteers have been real troopers working hard to keep the horses safe and fed and keep the facility up. We couldn't continue without the help of all our volunteers and staff. So a big thank you to you guys.
Our 4-H group is studying for horse bowl and learning all sorts of fun horse knowlege. These kids soak up this stuff.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Brookhill Farm Tuesday
Tuesday afternoons at Brookhill Farm is all about horses, girls, work and fun.That's because Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays are United Neigh days!
A typical Tuesday means arriving after school and doing your assigned chore for the month. This may be mucking out stalls, washing saddle pads, cleaning the wash stall, etc.
Then it's time to gather up your gear and head to your spot. The girls team up to go get their horses from the big field where more than 30 horses are usually grazing.
Before riding each horse has to be cleaned up, brushed and have his hoofs picked- this is known as "grooming the horse". Only after that is he tacked up with his bridle, saddlepad and saddle.
The horses get excercise by being walked or ridden depending on their rehabilitation status. Each rider is responsible for excersizing their horse to both the horses physical condition and their own abilities.
More about the United Neigh Program in the posts to come. Below is a brief slideshow of some of the activities this past Tuesday.
Slideshow goes here
This weekend the girls are participating in several activities that will ultimately help the horses at the farm.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
About the Farm and its mission
At Brook Hill Farm we believe in second chances. Every year, thousands of equine athletes suffer from neglect or potentially career-ending injuries. Many horses are neglected or abused, and are left alone to die in their fields. Horses that appear healthy, but are lame, may end up at auction. These horses are no longer useful to their owners, and they are taken to auction with the hope of being bought by a loving family. The bad news is that lame horses are rarely purchased by horse enthusiasts, and the majority of these animals end up being sold for slaughter. Sadly, the current economic conditions mean that the number of these horses in danger is dramatically increasing.
Brook Hill Farm provides a safe haven for these horses. Besides accepting horses in need from all over the country, the farm serves as the local horse rescue for the surrounding area. Veterinarians, a professional farrier, and a dedicated staff of trained volunteers work together to create and execute a rehabilitation plan uniquely tailored to each horse's situation. After a horse's rehabilitation is complete, it is available for free to a good home, used in the United Neigh program, or it is allowed a well deserved retirement on the property.
Some of our rehabilitated horses have gone on to compete at high levels in various disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, and eventing. Along with their new caregivers, Brook Hill horses participate in the United States Pony Club, 4-H, as well as many USEF and other sanctioned shows and clinics. Horses that do not fully recover remain on the farm to live out their natural life.
Brook Hill Farm provides a safe haven for these horses. Besides accepting horses in need from all over the country, the farm serves as the local horse rescue for the surrounding area. Veterinarians, a professional farrier, and a dedicated staff of trained volunteers work together to create and execute a rehabilitation plan uniquely tailored to each horse's situation. After a horse's rehabilitation is complete, it is available for free to a good home, used in the United Neigh program, or it is allowed a well deserved retirement on the property.
Some of our rehabilitated horses have gone on to compete at high levels in various disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, and eventing. Along with their new caregivers, Brook Hill horses participate in the United States Pony Club, 4-H, as well as many USEF and other sanctioned shows and clinics. Horses that do not fully recover remain on the farm to live out their natural life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)