Every morning Sanne and I wake up at 6.30, sometimes 6.00 to Jan riding the tractor, watering and grooming each and every grain of sand in the arena. Its is so important to make sure the horses are comfortable in their workout area. Then, we watch the morning news, and the start the day. Sanne is so amazing, she is such a nice girl and the horses really love her, I do too! Grain is fed with hungry horses greeting us with sleepy eyes and whinnying noses. Every horse is treated with wonderful diets and supplements made for the specific needs of each horse. They are athletes, and are treated that way to keep them healthy and happy. While Sanne ventures off to continue feeding breakfast, I usually get started in the small barn getting horses ready for Jan.
Getting the horses ready is a very important part. First, we have to pick their feet and make sure they are super clean. Then a good currying all over the body. I love when they curl their necks or move their lips because it feels SO good! Then a hard and soft brush and next a rag to clean off the dust. We only brush the mane and forelock very softly and never the tail. We shake out the shavings but never brush it, it takes four years for a tail to grow fully and every time it is brushed, it takes longer and longer to grow fully, and it never does. Every horse here, has an amazing tail, they are super full and healthy.
We use the Eskadron pillow wraps underneath the polo's so there is extra breathablility and support. Each horse has a specific saddle and it usually depends on the day for the type of bridle. Each horse uses either a single bridle or Full bridle, or both. Usually they start the week easy with a single bridle and move up to harder work with a full bridle. Then all the horses are walked for 20 minutes outside of the ring around the pastures so they can warm up their muscles slowly and safely. Jan then works the horses, always amazingly, and then the horses are cooled out for about 15 minutes or more.
Then all the horses are incredibly cared for, in general, but very well cared for after their workouts, from hosing and drying in the sun, then groomed again, to an ice system called, Game Ready, to insure each and every need is cared for, for each and every horse.
We do this for every horse, and every horse is worked everyday. The weekends are easy for the horses either getting turned out, walked, put in the walker, groomed, or bathed. "The Oldies" do not get worked, these are the old guys at the ranch that hang out together everyday in the pasture, all day! What a life, green grass, shade, clean water and a big pasture with best friends, now that's awesome!
"Funny Boy" is one of the oldies, and what an amazing horse! He was Jan's very successful show horse 25 years ago! He is now 34 years old! He was quite the superstar though back in his show days, there are ribbons, and plaques around the barn that show his many, many, many accomplishments. Sanne and I found some videos of him and I really look forward to watching them! He is still young at heart, piaffing in the crossties and whinnying everytime he sees someone. He really loves everyone, especially his best buddy, "Showtime" who was Amy's show horse. They are such funny horses!
Perfect practice makes perfect is the motto, and its definitely true! I look forward to everyday, and learning something new everyday.
I am so excited to continue on this incredible journey!
Brittany Lincoln
Since 1972 
Wow! Almost a month here at The Acres, and what a heckovan incredible experience! Yes, I have thought this so many times, but I really cannot say it enough! I have gotten to know the horses, the wonderful clients, and the Ebelings. Everything here is a learning experience. It is about details and practicing perfectly.