Rural Roots Ranch

03/22/2026

Yesterday I traveled to Union, MO to meet with like-minded people to discuss how we can help our local horse community incorporate +R training. It was great hearing how we all came to learn +R and how much our horses have benefited from it…including improving our connection with them. I’m excited to see where this journey leads. I love making positive changes in the horse world which can be so cruel at times.

For those who know me, know that Axel had a driving accident while at a local trainer. Most horses don’t overcome accidents like his, however I found a trainer who incorporates +R to her lessons and was able to show Axel that learning can be fun. And now, he LOVES his job, which includes participating in Victorian funeral reenactments. 🎩

🌀 I’ve applied +R to my training which included teaching my pony, Levi, to drive and even do tricks, including playing basketball. (See below).

🌀 I’ve also taught both Axel and Levi to use buttons to “talk”. Levi’s favorite button? COOKIES! 🤪

The video below is of Levi the basketball star. 🌟 🏀

For anyone interested in learning more about +R, feel free to reach out! 🤠

03/20/2026

Happy Spring Equinox fellow equestrians!

Happy Spring Equinox 🌿

The day where light and dark sit side by side…
equal.

And I love that.
Because it feels like permission.

Permission to not have it all figured out.
Permission to still be a bit muddy, a bit tired, a bit “what am I doing?”
…while also stepping into something new.

The horses don’t question it.
They just feel it.

A little more lift in the air
A bit more spark in their step
That quiet shift from “surviving winter”
to “maybe… just maybe… we’re coming back to life again.”

And if you’re not quite there yet…
that’s okay too.

You don’t have to bloom overnight 🌸
You don’t have to suddenly be motivated, organised, glowing and thriving.

Sometimes spring just looks like:
🌱 showing up
🌱 opening the gate
🌱 taking a breath in softer air
🌱 noticing one tiny thing that feels lighter

That’s enough.

New seasons don’t demand perfection.
They invite possibility.

So wherever you are today…
muddy boots, messy thoughts, hopeful heart…

You’re right on time 💛🐴

03/20/2026

A big thank you and shout out to Alyssa's Contessa for making my Rural Roots Ranch logo decals for my vehicles! Be sure to check her out for all your tumbler, koozie, decals and Tshirt/hoodie needs. Great service and prices, too! 🤠

03/16/2026

🥳 Happy 19th birthday, Axel! 🥳
Meet the horse who inspired me to follow my educational journey of bodywork, trimming, and ultimately, being a better human and finding my passion.

I fell in love on the internet back in 2014 when I saw him on Longmeadow Rescue Ranch’s website. He was 7 when I adopted him and I honestly had NO idea what all we would accomplish together. I thought we would just casually hit some trails and enjoy each other’s company. But in that time, we’ve overcome ulcers, poor farrier work and even Potomac Horse Fever.

Despite those obstacles, we’ve:
🌀 Gone to Florida to learn how to drive
🌀 Participate in educational events such as Victorian funeral reenactments at a historic cemetery
🌀 Attended +R training to learn how to “talk” with buttons
🌀Learned tricks
🌀Gone camping out of state

…and even welcomed two little brothers to our herd! 🤪

I will continue to share our journey here with you so you can get to know me better and my approach to holistic horse care.

For now, help me wish this handsome boy a very happy birthday! 🤩

03/14/2026

TRIVIA TONIGHT!! Doors open at 6. Who will the lucky winner be?!? See ya’ll there! 🤠

THIS SATURDAY!! Who’s ready for some trivia that supports Illinois Boots and Saddle Club?
One lucky silent auction winner will get a FREE evaluation session from me. I’m also happy to be sponsoring the bartenders for this event. Be sure to tip well!

Tables are still available…come join the fun!

03/14/2026

This will be a great learning opportunity!

Announcing a new opportunity for live face-to-face learning from the ECIR Group, featuring Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD and ECIR President Kathleen M. Gustafson, PhD.

Our new webinar series will begin on April 23, 2026 with the topic HOW DOES INSULIN CAUSE LAMINITIS?

It is widely accepted that insulin resistance can cause laminitis. Research has shown that it is high insulin levels that have this effect, even in normal horses experimentally infused with insulin. The question remaining is how does insulin do this?

Additional webinar topics will include:
-NSC or HC – Why does it Matter?
-PPID and the Seasonal Rise
-Winter Laminitis

Mark your calendar and save the date for the first webinar. More info regarding registration will be available soon.

ECIR Group Inc. thanks our Diamond Benefactors supporting this project.

DIAMOND
Custom Equine Nutrition, LLC (Vermont Blend)
Equine Balanced Support
California Trace
Forageplus
Soft Ride Equine Comfort Boots
Hay Chix

03/12/2026

I’m proud to be among many great sponsors! 🤠

03/10/2026

THIS SATURDAY!! Who’s ready for some trivia that supports Illinois Boots and Saddle Club?
One lucky silent auction winner will get a FREE evaluation session from me. I’m also happy to be sponsoring the bartenders for this event. Be sure to tip well!

Tables are still available…come join the fun!

11/23/2025

Exciting things are coming in 2026! 🤩

12/12/2022

We often jump to the conclusions that stress is the primary cause of equine gastric ulcers. However, too much sugar in a horses diet can be a significant factor too, as was the case with my horse.

Save your money and pass on gimmicky products such as Purina Outlast as it contains a high amount of starch and molasses which are both sugar!

A horses diet should consist of 10% or less of non-structured carbohydrates (NSC). And horses with ulcers should NOT be fed grain or processed food as 1) it takes additional stomach acid to break down the grain and 2) gravity…the grain is heavy and sinks to the bottom of the stomach which pushes acid up to the top, which so where most ulcers are!

This report is a great case study on sugar and equine ulcers.

https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/study-diet-change-imperative-for-ulcer-resolution-in-horses/?fbclid=IwAR2K7KvnW99m8Q1eZ5mGf669J67PRqefg0sYPFf34gn8eebNbLysaGDdP9I&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

When a horse begins ulcer treatment, the way he is managed is often scrutinized; alleviating stress will hopefully mitigate ulcer recurrence. A new study out of Denmark shows that management changes alone may not be enough — adjustment to the horse's diet should also be considered. A low-starch di...

11/24/2022

Happy thanksgiving!

08/09/2022

Remember the elf shoe pony? Here she is four weeks post trim. I’m happy to share that her owner says she’s now running around the pasture and is back to her sassy self. 🙂