Natural Connection Horses

THE NATURAL CONNECTION

THOUGHTS FROM MS. JEAN:

The Natural Connection has changed greatly from 2006 to now, from a small, part-time program to a now relatively large, full-time program. I have learned a lot about how to work individually with each horse, trying to help them physically, mentally and emotionally as they recover and grow in my program.

It is important to note that each horse has it's own history, it's own story, it's own needs. I have learned to listen more to them, and give them the opportunity to live in a more natural and peaceful environment. However, I have discovered that many horses have lived the "traditional" way for such long periods that changing them over to no shoes, no bits, 24/7 turn-out, can actually be detrimental to them.

So my journey has continued to adjust to the needs of every horse, every day. I spend a great deal of time developing an exercise, dietary, supplemental and medical program to fit the needs of each and every horse.

The goal is to have a happy and healthy horse, which leads to a happy and healthy rider and horse combination.

Thank you to each and every one of you that has found a place in your heart for these horses. Your continuing support and belief in this program is paramount to it's success.

A well rounded, individualized plan for each horse and rider enables growth at a balanced and goal oriented pace.

Ultimately, my philosophy is based on cultivating and developing the relationship between the horse and rider.

TO THE HORSES AND PONIES...

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm new bed,
I'd like to open my baggage,
Lest I forget,There is so much to carry -So much to regret.
Hmmm...Yes, there it is, right on the top,
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my perch hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave,
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things -And take me right back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, to never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage -Will you still want me?

~ Author Unknown ~

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE NATURAL CONNECTON FAMILY AND UPDATES

Between 2015 and 2016, The Natural Connection has moved twice. Leaving Aldie was hard, but we found a beautiful farm, more of a ranch, out in Fauquier County. We are full in boarding and have many wonderful new boarders and horses that have joined the Natural Connection program.

Boarder additions:

Chronos and Larin

Ben and Mary

Spectator and Patrice

Pictures and info on these great additions will be posted soon!

----------------------------------------------------

Between 2012 and 2013, we have had many successful rehabilitations.

Kiddo - Kiddo suffered from a bowed tendon due to underslung heels, and has made a miraculous recovery in 2013. Laura and Kiddo will be under-saddle by the fall!

Dakota - Dakota suffered from some facial edema's as well as from his mysterious hind end lameness, which he came with back in 2012. However, with hard work and dedication, Dakota is now moving successfully into lower level dressage work and getting stronger by the day. The strength training has helped his hind end lameness to subside!

My-Ty - Ty suffered from a severe case of EPM, which was only diagnosed this year, 2013. He has gone through treatments with Paranex R, as well as 2 rounds of Toltrazuril with DMSO. He is responding remarkably well, is trail riding, building strength daily and has a massive personality coming out. I am excited to see what next year will bring for Ty as he will experience life without pain.

Rolex - Rolex suffered from mental burn-out from being an upper level dressage horse. With a new diet, and new expectations for work, and regimented exercise program, Rolex has made fantastic strides towards recovery in just 3 months being with Miss Jean.

Cowboy and New Mommy Diane!

While looking on Craigslist, I found an ad for a handsome quarter horse out in West Virginia. Cowboy had been turned out for a year, but previously was a show hunter. After a one week trial and a rough pre-purchase exam, Diane and I decided to chance taking in Cowboy. It turned out to be the best decision for Diane and Cowboy! The two are flourishing learning new hunter techniques, and Cowboy is steadily showing his expertise and strength in the arena setting. Keep an eye open for Diane and Cowboy in the low hunter division pretty soon!

Promise and New Mommy Cheryl Watson!

We found Promise in Manassas, VA. A sweet 9 year old mare that had been turned out for 3/4 years due to an injury in her shoulder called Sweeney. We discovered after her arrival at Miran Farm that she had not been exposed to much in her years at the previous farm, so going through the Clinton Anderson Fundamentals Method proved valuable for her. Promise had made wonderful progress in a short time, now riding in hunter lessons and doing western recreational riding on trails. We look forward seeing the bond grow between Cheryl and Promise!

Jack and New Mommy Cathy Suddarth!

I rarely go on vacation, but in 2013, I left for Virginia Beach for a week. I happened upon an ad for a horse down there and was pleased to ride him while in vacation. Cathy and I had been looking for a horse for a year, and here he was, at a lovely little farm down in Williamsburg, VA. Cathy fell in love instantly and Jack came home immediately after his pre-purchase exam. Cathy and Jack have done great building confidence in each other in hunter lessons and out on trails! Watch out for them in the show ring in 2014 and 2015!

Snap and New Mommy Sam!

Snap is a fiesty little hanoverian/welsh pony that joined the Natural Connection training program back in 2012. Prior to training, we were told that Snap and bucked some riders off, gone to "bad pony school" and had created a wrap sheet all of his own. Once training commenced, Ms. Jean discovered that Snap is a loving little pony that simply needed his rider to listen to him. Snap needs his riders legs to stay behind the girth at all times, he needs to be ridden on soft contact and must be interested in his job at all times. Miss Jean found out that his flying lead changes turned the bucking button on as well, potentially due to a lack of strength and some bad habits... Yes!! That was just the beginning of Snap's discovery process. Throughout 2012 to 2013, Snap has learned to be a better citizen. He can trail ride in western saddle, is learning his basics again under english saddle, and is going through ground work, sensitizing and desensitizing to help him become a more rounded pony. Snap's rider, a yound gal named Sam, has learned alot about herself and her pony in the last year. We look forward to seeing what the next year will bring for the two of you!

Ms. Jean's Newest Rescue, Pat Com

Pat Com, lovingly known as Ty, joined the family in November of 2012. How the grandson of the great Pleasant Colony ended up on a slaughter truck in May of 2012 is a mystery. This is Pat Com's story. My heart was still broken from losing Lukas, but there was something about this gangly gelding that caught my eye. I found his ad on Craigslist, and the gal had been the foster parent for Ty since June of 2012. When I went out to see him yes, he was skinny, what a surprise, he was strong under saddle, what a surprise, and he was tall and handsome...what a surprise. But it wasn't the fact that he fits my mold so well, it's the fact that I knew something else was wrong with him, but couldn't tell right off the bat. So yes, I took him home. Already knowing he has a little arthritis in the hind end, and in need of a lot of training, I feel he is worth trying for. Ty has acclimated to Miran Farm well, and has moved up to 3rd in line in his herd. His stilted gait, known as stringhalt, in his hind end is being treated, all while we build his weight and balance him out nutritionally. His treatment includes Toltrazuril, a drug for impairing the parasite that creates EPM, or Equne Protozoal Myeloencephalitis. The doctor feels we have a 50/50 chance that he may have EPM based on his weight, and his stringhalt. I hope it is a curable issue, as otherwise, this is a great horse.

Duke, happily owned by Brittany Waller

Duke joined us in the heat of the summer of 2012. His mom, Brittany, joined us a few months prior. Brittany is a tall young lady, and at the time, I did not have any horses that would benefit her to learn on at her height. She and I agreed that if she wanted to be a part of the program, she had to have her own horse. So horse shopping we went! We found Duke out in the Richmond area. He was malnourished, strong under saddle and was in need of more time undersaddle. His journey has led us to discover ulcers, which he is now recovering from, and he and his mom have created a lovely blog for all to follow. Please take a look at www.dappleduke.blogspot.com to track their great progress. The bond has become stronger and the passion for learning greater from both horse and rider. Who knows what the year has in store for you two!

Joe, happily owned by Whitney Reese

Jo-jo, as we lovingly called him prior to his placement with Whitney, was quite the challenge. Jo-jo came from a local farm where he had been turned out to pasture for 4 years. We brought him back to Miran and Ms. Jean went right to work. Jo-jo started out with western training, learning his rhythm and changes, and 8 months later, he was switched to English. Jo was quite the forward little fellow and could really travel in arena. After starting jumping training, Ms. Jean took him to a local hunter show to see how he would do. He placed first in his first ever Maiden Hunter Horse 2 foot class over fences! The makings of a star! Shortly after, Whitney purchased him. 2012 was a great year for Whitney and Jo, as they have both grown to love each other. They are working well over fences and 2013 looks promising!

You never know what you have...

I was looking on-line, back in 2011, for a horse to buy for myself, not the program. 2001 was the last time I had competed on my own horse. It was my turn. So, I found an ad on Craigslist for a former show-jumper in need of a good home.

Lukas, a gangly, out of shape, 20 year old thoroughbred, came in on trial for one week back in September of 2011. At the end of the week, I decided to send him back. My intuition told me that this horse had a lot more going on than just being a little unfit and a little underweight. When I called, the gentleman said please, make me an offer, he needs the good home you can provide. So I made a minimal offer and he accepted. Why did I make the offer? Not sure, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

Here is what I discovered was wrong with Lukas:

1) Melanomas
2) Anemia
3) Colonic and Gastric Ulcers
4) Trust issues
5) Unfit
6) Arthritis
7) Imbalanced hooves
8) Poor immune system
9) Colic issues
10) Lethargic
11) Underweight and lack of appetite

In Lukas's first few months here at Miran Farm, he was very weak and uninterested in life. He spent much of his time with his head down, standing still and alone. It was after I had started the new diet listed below to build up his immune system, coupled with a one time steroid shot, recommended by my veterinarian, that the changes started occurring.

In my 40 acre field designated only for Natural Connection horses, there is a stream that separates our holding paddock from our beautiful rolling hills and pasture. For 4 months, Lukas stayed in the holding pen, on his own accord. Then, the day after Lukas received his steroid, we were shocked and pleased to see him come to life. He cantered across the holding paddock, jumped the stream and ran into the pasture to join the herd for the first time.

I created a personalized dietary, medical and physical program to help Lukas become healthy again. To my surprise, his body started to fight the melanomas, with them bursting from his tail every day. The care was astronomical, but worth every moment. The arthritis got better every day with regular work. My farrier continually has been working on his hooves bring them back to a more balanced state. His ulcers are under control with the help of a medication. And the anemia is not a problem anymore because his body is no longer fighting as hard as it used to.

Here is his specialized food daily:

-Alfalfa/timothy pellets with 11/6 pellets
-Red Cell
-Baking Soda
-Ranitidine
-Previcox
-Omegatin

It is amazing how one horse launched me into a whirlwind of research and a learning curve that has not only helped him become the amazing horse he is today, but also help other horses in the program with some similar issues.

Lukas came in right before Barney passed away. Barney, being the founding horse of the program, also had many of these issues from his life as a performance horse. It seemed that Lukas came in to not only take the place of Barney as my equine friend, but also my equine teacher.

Every horse has a purpose in my life and I strongly believe Lukas, for however long the time period will be , came to me for a reason. And I am forever thankful he is here.

UPDATE: AUGUST 14, 2012.
Lukas was suffering from a Lymphangitis attack, and shortly thereafter, also large hemorrhage and anemia, resulting in my having to put him down. I knew what I had to do, as he had been suffering already for so long in his life, and I promised him, that if he were to tell me he needed to go, that I would allow him to go. So I did. I walked him across my large field, to his already waiting grave. I threw my arms around him and hugged him and told him I was so sorry and that I loved him. I handed him to Fareed, who graciously held him as he was euthanized. I walked through the field to go sit on my tree, the tree I always sit on when I have had to put a horse down. I call it my "reflection" tree. I sat there for hours. I loved him so very much.

In reflection, I asked myself why I put myself through these terribly hard situations. And the only reason I could come up with was that God put me in this position so I can bring a glimmer of happiness, provide a family, love, and less pain, even if for a short while, to horses that are in need.

Ironically, every horse I bring in for myself, ends up being a horse in a tremendous amount of need. Then through our journey to health and happiness, the medical issues, mental challenges and physical struggles, the process always opens my eyes to new ways to help horses. Actually, what really happens is the horse says to me..."try this, and if that doesn't work, keep trying." Lukas was a great professor, and now, my new horse Ty, will be stepping up to the plate.

Amber and (New Mommy Mel!)

We are so lucky to have had Mel come into the program. Mel has found out Amber's race history, and her registered name, Timber Hitch! Mel has done a wonderful job of bringing Amber back into work through a lease, providing lots of riding time. One of our biggest hurdles with this mare was finding out about her very crooked mouth. Due to her lack of patience for regular bits, I had to think outside of the box to figure out what we could use. Years ago, I had created a bailing twine bit for an arab of mine that was also sensitive in the mouth. Currently, we have a rope bit, graciously created by Cowboy Ben, that Amber is able to work in and compete in. We still have a long way to go, learning to collect and move off of the leg, but Mel and Amber, we are proud of you! Congratulations on your first rehab and first horse! You guys are a perfect match!

Amber (Timber Hitch)

Yes, she's a thoroughbred...and anyone that knows me knows that I am not fond of thoroughbreds...but she struck a cord in my heart. From Orange, VA., this mare was a broodmare and lesson horse that was specifically purchased to be used in a summer camp and then sold in the fall. When I went to see her, she was 150 lb's underweight, very pigeon toed, in dire need of trimming and ready for some love. Now she lives at Miran Farm and is gaining weight steadily. She will be great for students wanting to learn to ride and the basics of jumping. Welcome my sweet girly girl! New pics will be posted soon! As of May 2010, Amber is being leased by one of our Hunter student's, Mel Graeff, and has competed in her first show. Mel has a tremendous amount of patience and we are excited to see these two grow together as they continue their growth in the program!

Kiddo (One Classy Kidd) (New Mommy, Laura!)

Kiddo came to the Natural Connection, unplanned, as a rescue. He has been gaining weight and enjoying life outdoors in the natural herd environment for the last few months. Now that he is making a comeback, we have discovered that he had been diagnosed with low ringbone, as well as navicular syndrome. The positive side is that we may be able to help his lameness and discomfort with corrective natural trimming! Miss Laura Knight came into the Natural Connection during the summer and helped Kiddo by leasing and riding him a few times a week. Her hard work paid off, as Kiddo was successfully used in lessons, his navicular syndrome is almost completely gone, and he has successfully attended his first show, all in less than one year. Laura adopted Kiddo in November of 2009 and we are so happy to have her join the team as a horse owner and member of the Natural Connection. Congrats Laura! Kiddo ended up with the perfect new mommy!

Aztec's Way...AKA Taz (New Mommy Carol!)

Congratulations Carol on deciding to adopt a second horse! Carol has been very patient in working on training with her mare, Whisper, but sadly, this year, we discovered how sensitive Whisper is to seasonal allergies. Carol has been riding Taz since his arrival and has found a deep connection with him unexpectedly. We are so proud of Ms. Carol's progress as a rider and owner and look forward to seeing her, Taz and Whisper grow together! Taz is an adorable arabian quarter horse or quarab that was adopted into the Natural Connection program in June of 2009. His former mommy and daddy could no longer afford him and needed a home for him ASAP. Taz was a barrel racer, pole bender and specialized in western games. He has a dominant personality, and is a fun ride for advanced beginners learning to ride western. Taz has been switched to english hunt seat equitation and is flourishing! He has become one of the favorites in the program. He has learned to jump small crossrails and has calmed down tremendously in the last 5 months.

Whisper (Bars Mocha Whisper) AN AMAZING STORY! United with her original mom!

Diagnosed with Reoccurring Airway Obstruction (RAO/COPD), this pretty girl came to the Natural Connection in November of 2008 from Culpeper, VA. Her former mommy, Cara, said Whisper was a 3 day eventer at one point, a hunter and had done some team penning. She had been in the ribbons at one point in time, but because of her RAO, she was turned out to pasture for a year. Whisper has one of the most darling personalities of any horse I have ever met. With great personality and a lot of talent, I knew this mare needed to be in good hands for a slow recovery and rehabilitation. Carol Biang adopted Whisper in 2009. She spent a lot of time, effort, and love, trying to help Whisper become happy under saddle. Then, only 1 year later, we were contacted by a man, John, that claimed that he and his mom, Karen, used to be Whisper's owners. Amazingly, Whisper was on loan to the girl that Miss Jean got her from. After the loan, Whisper was to go back to John. She was never returned to her original mom, as promised. She was put up on Craigslist, and that is how she ended up with the Natural Connection. In 2012, Miss Jean, Miss Carol, and Fareed, reunited Whisper with John and Karen, Whisper's original owners, who hadn't seen her in 10 years. It was a very emotional and amazing day. We know Whisper is happy, and miracles can truly happen.

Teddy Bear (New mommies - Julia and Debbie)

UPDATE: They have recently adopted Teddy out to a wonderful home in Marshall, VA, as Julia graduated from the Natural Connection Program and is now with her Intermediate level instructor to take her to the next level! Good Luck Julia! We know you will do fantastic! AND HERE IS HIS STORY. Teddy came to the Natural Connection in 2006. He was an angry and unhealthy horse. It took Ms. Jean a year to get him to the point that she could allow students to ride him, without putting themselves in harms way. As the years went by, Teddy showed great promise as a lesson horse. Debbie and Julia purchased Teddy and Teddy remained with the program and Julia for many years as her hunter. After Julia successfully completed her 2 foot courses with Teddy, Julia was ready to graduate out of the program and take the next steps to moving forward with her riding. Teddy was adopted out to his final retirement home in Marshall, VA in 2011 and is happily living his life.

Annie Pie Pony the BLM Mustang! (New mommy - Krista)

I found Mustang Annie in the Plains, VA. She had been "cowboyed" all her life and had a multitude of problems. She had a halter growing into her face, did not trailer well, she hated to pick up her feet, she was frantic when you rode her, and did not trust people. After only 3 months, she became one of my favorite trail riding horses and a model student in natural horsemanship lunge line work. My exercise rider, Krista, was looking into numerous horses, and simply fell in love with this sweet mare. Now, Annie is a champion at trail riding, learning to jump, rides bareback and still is a model citizen at her new barn, next door to where the Natural Connection is located. Annie makes the mustang look like a golden breed to have!

Packer (AKA the blindman Packman) (New mommy - Dawn)

Packer came to the Natural Connection after having been a team roping horse for many years. As a matter of fact, when Barney was a heading horse, Packer was a heeling horse and they had roped together in their younger years. Packer roped into his late teens, and eventually, the cows were too heavy for him to turn. As we got to know Packer, we found out that he was a fantastic teacher for advanced beginners, even with only one eye! Packer continued teaching riders up until age 29. But when it was time for the Natural Connection to start looking for a new home, one of his students fell in love with him, and was able to retire him at her farm in Haymarket, VA. UPDATE, PACKER PASSED AWAY IN MARCH 2009, AT AGE 31. BLOODTESTS SHOWED HE PASSED AWAY DUE TO CANCER...HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY...

Pea-Eye - From ranchwork to therapeutic riding (New mommy - Helen)

Pea-eye worked as a ranch horse in team roping, trail riding at the Marriott Ranch and as a cattle herder with Virginia Beef. He came to me when his family could no longer keep him, but did not want to give him up to the meat market at auction. We discovered that Pea-Eye had some severe arthritis and potential hip issues. After a few months with the Natural Connection, Pea-Eye showed some improvement with his health, and Pea-Eye was adopted into a wonderful Therapeutic Riding program in Powhatan, VA. Even though this big dark horse looked like he had a dark future, he saw the light, and so did his new owner. He deserves a great life after all of his hard work!

The Marriott Ranch, where my natural connection with horses started...

Danny was a quarab (quarter horse/arabian) that I purchased for a mere $600.00 from a dear friend, Donna Gilkey, back in 1996. He served as my primary wrangler horse, doing daily trail rides which meant roughly 4 hours in the saddle a day. He was fantastic for leading moonlight rides due to his glowing white coat. After 4 years with Danny, I purchased a skinny purebred arabian, Chico, out of the killer pen. In order to rehab Chico, I decided to find Danny a good home at the age of 17. A lawyer, known as Berry Levine, purchased Danny and took him to his lovely estate out in Flint Hill, VA. As I go back and look at the pictures of Danny, I can clearly see he always stood with his left leg infront of the right. Had I payed more attention to that, I would have been able to help his onset of navicular, BUT, I was like anyone else, caught up in doing what "everyone else is doing" and simply ignored it. I pray that he is well and enjoying his older years.

A photo of a horse that looks just like my Chico...

Chico was an amazing rescue that I found at the Marshall Livestock exchange. He was severely underweight, but saddle broke! I had Chico for 4 and a half years, and he ended up being my best ranch horse that I had trained/owned! Chico and I did regular trail rides, overnight rides, moonlight rides and our favorite, cattle drives. Before I left the ranch, Chico and I participated in a memorable cattle drive, where he and I ran down a 2000lb longhorn bull, in front of around 35 riders! He was amazing! I regret selling him at the Thurmont sale, but was happy that he was the highest selling horse that night, to a great guy out in MD. If I could find him again, I would take him back in a heartbeat. Actual pictures of Chico and I will be posted soon!

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

AMAZING NEW DONATIONS and CONTRIBUTIONS FROM NATURAL CONNECTION MEMBERS!

Fareed Miran - For letting Barney and I come back home to Miran Farm, and allowing the Natural Connection to move and grow at this great facility...And years down the road, we must thank you again for being so open-minded and willing to have a non-traditional program exist in peace at a traditional facility...

Lancet Boyer - Monitary donations to help purchase fly sprays, ear covers and anything else to keep the babies comfortable during the bug season, volunteer hours

Kelly Smith-Moore - Countless volunteer hours, showing up at 7:45am to help Ms. Jean feed on Fridays, regardless of weather...what a trooper and a great help.

Liberty Seaford - Bits, tack trunk and other miscellaneous items that are very helpful to the program.

Carol Biang and Cowboy Ben - Carol and Ben were amazingly grateful after the 2 huge snow storms in February of 2010. Shortly afterwards, they provided Miss Jean with an amazing gift of brand new all terrain tires, that would allow Miss Jean to get to and from the barn safely to be sure all horses would be cared for. Thank you so much for this amazing donation and we will use these tires for many winters to come!

Cowboy Ben - Western saddle donated to the program at a tack swap! The money earned from the saddle will be put towards more equipment needed for the program which Ben is able to choose off of our wish list.

Eric and Mary Smith - For providing care for the Natural Connection horses as I re-launched the business in 2008

Debbie, Dennis and Julia - For sticking with me through each step of the way as the Natural Connection has grown into the wonderful program it is today

Corey and Sarah - Donation of tack box, chaps, blanket, bit and other miscellaneous items for Kiddo's recovery

Carol - Volunteer hours!THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE NATURAL CONNECTION! Donation of brushes, hooks, grooming bag, tack trunks, hay nets, buckets, Equimin Mineral blocks, endless donations, her time and moral and physical support each weekend, Carol, your dedication is not going unnoticed...

Janette Reeves - Donation of western saddle, many saddle pads, wraps, stirrups, bell boots and other miscellaneous items for all Natural Connection horses

Cowboy Ben- Volunteer hours, numerous small donations such as bits, snaps, etc. and making a wonderful handmade bit for Amber!

Autumn Ifarraguerri - Horse treats, fly spray and always thinking of our babies

Laura Knight - boots, girths, other nick nacks that we can use!

Kathey Tonnacliff - Multiple items of horse tack including saddle pads and other necessities

Cathy Suddarth - Blankets for winter time

Cheryl Watson - Volunteer hours

Cheryl Porcelli - Numerous donation tack items including saddle pads and cushions

My daughter, Katarina - For loving her mommy even if mommy is "horse crazy," and for showing mommy that the Natural Connection is a great family activity as well

My horses - For allowing me to learn their language, love them, work with them and encourage me to always treat them with respect and love...and ultimately, enabling me to share our special communication skills with our students