Leighton Farm

"Making the most of each thoroughbred."

Off The Glass

January 2009

March 30, 2009 - Hi Kim,
Boy does time fly! Glass is doing great. Hugh and I just got back from Vermont last Wednesday, though I have been back for quick trips twice since December. So Glass has had a lovely winter off. I have him out during the day with the deaf Hackney pony and the rescued little quarter horse gelding, Fred (he'll be 2yo this summer). Glass has fallen completely in love with Fred. Fred weighed 324 pounds when he arrived, and now is 475, the size of a large goat. It is so cute to see lovely Glass and and and the recovering Fred race around the field and face play. They always graze together. Glass doesn't like Fred to get out of sight, so I guess Fred is Glass' mascot. We' ll see how this goes when I put Glass in work next week!
It's been a trial keeping his weight up. He had a bout of gassy colic about 6 weeks ago, got tubed and readily recovered. We've made a few changes, and thank goodness the grass is coming in. He's on the Panacur Power Pack this week and I am hoping that, the grass, the Senior feed, rice brand and beet Pulp get him on the right road.
He obviously feels very good, his coat is slick and shiney, and his legs look good, better actually. Not as much puffiness around the ankles. I have a Bioscan unit with the red and infrared lights, and I will begin to treat him with that to see if that tightens his ankles up a bit more. I'll do a whole body scan, too and treat whatever needs it, though he moves well with no hint of any problems in the field. Oh, I had his front shoes off this winter, so he is doing all this barefooted. He'll get shoes back this summer, but I love to give them a break when I can. I am really looking forward to getting started with him. Just got a lot of catching up to do this first week home!
He talks to the mares, and one of them here really puts on a show for him. I don't have double fences, so I keep her two fields away! I can only take so much of squealing, necking, five legged horses! Don't think he's been around a lot of girls!
Glass is the king of his field, and is a good and kind leader. The Hackney thinks he is a little studmuffin, and Glass just is so above it all. He doesn't charge him, just pushes him away by his presence; Glass is a really confident guy. He has hills and trees to navigate through, some geldings on one side and a little band of mini horses by the lake at the bottom of his field (my neighbors), and of course, his two little buddies in the field with him. So he still has a rich environment, but much different than the sights and sounds at the track.
So please let his previous owners and trainer know he is loving life, we are thrilled to have him, and will keep you posted as we begin our journey!
Elaine

August 2009 -  Let me tell you about my horse! First of all, as little as he has to do, he probably thinks he REALLY retired! Earlier this summer I took him to Adult Riding Camp at FENCE in Tryon, NC. What a great experience that was! It was four days with two mounted lessons a day and two lectures. The first mounted lesson, all low-key, he could not keep his feet still. Nothing wild, just needed to keep moving, and looking at EVERYTHING. Not in a spooky, YIKES way, but just taking it all in. FENCE is a large showgrounds, with a huge covered arena (where we took our lessons) and many barns, stadium and dressage rings, and a steeplechase track. So there was a lot to look at. I just let him move, circled, turned, moved the haunches, gave him opportunities to whoa, and when he just had to move some more, went back to low-key work. The next day he was perfect, and was quiet and could stand fine every day after that. Guess he figured we were surely not going anywhere fast. It was a new way of doing business.
We went through some spook-proofing training, and he didn't spook at anything, including walking over a tarp on the ground and a mattress wrapped in a tarp. He is a cool dude.
But the most fun thing we did, was on the third day when we worked on pacing, like in eventing. We each trotted then cantered/hand galloped around the arena to get our basic times, then went out on the steeplechase course. We did this one at a time. Oh yeah! I was a little concerned but he had been listening very well, and we were connecting, and I figured, so far so good so... Got to my start position, then gently asked him to trot then move out, and roll on. Boy was he smooth! He lengthened and just ate up the ground, but never felt out of control. Just steady as a rock. What a great guy! Got to the end point, pulled up, came to a stop with no problem. It was great!
That gave me a lot of confidence. We have since taken him on a lot of trail rides here at home, and I can tell he has to learn about uneven ground, and ups and downs, and riding by steep ravines, but he is very smart and calm, and doing great. Four of us went out -me, my husband, and two friends who are instructors - and we got to a long flat field (about a mile long) and began trotting and let it roll into a canter - I was in front, smooth, no effort, thinking we were not going very fast. I looked back and they were gettin it! He really was a race horse wasn't he? He covers ground effortlessly.
He's been sharing a pasture with two other batchelors, but yesterday I moved him into a newly mown hayfield with a broodmare just weaning from her baby. They both need weight, so I can feed them both the same there. He is treating her very well, though she doesn't know he exists just yet - still fretting about the baby.
Last Monday Hugh and I took my adult (over 60) beginner riding student on her first trail ride. We put her on Glass because I knew I could trust him to take care of her. It was mostly walk with a little trot, and he was perfect. He really gave her confidence, and afterwards I told her she just rode a successful racehorse who won nearly $400k, on her very first trailride in the woods. She now has great bragging rights. What an ambassador for retired racehorses he is!
The only problem I have had with him is with his weight. I have all fat horses here, and he gets more feed than anyone, yet doesn't gain. I've wormed him four times with Equimax, did the Panacur 5 day power pak, and now he is on daily wormer. I treated him 30 days for ulcers. Last winter I had him on beet pulp. He is on beautiful pasture. For the last 4 months or so I have had him on a wonderful feed that is freshly made the day before it is sent to our dealer, 10%protein and 10%fat, beet pulp based with probiotics, garlic and meadow herbs! I want to eat it! I don't even feed my other horses in the summer, and have to limit their pasture, yet I can't get weight on him. I just doubled how much he gets. Oh, and free access to Equimin. I am not used to this - any other suggestions? I wish I had his problem!
Hope all is going well with you. Know that Glass is in a wonderful home, and regarded very highly. I love riding him, he really is a McDreamy! And now he is a lesson horse, too!
Thanks so much for letting me have him.
Elaine

Mark

January 2009

Hi Samantha,
I wanted to give you an update on Mark. He is doing fabulous! I took him BN at Redland this weekend and he was awesome. He stood on the trailer great and was relaxed and calm the entire time. He does scramble a lot on the trailer while I am driving, especially around turns, so I need to figure out what to do about that. Anyway, he was really good in dressage and got a 36.9. The judge's comments were that he is a very cute horse and that we had a nice, steady test, he just needs to get off his forehand more. I have been working on quiet and forward and now that we have that, I need to start working on push from behind.

In stadium we had an unfortunate rail at the first jump when he slid on the grass on take off (he is getting drilled and tapped at his next farrier appointment). I think that made him mad because he jumped the rest of the jumps huge! I had only schooled him once on XC, and that was over very basic stuff, so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I discovered is that he is like a heat seeking missile out there. He jumped everything without any hesitation and right out of stride. I have never had so much fun on XC before. He never got strong and I was able to loop the reins some on the long gallops and bring him right back. I really think 24/7 turn out is doing him a world of good. At the end of the day, we finished in 4th place. I am so pleased with him .  I hope you are doing well, Lisa Warnock

 

Prince Artax

January 2009

 September 2009 - Prince Artax is now called Merlin. I look out my kitchen window and smile when I see him and the pony grazing side by side or romping together in the field. He loves to play and herds the pony as if he was a cutting horse. (You can imagine what the pony is thinking). He is a joy to own and such a blast to ride XC. Streams are his favorite. He is a fabulous mover and has learned to jump logs and ditches. Sadly, the knee surgery that he had while he was a race horse has limited his jumping ability. (I'll have to get that fix elsewhere). It was a long journey of checking out many horses to find him. Thank you for helping the trainers, and therefore, saving the horses. I will send pictures

October 30, 2009 - Nicely done. Merlin (Prince Artax), January 2009 on website, was a star at the annual North County Preservation benefit trail ride. We rode in Bob Kinsley's group, close to the front. It was Merlin's first outing with so many horses and he was fabulous. He is a fabulous mover and gorgeous to the eyes. While I can't offer you $, as all my extra "stuff and $ goes to Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding in Havre de Grace, I do tell everyone who is interested in Merlin's story, starting with your website and efforts to his new life now. I also called Skeet Hollins the other day to update him and his wife about Merlin's new life. I did recommend in Steuart Pittman's post seminar survey that a percentage of the money raised, 350 people!!, should go to the horse rescues doing the front-line work. Jean
 

Script

January 2009

Stormy 3

January 2009

Freddie

January 2009

Here's Why

January 2009

July 15, 2009 - Dear Kim,

Hi, it's Beth. I got "Harry" (Here's Why) as my Birthday present from
y'all on Jan 5th of this year. His new name is Baby boy, I know a
rather funny name for such a foxy boy;) I also call him little man.
Either way he's doing fabulous. I'll send some pictures later this
month or early next month so you can see him. We love to spend time
together and his favorite place for his head is on my shoulder
sleeping. I can't thank you enough for my baby boy he is beyond
special.

Tripp

January 2009

Vito In A Speedo

January 2009

GrandsonComing

January 2009

January 14, 2009 - Hi Kim & Anne,

Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how Sonny & Bobbi are adjusting to their new home and to say thank you.

Sonny has become fast friends with one of our young Arabian geldings Volley, they follow each other around the pasture and prefer to eat out of the same hay pile as opposed to different ones we throw out for them. When they see you they come trotting over the the fence together to say hi, we've dubbed them the Bobbsey Twins. Sonny has been very good when riding him (except for trying to eat the fake flowers in the jumps), I've even ridden him in the indoor while there are beginner lessons going on. Everyone loves to watch him go and compliments his beautiful floaty movement. I love how calm his temperament is for a horse that just turned 4! He is so sweet and loves to put his head under my arm and cuddle.

Bobbi is very interested in everything that goes on at the farm, she wants to say hi to everyone who walks by her stall and loved when one of our littlest lesson kids gently stroked her nose for quite a while. My 5 yr old gelding Guinness is mesmerized by her, when she stands on the crossties outside his stall he stares and nickers at her, and she squeals with delight. She has been good to ride as well. One of our advanced junior riders rode Bobbi in her lesson tonight after I had hacked her earlier. She was great and when asked to go through a gymnastic combination of cavalettis to a cross rail she went right through. Then we added another element, a straight rail with a flower box underneath, she went right through again and really seemed to enjoy it, getting better each time, I'm sure it helped that she learned she got a peppermint after each time. Her rider loved her and, just as you described Kim, her willingness to please. We gave her some pieces of carrot after the lesson which she daintily took, biting pieces she thought were too big into tinier pieces she deemed more acceptable for a lady :)

After watching Sonny & Bobbi go tonight one of our boarders (who has two kids a quarter horse and a pony) said, "Wow, I always thought of Thoroughbreds as being high strung and wild but all of yours are so nice, maybe I should really consider one for our next horse."  It was a great compliment, hopefully the more people we can get to think like that, the more Thoroughbreds we will see find good loving homes. Thank you both again, I'll send pictures soon!

Best regards,
Nicole

Miss Bobbi Socks

January 2009

Beech Cat

January 2009

Secret

January 2009

Triton

February 2009

 I see that Triton made it to the graduates page and I just want to send an update on this fabulous creature.  He has been an absolutely wonderful addition to our little band of merry critters. He is polite, smart, and fun to be around as well as being very handsome.   He gets along great with his pasture mates and is a joy to ride.  He loves jumping and is very brave.  I totally trust him riding out in the open and on trail rides.  On our first trail ride, we went with one other horse and Triton took the lead and trotted though the woods like he owned them.  He likes grazing but is happy to come inside for a nap.   Triton loves to have his face rubbed with a towel and he was not bothered at all by the clippers when I touched up his bridle path.  We just adore this guy and thank you Kim for making it possible for us to have him!

Future Concord

February 2009

Tiptoe with me

February 2009

This absolutely special horse will have many updates.  He has a very special story and his own page on this website.  Click here to see it!

June 7, 2009 - I am SO PROUD AND HAPPY!!! By the time Tippy got home, he was thoroughly sick and tired of being kissed, hugged and told what a superstar he was! I unloaded him, rubbed his legs with linement and turned him out. He walked away with undisguised disdain when I tried to kiss him again, very carefully rolled on his right, stood up and rolled on his left. He then stood up, kicked his heels up and trotted off to see his many friends.

I've said it before but again- can't ever thank you enough for both of my monsters!!

So, I needed to be back at the barn by 2P because I promised someone there I would jump her kid's 14.3 pony on a video. And yes, I did ask- does he jump OK? Answer: oh yeah!! Well, on the happiest, most satisfying day of my riding career I was totally humiliated by the little sod. After 20 minutes and almost falling off twice, we finally got the damn video. Yet another lesson in humility!!!!!!!!!!! This time by a blanking pony!!!

And not to be redundant but I'm really proud of you and the baby bird too!!!
I'm sure everything went well with Willie.

Look forward to seeing you soon. If the weather holds I'm going to try to get Mary down there Fri or Sat.. And dinner is Sat. We need to find a time for wine and e-bay too!

Talk to you soon,
Take care,
Kathy

June 8, 2009 - Kim,
I hope you have at least an inkling of how important your work and dedication is.
You have helped/saved so very many deserving horses (and they are ALL deserving). In the process you have given priceless gifts to their new owners. And that's the God's honest truth!!!!!! [Of course, I believe I've made out the best of anyone, but we'll keep that between us!!!]
Kathy

Collective

February 2009

We have named him Takoda (we call him both Takoda and Koda, whichever you prefer).  It is a Native American Indian name meaning “Friend to Everyone” and seems to fit him beautifully.  It’s also the only name he acknowledges after trying out many on him!

He has really taken to my 7 year old daughter – he adores her!  I have created a blog of our experiences from the beginning.  Feel free to take a look:  http://savingtakoda.blogspot.com/

Tower Crane

February 2009

Brown Paper Package

February 2009

I am the Future

February 2009

Jail Break

February 2009

He was a gorgeous horse, but we found him a home so fast, we never got to taking pictures!

Hi Kim
I was the one that adopted JB, that dude is a bundle of joy to have around, have not got any good pictures yet but will real soon. We were hoping to ride them at a trail ride this sunday but for some reason he keeps going lame then had an allergic reaction to a tick bite which scared me but the vet put him on some meds, we figured why he keeps going lame he needed shoes so he is going to be shod friday, we check your website daily he is a faboulus mover just like you said so thankyou, and everyone that seen him wants to take him, I had a solid offer for him but have grown too attached and future and him are attatched to the hip, we wanted to come up and get his futures brother but we missed it, They are hard to keep weight on them, when they first arrived the dropped weight big time we had the vet check em out and he recommended a rice bran and they gained significant, my only complaint was jb going lam but we figured him out and one of our boarders wants to show jump him but I am skeptical because I love my horse. Keep us posted and after he is shod we will send pictures and please we want more horses a lot of people were interested in the thoroughbred adoption and we send them your way. so thankyou
Andrew
 

IncredibullMr.Biggs

February 2009

Alittle Simplicity

February 2009

February 19, 2009 - Hi Kim,

I thought you might like to see the condensed version of Scooter's story I have sent to a few friends who know what finding him and bringing him into my life means to me. I hope it was alright to use some of his journal. It helped to bring his story together and put into pictures some of what they have been hearing about him. He is so wonderful and I am so lucky. I have one dilemma I wanted to share with you: he is coming into a barn with two horses, one of them is 28-year-old "Scooter". What are the chances!! So I may have to find him a new barn name. Any thoughts? "Lucky" is the one word that just keeps coming up: he was lucky to be rescued, I am so lucky to have found him and now to have gotten him, my friends are saying he is lucky to have gotten me, and that we are lucky to have found each other (all very generous sentiments). "Lucky" fits all aspects of his past, present, and our future, but it also maybe a little bit juvenile sounding. Then I thought of the horse books I poured over as a kid and remembered one I loved titled "Copper's Chance": what do you think of "Chance" for a stable name? It fits in terms of him getting a chance at life, of him grabbing that chance with such gusto, and my getting one final chance to have an amazing horse who will see me through my riding lifetime and I will see him through his lifetime (assuming long lives for both of us :-)). Please, I would love your input so feel free to pass on any thoughts. (Heather was incredibly generous in her note to you about me. I haven't had a real horse to ride in a long time, all the ones I have ridden in recent years are able to do PT riding at best so I was feeling very needing time "back-in-the-saddle" when I hopped on Scooter. I have attached a photo just to show you that I once did do stuff with guys that were able to. Scooter and I probably won't do anything so lofty, but we will have fun. I sent you a card yesterday so you should get it soon. Take care.         Linda

Scooter, aka Little Guy has his own page - click here to see it.

Mardi

February 2009

Roman

February 2009

Py Ballado

February 2009

Lucky Legs

February 2009

Lassie

March 2009

Hello! I just wanted to send you a quick email to let you know that Lassie has completely settled in and become one of the "herd". She doesn't stay by herself anymore and gets along great with my other girls. She seems very happy and loves to roll in the mud and run around the pasture. She has figured out how to be a horse again and is doing really well. :-) I just wanted to let you know that she had finally started socializing and was going great. Hope all is well with you. Take care!
 

Babe

March 2009

Izzy

March 2009

Casey

March 2009

Dean

March 2009

This is Staci, the new owner of Ra der Dean. I'm pleased to say that. I love him more than anything and he as adjusted to farm life very well. Not only do I love him everyone that meets him just falls for him. He's a sweetie.

You were so kind to us when we got Dean we would love to deal with you again. I tell everyone how amazing you and Jk were to us. I tell them how beautiful your home and farm were, and how much you loved the horses. It's so nice to see people that really care for and take good care of animals.
 
  Thanks again,
  Staci
 

Sonya

March 2009

Vesuvian

March 2009

Slugger

March 2009

Yankee

March 2009

Brass

March 2009

Scotty

March 2009

Fair Weather

March 2009

Maiden

March 2009

Archelen

March 2009

False Alarm

March 2009

Zorro

March 2009

December 8, 2009 - HI Kim


I last contacted you in July/August on behalf of my trainer to inquire about one of your horses.


Thanks to you and your wonderful work, I have been, for the last four months, the proud and very lucky godmother of an equine angel named Zorro D'oro. He is the star of the barn and the absolute love of his owner, Nancy Stillman's life. Zorro is the sweetest, handsomest and most elegant gelding around - he is perfect (Oh yeah, except for that stall - he hides poop everywhere). He has the best attitude about everything and always tries to please. I am heaping these compliments on Zorro at my own peril from my very jealous equine partner (she is too independent to have an "owner"), the worlds best OTTB Mare who lives right across the aisle from Zorro.


This fall, I was excited to find the beautiful beaded browbands you offered on you website to benefit Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue. I had planned to order one for Zorro an one for my mare, but, being the procrastinator that I am, I delayed ordering them. When I finally got my act together, I could no longer find them and have not seen them on you website for awhile now. Are they gone for good? They are just beautiful.


I am on you website quite often and have fallen in love with every horse that you have showcased. You do a fantastic job in presenting a very clear picture of the horses, in photos, text and video and to top it off, if Zorro is any indication, you deliver such well mannered, well educated, obviously well cared for and content horses. If I did not live in an area where horses (and places to keep them) were so rare, I would love to bring them all home. I get so much pleasure out of logging on to your site and seeing the words "Found a Home" or "Sold" under the name of a horse - especially the ones I have been worried about. You are such a Godsend to the horse world for all of the great work that you are doing to put these great horses together with their new partners and new lives.


I also love to read about your adventures with Birdie and your work with Jimmy and Elizabeth - two of the really greatest ever. Reading about your decision to keep "Willie the Wonder Horse" put a real lump in my throat - he really wanted to be yours. I wish you all of the success (joy) in the world. Please keep up the good work. There are a lot of us out here who so admire you.


I want to wish you and everyone at Leighton Farm - both human and equine - a wonderful Christmas season and let you know that you, your horses, and the staff of Leighton Farm, as well as the owners and trainers you work with, were tops on my list of those to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

All my best

Doreen
and a great big "HI" from Zorro

Machipongo

April 2009

Pongo was purchased by a kill buyer at auction.  We subsequently bought him to give him a chance at a new life.  Once again he is a testament to the fact that horses going to slaughter are not unwanted.  They end up at auction many times because the owner is looking for the easiest way to get rid of them.  Not because someone wouldn't love to have them.

April 9, 2009 - Kim,
I cannot tell you how happy I am with Pongo! He is so sweet-- We put him in a private paddock just because we have to quarenteen him for a while and he settled right down. He can see horses in the other paddocks but no one can get to him to steal his food. I gave him some carrots of which he loved and he just followed me around like a puppy dog. He loves to be groomed and he let me know where all his good spots are. He was eating his hay fairly well but liked it better when people where around. He want attentions so bad he just rubs his head on me wants me to pet and groom him. I will not ride him for about a week and really let him settle into his new home. This is a time just for him to relax and get into a routine. One of the other ladies at the barn took a look at him and said he really looked nice and kept commenting on his temperment. She said we where both lucky to have each other.

I will keep you posted on his progress from time to time and send some pix. Again it was a pleasure to meet you and what a wonderful thing you did saving this great horse so he could have a chance for a new life! Diana told me everything you did to give Pongo that chance. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter.

May 4, 2009 - Kim,

I wanted to follow up with you on Pongo to let you know how he is doing. I rode him for the first time on Friday of this week. WHEW he was feeling really good. We have been just letting him adjust and eat.We have been giving him supplements and all the hay he can eat. On Saturday he was better after we lounged him for awhile, and Sunday I rode him in the indoor. He settled down nicely and really wants to please you. We are bringing him along really slow as he is very unsure about everything. I love him to death and am having such a great time with him. He is getting a beautiful coat as I groom him everyday. Can you say spoiled -- He is the carrot monster and looks for them everyday. He loves his carrots and I go through a big bag every week. I just do not see how this horse ended up where he did I think he is just wonderful. I am so glad to have met you and admire the work you do for these horses. I will try to donate soon, as I have been pouring money into Pongo to get his wardrobe, new tack, blankets, rain sheets,shots, new shoes, etc. and not to mention the $25.00 worth of carrots he gets every week. Pongo is very happy and likes the pony and older horse he goes out with. Pongo is making great progress and we may take him to a show sometime this summer just to look around. Again we are taking it really slow with him, and want him to feel comfortable and confident in everything he does. Take care and keep up the great work you do for these horses.

October 29, 2009 - Kim,

Pongo is a big portion in my life and he hogs all the attention, he never seems to get enough. I have made some adjustments as he was just getting tooo spoiled. He would give me the look every time I tried to pass by his paddock or stall. He is such a joy for me as he has filled a part of my life I thought I would never return to. I tell everyone his story and how such great people like you are helping other Pongo's too.  Connie

 

Cranberry Covet

April 2009

April 9, 2009 - Dear Kim
You may or may not remember me, Toni Schiller... my daughter Scarlett and I came out to your farm to see Celtic Summer and a few others last spring.. We also were very interested in Stitch..

I don't see him on your Graduates page yet... but,
I am writing to tell you how happy we are with Cranberry Covet, ( new barn name Nikos). He has only been on the farm for two weeks, but he has settled in beautifully. He shares a pasture with our gelding Stat and his friend Fritz. Nikos is very intelligent, and eager to please. I think he is enjoying being spoiled, and was a complete gentleman for the farrier. Our daughter started walk / trot work with him this week and she says he is a fantastic ride! We have a few youtube videos posted and will continue to add more to document his training in hunters/ equitation. You can see him @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3qZpL-0H6g   Sincerely, Toni

April 17, 2009 - Hi Kim
Hope you don't mind frequent updates...
Nikos comes to the gate when Scarlett calls him and she cantered him for the first time.
Our ring is very tiny, so just him being able to balance himself is amazing, he is getting better every day listen to Scarlett's commentary on his canter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPh0hCcWfqc   thanks again for the work you are doing!

Mr. Notebook

April 2009

This is the second time I've found this guy a home.  He was adopted off the track to become a fox hunter, but that wasn't to be.  The owners asked me to help find him a new home where he could be a pensioner.  This took a while, but he found the perfect spot.  He is a wonderful horse.

Hold Anex

April 2009

Tarbender

April 2009

Mattaprax Plantation

April 2009

Mickey's Mecke

April 2009

Network

May 2009

Hi Kim,
Just wanted to pass along a report about JP which his new name is SLATER...
He is doing great he's a very happy boy..He is so sweet and just a pleasure to be around..Here are a few pictures of him out in the pasture just chillin..  Thanks,
Janice
 

AJ

May 2009

Blue Bay

May 2009

Prince StitchAway

May 2009

I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed taking with you last week and to thank you so much for putting me in touch with Kelly. You were right about her in that when she wants something she gets it… cause’ sure enough they took my 1st offer for Stitch! It was so funny because she didn’t even have the chance to tell me that my offer was accepted. I had called her to ask her about a vet appointment related to getting Stitch vaccinated and coggins pulled etc all under the pre-text that I was going to get him and that I would negotiate more if necessary, that I wanted him etc, and coolly she said “oh, well they took the offer.” It was like you said… she totally made the deal happen. It was great! And she’s bringing Stitch tomorrow! I’m meeting her over at Foxhorn Stables at Sappony Creek Farm in Moseley, VA where Stitch will be put into between 30 to 90 days professional training to become my dream pleasure horse! It’s so hard to have him 30 minutes from home, but since he hasn’t been ridden in a year I know this time of re-training to the pleasure world will really be of benefit for him and for me. After training he’ll be brought home for me to ride and love all the time. I will make sure to keep you posted on his progress. Thanks again for helping me find my forever horse.

Lite This One Up

May 2009

Sitra Sweet

May 2009

A Snuck To Be You

May 2009

Thunderbello

June 2009

Won Fast

June 2009

Scoring High

June 2009

January 9, 2010 - Happy New Year from Scoring High!

After taking the summer off to relax in the Green Mountains of Vermont, we have begun dressage training and are progressing rapidly. I have to say, the feel on my back is a lot different, but I am learning quickly to move off seat and leg aids. I’ve got my walk–halt, walk-trot and trot-halt transitions down pat. I’m mastering turns on the forehand now. I’m also a pro at all of the basic Parelli games and just love working at liberty. I am wearing lots of warm blankets here in the North country and looking forward to spring so I can get out on the trails, go to the beach, join the community drill team and also enjoy all of the acres of pastures with my two other horse friends, Kelly (the 23 year old QH/Morgan cross mare) and Webster (the 11 year old Hanoverian gelding).

Happy New Year from High’s partner…. Kim, she is a dream come true! We are having such fun together. She is all that I had hoped for in a riding partner….sensitive, willing and very, very sane. Have I told you how much I love my thoroughbred? I have ridden a lot of horses in my day and there are none like this breed. I just have to think what I want and it happens – either on the ground or under saddle. Keep up the great work finding these lovely horses good homes and sticking with all of us who take them “under our wing”.
 

Jeannette
 

Pointsman

June 2009

Code Name Allen

June 2009

Habanero Heart

June 2009

July 1, 2009 - Kim,
THANK YOU so much!! I am really looking forward to keeping in touch with you and the breeders as Buddy comes along. Buddy has been a superstar. I have taken him on A LOT of hacks and he is basically bombproof. Last night a herd of deer came right out in front of us and he was great about it! I plan on hacking him a lot this month and in the fall starting into eventing mode (slow and steady). I will keep you posted!

I thought that I would see you at Fair Hill but we had to scratch the horse I was riding (she has lyme's disease pretty bad) so I will not be going. I am sure that I will catch up with you soon. Thanks again for the email. It is heartwarming to see how much his breeders care about him! Best, Jennie

November 8, 2009 - Kim,
I am not sure if you remember me...I bought Buddy (Habaneo Heart) in June. I have been having so much with Buddy and he is progressing so well! I have been focusing a lot on dressage and I am amazed at how well he has picked it up! He is also doing GREAT with jumping, I have been working with him over low jumps and he is ready for more! I just want to THANK YOU so much...he is a dream come true for me!!

My camera downloads huge pictures so I created a powerpoint of picutes of Buddy. The first couple pictures in the powerpoint are from the summer and the last bunch is from yesterday. It is so neat to look at the pics and see how far he has come! I have enjoyed every step of the way and I am looking forward to getting him out to some events in the spring. I sent the same powerpoint to his breeder. Please let me know if you have any trouble opening the powerpoint and I can try to get the pics in a different format.

My friend Brooke said that she rode with you in a Wofford clinic last week...sounds like fun!! I can't wait to do one with Buddy! Thanks for Buddy and thanks for all of the work that you do. You are really doing such a great service to these extraordinary horses.
Thanks,
Jennie

 

Chomper

June 2009

Wild On Gin

July 2009

Our Sister Gina

July 2009

Appealing Pass

July 2009

Andy's Legacy

July 2009

Girl

July 2009

Jack

July 2009

September 2009

Jack is progressing fabulously! Our ring work is going well. He is carrying himself better and not rushing the gymnastics. We've got a two step back up fairly consistently and the halt is quicker. He is a fast learner and it has been a challenge to balance not boring him with not rushing him. Our jaunts outside the ring are getting longer.

We have foxhunted in second flight 3 times and he settled in after the first hour and is content to walk, trot and canter with the second group. The dogs and horn and racket don't faze him and he is not spooky at all. Water does concern him and he is not a fan of mud either, but he goes on through like a champ.

I have discovered his love of peppermints. It is the only treat he will take. He is so sweet - I understand why you were so attached to him.
 

Feint

July 2009

Zorro

July 2009

Slater/JP

July 2009

This is the second time I've placed this beautiful horse.  His first owner lost her job and had to give him up.  He's now living in South Carolina with an accomplished eventing trainer.

Thanks giving day, 09

Step out the door

into the cathedral

sky-ceiling coming light

with late-rising sun.

Walk toward the barn

where horses await your direction

Horses

For over forty years

Horses… your dream…training…

And always you’ll be grateful

            —highly grateful—

for those special ones

who shared their lives with you…

Dusty…Rabbit….Junior…Huey…

Hopeful…

with you for over three decades…

Yes, you’re grateful for them all.

But right now

looking up at your cathedral ceiling

you recall that site 

            you can’t stay away from

seeing those horses needing homes…

forcing yourself to refrain.

You’ve got too many orphans already

Today—a few minutes ago,

with that first cup of coffee

you had to check her site yet again.

You read “two year old filly”

and in the same paragraph

“slab fracture and two chips in same knee…”

Your anger rose

—what idiot trained this poor—no,

you don’t have room for another stall-bound.

But then you scrolled down,

checked for familiar faces

-particularly the one-eyed gelding

—so long looking for a home—

who especially pulled at your heart

really forced you to sit on your hands.

You read “Stoley—found a home….

Pickles—found a home…”

Then, there he is.

Good ole Cody

—whom you just know is a solid citizen.

And under his name:

Found a home.

So today, before entering your barn,

you look up again, give your deepest,

heartfelt thanks to the Universe

for a woman,

fellow-trainer in Maryland,

Kim,

as you swallow that lump

and wipe your eyes…

--By Paula Turner

Busting

July 2009

August 2009 - Attached are two pictures of me and Busting after we took our first dressage lesson which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or_yh6bnAOM

September 2009 - I wanted to write and let you know about Busting progress in dressage. Somewhere in her past someone had schooled her in basic (maybe even higher level) dressage. She seems to know once I give her the right command how to do figure eights, 2mm circles, free walk, medium walk and change from a walk to a trot. She is so very kind and will just go along with all of my mistakes until I do it right.

I want to thank you and her previous owner and trainer for all of the excellent care she was obviously given.

 

May

July 2009

Pernambuco

August 2009

Freckles

August 2009

Bear

August 2009

MNM

August 2009

August 21, 2009 - All is going very well. He cross ties, can deal with all the stretches and new things we discover. He is relaxed and enjoying his new home. I use a camp chair and studied next to him the first few days.

The only problem with him is a weak left hind hip which we exercise and the wind sucking that he does.

But I’m there morning and night (took a stall cleaning opening) to be there for him as much as possible before and after work/before he goes ninight.

He is the kindest horse and I’m fiercely in love with him. One person held up a broom to stop him from cribbing and I almost jumped her! The McNasty stuff is great but with Vasoline I PAINT the wood and he’s like “oh all right” then goes to the hay or Lickits I have all over the place. We have ridden out and around the ring, but I mostly like to bareback him at the walk.

I’m grateful for what Karen taught him (so I would know what he COULD do) but I want to restart him into everything at the walk and get his balance, then show him we don’t care for “performance” we care about how he feels and his well being first. The complicated dressage for flat strength and balance later.

He’s so funny thinking its time to go fast…. but everyone was shocked when one night I went out there and used just a helmet and bridal. They were all like “are you sure you want to do that???” I was like, “umm, yea, this is about Being One, hello” Lol!!!

Anyhow, he’s my baby and is getting nice new easy shoes soon. I’ll call them his slippers, hehe!

Thanks so much. Crissie J

 

Kiky

August 2009

Reggae

September 2009

Pokey

August 2009

October 24, 2009 - Hi Kim:
I remembered that we had talked about my going to the track with you to learn more about race horses and the track world. We had talked about sometime around the end of October, do you still want to do this?
I have been working with Okyo. He is becoming more trusting all the time. He walks over a lot of obstacles, a wooden bridge which lies flat on the ground, poles and even a tarp. The first time I got on him at the barn, he was extremely hesitant. I started out making it a safe ride, he at first didn't want to go around the edge of the barn, by the end of the approximately 45 minutes I rode him he acted like he owned the place. He is getting along pretty well with Sandy's horse Buddy. Buddy had some issues at first. The biggest problem I have with him is cross tying. He has not gotten comfortable with this yet. I am working with him. I think the biggest thing is a little at a time until he trusts tying more and trusts me more. He is extremely friendly and kind. Everyone comments on his friendliness at the barn. Each time I work with him I am slowly elevating him to do new things, soon to learn the scary monsters won't hurt him and i won't hurt him. He knows when he does wrong, can tell if you are mad at him. I have been extremely sick for about two weeks so I haven't been able to work with him as much as I would like. His athletic ability is pretty amazing. Definitely one of the more athletic ones I have dealt with. He is learning his space/ground manners and what I want and expect from him. I am growing to really like him and can see the potential you saw in him. Hope all is well and look forward to hearing from you soon, Chuck

Poppy

August 2009

Comet

September 2009

November 24, 20090 - Hi Kim,

I just wanted to give you an update on Comet and Rod. We now call
them Wyatt and Everard. They are both doing well. We have ridden Ev
a few times and are look forward to eventing him next year. We may
take Wyatt to some in hand shows, just to get him used to shows. Not
like either of them care, they are completely laid back and MUCH
easier to handle than my intermediate event mare! Right now they look
like shaggy beasts, but after the winter we'll clean them up and send
some photos.

Ashley and John
 

Manchester

September 2009

September 2009 - Kim, what a magnificent boy! My husband is having a lovely time teaching him about horse treats - and he is more than willing to learn. I’m in touch with the farrier to see what we can do the help the bowed tendons. I’m glad that I’ve been able to give him a home.

October 20, 2009 - Kim, my farrier saw Manchester (aka Manny) this morning. We now have a protocol in place to help shrink the suspensory tendon in place. She said a part of his problem was that his front hooves were too long, so she corrected that. With that and appropriate wraps, he’s ready to go down to the bigger field with the other horse and donkey. I’m sure he’ll be happier to be there. He’s become a pocket baby - since I usually carry apple/oat treats in my pockets. His nose was busy this morning sniffing all over the front jeans pocket where the treats were. He’s responding nicely to lots of rubs and brushing, and no comes to the fence when he sees us. He’s quite the charmer and a complete character. I’m so glad that we were able to get him.

 

Prelude

September 2009

Aunty

September 2009

Mia

September 2009

Partner

September 2009

Straight Up

September 2009

Doodle

September 2009

Another Bear

September 2009

October 22, 2009 - Hello Kimberly,

I am sure you do not remember me but two or three months ago I inquired about
Pointer and after speaking with his trainer she told me that he may not be
exactly what I was looking for but that Bear likely was, my mom and I made the
trip a few days after Linda Gaudet's call to go see him at Bowie and it was
love at first sight. I looked at him on saturday and brought him home on
sunday. I really appreciate your website and feel that what you are doing for
these horses and people like me is truly amazing. My donation is coming soon,
no later than Thanksgiving hopefully. Things are just a little tight at the
moment because I am a college student solely paying for all of his new tack,
vet bills, feed, general horse care, etc. "Zava" as I call him is doing
wonderful he and my 22 year old Thoroughbred gelding bonded immediately and are
inseperable. He has had adequate time off and my trainer and I are starting his
retraining slowly. I would greatly appreciate a copy of the retraining guide
that the organization offered at Fair Hill and am more than willing to pay any
shipping costs if you have a copy and are willing to mail it to me. Thank you
so much and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Ashly Welch
 

Pointer

September 2009

November 9, 2009 - Hi Kim,

I just wanted to give you a update on Pointer (Point Taker). He has done a complete turn around from when I first saw him at the track; where once he was playful (bucking, etc) he is now the calmest horse at the barn! Everyone jokes that he is a old man in a young man's body; he takes everything with stride. If something gets his attention, he has to go investigate, and then decides that its nap time again. When I first got on him, I was fully prepared to deal with a playful spunky guy, but it turns out, that without a crop he just wants to meander around and look at the scenery. Once he does get going he is an amazing horse! It's like he was never on the track, well besides the high head. His trot and canter are slow and rhythmic, and he gets things so fast! I can teach him how to do something once or twice, and the next time I ask, he's like ok I know how to do this. The vet said to hold off on teaching him to jump Spring, just to give the bowed tendon some more time off, even though he passed the vet check! Thank you again for helping me find him!

Ashley
 

Franklin L

September 2009

December 22, 2009 - Hi! i'm the new proud owner of Franklin L. I just want to say thank you so much! He is doing so great. I'm wait till the spring to start riding him because he is a growing like a weed! He is a great on the ground and loves all the snow we have up this way! I sending you a pic of him in his new pink blaket and halter that he looks so cute in! Thank you again very much!

ATM Machine

October 2009

December 24, 2009 - Greetings Kimberly,

I wanted to send a quick note to let you know that Bling is doing great and I adore him!! He has such a great personality and a sense of humor to boot! I have ridden a few tines but the weather got the best of me and I have been unable to get back on. I wanted to send a picture of me riding him and his attempt to be a reindeer for Christmas. :)

I will keep up with the pictures and updates to let you know how he is doing. I greatly appreciate what you do in finding these wonderful horses a new life.

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Holiday Season and a fabulous New Year!!

Rhonda

Maxine Ahead

October 2009

Vehement

October 2009

Tudor's Honor Roll

October 2009

Bo Waters

October 2009

November 8, 2009 - Hi Kim,
I just wanted to let you know that Bo made it safely home with us.
She had a pretty exciting day as she got used to her new surroundings and her new friends. We left her in a paddock where she could see and be near our other horses turned out but she started pacing quite a bit and working herself up. We finally decided the best thing to do for her was to let her out to go meet her new friends. Everything went great and I was able to also turn out my big paint mare with the herd which I hadn't done in over a year. Even my paint mare, Lakota, enjoyedbeing with the rest of the herd and was a good girl. Since we designed all of our pastures to connect around the entire property with our house in the center we went around and opened all the gates. It truly worked out perfect since Bo was finally happy and settled down and all the rest of the her new friends could meet each. It was
a dream come true at last. Like I told Jon, it feels like we've come to the full circle with Bo being the missing link and everything is at peace now.

We decided that Bo seemed the most relaxed being outdoors with Adam so we left them in the pasture closing it off to just a smaller area by the house tonight especially since it is a warm and beautiful night
here. They were both content and happy. All five horses which includes our new babies, Bo and Adam, were and will be treated all week with ulcergard while they adjust to the new horses and new routines. I am going to stop by and see my vet tomorrow to pick up some tranquilizers for when my farrier comes out this week so we can
make it a pleasant and easy experience for all of us as Bo and Adam get used to their new home, me, and my wonderful farrier which I think the horses will really like since he is very patient, gentle, and does a great job. I will also keep some onhand just in case because the one horse that is the most excited about all the change is actually my 23 year old TB, Bert who had the major stroke in March'08. Then again, Bert has always been the most excitable horse I have ever had and has always been this way for the past 19 years that we have been
together. Since I learned about the tranquilizer idea from your book on your website, I thought it would be an excellent idea to add more to my emergency kit just in case. Thank you.

I am going to give Bo and Adam the week to relax and get to know their new surroundings, and get to know me and Jon before putting them into any work. I may lunge them a little in a couple days but I think just letting them relax and get used to the new farm routine would be best for them and for my other three horses. If you have any recommendations I'm always open to ideas, suggestions, and learning from other's experiences.

I am just so excited and I cannot thank you enough for bringing Adam and Bo into our lives. Thank you, Kim. And thank you for what you are doing to help these precious horses.  Sincerely, Vee
 

Mother Mary C

November 2009

Monster Chaser

November 2009

I made one call and sold Monster to a very good friend.  He'll have updates for sure.

Adam's Attitude

November 2009

Double Mystery

November 2009

Quintyne

November 2009

November 19, 2009 - Hi Kim,

Here are some pictures of him getting used to some more new horses out in the pasture today. The big black horse is the one that I almost bought. Quinn wanted no trouble at all from the other boys...and we were surprised that hardly any snorting even went on, just a little chasing. Soon it started raining and I brought him in. He was very good...not even a spook at his new farm. He was more than willing to easily back off the trailer. I should be able to ride him tomorrow.

We are going to have to skip the dressage show this time. I really need to get a new trailer. That is my next purchase.

Oh hey, what size bit did you use on him?

Suzann
East New Market, Maryland

Danny R

November 2009

Nanjemoy

November 2009

He's off to Kentucky to be an eventer.  He found his human the day after he arrived at Leighton Farm.  I never had a chance to take pictures.

American Intent

November 2009

Lord Smellington

November 2009

Stole Another

November 2009

Star of the East

November 2009

Grudgingly

November 2009

Sir Paco

November 2009

Rhode River

December 2009

Rajasthan

December 2009

December 8, 2009 - ok don't faint....but it's the holidays and i need a saint to take
care of my old bod..so i call him "NICK" for short which he learned in
2 seconds and his full name is "ST NICK" call me romantic and
sentimental..came up with it about 3 this afternoon..and as soon as
i called him "NICK", he whinnied and trotted up to me..case closed
thanx again
sherry
WOODSIDE FARM
equine retirement
aiken,s.c.
 

Shivaree

December 2009

Te Veo y Te Amo

December 2009

Constant Star

December 2009

One Strong Lady

December 2009

December 16, 2009 - Lady is settling in nicely. I'm calling her Birdie (I love that name).. anyhoo. She got her feet done last night and stood well for the farrier. She loves to be scratched and petted and tried an apple and liked that too! She doesn't seem to like people getting near her back end so I'm careful when she starts swishing her tail.. I try to calm her down and sack her out some more. I've been walking her all over the farm and she met the Pot Belly pig and didn't freak out too much. I'll feel better when she can be turned out, but she has been turned out in the inside ring and seemed fine by herself too. I ordered Neigh lox and a hoof supplement from smartpak and got her some bell boots. We're looking forward to getting to know each other and its off to a GREAT start. I'll work on longeing and riding next!

Thanks for all of your help and the great work you do!

Elizabeth

Trippin Trippi

December 2009

Gator's Punch

December 2009

Frisky Spider

December 2009

A New Dispute

December 2009

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Kimberly Clark

301-579-6898                                                                           

Trainer@LeightonFarm.com