The Horses of Jakes Flat Farm
Jake’s Flat Farm, LLC is currently home to 6 very talented horses. Our goal is for our horses to live as pleasant and natural a life as is possible when they are not at work on their “horse jobs”. Each horse has their own stall to use or not as they choose. They live in a 13 acre pasture and come and go as they please from the pasture into and out of the the covered arena or their stalls when turned out.
when the barn is open for business, the horses who are "at work" are usually stalled during that time. When the barn is closed for business, they are often turned out to live as a herd. We are reluctant to interfere with their day to day business any more than absolutely necessary. The horses usuallycome in during the day during hot weather and pasture in the evenings and early morning then switch to coming in at night during the colder, rainier season, to go out during the day. This philosophy allows them quality leisure time and the social support of the herd, while providing an effective strategy to avoid insects and provides them the most effective shelter from heat and cold weather.
For our horses we believe that less is more. We avoid processed feed concentrates, unnecessary shoeing, pesticides, and use only very limited medication and vaccines. We feel that this “less is more” philosophy allows our horses to enjoy a high quality of life and health. We have found that they suffer from fewer anxiety or health related behavior issues. As our herd has grown, we have enjoyed watching the development of herd dynamics and learned a great deal about the different personalities and relationships they possess.
Firecon
Firecon is one of our first horses. He is a 15’3” bay, Russian-Egyptian Arabian. Firecon was trained on the farm using natural horsemanship and dressage based ground training. Firecon has a kind and generous nature with a keen sense of humor. He enjoys a game or a new activity.
Having been a patient teacher to a number of students, whether adults, adolescents, or small children, Firecon is always the first to the gate when a car comes down the drive. At 21 years old, he has years of experience with a huge variety of people and activities. His friendly mischievous nature makes him a popular choice for students and clients.
(Firecon at one day old)
Firecon and Andee 2009
Tuff
Tuff is the “Big Dog” at Jake’s Flat Farm. At 17+ hands and weighing in at over 2200 pounds, this gentle giant steals the show. Tuff is a jet black Percheron with a long curly mane and tail. Tuff loves attention. He has a dedicated fan club that visit his pasture from the high way or stop in the drive to say "hello" to him.
Tuff’s immense size makes him a formidable teacher in spite of his gentle nature. Tuff also enjoys a good joke or a new game. This summer Tuff had life altering changes. As our herd grew to include a number of young mares, we made the decision to geld Tuff last year so that he could join the herd rather than always being seperated and alone. After surgery in the early spring and several months of recovery, Tuff became fast friends with Dugan, one of the small ponies who insisted in moving into Tuff's pasture. As the two became inseperable, we finally gave up trying to keep Dugan on his side "for his own good" and just let them be. They are certainly an odd pair, but the best of friends. In August, we took a deep breath and added Tuff to the herd. He was well recieved and delighted to be in the pasture with everyone else. During the day he naps under the covered arena with Dugan or wanders in the barn lot to visit from stall to stall.
This Spring, due to recent coyote activity in the neighborhood, we became worried about the pony's safety when they were out to pasture so we had to change our strategy. At night the ponies are tucked in their stalls in the barn but during the day, they now stay in the front pasture near the house and neighborhood activities with Tuff the "BIG" pony. He has taken his pony sitter job very seriously and keeps a close watch protecting his three charges from any and all threats. It almost makes us feel sorry for any coyote that makes the mistake of coming close.
(Those two little guys sure do make his butt look big, don't you think?)
This summer, Tuff participated in our Horsefeathers camp and Silly Horseshow.
Rachael on Tuff, 2009
Legend
At 20 years old, Legend brings a wealth of experience and knowdledge to the herd. With an extensive background in horseshows, dressage, and eventing, Legend is a favorite of more advanced riders and clients. Nicknamed, "Mister Spectacular", Legend brings the beauty and flamboyant presence of a successful showhorse to the herd. Legend was donated to Jake's Flat by Heidi Stubbs.
Wishing Star Twinkle
“Wishing Star Twinkle”, a beautiful grulla filly is our newest horse. Twinkle is a registered quarter horse bred by Red Hills quarter horses and trained by Gary Hull. Twinkle has a sensitive, intelligent and calm personality which makes her a favorite choice of many visitors. Twinkle turned 4 years old in April 3020. Her pedigree of reining and cattle horses shows under saddle and in the pasture when she makes it her personal business to herd wayward ponies.
Twinkle and Macy April 2008
Last summer "Twinkle" participated in our Horsefeathers Camp and Silly Horseshow.
Gypsy's Golden Leigha
We are delighted to include our newest and hopefully last herd member for a while. Gypsy's Golden Leigha is a registered Palomino Quarter horse mare. Leigha joins us from Pulaski, VA. At 6 years old, Leigha is our largest saddle horse measuring just over 16 hands. Leigha is a quiet gentle soul who favors hugs, snacks, and naps. She immediately made fast friends with Twinkle to our great surprise. Leigha is an experienced trail horse and has done a great job as a therapy house and in the arena with beginning riders.
leigha and Dugan 2009
Dugan immediately fell head over heels with this blond beauty. Saddly, she wasn't impressed with his attention and he quickly returned to his life of escape and destruction on the farm.
Leigha and McKinley in halter class at Horsefeathers Show 2009
at Camp 2009
Valentine
Last but not least, Valentine is the pint sized horse in the herd. Valentine is a registered Minature Horse. Because of her tiny size, she is often mistaken for a pony but she quickly reminds everyone (especially Dugan) that she is a real horse.....not a pony.
Valentine is a favorite in the barn as a therapy horse, and a trusted "Leadline pony". Because of many years of experience with small children being ridden on a leadline, Valentine is not as confident on her own. She is learning to be ridden independently by working with several children. She is a protective and careful horse when being ridden by a small child or beginning rider. Her cute personality and good looks make valentine a quick favorite to visitors.
Valentine ridden by Karissa with Rachael leading
Horsefeathers Camp 2009
Valentine with Emily
Andee and Valentine strut their Stuff 2009
We are delighted to welcome our newest horse "Bucky". Bucky is a registered palomino quarter horse gelding. Bucky comes to us from Red Hills Quarter Horses in South Carolina. We are looking forward to working with Bucky as he learns his new job at Jake's Flat Farm.
Bucky is as sweet as he is good looking. His gentle personality and "no Fuss" attitude make him a favorite already.
Simply Magic
In memory of Simply Magic, a dedicated and loving member of our herd. We sorely miss Magic's gentle presence and soft nicker in the mornings.
Check in for updates and new photos!
Why Horses?
There are many things that make horses unique as animal companions, and co-teachers.
- Horses offer us unconditional, nonjudgmental acceptance.
- Horses don't lie. They give us honest, immediate feedback while forceing us to be honest in return.
- Horses authentically and clearly express all of their feelings: fear, confusion, boredom, playfulness, anger, power, confident, mischievousness. Like a giant mirror, they reflect how we’re feeling and our emotional health.
- Horses are fully present in the moment which serves as a calming power that melts away stress, helps us gain perspective on our everyday lives
- Horses coat, breath, sounds, and smell provide a powerful sensory experience that triggers memories and emotions.
- Horses are herd animals. They prefer contact with others to being alone. They give us connection to another living being and teach us about relationships, social skills and a nurturing, caring style of leadership
- Horses are large powerful animals. Through them we face our fear, take risks, and explore our issues with power and control.
We invite you to experience the dynamic of having a horse be your co-teacher or part of your team.
No horse experience is necessary for individual sessions, workshops, seminars, or therapeutic riding sessions!
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