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Simpatico.....Or As Close To It

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Contributed by: Sharon Ching on 11/29/2007

Horses are beautiful and amazing animals! I know that is not an original thought, but it was one that reminded me why I was in this business. Since before I can remember, I had been dreaming about horses, and since I was seven, I had been riding them. Thirty three years later, I realized I still loved, appreciated and was in awe of these amazing animals. How lucky was I to be involved with them daily and to make it even better, with their help, I was able to encourage and guide people, both young and old, to create partnerships based upon respect, compassion and an understanding of what our goals end really was. Not necessarily a horse show blue ribbon, but simpatico - or as close to it - between horse and human.

With this realization, I knew I had to try to create an atmosphere away from the working world. A place that would allow them to relax and if needed, to repair at a facility that was away from the everyday hustle and bustle of most stables.

I started with a crazy wish list! Pathways made of rubber, 2 acre pastures, stall flooring that helped their feet and legs,stalls that were oversized and open so the horses didn't feel isolated, but still part of a herd. Day paddocks that they could spend hours in, wonderful trails to let their minds and bodies rebuild and a feed program that allowed them to "graze" all day. It was a crazy wish list!

In early fall of 2003, a friend told me about 50 acres in Simi Valley, and somehow my wild dream started to become a reality! Today, Four Oaks Farm is 2 1/2 years old, with 14,000 square feet of rubber pathways, 30 of the 40 stalls oversized all with softstall flooring. Pastures, some flat and some with hills, which are great for natural muscling and balance, multiple day paddocks and a Eurosizer for more controlled rehabilitation. A lighted USEF recognized hunter arena for our intermediate to advanced riders of Keystone Riding School and a smaller arena for the beginners.

And me..I am lucky enough to attract clients that want the same thing I do, happy horses. Whether they are in full training with Keystone for the hunter/equitation show ring or a yearling in pasture to allow him to grow and play .A 23 year old gelding who served his owner well for years and now is out to pasture with other geriatrics or an 8 year old Grand Prix Jumper who needs to be stall bound 23 1/2 hours a day so hopefully he can go back and perform magnificently again in national competitions. I want my clients to understand why we do things so rider and horse are a true partnership.

Four Oaks Farm and an amazing circle of people have given me this opportunity. To show a few horses that I still appreciate what beautiful and amazing friends they are.

by Kathy Busfield-Annotti

Four Oaks Farm
4860 Tapo Canyon
Simi Valley, CA 93063
(805) 584-2296
www.fouroaksfarm.net

Keystone Riding School
(818) 294-4866

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Sharon Ching

Oak Park , CA

Sharon Ching has posted 1 story and 0 comments since joining on 11/1/2007. Sharon Ching 's average story rating is 0.

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