Cornerstone Farm South

06/07/2026

This is important to understand - read up on how to properly store, charge and dispose of lithium batteries responsibly

Scary

FHP just released a picture of the semi truck that was carrying lithium batteries when it caught fire on Alligator Alley yesterday and closed the northbound lanes for hours. Now you can see why it took so long to clean this mess up.

06/06/2026

Parents…we hope you enjoyed our week long series on how to select a riding program.

Why did we do this series?

Our goal is to provide information on a sport that can be hard to understand sometimes …and we want those who love the idea of horses to enter the equestrian world with some knowledge to ask the right questions

It is not just about our facility …it’s about finding the RiGHT facility that matches your goals, and providing info that may keep ANY new rider SAFE from practices that can often tarnish a future with horse related activities

We know that summer is the time that there are a lot of options out there …but in an unregulated industry we see a lot of advertisement for “camp” or “farm experiences” that look inviting …but we want you to be an informed consumer

Stay tuned …we will be adding more series this summer, and while our summer riding sessions are full … (we do have some limited spaces for weekly riding lessons available) we are starting our waiting list for new students that want to start lessons for the fall.

We will host an open house in July - and another in late August or early September for those who want to visit the farm and meet our instructors.

Want to get involved sooner? While we work 1-2 new students in each month - we do offer Non-Riding Horsemanship Classes that are hands on (2 hours in length) - and these are open to ANYONE (parent, horse owners, children to adults) that wants to LEARN MORE about horses and their care

Best way to receive the info to get started with CSF?

EMAIL us at [email protected]

Stay SAFE, have FUN and gallop on!

Tally ho!!

06/05/2026

Day 7 ….parents …what to look for in a riding program for your child ….

GOALS

There are SO many ways to ride a horse! Which is why it is such a great sport!

As a parent, finding the right farm is also about what goal is in mind for your introduction to horses. Right now, the goal might be one thing…and that can change as one starts to explore the amazing world of horses…🦄

Here are some things to consider:

1) the recreational rider - this is where most riders start… finding a SAFE, inviting and instructional facility to give your rider great basics. For some, this might be one relaxing ride or maybe a week of camp - or a once a week activity to relax and enjoy horses. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP… I have met many a parent who sees my horsey attire and they explain to me how their child ❤️❤️❤️’s horses …but had a bad or scary first experience and they gave it up…that makes me sad as horses bring so much JOY when done correctly. For some - this is all that is needed - it is a great hobby or way to relax on occasion.

2) Wanting to ride at an intermediate level - this could mean STARTING to learn how to master new skills after the basics are SOLID. Whether it be learning to jump, dressage, barrel racing, endurance trails …it takes TIME in the saddle to be able to successfully move in that direction. This would be a minimum of riding AT LEAST 2 days a week to have the strength and coordination to safely and successfully start these endeavors

3) More advanced riding or starting to compete as an equestrian. Competition can start as early as a lead line class or a local fun show …beginners and intermediate riders will thrive in these environments and it’s a great way to measure your skill set …horses act differently away from home - so if a beginner you need a good seasoned horse to help you learn the ropes, and a solid instructor to help guide you into classes that are appropriate for your skill level. Sometimes this is when students start leasing a horse to have more ride/practice time in the saddle. Leasing is great place to start as it can help parents decide if the investment in time and finances are appropriate.

4) Upper level or Advanced Competition. THIS is when it is truly YOUR SPORT! Riding muscles are COMPLETELY different than the ones utilized for walking and running …so if you want to jump bigger than crossrails or short stirrups (18 inches to 2ft) it is time to lease or own a horse.

Think about this…if you were a volleyball or football player ….practice is required almost every day to be a successful team …same with riding - your horse is your partner who speaks their own language - and it takes GOOD PRACTICE to become partners that can successfully negotiate more upper level skills.

So …be sure to think about what the facility you select has the “DNA” for what your personal goals are - and that the instructor is willing to guide you on a path to success - ❤️🦄❤️

06/04/2026

Day 6 …Parents …what to look for in a riding program ….

SAFETY

We have already discussed the role of a dependable, well cared for lesson horse …but what should a parent look for in regards to safety for their child beyond the horse they will ride and the qualifications of the instructor:)

Questions to ask or things to explore:

1) are HELMETS required EVERY ride
2) Does instructor check/inspect helmet fit?
3) Boots - no tennis shoes! Heaven forbid to see flip flops on ANYONE in the barn!
4) Appropriate clothing - tank tops do not offer much protection if you fall off!
5) No loose or dangling jewelry
6) Hair - if long/ secured in a ponytail so that it does not go everywhere or block vision
7) body protector or vests allowed/encouraged?
8 - are safety drills and emergency numbers practiced and posted?
9) did you complete a release form that asked if your child has allergies, any other conditions that staff should be aware of?
10) is there a trained safety person for first aid/cpr in case of an emergency?

These things are VITAL

Safety equipment can truly prevent and protect WHEN you fall …and it’s not IF it is when …as all riders will fall off

Many DO NOT realize that helmets expire …and must be replaced ….and expensive does not mean better safety!

While helmets are more accepted in traditional English style riding - western or performance riding also has helmet options with a traditional look - and you CAN find a good helmet in the $36-$45 range, even better in the $100-$200 range - you do NOT need an $800 helmet!

But even more important than personal equipment …the question to ask is how prepared is the facility and staff IF an emergent situation happens ….

Are release forms with information accessible so parent can be contacted?

(HEY PARENTS - FILL IN THAT INFO and WRITE CLEARLY) - we check every form to make sure we can read and understand info that can be life saving in an emergency!

Ask what the safety plan is and how staff is prepared for that type of emergency …are drills practiced?

While no one ever wants to think about these things …it is imperative …IN ANY SPORT that your child participates in ….do not be afraid to ask these things

Your child is Precious ….and the attention to these details means that facility thinks your kiddos are precious too!🩷🩷🩷

06/02/2026

So …I work with a LOT of kiddos …and so often these days I find that children are not encouraged to be ACTIVE participants in learning some basic skills …like COOKING!

Willow started making meals with me when she was two years old…at age four she now has a great palate …and is becoming quite the sous chef!

This past weekend her parents were celebrating their anniversary - so Willow and I decided to make a yummy meal for us at home

She ACTIVELY participated in learning so many skills!

1) we created our menu together
2) made a list of ingredients we needed
3) shopped at the grocery - she checked off our list
4) came home …unpacked …and prepped
5) we designed our table selecting the perfect china, glassware and linens with candles to match to create our ambience

Then …we got to work!

We chopped onions and mushrooms, we juiced our mandarin oranges, we diced our chicken breasts, measured out our ingredients for our amazing orange sauce, and steamed some amazing broccolini, we created our own “mocktails” and made yummy ginger lemonade spritzers with fresh strawberries 🍓 added for garnish

Viola! Children will eat meals they help prepare …she ATE every bite of EVERYTHING

Orange sesame chicken over a bed of jasmine rice, with sautéed mushrooms and shallots with citrus steamed broccolini …our lemon 🍋 ginger spritzers were refreshing and we finished off with a great ice cream dessert with fresh whipped cream!

She even helped clean up and did the dishes

Kids can do it ….they want to help …and they will TRY more foods when exposed to them in a creative way!

We had a blast telling stories and making pawesome laugh ….good times 🩷

06/02/2026

Sorry ….missed day five …Parents what to look for in a riding facility! I was too busy getting ready for our summer ❤️🦄❤️

Costs ….lets just get real and talk about the costs involved…

Many times people will ask me how much are lessons or programs and there are other places that cost a little or a lot less….

But let’s be real about what it takes to run a QUALITY program.

Every day our family operates and maintains an equestrian facility that offers boarding, lessons and about 4-5 additional extracurricular activities or classes.

Over the last four days we have discussed what to look for…professionalism, horsemanship, sportsmanship and availability of safe, careful lesson horses.

Our lessons are tuition based with a monthly fee to start riding once a week and we are equal in cost to most quality programs in our area.

There are others out there that are less expensive…but are you comparing apples 🍎 to apples 🍏?

Here are some things to understand about costs:

1) feeding and maintaining a herd of lesson horses equals feed, hay, supplements, bedding, fly spray, vet bills, massage/chiropractic, shoeing costs (farrier) - we have (10) ….and they need care 24/7 even in a hurricane or when you want to vacation 🦄

2) Equipment - have you looked at the cost of a simple set up? Halter, leadrope, wraps, blankets, saddle, pads girth and bridle? We provide and maintain all of this for you

3) Facility costs ….footing to be maintained (tractor), fenceline to mend and check, ring equipment, buildings/barns
INSURANCE 😳😳😳lots of insurance

4) Staff - from feeding and stall cleaning ….its also a commitment to safety when horsemanship is required (as it should be) that additional staff IN the barn to assist students in learning to groom, tack and care for their horse and equipment.

5) Credentials….remember NONE of THIS is REQUIRED…so ASK …it costs $$ to be a credentialed instructor …background checked, costs of required continued education, first aid and safety training, concussion training, and safe sport verified. While some of these might be free courses, it is still time taken out of a busy day to put an emphasis on being a true instructor and not just someone who has decided to call themselves a “professional”. It’s also acquiring business licenses, proper zoning, and AGAIN…. More INSURANCE

This is just the start of a very long list ….SO many more things to add….

So when you go to invest in a program…most lesson or boarding barns break even …as lesson programs are very top heavy with overhead …but it’s the extra things we do that help us be able to afford for our lesson horses to have days OFF and also LIMIT their rides …we invest in our horses AND our students when we decide to provide quality over quantity for both horse and humans

But … there is also another cost that many never see….

My husband has another full time job …yet he is up and out at dawn (sometimes even BEFORE the sun 🌞 comes up)… he makes sure the footing is dragged perfectly and that the farm stays in tip top operational shape ….its a commitment 🦄❤️🦄

My daughter is also up before dawn… she is organizing the horses, working out at the gym 4a so she has the fitness to ride 4-6 horses a day and also teach lessons … its a commitment….🦄🩷🦄

I am up early and often done late organizing schedules, coordinating programs, teaching lessons and preparing extra activities, making sure supplies are stocked, feed is ordered and acceptable, making vet and farrier appointments, and inspecting equipment for safety and scheduling repairs …the list is endless. It’s a commitment ❤️🦄❤️

Yes …it is a lot …BUT just because a barn is FANCY or EXPENSIVE does not mean it is better …as that does not always ring true either! ANY program that puts safety and wellbeing FIRST is costly, even if simple compared to another with all the bells & whistles ….so look through the glam of the “big box” model or the extra dust on a smaller farm… and truly look for the care of horse and rider …

That’s what to look for ….those that are committed to excellence 🩷🦄🩷not just riding….

05/31/2026

Day 4…Parents …what to look for in a riding program🦄

Lesson Horses….

These are the creatures that will introduce your child to the wonderful world of horses! They should be seasoned, well mannered horses that have patience. They are steady eddys …not a souped up sports car …but a solid SUV or sedan type!

Many programs make a huge investment in supplying safe, dependable horses and sadly some feel that a lesson horse is more like a machine.

It’s QUALITY…or QUANTITY

What does this mean?

A good program limits the number of rides each horse is scheduled for. Horses may work once a day or maybe a morning lesson and one afternoon lesson. These horses get scheduled days off to rest, are given rest breaks during the lesson, are fed a healthy diet and get routine support like a massage or chiropractic to keep them comfortable doing their job. They are happy, pleasantly plump but not fat and get ample turnout time. They have equipment that is fitted to them so saddles are not pinching and tack is clean so it feels good for both horse and rider

However, some programs view these horses more like a machine. They teach multiple lessons in a row or 4-5 rides per day to maximize profit. The horses in this type of program are often sulky, look uncomfortable when working or may even act out in unpredictable ways as they are trying to communicate that they are tired and uncomfortable.

Now …ALL horses will have moments …even the BEST lesson horse can have a spooky event or miscalculate a distance ….because they ARE animals NOT machines. I am sad to say that some quantity based programs may even resort to tranquillizing horses before lessons to make them more “rideable”. This is NOT acceptable.

So what questions should you ask?

How many lessons does your horse teach in a day?

What days does your horse get “off” to rest?

Observe the care of the horses …stalls clean, fresh water, clean well cared for equipment, and horses are shiny and look content or even happy to see humans come to see them.

It’s ok to ask …because THIS is the horse that is going to determine whether a child becomes a confident rider who now has a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their life …or they become overly cautious, afraid or even decide to never ride again because they have only known horses that sadly do not like their job.

Every horse (just like people) can have a bad day …but when EVERY day is a bad day …that’s when the question should be asked …is this acceptable for both the horse and the human riding it.

Choose wisely ❤️🦄❤️

05/31/2026

Day 4…Parents …what to look for when selecting a riding program🦄

Lesson Horses ….

What is a lesson horse? These horses should be seasoned, steady eddy types who know the ropes!

Why? Because your child is learning and did you learn to drive in a supercharged sports car or a very safe SUV or sedan?

Not all lesson horses are the same and here is why….there are different models …I think of it this way - is it quality or quantity???

Some programs make the investment in having quality for the long term. There is an investment in keeping these horses healthy and sound. It’s ok to ask how many lessons a horse teaches per week - or even in a day - and what kind of support do they receive?

Does the horse get rest breaks?
Does the horse get ample turn out time?
How many rides does this horse get in a day?
What about its diet, shoeing, body work (yes horses get massages too!!)

For the programs that honor quality there are ample horses, they are happy to do their job and are shiny, pleasantly plump but not fat, and are solid citizens for most of the time - but they are animals so they can still occasionally have a “horsey” moment - they are NOT machines

Sadly, there are programs out there that the business model is QUANTITY. The more riders they can schedule per horse the better. Horses might work all day, stay tacked up for next rider, with limited time to rest in between. Or the program only has one or two horses and they are all they use.

These horses will tell you in their demeanor. They are sulky, crabby, or may act out because they are tired and uncomfortable. Often - the horse is blamed for behavior that is caused by too many rides and they are just worn out. I am sad to say too…that some places even give their horses tranquilizer before lessons to make them complacent - this is NOT acceptable at all.

So do not be afraid to ASK good questions and see if the answers make you feel comfortable…

This IS the horse that is going to help
Your child LEARN to be confident and successful in the saddle …or …scared and defensive because they have been exposed to horses that are tired, and act out because they are overworked ….❤️🦄❤️

05/30/2026

Day 3…Parents …what to look for in an Equestrian program

Sportsmanship …..

Today it is even more important than ever to help young people understand what it means “to be a good sport”.

Horses make you humble…. Kind of like golf! You can hit a hole in one and next shot is in the sand trap or worse …the bushes 🌳🌿🌳

It’s not just about the kiddo, it’s also the fact that your child will spend time learning from an adult who will model behavior - is the instructor one who encourages students to support each other or do they foster an environment of “win at all costs”.

I am not just talking about riders who compete on horses…I am talking about BARN CULTURE….competition can be used as a motivating tool but also a nasty sword.

Most parents think …this is easy …right? You just get on a horse and it carries you around?? Well NO… it’s a relationship of give and take, balance and timing, lightness of hand and steadiness of leg… it’s always changing because horses have minds of their own …not like riding a bike!

So riders will have moments they excel and moments they struggle with mastering a concept ….

Questions to think about:
1) Does the instructor model leadership that is healthy for your child?

2) Does the barn culture feature support and working together or is it “solo focused” ?

3) Do riders cheer each other on? Or do they feel they have to be “better” …constantly competing against each other

So how do you figure this out?

At CSF we host several open houses or farm days where new people can come meet the instructors, chat with current parents and our students act as tour guides …. I also offer to give references to parents (both current and former students) as they can ask questions to see how they have enjoyed the farm and share their experiences.

Sportsmanship can be exercised in so many ways ….and if we are kind to other humans …well horses pick up YOUR energy … and reflect it back to you - so find a place where a good vibe and supportive atmosphere is important. ❤️🦄❤️

05/29/2026

Day Two for Parents….understanding our sport and selecting the right place to learn to ride….

#2 Horsemanship ….what does this mean?

When selecting a place for your child it is important to understand horsemanship.

This is a broad term - but in general it is learning about ALL the aspects of horse care, equipment, ground handling - and it should be a VITAL part of the learning process.

Understanding how to work around horses as well as how your equipment works is so important ….not just for knowledge …but also safety!

Here is an example …. I rode at a barn and was a volunteer, then a working student and learned all the aspects of care and equipment …but at the same barn that was optional and students could pay a little extra to skip the steps of grooming, putting on equipment (tacking). My best friend always had tacking service (we started together at age 6).

She was a very accomplished rider. Competing at a high level and was recruited by a college team.

She called me crying the first week of college. She had NEVER tacked up a horse before. The team required riders to prepare and care for the horse they were assigned to ride. She put galloping boots on the horse incorrectly, did not adjust the fitting of her tack …so she was very embarrassed when it was obvious she had no clue …and she almost fell off when her saddle slipped because she did not know how to tighten her girth! Luckily she was ok …many times people are seriously injured or horses are injured just because of this lack of knowledge.

So ….horsemanship is literally the “ground work” that helps you better understand your relationship with your horse, its care and learning ALL you can to be not just a passenger but an active RIDER

What to look for …

Learning to groom/bathe
Putting a halter on/leading safely
Knowing how to saddle & bridle
Basic horse psychology
Proper vocabulary - learning parts of the horse or equipment
Is there supervision with the horses?

Sooo very much more!

Lessons on rainy days are not canceled because that is the perfect time to work with your horse or learn more about horses rather than just riding!

It’s also WORK …and building RELATIONSHIP

Things that are needed to be successful in any endeavor. Kids who ride and learn the work ethic behind it become some amazing adults. The skills learned in the barn have SO many life lessons …

Find a place where horsemanship means more than just riding ….its about learning!

❤️🦄❤️