Happy New Year, with Gratitude for 2024

 

As winter deepens, the days are wetter, colder, and shorter, suggesting a time to pause, reflect and give thanks for all that we have done and learned over the past year. It was such a full and productive year, there is no way to include everyone and everything that made it special. So I’ll start with gratitude for what IS… Martin Black IS with us March 26-29!!! Reserve your spot ASAP. Every year brings new experiences and insights from Martin’s unique perspective on horsemanship. The clinic sessions are fun and engaging, the colt starting session is great to watch, even if you don’t have a colt—there is plenty of horsemanship insight to be gained from watching Martin engage them, setting positive patterns for their future. We also love the daily Q&A with Martin in the comfort of our classroom. I am very grateful that Martin spends time with us every March. And now back to Nature…. For me, I look to the sun, from which we get our life force … and it sure shows up beautifully on the Olympics! When I see the sun ignite the tip of Mount Angeles, I feel new hope. For me, it’s like a prayer warming the heart, sending away the damp and cold. It’s an inspiration to live with this level of beauty every day at Freedom Farm. And here comes 2025, full of possibilities!

This past year, Wendy Comstock brought us several wonderful young horses to train. Above, Lorenzo has just arrived to begin his first training session. (More trainee pics below, and a special note at end!) I am so grateful for our elder horses, too. Comet is a great example—always thankful for a visit with friends. And as our young riders grow up, it is so wonderful to see they never grow out of their horse friendships.

I am so grateful for my new helper, Alice! She brings smiles to my face all day long. Here, she’s still a puppy but ready to follow me through my chores.

Salty sticks himself to Mary Tulin with the best kind of glue—love ❤️. Thank you Mary for the love you put into all your photos, posts, and especially, your friends here at the Farm.

Thank you Kip Tulin for always stepping up to lend a hand—and the occasional ear!

New beginnings with old friends—student Elly with my former trainee Zeus. I am so grateful for owner Aravind Swaminathan for allowing Zeus to return to Freedom Farm. Zeus is an absolute dream horse for Elly and all the family. Teachers and Clinicians in 2024 I am so grateful for the teachers that have blessed us with their wisdom and helped each of us grow our horsemanship! Thank you Martin Black, Dave Ellis, and Jerry Schmidt.

First off, my husband! I’m so grateful for Jerry, who stands by me through thick and thin on this horsemanship (and life) journey. We are so lucky that he steps away from farming now and then to share his deep knowledge of horsemanship and horse health, especially during monthly Hoof Class. Thanks, honey!

Martin Black with the cows, riding trainee Oliver. You should see Martin working with a round pen full of of colts! And remember, he’ll be here in March!

Dave Ellis at 80-plus is an example of lifelong learning and growth, competing in Cowboy Dressage at the highest levels. We’re glad he still takes time to come share what he’s learning with us! Here’s Jerry coaching our Hoof Beats advanced students in hoof care for their horses. Freedom Farm Folk...

Trainer and teacher Jess Crouch is a treasure at the Farm, always ready with advice and perspective for one and all. We love watching her work with her own and clients’ horses—always trying something new or perfecting the classics.  Ponies need purpose, and Jess is just the trainer for the job!

Thanks to Kathy Schmidt, who often steps in to teach young folk and young horses, and is just a really kind, capable person, ready to share her experience! Daily life on the Farm includes never-ending work, and I am so grateful for our farm workers Lester Hardy and Jeremy Soderstrom, as well as friends like Ed (above) who literally pitched in with smiles and songs. What a great team. Thank you to regulars Nile, Kip, Haleyanna and everyone who helped out at various times during the year.

I am so thankful for our Hoof Beats parents, who are there to love and support our student riders as they develop self confidence, self worth, and sense of accomplishment (along with awesome horsemanship!).

I am also very grateful for my students—their passion and dedication make them such a pleasure to teach. Here we are at Advanced Horsemanship Beach Camp in August.

This amazing sunset on the last night of beach camp was extraordinary. Thank you to Cindy Flood for hosting our Hoof Beats team every year!

Around the Farm I get a strong sense of peace and hope for what is to come. I am so grateful for this beautiful land that supports us and gives space for the joy we find with our horses. We are truly blessed—thank you, Lord.  A few extra pictures just for fun…

Just a photo op on a nice day.

Trainees Oliver and Marcus go for the same blade of grass. These boys have had a fun, busy year learning so many things, from flat work to jumps to cow work. Stay tuned for special note at end!

Jerry and Bobby sitting with Jackie…a rare shot to get!

I love this horse (Marcus) and this clinic (Martin Black—hey, he’s coming in March!).

Slap me five, Alice!

Aravind and Wendy chat during a Martin Black session.

All in all, it was a great year. Thank you, 2024, and hello, 2025! Wishing you all a happy, safe, and prosperous New Year!  Yours in good health and horsemanship, Mary Gallagher P.S. Special note on trainees Marcus and Oliver: they are completing their basic training with flying colors and will be on offer for sale in 2025! Stay tuned for a dedicated Instagram/Facebook post showing all that they’ve been learning and doing during their time at Freedom Farm. -MG