Marissa Raymo will discuss everything about horses, including horse health care tips, training tips, equestrian friendly trails, horse buying info and much more.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Last Weekend to Visit Birch Run's Best Kept Secret!
Last fall on a routine trip to Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn for some all-you-can-eat chicken, I stumbled upon Birch Run's best kept secret.
Wilderness Trails Zoo is located near the corner of Birch Run Rd. and Gera Road in Birch Run, just minutes from the Birch Run Outlet Mall. You'll know you found it when you see the giant giraffe statue at the side of the road. Driving by, I'd always assumed it was an extension of the Putt-Putt location next door, but don't let it's quiet seclusion fool you. For just $9 admission (only $6.50 for children 3 - 15), you are guaranteed to have a unique and exciting experience.
In my trips to Wilderness Trails, I have been roared at by an African Lion, chased by a Timber Wolf and watched a couple of giant turtles making babies. And you can leave your binoculars at home! All of the animals are just a few arm's lengths away.
Make sure to stop by Wilderness Trails this weekend! They are closed for the season after October 31st!
Equine Entertainment ~ Check out "Dancing with Horses" Fundraiser October 24th in Highland!
The Highland Equestrian Conservatory is hosting a special equestrian fundraising event this Sunday, "Dancing with Horses", featuring performances from many disciplines, including vaulting, dressage, barrel racing, jumping & more! Pre-Order your tickets here!
Ewwww....Connecticut man charged for sexually assaulting a horse!
Hold yer horses...literally!
I don't even know where to start on this one...
On Monday, 63 year old Marian Wegiel of Connecticut was arrested and charged withcruelty to animals, sexual assault, criminal trespass and breach of peace for touching his neighbor's horse in a sexual manner.
When confronted by the police, Wegiel said he was trying to calm the horses after they were spooked by a loud noise, though the horses' owner said there was no reason for him to have been in her pasture.
According to Shelton, CT police, Wegiel also stated that he may have inadvertently put his fingers inside one of the horses...
BLAAAAARRRRGGH!
(the sound of horse lovers around the world vomiting)
For those non-equestrians that think electric fences in pastures are cruel - this is why we have electric fences. It's not to keep the horses in, but to keep creeps like this guy out! :)
On Friday, October 22nd, the Fall Draft Horse Auction will be hosted at the Lake Odessa Livestock Auction Hall. New & used tack at 9:00 a.m. and horses at Noon. Draft Horses, Driving horses and Halflingers.
The Fall Saddle Horse Auction is Saturday, October 23rd. New & Used tack auction starts at 9:00 a.m. and horses & ponies at 1:00 p.m.
For more info: call 616-374-8213 or 616-490-6742 Lake Odessa Livestock Auction 3675 Tupper Lake Road Lake Odessa, MI 48849
Ebony is a black Hackney pony mare. She was used as a driving pony. She injured her eye (losing total sight in the injured eye) and the family that had her could not keep her. She was an Amish horse and they need to have both eyes when driving down the road. This does not affect this mare at all.
Ebony is very sweet and loves attention. She has been under saddle and ridden many times. She is a very nice pony and does not offer to buck or act up. She is also very sweet on the ground and loves to be groomed. Ebony is an easy keeper.
For more information or to meet Ebpny, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or
Day Dreams Farm Therapy and Rescue is a 501c3 equine rescue in Cottrellville, MI that is "Dedicated to helping horses and transforming the lives of children and adults through the interaction of animals."
They currently have 5 horses rescued from neglected homes or unfit living conditions. They rehabilitate and keep the horses on their farm until they are "made fit" to be adopted into a loving home.
In addition to rescuing horses, Day Dreams Farm also offers lessons, training and equine assisted therapy.
Marissa Raymo is an Oakland Press employee and longtime horse owner/enthusiast. From her first job as a birthday party pony walker to her many years of riding both English and Western, Marissa has been there and done that in the horse world.
Check out my Oakland Press "Horse Sense" blog: http://www.ophorsesense.blogspot.com/