Terrain horses right from the start

During this horseback ride there was a lot going on!

On the 3rd of August the barn was swarming inside and out with big and little people and animals. “Who is riding which horse? Where is the saddle cover for Tamzara? Is everyone set to go horseback riding? Do we have all the foals in tote?”

Finally it was time to ride towards the gate where the sheep were standing; they wanted to come along too. Because of their inconclusiveness our dog Buddy stepped in and had the final word. He chased all the sheep back on the pasture.

The gate opened and the adventure began. Fire in the field, cows on the pasture, pheasants flying out of the corn field and traffic consisting of cars, bicycle riders, joggers and a huge tractor. With bravery and riders luck we rose above these challenges while enjoying the beautiful Sunday.

Back in the barn a huge fright. Buddy is gone! We split up into walking and riding groups to start the search for him. He was patiently waiting at the Northgate for someone to let him in. This is how his owner found him. Everyone was put at ease.

At Ranch Wolf we make a conscious effort to take the foals along during our riding tours. With this in mind we are trying to train both brain hemispheres. The right side of the horses brain is responsible for the escape instinct. This kicks in automatically in situations when they are frightened.

The rider has to be in the right mind set to sensitively and consequently calm the horse down. In this moment the right brain hemisphere is automatically switched to the left so that we can continue riding in a relaxed manner. The calmness is given instinctively to the foal. These experiences are very positive in relation to the development of the horse.

Holidays on the Erlenhof

Riding without allergy

As we; Dorothea, Markus, Caroline and Friederike Fahlbusch; drove up the drive at the Erlenhof on our first day of our holidays, we were taken away by the beautiful buildings. As we were then heartily greeted by Petra Wolf we knew that a wonderful week of holidays was awaiting us. In the cozy flat we immediately felt at home. We weren’t in our flat for very long before it was time to see the Curly horses.

We were very impressed by the beautiful horses that obviously love their freehold life. After the first time brushing and petting the horses it was clear to us that we were not allergic. With this we started our riding lessons amid complete peace of mind. In the days to follow the children would spend most of their time in the vicinity of the horses. They helped to feed them, bring them onto and take them off the pasture, brushing and cleaning them. In Gina and Carlotta they found patient and helpful teachers.

The most wonderful times included the riding lessons, the riding tour and the ground work, especially the ground work with Petra, Christiane and Barbara. As a beginner rider you are able to make progress in a short week to get to a point where you feel comfortable in the saddle. The ground work taught us a lot about the horses' behavior as well as communication with the horse.

The best part was working with horses that we were never able to ride. The children felt a sense of success because the horses would follow them around. At the end we had to complete an obstacle course with barriers that had to be completed with various props such as hat, scarf, and umbrella. Thank you to the horses Tamzara, Sternchen, Carmelitta, Misty, Funny Face, Diamond, Cheyenne, Katrina and Spirt for your friendly ways and your patience.

Thank you Gina for the funny, informative riding lessons and the time that you took to teach us. Thank you Carlotta for the wonderful chaperonage of our children.

Thank you Tom and Petra for your wonderful hospitality and for the fabulous conversations and the great answers to all of our questions. We were especially happy to meet so many wonderful people through you. Last but not least thank you Mara and Paul for letting us ride your horses. If we could do what we wanted we would have been back already!

Region says start fighting „Ambrosia“

Pollen and more allergy

Environment – new poisonous plant captured in the region. Pollen starts bothers those with allergies. Tip from the Ministry for Environment says pull them out, stuff them in a plastic bag and through them in the garbage.

The Region of Darmstadt-Dieburg sends out alarm because of “Ambrosia”. Dangerous to those people suffering with pollen allergies; only when touched or breathed in. This plant has been discovered in new development areas of Griesheim and Weiterstadt, on the town boarders of Schneppenhausen and Braunshartd in Pfungstadt, Landback in Bickenbach and lastly on the west boarder of Dieburg.

Karsten Heinrich from the Ministry of Environment warns that Ambrosia will be in full bloom as of August and therefore can be extremely dangerous. After observation it is found that this plant (Neophyt) likes to embed itself in sunflower fields. Even bird food can be a host for this plant. Other areas that can be infected include fields where there is not much growth, pathways, streets, earth fill, new building developments and the edges of fields. Experts have put the Ambrosia high on their list.

Heinrich calls upon all property owners to pull this plant out of the ground, roots included, put it in a plastic bag and throw it in the garbage. He also states to only remove the plant while wearing gloves and a mask to protect from the pollen. If Ambrosia is found on vacant land the township should be contacted so proper measures can be taken to remove this plant. The area of growth of this plant will be observed since the seeds will not die. They can even live through frost.