Obstacle Course Training With My Two Playful Foals!

[@freespiritequestrian]

New Barn Chore Balm: thespiritedhorseboutique.com/

[@ailel7279]

Yellow

[@flashee23]

I just bought the balm and the gloss!!!!!🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ IM SO EXCITED!!!

[@thehappygardener1752]

Red filly absolutely trusts you and is a brave little thing xx yellow filly not so much but is also a mummies girl. They are both so gorgeous, I love to see the way they are so good girls xxx

[@M-MMo]

Can we please appreciate Kyle's work for a minute...after all he is more into Corvettes 😊❤

[@ozarklisa1199]

I'm sorry to hear about people mistakenly interpreting Ariel's personality. Good grief. She's going to be absolutely bomb proof when you are done with her because of her thoughtful, critical thinking type style. I am so excited to watch her grow into herself both physically and mentally.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you! She was definitely confused in the beginning and everything but now she’s settled in. She’s just chill. ❤️

[@TrishCanyon8]

She's a thinker.❤

[@leighscott1877]

I think Ariel and Kyle would be a good match. He really brightens up when he is around her.

[@daphne10120]

I can’t even believe how far Ariel has come. She’s such a sweet girl. An introvert is a great way to describe her. Seeing her jump the cross bars was incredible. I think she’s going to continue to surprise us.

[@markstone2036]

Ari is more like Kyle. Ezzy is much more like you, Shae.

[@oranjmusemeyer968]

I think Ariel will become more expressive as she gains confidence and trust. It all takes time!

[@ChristineChang20]

what video was that!

[@dyejohn1905]

I watched it once and now have been unable to find it. Can any help?

[@aprilthaxton1590]

Of all the horse channels I watch, you by far, have the best combination of compassion, discipline and allowing natural behavior. Much respect!

[@dianatracy9687]

I completely agree

[@karaamundson3964]

Kyle kicked @$$. 💯!

[@maryruthrichardson5541]

Too true you can see with every time spent with any of her horses there is a lot of love and respect that goes into them.

[@Lynn-uz2ms]

Great exercises for both babies, love the love and patience she has with the kids, no one looks sad at all, and like the exercise course she has for them, love Lyn 75😊😊😊😊

[@justseekingtruth3998]

I love how Ariel was wanting your attention when you were grooming Ezzy!!! That's something!!

[@bridgittemoon7613]

I don't think Ariel looks sad at all .... I think she's just contemplative and content ❤

[@maureenstringer4362]

So do I ❤ I’m sure she’ll turn out to be an ultimate steady, safe and reliable mare, probably the term bomb proof will apply to her. 😊 when we were young my sisters and I all had our own horses and because one of them was a nervous rider, dad obtained a very plain, docile gelding for her. She would occasionally turn her nose up at his plainness, until dad said “do you want safe or pretty, because this horse will never cause you to be in any danger “ he was right and Moses went on to carry learners and nervous riders for years, instilling faith and love wherever he went. He was such a beautiful soul. This is a lovely video Shae, both those babies love you. Xxx

[@moccasinlanding]

Today as Ezzie and Ariel stood on either side of you, the size difference between the two is amazing......although two months younger, Ezzie is LOTS BIGGER than Ariel! ..... It is so easy to love them both, and accept their personality differences. I really admire the approach you take to their training, and how you prepare them for unforeseen developments that come into every creature's life, even our own.

[@brendaredmond4678]

I absolutely love Ariels personality. I don't see depression at all. I see confidence, calm, and intelligence. I ❤her! I love her beautiful fluffy coat too.

[@JeannetteShoreland]

I did see Ariel take that jump without hesitation.....9 out of 10 foals would have scampered around it. Glad you captured it on video because it shows confidence and fearlessness way beyond her age. You picked another winner!

[@freespiritequestrian]

It was the coolest thing to see her too!

[@janhoffman6976]

I cant get enough of watching you interact with ALL your horses! You have such a kind, beautiful sou AND HUGE heart! The world is blessed when watching you. Keep shining beautiful gal! You truly ARE beautiful inside AND out! They are blessed! And your hubby is such a honey to help you AND the horses shine on all of this! Keep smiling, laughing, loving, and shining!

[@aslansgirl9014]

🥰 It’s so sweet seeing how Ariel is gaining more confidence and bonding with you, nuzzling you and seeking out attention. She’s SOOO opposite of Ezzy! And that’s what makes her so special! Love her!❤️

[@kathleenmcdonald6641]

It looks like Ariel is settling in nicely and is developing a cute personality and loves you. 💕

[@rebeccahaglund3736]

I think most people are noticing the difference in build between Ariel and Esme when they say she looks depressed. Ariel naturally carries her head lower and has more of a plow/puller type of top line, whereas Esme is naturally carries her head high like a saddle or carriage horse.

[@mont5584]

And you thought Ariel would be a challenge. 😊 She has put her trust in you so quickly and even at such a young age wants to please you. She's very intelligent! ❤😢

[@joanna7007]

I don't see Ariel as depressed looking. I think she's just calm by nature, even at her young age. She'll be an amazing mare one day. ❤

[@hw-art]

Having two weanlings of totally different personalities is a stroke of genius! :-) They don't need to compete with each other, but instead they will inspire each other! Perfect!

[@maximtitan5504]

ariel is so curious but also has such a calm temperament. she's lovely!

[@vicky-zy4de]

I watched "the jump" ten times.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Hahahahaha

[@Snowie_Z]

" Ur such a good girl🥺 " Ariel: " thank you :) " Ezzy: " Yes I know "

[@marlenestewart7442]

made me laugh

[@eileenshaw5960]

Ariel did great. She really trusts you and looks to you for support and confidence. The fact that she is two months older than Ezzy and already fully weaned was evident in her excellent work on the obstacle course. I think you got a real winner in Ariel, brains, beauty and a willing attitude.❤

[@comraderaichu6940]

A dark green halter would look great for Ariel. Red and green for Christmas.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yes!

[@rentechpad]

I almost fell off my chair laughing at the look on Belle's face when you let Essie go to her and Essie went for the milk bar. I have seen that look in many a mare in my life and it always means the same thing: "you brought her back already?" I tend to let them pasture wean but after 3 months or so start short separations for handling or training, grooming, vet checks, farrier appointments and things like that. The mares are where they can see the foals and the foals can see them, and they have always done at least one activity with mom with them so they know its okay. Over the years I have gauged weaning time very often when I bring a foal back after a session away from mom. You can tell when a mare you know well is really relieved to see her foal and when she is thinking you could have had a couple more hours with her foal. Belle was obviously there to greet her but also seemed to be trying to say she thought daycare was supposed to last longer. We try to time it so that are mares all foal about the same time, but just like any baby, some are ready to wean before others and some mares are ready to be done with it sooner than others too. Once a few mares are starting to look bored of the whole business, are not calling out over any separation, and are at ease grazing and just giving their foal a glance periodically we start doing much longer separations even if they are only separated by one fence. I always wait until there are a couple like that so the foals have company, and the mares that are separated have other mares whose foals are out of the pasture, too. It does not always work out perfectly and you get a mare that was surely showing signs of wanting some freedom back and gets that extra space and then freaks out when baby is not back as soon as the utter is feeling full, just like now and then you get a mare who behaves over anxious about any separation and then ups and decides to cut her foal off and suddenly wean them. But it usually works out pretty well and giving them longer and longer times apart lessens milk production, but slowly, with less ptoblems it seems with blocked ducts or mastitis that can happen with more sudden weaning. Essie maybe getti g pretty close to starting to cut down on the milk, as Belle has done a wonderful job of giving her a great start at building up her muscle mass. I bet she weans pretty easily once you start giving her more time away from Belle as she may well be nursing more now out of habit than need. You dont necessarily have to be handling or training her the whole time she is away from Belle, but could just leave Ariel with her to play and see how long it takes for Belle to ask for her to come back or Essie ask to go to Belle. While doing work with her when she is separated adds distraction, seeing how long she will stay out without asking to go back to mom, can give you a good idea of how ready she is to start more serious weaning time. It does mean you have to plan things out so your there when Belle wants her back or Essie wants Bellee so you can put them back together immediately so they know that they wont risk getting stuck apart.

[@VibrantVictoria-gigi]

You're an excellent writer. I followed everything you said and I'm not an equestrian.

[@GateViewMinistries]

Shae, thank you for referring to Ariel's breed. I thought I'd include the following info for other commenters. I researched it online, and she looks like the breed picture. Plus, it's so interesting that the characteristics of the rarer Canadian Brabant Horse explains Ariel's temperament to a tee. Wow! One article details that Brabants typically stand anywhere between 16.1-17 hands. Also, a short intro to the breed says, "With the mechanization of farming, a number of passionate breeders kept this draft breed alive and still use them for farm work, logging and fishing." "...The Brabant is gentle, lively, tough and brave, but also sensible. They are incredibly accommodating and obedient animals, making them hard workers..." Uses Brabant horses can be found all around the world and are widely used for agriculture, logging, fishing, pulling sleighs and wagons, plowing and being shown in-hand and under saddle."

[@Rebecca.Elizabeth]

I don't think a lot of people realize that horses are just like people. Personalities are unique to each horse and they can be either introverts or extroverts just like us. Ariel is completely content and relaxed. She's introverted and laid-back opposed to Ezzy who's an extrovert with a higher energy level. Its clear how far Ariel has come and how her personality just shines. Her coming towards you, listening to cues and taking initiative on her own time is a huge step in such a short time. She's not sad or withdrawn at all.

[@mollyragdollfan1917]

What a nice day you had (yesterday?) It's great watching how far Ariel has come along! I can understand an "introvert" .I am, too. She's doing great and she doesn't look unhappy or depressed, at all. She's showing interest , and affection. Esmeralda is getting stunning, even under all that winter foal fuzz!

[@catdoganddramaqueen8487]

Ariel is such a special horse and she landed in perfect hands. She will be a rock solid dependable mount with great intelligence. Go Ariel ❤️

[@JJ.LovesAnimals]

Both Arial & Esmeralda did very well. Ezzy sure is jealous 😅 wanting all the attention.. I loved how Arial just came right up to you all on her own. Your confidence gives them the confidence they need. I super enjoyed this video. ❤🙏🙋🏼‍♀️🐈🐕

[@tinap4800]

Ezzy and Ariel are doing so well! Your patience and gentle guidance in working with them speaks volumes and shows in the quality outcome you get with each of your horses! Beautiful work! ❤

[@PredictableEnigma]

While this isn't the first time, it's also amazing to see Ariel be so calm around Kyle! She was so nervous of him a couple months ago.

[@sandralindberg8548]

Your positive reinforcement is everything

[@Joy_AB]

Amazing progress with Ariel . When she has her head up and looking around you can tell that she is going to be a beautiful horse.

[@Fionatheawesome1]

I can't believe how smart and confident Ariel! She is still so young! I am impressed.

[@judytinker3392]

Ariel, she sure handles good. ❤ those little baby tails. Kyle is so supportive of you. That’s awesome. Great job Shea.

[@corrineadams4857]

Ariel was born to be a babysitter ! She's so smart and patient......well done ❤

[@karenmcbride1264]

Love the way Ezzy went straight to suckling when they finished with her lessons! Mama's bond!!❤

[@tc-scripture5808]

Ezzy and Ariel are two of the cutest fillies ever!❤

[@MsWarriordiva]

Ariel seems to be intuitively obedient & does all you ask. I think she's very smart, actually. She just needed your guidance.

[@samhaddock7668]

I've just fallen in love with watching (and learning) how you interact with these gorgeous fillies. Indeed, your interaction with ALL of your horses. Having grown up on a farm in Amish country, your way is much more gentle, patient, and focused on each discipline. The foals seem to pick up on your demeanor of being caring and calm. Kyle as well is very kind and calm, I can't wait to see his spirit fly when he gets his own horse!

[@nikkirutland9814]

Ariel has come so far in such a short time....Ezzy is huge, when you see her away from Belle it's hard to believe she's only 5 months old!...2 fabulous fillies you have there...🐎

[@laurabronson6173]

Ariel is a smart young lady! So cute to see her jump the fence on her own. Your ability to connect with the horses is such a gift. It’s not often that we “listen” to the queues/body language others offer. Thanks for all you do.

[@amyjones2490]

Ariel loves you and loves to learn. You are fortunate that she doesn’t have bad habits to unlearn.

[@maggieekane7845]

This is going to be fun. For all the reasons you mentioned. Stimulation, training, human fillies bonding. It is looking beautiful in Michigan. ❤️❤️🐴🐴❤️❤️

[@mousiebrown1747]

😊😊😊. You talk “horse.” Ariel talks “people.” You two like each other ❤. It’s very relaxing watching you both together. 🥰

[@wakingohiomama9110]

Ariel is just so calm and willing while Ezzy girl is just so exuberant and willing lol 2 really good baby girls!

[@blondieuk]

Ariel has come along way in the short time with you and she's so chilled because she's see you as her saviour and will be forever loving you and make you proud. It was nice to see Kyle doing a bit of grooming and bonding with Ariel. 😊❤

[@paintlove5845]

Ariel is such great little horse. She trust you so much, you have done a great job. 👌 With both 😍

[@nancytowers4094]

So nice to see Ariel interact with you on her own. Ezzy is such a Diva. Think she's going to be a handful though.

[@beachtimedays]

I adore Ariel ~ she is an introvert ~ but she’s coming out of her shell the more you love on her~ all of us introverts respond to love❤

[@laurabodycombe7998]

Both of those girls are going to grow up and be fantastic horses.

[@markstone2036]

She loves and trusts you so much. What a lucky girl. She enjoys the attention. She's just not as demanding as Ezzy.❤❤🐴🐎💋

[@laurastewart9877]

All your girls are so adorable! The foals are doing great with your kind and gentle touch. I love watching them grow. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@micheleparker3780]

Ariel doesn't seem at all depressed to me; look in her eyes, she seems sweet and gentle and shy, but happy and she can tell she's loved - she willingly does everything you ask her to do.

[@deannadeason1850]

Ariel has that laid back attitude just like a Draft.❤❤❤❤❤

[@grookeys]

The last shot with your two babies is too precious!!!! Thanks Shae for sharing!

[@wilmapascha2996]

Ariel looks happy and smart. Attention, in whatever form, iswhat she likes.

[@markstone2036]

These 2 foals are so special. The most special soul is you, Shae. I have learned so much from you. 🌹🐎🐕🐖🐈

[@fleetskipper1810]

I had a friend who was really tall for her age. In her school class pictures, she was always standing in the back row because she towered over her classmates. She called her self a “back row” kid. Ezzy is definitely a back row kid! At five months, old, her wither is almost as high as your shoulder. So great that you’re working with her at this age. And Ariel is a little star-she’s going to make somebody a great riding horse.

[@Auntie-Sara]

IDEA: I encourage everyone to video your animal as it gives you the chance to observe them in a way you otherwise can not and spot what needs attention.

[@toscadonna]

Ariel is quietly brave, and Ezzy is playful and wants to have fun. Very sweet foals the both of them.

[@susaneskra-fv2vu]

This is so fun 😁. Can't believe this is Ezzy's first time away from her mom. Ariel did fantastic 🤩!! She will become such a smart and steady horse 🐴. She'll rock on the trails!! Both of these baby girls did great.

[@allyndrethprime]

Esmerelda is getting more cream colored on her body with her winter coat. And Ariel is getting more & more friendly and seeking more attention. So nice to watch them growing up!

[@MR-ly4xt]

I love how much time you spend with each of your horses, Shae. It shows the bond you have with each and every one of them. 🐎

[@jenniferrevilla5298]

Ariel is so non reactive which will be a big confidence builder for Kyle. She trusts you so she will follow to the ends of the earth and take it all in stride. Great little filly😍

[@Kimber2010]

You are so good with the foals!!❤

[@brianajordan9818]

It is so good seeing Kyle being able to touch Ariel she came a long way

[@freespiritequestrian]

She really has ❤️. Such a quiet, intuitive filly.

[@brianajordan9818]

@@freespiritequestrian Ariel balances Ezzy out so well. I can’t wait to see how big they are going to be when they get older I think you will be doing the splits when you ride them in the future

[@cherylhillskemper7564]

I am so impressed with Ariel. She is very trusting & open to learn.

[@TheLindagdetroit]

I was clicker training 2 cats - one Right Brain Extrovert & the other Left Brain Introvert. Lol had to train them different ways cuz. Ariel certainly seems like she's got everything it takes to be a great trail horse. Her journey is so much fun. 🎉

[@KristinaBenoit]

I would love to see someday Ezzy & Ariel team up to pull sleighs for winter & wagons for summer fun & hay rides!

[@blaiseaimee7098]

I love Ariel's "too cool for school" attitude. She's killing it! Ezzy is such a baby still (ie: went straight to nurse after training session). A couple months for a foal's mental and emotional development is huge. She is like they "big" kid at school that everyone thinks is "slow" but it is because they are not as old as people think!

[@leighannebrown-pedersen7536]

She does not look depressed. She looks smart, like I can see her processing everything! But you have done the work, done things on Ariel’s time. Ariel’s success is at least 75% slow time and effort and 25% Ariel’s temperament (and frankly some luck she’s such a good girl). Ezzie is just adorable, but I see a diva in Ezzie’s future. Ariel is going to be a dream school horse.

[@annjohnson8437]

These two fillies are doing extremely well! The consistent love, care, and training you give them is really going to set them up for a great life. Penelope is so adorable too! ❤

[@petinawalker3557]

Clever Girls... Ezzy was so proud of herself when she got back to tell her Mummy what she'd been doing!

[@sandragrevstad5286]

Arial & Ezzy have such beautiful eyes. Such pretty girls

[@julie-w5m]

Ariel has come a long way bless her, she is beautiful, Ilove her.

[@itsallgood4093]

Ariel looks so calm and easy going, like "ok what else ya got?"

[@WildTalksNatureWalks]

Ariel is doing great! Especially considering, as you say before you bought her she really had not been handled. Ezzy's been loved on & worked with from day one and getting to see them working side by side really brings home how well Ariel's coming along. Also seeing them together also shows how huge Ezzy's going to be :)!

[@TheSarahlou]

I think people also forget the different starts both of these babies have had, one was born spoilt rotten and has gotten her humans just where she wants them. The other one has had to learn that not all people will scream and scare her and that her humans are just there to make her life better. They're going to be 2 little ones I can't wait to watch them grow xx

[@GracieAcchione]

The way you treat all of your horses just warms my heart! They are so lucky to have you😊

[@mermaid2014]

Ariel is an introvert, and Esmeralda is an extrovert. Raised in completely different ways for the first 5 months; then Ariel transitioning to your barn. Ezzy has the confidence of her milkshake producing, alpha supreme broodmare; mother Belle. She did lovely for a 5-month-old. Ariel's trust was amazing. It's possible that Ariel lived semi-wild on expansive land; maybe having experienced gatherings of the mare/foal herd, injections and such, maybe gone in a shoot. No other real handling until she was weaned. That does seem to be a frequent way that quarter horses are raised; like in Texas, midwest, and western states. The right parents can produce very level-headed smart foals. They're considered warmbloods, but arguments could be made that they fit into the hot-blooded category. The Brabant is steady-minded tank of a draft coldblood. It's a super interesting combination!

[@shizam1400]

Both fillies are fabulous. As are you. And Kyle. They are so lucky to have you. 🐴😍

[@pirateheart21]

Is the adventures of Ezzy and Ariel... loving every chapter ❤❤

[@kathleenkayk]

This video was simply wonderful. The babies did so well and had fun gaining confidence. Yes, you passed on that pretty draft foal, but your last bit of footage in this video proves that 2 is company, 3 is a crowd. Your foals adore you as much as you do them. Well done, Shae.

[@karendelacruz8615]

Friday. Was nice. Saturday Cloudy. Storms coming g in. 😮❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@amandat1454]

Ohhh those babies girls both did sooo great! I just love them so much. Watching Ariel come up to you while brushing Ezzy was awesome! I love watching her learn what love really is all about! 🥰💗💜🐴🐎

[@justnix4487]

Shes one of lifes thinkers and looks very laid back and chilled 🥰

[@Hollybank5]

Two very different and very sweet foals ❤. It’s obvious , by their behavior, that they love you 🥰

[@marlenestewart7442]

In the backup obstacle, you can see Ariel's "wheels turning." It is as if she is saying to herself, "What did we just do? What did that mean?" Just because she is an introvert doesn't mean she isn't expressing herself. I admire your training methods, skills and horse wisdom. Thanks for sharing the videos. I like how Esmerelda is in the background taking it all in.

[@freespiritequestrian]

It was so cute!

[@Dana-b2f2x]

Ezzy and Ariel are such pretty girls and so very smart. I enjoy watching them grow and learn, love watching you and Kyle with the other horses. Nothing but love to you two amazing souls.

[@firehorse2008]

Both did great. I think Ariel is going to be a natural trail horse.👍🏼

[@karlaromero3292]

OMG! She is so cute! What a good girl. After you backed Ariel up, she looks at the camera like “did you see that “! Love it! ❤️

[@aleasha.k.b]

I love the little (or not so little, in Ezzy's case, lol) fillies! Looking forward to watching as they grow and learn! Super excited! Also, to all those out there that keep personifying their thoughts onto Ariel, you can't possible know what she's thinking and feeling, she's healthy, happy, and thriving. Every horse is different and her beginnings don't determine her present or her future. 😊

[@aanimavilis1492]

Ariel is amazing! I would love to have horse like her and work with this girl! She's just very calm and smart 😊❤

[@LiveGrowRescue]

This is a joke but it's like the "step child" is becoming the favorite because she always willing, cooperative and mommy's little helper. 😂

[@cherylhillskemper7564]

Many years ago I went to a Parelli workshop on the 4 different types of horse personalities. They call their program "Horsenality." It really helped me understand my Polish Arab filly. She was shy, low in the herd & very exploratory and would get bored easily. Her favorite thing in the world was just getting up on this platform I had & just standing there. She had to have stuff like that. She was also right there when my sons would explore in the pasture. She had a pet cat.

[@christinesantoro9450]

AWWWE, THEY ARE SO CUTE !🥰🐎🐴🐎🥰! I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW FAR ARIEL HAS COME. SHE HAS COME A LONG WAY IN SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, AS YOU HAVE SAID, SHAE !😃! BEAUTIFUL WORK YOU HAVE DONE WITH HER TO GET THAT REASSURANCE AND CONFIDENCE. SHE IS, DEFINITELY, A CONSCIENTIOUS LEARNER AND TRUSTS YOU TREMENDOUSLY. ESMERALDA IS A GOOD LEARNER ALSO, BUT I SEE HOW YOU SAID SHE MAY BE A LITTLE MORE STUBBORN AND HAS A MIND OF HER OWN. SHE HAS DONE A FANTASTIC JOB AS WELL AS ARIEL AND THEY BOTH WILL DO FANTASTIC, FOR THEY HAVE A WONDERFUL "HORSE" TEACHER.🥰😌🌺💗🙏🏻 🌺💗KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK YOU ARE DOING, SHAE !! WISH I COULD BE THERE WITH YOU TO HELP YOU. I KNOW IT'S EXTREMELY HARD WORK WITH THE CARE OF ALL OF YOUR ANIMALS.💗🌺🐎🐴😌🌺💗🙏🏻 THAT WAS A CUTE ENDING WITH BOTH OF THEM KISSING YOU. 💗🥰🤭🐴👩🏼🐴🤭🥰💗

[@maryjanson7223]

Love Belle, Ariel and Ezzie...Ezzie has that little " Diva" tude going on once in a while...love it! Both these babies are doing Great...i would love to just hang out with you and your horses Every day...yes its hard work, but Oh, what a good piece of Heaven ! Thank you !! 🤗

[@Dreamdancerlay]

The way Esmeralda goes to Belle again and kinda looks like "oh god mum there was so much i had to do, and there were these crazy things" and Belle ist just like "yeah whatever" is so funny to me :D It's cool to see how different Essi and Ariel are personality wise and how they approach things veeery differently!

[@mariannecormier3021]

i saw that jump, it seems to come naturally to her

[@louisefromNY]

Ohhhh That was so cute. I cannot believe how much I love both Ariel and Esmeralda ❤❤. And of course, I adore you. You are so talented and sweet.