October 24, 2025: Bee’s First Week at Equine Obsession
Our New Obsession
There’s no better name for our new barn than Equine Obsession, because Bee and I are already completely hooked.
The week has been a perfect mix of peace, learning, and new adventure. The pastures stretch wide, the breeze smells like hay and sunshine, and the care is as detailed as any horse owner could hope for. But Bee’s biggest obsession isn’t the 100 acres of trails or the spotless barn. It’s a five-month-old filly named Pearl and her sweet mama, Jewel.
Nothing says contentment like a baby horse sleeping in the sun with a smile on her face. Meet Pearl, Bee’s newest obsession and the reason my camera roll is suddenly full. 💛
From the first day, Bee was smitten. Every time I came to visit, she was at the fence line watching Pearl, calling softly and sharing nose kisses over the rail. They ran side by side and seemed to chat in that secret horse language that only they understand.
Bee keeps watch while her little friend naps in the sun. Some friendships are just meant to bee. 💛
Pearl’s way of saying thank you for all the fence-line watch parties. Sweetest moment of the week.
When Bee moved into the mare pasture on the opposite side of Pearl’s turnout, she quickly made it known that Pearl was her baby to watch over. The other mares tried to say hello, but Bee shooed them away like a jealous babysitter. Not exactly the best way to make friends, Bee, but her heart was in the right place.
Then Jewel and Pearl were moved across the lane to a new paddock. Easy for Bee to see but not touch. Bee paced the fence and nickered for them until she finally settled to graze nearby, keeping a watchful eye in their direction.
New Friends on the Trail
The Equine Obsession staff and other boarders have been just as watchful. They monitor her appetite, water intake, and herd interactions, taking time to introduce her slowly to the other mares. Their attention to detail has given me so much peace of mind as has the boarders that have mentioned Bee’s odd behavior along the fenceline, either not moving or pacing wildly!
We’ve spent our mornings exploring the property. The cooler fall weather has made our rides glorious. We’ve wandered along fence lines past cattle and goats, under trees filled with birds, and beside a deer feeder (no deer sightings yet). Now and then we hear squirrels and other woodland critters rustling in the brush, which keeps both of us alert.
Out riding with the gals, and Bee insists on bringing up the rear — her version of quality control.
We’ve been exploring every inch of Equine Obsession with the best group of gals. Bee’s favorite spot? The back of the pack, where she can keep an eye on everyone.
Bee has handled it all beautifully. We’ve had only two little spooks, both quick jumps followed by calm composure. She’s curious about machinery and surprisingly unbothered by it. She’s definitely braver with a few riding partners, and our new friends Donna and Copper have joined us on just about every ride.
Copper is a four-year-old gelding with wonderful manners, and he and Bee get along beautifully. Donna shared a sweet moment this week while walking Copper back to his turnout pasture. They had to pass the mare pasture where Bee lives, and Bee followed them all the way down the fence line, watching until they disappeared down the road. I think it’s safe to say Bee’s circle of friends keeps growing.
Our first ride with others she practically sprinted and I was constantly slowing her roll but today everyone noticed her slower more composed pace. Way to go Bee!
We’ve also met several vets, farriers, a chiropractor, and even an Electro Equiscope provider in just one week. The boarders here are deeply involved in their horses’ care, and the barn management is outstanding. We’re a little obsessed with the cleanliness, the professionalism, and the true sense of community.
Still, I think Bee misses her bestie Sunny, and rumor has it Sunny misses her too. This is Bee’s third move this year, and once again she’s proven how adaptable she can be.
Health and Hoof Updates
We also made a few updates to Bee’s hoof care this week. She’s now sporting a new set of EasyCare shoes. As you may recall, Bee has been wearing wedged shoes (yes, just like it sounds) to help give her foot and leg the correct alignment for comfort and performance. Her previous owners said this was needed due to poor farrier work in her past.
As I’ve researched more (because her front hooves crack, split, and have chunks falling off), it sounds like that might have aggravated an existing issue with her coffin or pedal bone, or she may have foundered (don’t look it up, you’ll spiral out of horse ownership) at some point. The good news is she’s not in pain; she walks soundly and shows no signs of discomfort.
Still, I believe that a horse’s back, belly, and feet are the three most important things to protect for long-term health. The back depends on proper saddle fit and good conformation — a horse’s natural body structure and alignment of bones and muscles. The belly needs careful attention to digestion and feed; horses have delicate systems that can be easily upset. And the feet carry it all, literally.
Our hope with these new shoes is that their supportive structure across the back of the hoof and frog area will relieve pressure from the toe and encourage the heel to grow evenly. She’s already on a hoof supplement, along with other nutrients to keep her strong and balanced.
More than you want to know, I’m sure!
Old Friends, New Lessons
One of the best parts of this transition has been meeting people who already feel familiar. We met Debra and her horse Beamer, who just so happen to have been barn mates of our friends Melinda and Calvin from our previous barn. It’s such a comfort getting warm introductions to new faces.
Donna shared that Beamer had surgery to remove 17 feet of intestine after a serious tumor episode. Hearing that gave me pause — horses have over 100 feet of intestines, while the average human has around 25 feet. Gulp. It’s a reminder of how complex these animals are and how much care, knowledge, and sometimes sheer luck go into keeping them healthy.
Finding Our Rhythm
They say every new barn comes with a honeymoon phase, but most people here insist this one doesn’t end. I can see why. Between the care, the camaraderie, and the chance to keep learning, Bee and I are truly in our element.
So here we are, one week in, fully settled, fully grateful, and fully obsessed — with the care, the land, the friendships, and of course, the little filly who started it all.
Until next time,
Christina & Bee 🐴💛