Manzanita Farm LLC

12/20/2025

We re almost there kids!

12/19/2025

I’ve been following an ongoing conversation in another rare-breed community (the Akhal-Teke world), and it struck a chord—because the same concern exists here in the Carolina Marsh Tacky community, and really across many rare horse breeds.

One of the biggest challenges we face isn’t finding good breeding stock—it’s that not all available mares are being bred within the breed.

So I’d genuinely love to hear from Marsh Tacky mare owners, especially those who aren’t breeding their mares to Marsh Tacky stallions right now:
• What factors are influencing that decision?
• Is it cost, access, experience, time, or something else?
• Are there resources, education, incentives, or connections that would make breeding feel more feasible or less intimidating?
• Do you feel supported and informed about how great the need truly is right now?

This isn’t about pressure or judgment. It’s about understanding the why—because solving the small, practical barriers may be the key to protecting the future of the breed.

If we want Marsh Tackies to remain viable for the next generation, open and honest conversations like this matter. I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts, experiences, and ideas.

12/19/2025

This morning, we let our best girl go.

April watched her last sunrise.
She had chocolate and pizza for breakfast.
She took her last Christmas photos.
She soaked up her last hugs and kisses, and she went on one final car ride.

She was our longest-lasting dog, and truly one of the best we’ve ever had the honor of sharing life with. Steady. Kind. Easy. Perfect in all the ways that matter.

Our hearts are heavy, but hers was full.

We’ll see you later, April.
Run easy, sweet girl. 🤍

12/19/2025

Honest question for horse buyers:

If you’re in the market for a horse between 2–6 years old and willing to spend $3,000–$7,000, what are you actually looking for?

• What traits matter most to you? (Temperament, size, color, mindset, willingness, quietness, athleticism, etc.)
• What level of training are you expecting at that price point?
• Are you prioritizing age, miles, or potential?
• Do papers, breeding, or registration matter to you—or not at all?
• Is your goal trail riding, showing, breeding, companionship, or something else?
• What would make a horse feel like a good value to you in that range?

There’s no right or wrong answer—I’m genuinely curious how different people define “the right horse” and “fair value.”

Drop your thoughts below 👇

12/18/2025

One of the biggest lessons Mercy ever taught me shows up every time I work with a horse who struggles with trailering.
Trailering isn’t just about getting a horse into a box on wheels. It’s about trust, timing, and communication—and those things can’t be rushed.
Patience means giving a horse the time they need to find the right answer. It means not panicking. It means being quiet enough to notice when to apply pressure and when to release it so the horse can learn without feeling trapped or overwhelmed.
Resilience comes in when things get messy—which they almost always do. When progress stalls. When you take a step backward after two steps forward. Resilience is choosing not to give up, not to get frustrated, and not to take a horse’s confusion personally.
And then there’s laughter.

Because sometimes you’re standing there in your Christmas pajamas, covered in dirt, trying to convince a horse that a perfectly safe trailer is not, in fact, a monster—and if you can’t laugh a little, you’re going to miss the whole point.

Horsemanship isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about staying soft enough to listen, steady enough to persist, and human enough to find humor in the process.

Mercy taught me that progress doesn’t come from force—it comes from patience, resilience, and the willingness to meet a horse where they are, even when the path forward isn’t tidy.
That’s Mercy in Motion.

12/17/2025

Comfortable without flies is also only about 10 days out of the year btw.

12/17/2025

Good morning everyone!

12/16/2025

We’re so excited for Junie’s new life!

Off to Georgia to pick up Junie.

12/16/2025

If you’ve ever felt ashamed for grieving a pet during the holidays, this one’s for you. Losing unconditional love is a real, heavy loss. I shared my thoughts (and a small Christmas ritual) on today’s Substack. Link in bio.

12/15/2025

Today is a very special day for us. My daughter graduates from USC so we’ll be out of pocket while we celebrate. We’ll be back tomorrow wide open, until then everyone stay warm and safe. ❤️🖤

12/15/2025

Ready for the winter weather here at the farm.

12/14/2025

Merry Christmas photo shoot!