University of Maine UMares

01/17/2025

Well done, Baby Girl! 💙🩵💙🩵

01/17/2025

Diva and I tried something new today! She jumped beautifully 😍 she truly seemed to be enjoying the this fun new game, although, in true Diva style, she tried going every which way but forward occasionally!

Better than her success with jumping, is how she still wants to hang out with me after training. She has the whole arena to explore and she hangs out with me while I’m putting stuff away.

This is the reward. This is the reason. Keeping the horse curious and confident is more important than whatever maneuver I can train her to do. Diva has a vibrant personality and I’d never want to diminish that or cause her to dread her work with people.

Don’t train your horse to be a slave to your whims. Teach them to be good partners.
Love them for who they are.
Be fair, consistent, and kind yet firm with them.
Horses are unimaginably forgiving and tolerant so never ever forget that YOU are the one that needs to learn how to communicate with your horse.
That horse does not have to let you ride. Do not take advantage of their good nature.
If you lose cooperation from your horse assume that she is tired, sore or confused, and take a break. Like Diva, they can be naughty in a mischievous way, but nearly all so-called bad behavior is due to pain.
Take care of them.

This message has been approved by all the best girls: Laney, Diva, Dixie, Gina, Wh**ey, Sara, Suzie and Bliss 💙

01/17/2025

Diva’s first lesson on jumping

01/17/2025

First time trying jumping

12/18/2024

Are you a former or current student that has been involved with the horse barn at Witter? The Mares and staff could use some support right now. The dairy barn is getting a lot of attention lately because of the new cows added to the herd and the innovate barn being built but the horses would like to say, “Don’t forget about us!”

If you are inclined, a note about your experience in the horse program sent to Dr. Diane Rowland (the dean of our college) would be a great way to show some appreciation.

Did you find your time involved with the horses to be useful in your education? Was the experience valuable? Did you enjoy working with the horses? Did the educators set you up with transferable skills? What did you learn from being in the horse barn? Did you grow as a person from the experience? Was the horse program one of the reasons you came to UMaine?

Most of the time, people are quick to file a complaint but don’t always document their appreciation as well. Dr. Causey started the program 26 years ago and continually seeks support through grants and donations to keep the program alive. It would help if those higher up knew how important the program is for students and the horses.

Pleas take a moment and share your love for the UMaine horse program ❤️

Our unique combination of social, health, life, and environmental science disciplines empowers impactful collaborations and novel approaches to solving some of the most pressing issues and grand challenges of our time.

11/27/2024

These good mares and their riders had a lovely trail ride today before the rain.

L to R: Laney and Heather, Diva and Liv, Suzie and Maddie

Not pictured was Sara (the Mighty Beetle Bug) who was busy carrying the photographer.

11/24/2024

Job opportunity
Right here at Witter!

University of Maine

11/08/2024

Tomorrow!! Don’t forget to stop by!

ALSO…
There will be tack for sale including saddles!! Come check out what we have, enjoy some sweet treats, and meet the cutest pony, Winnie ❤️🐴. - - UMaine Drill Team will be hosting a tack cleaning and bake sale on November 9th at Wild Ivy Farm! We’ll be offering cleaning for various types of tack, so bring it all! The more you bring, the better the deal. We’ll also be having a bake sale with homemade treats for both you and your horses. Horseshoe painting and pony rides (weather permitting) will also be happening, so don’t forget to bring the kiddos! Come hang out with Drill Team and see what we’re all about. All proceeds will go towards better equipment for the UMares.