Oakland Stables Open House Welcomed over a hundred visitors by Nancy Brannon Susan and Richard Davis welcomed over a hundred visitors to their Open House and Barn Party, October 16. The Mini “Patty” was the kid’s favorite for pony rides. Susan demonstrated the many tricks she has taught her black horse “Show,” while Richard gave an in-depth round pen demonstration of his “horse whispering” techniques. All the while, there was plenty of home-smoked barbeque, grilled hamburgers, and hot dogs topped with homemade chili. Richard demonstrated his natural training techniques on Tennessee Walking Horse mare “Belle,” who was described as a “nut case” because at age three and a half, she had never been broke nor touched. She had only been turned out in a pasture, so she was frantic the first time Susan and Richard put her in the round pen. Soon Richard had the horse following him around the pen. It wasn’t long until he was rubbing her, then rubbing her with a saddle pad. Soon he had a bridle on her, and in a little over an hour, had a saddle on her. Wearing both saddle and bridle, she was still following him around the pen. Susan’s horse “Show” likes to stick out his tongue for treats; he licks Susan on the neck; and he will pick up either the left or right forefoot on Susan’s command. Warner Speakman showed his roan Tennessee Walking Horse mare “My Theodora” to the audience, explaining his philosophy of having a horse go barefoot when the horse is not showing. “If you pull the shoes for the winter and let the horse go barefoot, you will have a better hoof and a better horse.” Natural hoof care practitioner Mark Taylor explained natural hoof care to the audience, and the importance of smooth trimming. “If you have very smooth hooves, smooth as glass, all debris falls out.” He also clarified some misconceptions folks may have. “Stone bruising does not cause abscesses,” he said. “An abscess is an infection, not a bruise.” He explained how some farriers and veterinarians may prefer to dig out the infection, but he said, “I prefer not to dig. Let it blow out through the hoof wall on its own, and then you’re done.” Oakland Stables is located at 22495 Hwy. 194 in Fayette County. For more information, contact Susan Davis at (901) 331-3313.