Karen Griffiths

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Photo submitted by Karen Griffiths Melody Johnson with mini donkey Maximus

HORSEPLAY: The magical and musical world of training donkeys

WITH A FIRST name like Melody, it seems appropriate that Sequim’s self-proclaimed “Donkey whisperer” Melody Johnson has a mini-donkey who is a crooner. It’s true,… Continue reading

Photo submitted by Karen Griffiths Melody Johnson with mini donkey Maximus
By Karen Griffiths Marissa uses Freesia, 6, a Paisley Desert HMA Oregon BLM Mustang, Liberty training to instruct her to lift her left leg up.

HORSEPLAY: Trust, kindness are keys to training wild horses

TO QUOTE THE Glen Campbell song, “You Got to Try a Little Kindness” when training an unbroken or wild horse to willingly accept human touch… Continue reading

By Karen Griffiths Marissa uses Freesia, 6, a Paisley Desert HMA Oregon BLM Mustang, Liberty training to instruct her to lift her left leg up.
Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: During a lesson in Freedom Farm’s indoor arena Hadley Wolslegel goes over a set of cavetti under the guidance of farm owner and instructor Mary Gallagher. Working over cavetti, which can be set up with varying heights and poles, helps the rider learn how to maintain a sense of timing, balance and form, and aids the rider in developing the ability to evaluate distance and measuring the horse’s length of step —shortening or lengthening —when going over jumps.

HORSEPLAY: Learning Lessons

“I FELT LIKE I was flying,” is what my niece Ashely Griffiths, then 8, my brother’s middle child, told me the first time she jumped… Continue reading

Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: During a lesson in Freedom Farm’s indoor arena Hadley Wolslegel goes over a set of cavetti under the guidance of farm owner and instructor Mary Gallagher. Working over cavetti, which can be set up with varying heights and poles, helps the rider learn how to maintain a sense of timing, balance and form, and aids the rider in developing the ability to evaluate distance and measuring the horse’s length of step —shortening or lengthening —when going over jumps.
Photo by Karen Griffiths Still a wild mustang who, overall, dislikes being touched, Freya offers her nose for Vanessa to touch.

HORSEPLAY: Wild BLM horses find a paradise on the Olympic Peninsula with Vanessa Lowe

PARADISE WAITS WITH open arms to help abused, abandoned and aggrieved Bureau of Land Management wild mustangs live out the rest of their lives in… Continue reading

Photo by Karen Griffiths Still a wild mustang who, overall, dislikes being touched, Freya offers her nose for Vanessa to touch.
Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: My niece Brooke Stromberg and Lacy, both 15, make a winning turn during a barrel racing competition during an April game show in 2008 at JeffCo fairgrounds. Later, the duo became the 2008 Washington High School Equestrian Team and Patterned Speed Horse Association’s (junior division) state champions in barrel racing. Both shows were held in Wenatchee.

HORSEPLAY: Saying goodbye to a faithful friend

I’M FEELING A bit emotional as I share my Lacey passed away peacefully in her pasture on Nov. 13. Always a willing, athletic and agile… Continue reading

Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: My niece Brooke Stromberg and Lacy, both 15, make a winning turn during a barrel racing competition during an April game show in 2008 at JeffCo fairgrounds. Later, the duo became the 2008 Washington High School Equestrian Team and Patterned Speed Horse Association’s (junior division) state champions in barrel racing. Both shows were held in Wenatchee.
Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: Paradigm Sporthorse Training owner Rebecca Cushman with Carcare, one of 11 horses she’s rescued from the war zones in Ukraine. The 17.1 hand Warmblood gelding with level 2 FEI training has gained about 200 pounds since his arrival in August. She said, “He’s a well-trained and willing horse who loves to give hugs.”

HORSEPLAY: Port Townsend trainer rescues horses in Ukraine from war

“IT WAS TERRIFYING,” Rebecca Cushman said of her first-time wiring thousands of dollars in purchase and transport fees to Hong Kong for a dressage show… Continue reading

Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: Paradigm Sporthorse Training owner Rebecca Cushman with Carcare, one of 11 horses she’s rescued from the war zones in Ukraine. The 17.1 hand Warmblood gelding with level 2 FEI training has gained about 200 pounds since his arrival in August. She said, “He’s a well-trained and willing horse who loves to give hugs.”
Photo by Judy Depree Prize ride participant Yvonne Degrassi Craig at one of the trail’s viewpoints.

HORSEPLAY: OP is alive again with equine events

ISN’T IT NICE to see folks taking part in group activities again after the pandemic shut down? Back Country Horseman’s Peninsula Chapter’s been as busy… Continue reading

Photo by Judy Depree Prize ride participant Yvonne Degrassi Craig at one of the trail’s viewpoints.
Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: High school friends and equestrian team members Aby Garcia, left, Keri Tucker and Joanna Seelye enjoyed racing through the unusual game patterns and supporting the fundraiser.

HORSEPLAY: Games bring fun, camaraderie, funds for OPEN and WAG

“YOU BETTER THINK (think), think about what you’re doing to me!” Those song lyrics from Aretha Franklin’s hit “Think” played repeatedly in my mind each… Continue reading

Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: High school friends and equestrian team members Aby Garcia, left, Keri Tucker and Joanna Seelye enjoyed racing through the unusual game patterns and supporting the fundraiser.
Counties from across the state send their top exhibitors in the intermediate and senior divisions to compete at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup during September. Pictured are Clallam County’s 4-H members Ava Hairell and Banjo, left, Taylor Maughan with Ru and Katelynn Sharpe with Sophie. (photo by Katie Newton)

HORSEPLAY: The 3 amigos of Neon Riders 4-H compete at state

THE THREE AMIGOS from Neon Riders 4-H club were excited they got to go together to compete at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup last… Continue reading

Counties from across the state send their top exhibitors in the intermediate and senior divisions to compete at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup during September. Pictured are Clallam County’s 4-H members Ava Hairell and Banjo, left, Taylor Maughan with Ru and Katelynn Sharpe with Sophie. (photo by Katie Newton)
PHOTO BY LINDA MORIN At the Joyce Daze Parade, participating Back Country Horsemen Peninsula Chapter members were awarded a Blue Ribbon for the best Animal Entry in the parade.

HORSEPLAY: OPEN, WAG hosting canine, equine fundraiser

CALLING ALL EQUESTRIANS and dog lovers! Are you ready for a play day? Come join the fun on Sat., Sept. 23, from 3-6 p.m. for… Continue reading

PHOTO BY LINDA MORIN At the Joyce Daze Parade, participating Back Country Horsemen Peninsula Chapter members were awarded a Blue Ribbon for the best Animal Entry in the parade.
Photos by Anna Swanberg Cutline: Teen mustang trainers Libby Swanberg (with Latte) and her sister Asha Swanberg, each broke the record for the attaining the highest selling prices ever — more than $10,000 each — earlier this month at the Mustang Yearlings/Washington Youth auction in Cle Elum.

HORSEPLAY: Swanbergs’ hard work nets BLM mustang auction records

LAST SATURDAY MY neighbor, Kris Phillips, shared how earlier this month she attended a Bureau of Land Management mustang auction in Cle Elum, where she… Continue reading

Photos by Anna Swanberg Cutline: Teen mustang trainers Libby Swanberg (with Latte) and her sister Asha Swanberg, each broke the record for the attaining the highest selling prices ever — more than $10,000 each — earlier this month at the Mustang Yearlings/Washington Youth auction in Cle Elum.
Carrie Kirksey (gray sweatshirt, front left) and Raquel Edwards (far right) had fun learning some new dance moves while listening to local band JFA during OPEN’s annual fundraiser at Sequim’s Layton Hill Horse Camp. The two traveled from Snohomish to support the event after Kirksey adopted her horse Missy from OPEN. Thanks to generous donations OPEN reached its goal of raising enough money to fill its barn with another year’s worth of hay. (Karen Griffiths/For Peninsula Daily News)

HORSEPLAY: OPEN fundraiser helps feed needy horses during winter

“IT’S SUCH A wonderful feeling knowing we have a year’s worth of hay stacked in our barn,” exclaimed OPEN co-founder Valerie Jackson. “And this is… Continue reading

Carrie Kirksey (gray sweatshirt, front left) and Raquel Edwards (far right) had fun learning some new dance moves while listening to local band JFA during OPEN’s annual fundraiser at Sequim’s Layton Hill Horse Camp. The two traveled from Snohomish to support the event after Kirksey adopted her horse Missy from OPEN. Thanks to generous donations OPEN reached its goal of raising enough money to fill its barn with another year’s worth of hay. (Karen Griffiths/For Peninsula Daily News)
Photo by Katie Newton Cutline: 4-H High Point winners from a show earlier this month which qualifies riders to compete at the Clallam County Fair’s horse show Aug. 17-20. Left to right: Intermediate Champion Lila Tore;, Intermediate Reserve Champion Ellie Karjalainen; Helping Hands trophy Kinlee Morris; Walk Trot Champion Elise Sirguy; Walk Trot Reserve Champion Grace Karjalainen; Games Champion Katelynn Sharpe; Senior Reserve Champion tied between Celbie, Karjalainen and Ava Hairell; Senior Champion Taylor Maughan. Not pictured is Games Reserve Champion Zakara Braun.

HORSEPLAY: Clallam County 4-H horse show a success

EXCITEMENT AND GIGGLES were in the air during this month’s pre-fair 4-H horse show at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. “It was a blast for all… Continue reading

Photo by Katie Newton Cutline: 4-H High Point winners from a show earlier this month which qualifies riders to compete at the Clallam County Fair’s horse show Aug. 17-20. Left to right: Intermediate Champion Lila Tore;, Intermediate Reserve Champion Ellie Karjalainen; Helping Hands trophy Kinlee Morris; Walk Trot Champion Elise Sirguy; Walk Trot Reserve Champion Grace Karjalainen; Games Champion Katelynn Sharpe; Senior Reserve Champion tied between Celbie, Karjalainen and Ava Hairell; Senior Champion Taylor Maughan. Not pictured is Games Reserve Champion Zakara Braun.
Submitted photo Congratulations to these Equitese Pony Club members for attaining higher levels of accomplishments through the U.S. Pony Club of America. Levels of certification start at what is called D Level (beginner), progressing to C Level (intermediate) then to B Level and A Level (advanced). From left: Hazel Vidal, level D3 in dressage; Addi Staley, D2 in hunt seat equitation; Lisa Cartwright, D2 in dressage and D3 in horse management; Galadriel Nichols, D2in dressage and D3 in horse management; Katie Haman, D2 in dressage and D3 in horse management; Rose Soini, D2 in eventing (in flat work) and horse management . Visit www.ponyclub.org for more information. Follow the club on its Facebook page, Equitese Pony Club.

HORSEPLAY: Tips and tricks for dealing with equine insect issues

“DID YOU INCLUDE her bits and pieces?” That’s the question fellow rider Kim Bues asked when I explained I rub Lacey’s undercarriage with Vaseline to… Continue reading

Submitted photo Congratulations to these Equitese Pony Club members for attaining higher levels of accomplishments through the U.S. Pony Club of America. Levels of certification start at what is called D Level (beginner), progressing to C Level (intermediate) then to B Level and A Level (advanced). From left: Hazel Vidal, level D3 in dressage; Addi Staley, D2 in hunt seat equitation; Lisa Cartwright, D2 in dressage and D3 in horse management; Galadriel Nichols, D2in dressage and D3 in horse management; Katie Haman, D2 in dressage and D3 in horse management; Rose Soini, D2 in eventing (in flat work) and horse management . Visit www.ponyclub.org for more information. Follow the club on its Facebook page, Equitese Pony Club.
Photos by Karen Griffiths Cutline: Members of the Peninsula Chapter of Back Country Horseman gathered for at Miller Peninsula State Park for a pre-ride breakfast before hitting the trails for its annual Rhody Ride. The state’s official flower, the pink flowered Pacific Rhododendron, R. macrophyllum, was in full bloom.

HORSEPLAY: Rhody rides and events make summer fun

IT’S BLOOMING RHODY time! June is the month when our native Pacific Rhododendron’s pink flowers are on full display —the perfect time for Back Country… Continue reading

Photos by Karen Griffiths Cutline: Members of the Peninsula Chapter of Back Country Horseman gathered for at Miller Peninsula State Park for a pre-ride breakfast before hitting the trails for its annual Rhody Ride. The state’s official flower, the pink flowered Pacific Rhododendron, R. macrophyllum, was in full bloom.
Fork’s Destiny Ashue, 9, was all smiles when she got to touch horses for her first time during the Annual Save the Trails event last month at Littleton Horse Camp. Hosted by Backcountry Horsemen’s Mt. Olympus and Peninsula chapters, she was overjoyed to be able to lead this mini-horse by herself (under the watchful eye of Mt. Olympus BCH Chapter member Wendy Brundle)Photos by Karen Griffiths

HORSEPLAY: Warm weather helps make ‘Share the trail’ a success

I HITCHED A ride with Kim Bues last month to the annual Share the Trail event hosted by the Mt. Olympus and Peninsula Chapters of… Continue reading

Fork’s Destiny Ashue, 9, was all smiles when she got to touch horses for her first time during the Annual Save the Trails event last month at Littleton Horse Camp. Hosted by Backcountry Horsemen’s Mt. Olympus and Peninsula chapters, she was overjoyed to be able to lead this mini-horse by herself (under the watchful eye of Mt. Olympus BCH Chapter member Wendy Brundle)Photos by Karen Griffiths
Cutline: Sequim parents cheered the team on wearing their fan vests made by mom Anna Swanberg. Bryan Swanberg, left, Anna, Christie Sharpe, and Misty Gilbertson

HORSEPLAY: Sequim High School equestrians finish out season strong

especially our youths… Continue reading

Cutline: Sequim parents cheered the team on wearing their fan vests made by mom Anna Swanberg. Bryan Swanberg, left, Anna, Christie Sharpe, and Misty Gilbertson
Photo by Karen Griffiths At a May 6 Patterned Speed Horse game show honoring his great-grandfather Ted Crosby, a very young Nyle Crosby James is led through his first competitive barrel racing pattern by his mother, Ady Crosby, while steadied by his father Jeff James. Crosby, 87 passed away March 30 of complications of prostate cancer.

HORSEPLAY: Equine veterinary services in short supply

SPLAWN LIVES! IN my April 22 column I mentioned how we horse owners missed the dedication and service provided by the now retired Drs. Bob… Continue reading

Photo by Karen Griffiths At a May 6 Patterned Speed Horse game show honoring his great-grandfather Ted Crosby, a very young Nyle Crosby James is led through his first competitive barrel racing pattern by his mother, Ady Crosby, while steadied by his father Jeff James. Crosby, 87 passed away March 30 of complications of prostate cancer.
Sequim’s high school equestrian team celebrates taking home the district 4 small teams Championship, along with belt buckles and medals at the end of their final district WAHSET competition. The team’s high scores also earned them 24 qualifying placements to compete at the State Finals in May. Standing from left: Coach Katie Newton, Celbie Karjalainen, Katelynn Sharpe, Lily Meyer, Kennady Gilbertson, Coach Bettina Hoesel, Assistant Coach Keri Tucker. Sitting from left: Libby Swanberg, Sydney Hutton, Paige Reed. Photo submitted by Katie Newton

HORSEPLAY: WAHSET competition; how to treat choking

THREE CHEERS AND a hip-hip hurrah for Sequim High School Equestrian Team, with Celbie Karjalainen, Kennady Gilbertson, Paige Reed, Katelynn Sharp, Rylie Smith, Sydney Hutton,… Continue reading

Sequim’s high school equestrian team celebrates taking home the district 4 small teams Championship, along with belt buckles and medals at the end of their final district WAHSET competition. The team’s high scores also earned them 24 qualifying placements to compete at the State Finals in May. Standing from left: Coach Katie Newton, Celbie Karjalainen, Katelynn Sharpe, Lily Meyer, Kennady Gilbertson, Coach Bettina Hoesel, Assistant Coach Keri Tucker. Sitting from left: Libby Swanberg, Sydney Hutton, Paige Reed. Photo submitted by Katie Newton
Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: Griffiths’ horse Sunny was a beautiful and powerful barrel racer, plus all around good horse, who had a soft spot for her grand-nephew Rory Ceballos, then 5. Sadly, after a harsh winter filled with illness she was put down last week.

HORSEPLAY: It’s hard to say farewell to a four-legged friend

WITH A HEAVY heart, I said goodbye to Sunny, my light-colored palomino last week. Horseplay readers may recall Sunny came into my life after she… Continue reading

Photo by Karen Griffiths Cutline: Griffiths’ horse Sunny was a beautiful and powerful barrel racer, plus all around good horse, who had a soft spot for her grand-nephew Rory Ceballos, then 5. Sadly, after a harsh winter filled with illness she was put down last week.