Elk Park Oct 6 & 7, 2024
Shelbie Fredenhagen
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 26th, 2024 I was introduced to the resilient people on the border of Tennessee and Western North Carolina. I bore witness to a community coming together despite devastation that washed away their homes, livelihoods, roads, and even family members.
In the days leading up to Hurricane Helene's landfall I had been concerned for my friends and Neira, my mare of many years. They ultimately were on the eastern side of the storm wall in North Central Florida. With minor damage and no electricity, everyone that I cared for was unharmed. I continued viewing the storm on the radar through the night. I watched it pass over Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and felt the first bursts of wind at 7:30 AM outside Lexington, Ky. I was farm sitting at the farm I train and board out of, Pine Knoll Farm. We braced through extreme wind and rain all day. I felt very thankful to be in a large sturdy barn. I could go check on the horses frequently through the day along with the guys who were caring for the horses. By the evening the storm had passed and I was grateful I didn’t have to drive on roads covered in tree debris.
That Monday, after Hurricane Helene had ripped through the southeastern United States, I took my trailer to get new tires. My truck, Black Betty, had her tires rotated in preparation for hauling south to Florida for the winter. That morning I had heard about flooding in the eastern side of the mountains. My husband and I recently bought property on the western side of the Appalachian Mountains, so this event hit close to home. My husband had rode out the storm on the property where we had a normal amount of flooding through our valley, but nothing catastrophic. That evening I got a call from Laura D'Agostino, who used to live around Elk Park, NC. The stories she was receiving from friends were terrifying.
A horse she knew, Charlotte, whom she had helped rescue years ago was stranded along with her owners as floodwaters destroyed their barn, pasture, and the bridge connecting them to town. I asked how I could help and we started planning how I could get there with my trailer to rescue Charlotte and support her friend in any way I could.
Plans were readjusted each day based on social media, news outlets, and Google Maps. We had to navigate which roads were open in order to determine where I could drop off supplies. When people heard what I was preparing for, donations poured in until the night before I left. I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from Midway, the feed stores, and individuals who donated supplies for horses, dogs, cats, and humans. Pine Knoll Farm served as our base as we gathered donations and prepared my truck and trailer for driving through the western North Carolina mountains, ultimately into some unknowns.
Plans continued to shift minute by minute. I left at 5 a.m. with supplies and a plan to drive the six hours from Lexington to Elk Park. During the last two hours of my drive my destination changed three times trying to figure out the logistics. Ultimately I connected with Ellie Lamb, a local woman in Elk Park who had helped Charlotte cross the river on Friday and was in touch with others in the community who needed donations.
Driving along Route 19E I started to see evidence of the flooding—trees down, round bales that had floated down the mountains stacked against culverts, mud and rocks pushed up along the roads. Fortunately the roads were clear for my truck and trailer.
I arrived at Ellie’s house and amazingly the driveway was intact enough to drive on. A washout had taken about 30 feet of land and a landslide had covered the opposite side of the road, but everyone was cheerful, smiling, and welcoming. They were just as overwhelmed as I was by the outpouring of donations and supplies packed into my trailer. We unloaded as much as we could into her garage-turned-distribution center before a large trailer arrived with over 300 bales of hay from a family helping feed the animals in the area. The family’s two little girls were enthused to make their first hay run since the storm. The sun was out, it was hot work, but soon Ellie’s garage was filled to the brim with supplies for the community to use throughout the winter.
Taking my first break that day I met the owners of the local hostel and bar, The Station at 19E. Their power had just come back so cold beers were on the table! The Station had become a hub with Starlink, allowing us to get online and let loved ones know we were safe. After the storm, community members had been only able to contact others by driving an hour into Johnson City-- if the roads allowed.
Ellie, her husband Mike, their electrician friends, and I packed up the side-by-side and headed to Jeanna’s and Erik’s, driving down the Elk River where 30 feet of water had surged through. The devastation was overwhelming—bridges gone, houses lifted from their foundations and broken, homes filled with mud. Yet the people we passed still smiled and nodded, happy to see each other alive and well. They asked if we needed anything—gas, water, food. Deeper into the valley, people were organizing supplies. We stopped at several houses to help with generators, as they needed specific power to pump water from their wells.
Crossing the Elk River to get to Jeanna’s place reminded me of the flood beds of the Matanuska River Valley or Kenai River in my childhood home of Alaska. Where there had once been a potato farm, flower garden, and horse pasture, there were now bent steel beams, cars wrapped around trees, clothes and personal items scattered, all half buried in mud. The bridge was demolished, but an American flag and chairs were set up to view the changed landscape. Jeanna’s house was high enough out of the floodplain to be spared, allowing Charlotte to survive the flood in their backyard. Another horse from the area, Romi, had swum to safety with Charlotte and both had been taken across the river with injuries. Upon my arrival they were safe in a neighbor’s pasture with another mare and three donkeys.
Jeanna, full of life and kindness, held back tears as she spoke about what they were going through. One of her friends was still missing after she and her husband climbed to their roof to escape the rising water. Their newly built home had been struck by a bridge that had been washed away farther up the valley. Her husband made it to Jeanna’s house, but his wife was swept away with their dogs and hasn’t been found.
That evening at The Station catfish was served and I had the opportunity to meet more locals and people from different states who had come to help. I also checked the radar for Hurricane Milton, now forming and headed toward my winter home of Florida.
On Monday morning I cooked breakfast for my hosts. Ellie and I then headed up the mountain to deliver donated grain to a family housing three horses. We picked up the horses from a pasture where a landslide had narrowly missed the barn. These three needed extra food as there was little grass left. We walked them down the road to where my truck was parked. They were sweet and seemed to understand we were there to help. Along the way, amidst the debris and mud, a rose bush stood tall, pink petals waving in the soft breeze—a striking contrast between death and life, teetering on the edge.
The horses loaded well though the last one was hesitant. With patience we got him on quietly. The drive back was steep, but Betty got us there and it felt good to see them on lush grass.
It was time to catch and load Charlotte. Though safe she needed treatment for her injuries and no longer had a home at Jeanna’s. It was decided that I’d take her back to Lexington, then to Florida where Laura would give her a permanent home. I spent two and a half hours talking to her, trying to catch her, but the pasture was too big and it would take days to gain her trust. I made an enclosure from what we had, electric fencing, and she tore through it once she realized she was trapped.
I didn’t want to leave Charlotte behind, but options were running out. Ellie suggested a cowboy who could rope her. Though concerned about the stress it might cause, it was our only option. The cowboy arrived at dusk and expertly roped her without causing too much stress. She loaded right onto the trailer. Many people came to see her off—this mare had a way of bringing people together.
By the time I said my goodbyes it was 8 p.m. and the mountain roads were dark and winding, but I trusted Betty to get us back to Lexington safely.
Around midnight Betty started making odd noises. I pulled over a few times to check. We were in the mountains and the transmission temperature had risen higher than I’d ever seen, so when I reached Rose Hill, VA I pulled over. I didn’t want to push Betty past her limit, not after everything she’d been through. It was a little scary but my dog, Lil Dude, Charlotte, and I settled in for a few hours of sleep and some food. I opened the trailer dividers so Charlotte could relax.
In the morning the gas station owners arrived and I explained the situation. They were incredibly kind, offering breakfast sandwiches and coffee and connecting me with a local mechanic. The mechanic was just as generous, diagnosing the problem for free—it was a transmission issue. I’d be able to make it to a shop about 30 minutes away in Middlesbrough, KY, if I drove slowly. We limped along and the apprentice at the shop diagnosed the problem, ordered the part, and had it installed in about an hour. For truck folks, you know anything involving the transmission being fixed quickly feels like a miracle. These people were so generous, especially after hearing where I had just come from.
The rest of the drive was smooth. About two hours later I turned on the road to Pine Knoll. That’s when I started hearing a grinding noise from the transfer case. It got worse as I pulled into the driveway and by the time I parked I knew I couldn’t drive Betty any further. It felt like a miracle to coast to a spot, park, and unload Charlotte. I unhooked Betty and parked her for a tow to Caliber Collision, where they’d help me find a mechanic to get her back on the road.
This entire trip was made possible by prayers, love, donations, time, and tears. I couldn’t have done it alone and I’d like to list the people and businesses who were a huge part of this journey.
Pine Knoll Farm
Jeanna Engstrom
Laura D’Agostino
Gillian Vallis
Rob Mills
Octavia
Jen Noelle
Sonia Davis
Becky Tate
Hymer feed company
KBC
Courtney Neikirk
People of Midway
Ellie Lamb
Ellyse Reese
Dianne Dawes Torre
Mikaila McGregor
Summer Cross
Cynthia Fata
Jenny Marie- Greenough
Traveling and Camping with Horses from Alachua, Florida to Chesterville, Ohio August 2021
shelbie Fredenhagen
Early 2021 I made the decision to spend some time in Ohio where my partner grew up and still lives part of the year. I also decided that I wanted my animals to come with me. In 2020 I had bought my first gooseneck trailer with living quarters that could fit my two horses, so it was a possibility i could bring my horses and be able to take my time to go from Alachua, FL to Chesterville, OH.
I started making lists 2 months before I left on my 2 months trip with my horses. I kept making lists until the day I left.
It helped ease the anxiety on my mind, getting it out on paper so I didn't have to try and remember it all. From those list I have created my own guide for future travels of things I was happy I brought, Things I had to get en route, and things I didn't need. I traveled with my two horses, Neira and Maxx. And my dog Lil Dude.
As with most things, a little bit of planning goes a long way.
If you aren't intimately involved with your rig before the journey, you will be by the end.
It took a lot of effort before my trip to ensure an easier haul. This included first taking Black Betty (my truck) to a mechanic friend and getting her closely inspected for anything that might be a problem within the next 4000 miles hauling 10000+ lbs down the interstate.She had fresh belts put on and new spark pugs all around. There was an issue with the fan that got sorted so she ran like a new truck, and I could feel and hear what was now normal and healthy for her.
I got her tires balanced, rotated, and an alignment check.
Next was my trailer.
My lovely boyfriend and I spent 2 days changing the brakes, bearings and packing them. I'm gratefuI someone who knew what he was doing and was patient helped me with this process.
I then decided to paint the top of my trailer with an RF factor paint. This helps reflect the sun and keeps the inside significantly cooler. I went with an elastomeric paint. 1 gallon was enough to do 2 coats on my 28ft trailer, and it was worth it . We also decided to install an exhaust fan that moves 300 ft/sec of air to keep the horses cool if I got in a situation where i needed to keep air moving.
In hindsight I should have put it in a different location and gotten the remote activated one. Crawling into the trailer with Neira was pretty tight and I would not have been comfortable with any other horse. It is brighter and does make a difference on truly sweltering days.
I checked tire pressure of ALL tires, including spares regularly. I had to buy a special pressure gauge that reads high enough for my trailer. It's easy enough and gives you a heads up before real problems start with your tires.
I got my tires on the trailer balanced and rotated, something that has really made a difference in the smoothness of hauling.
It is important to go over the trailer, and the frame, by lifting mats and really getting into the cracks and crevices to check on seals and any rust that's becoming an issue. Twice a year and especially before a longer haul.
Packing the tack room.
This was great, I went through every item of equipment I own and asked myself in a Marie Kando kind of way, will this be useful on my trip... and bring me joy?
I ended up with an orderly tack space that did not feel cluttered. I brought with me my 2 saddles, 2 bridles with spare pieces, rope halters, travel safety halters, lead lines, lunge line, lunge whips, a set of standing wraps, farrier equipment, including nails, medical bag, protective boots, wool coolers, rain sheets, they're feed, 2 small buckets, 2 large water buckets, their feed buckets, and a large hay bag.
I did my best not to "over pack." Anything that broke on the road was replaced in the next supply run to tractor supply. I didn't pack more than 3 days hay at a time.
The only thing I was disappointed I didn't bring were their fly sheets. We got to southern Ohio and the horse flies were MONSTERS! I couldn't take them out of their stalls except before dawn or dusk.
Things in my home. I kept it simple enough, I had just enough clothes to layer if things got down to 30 degrees. As far as kitchen and food items, I have a very simple kitchen setup with a gas powered cooktop, a couple of small pots and pans, limited cutlery, and plates and bowls. Plastic paper bowls and plates save on weight and are easy to burn at the end of a meal. I didn't stalk up heavily on food. A few snack items and things I could easily throw into boiling water. Otherwise I tried to stick to fresh fruits and vegetables that I came across in my travel.
Since I don't have a generator, battery and solar operated lights are a must-have. I have a small rechargeable battery pack that works in a pinch to charge my phone.
As far as etertainment I brought my leather working equipment with me so I could work on projects during down time and my ukulele.
As for my horses, I made sure the halters that they traveled in were comfortable. For bedding in the trailer I use wood pellets that I soaked. It's a good insulator from the vibration of the road and was good at soaking up pee. On hot days you can put ice in the bedding to help cool the trailer down.
For their food I traveled with whole bags of food for them and their supplements just like I would at home. But for individual days, I would put they're night feed in the bucket that they would eat out of and have their breakfast prepared in a smaller bucket that I could have soaking for the next morning. If I was packing for a shorter trip, a Ziploc lock or paper bag (if in a very humid climate) is fine. Small sealable buckets are great to have on hand, 5-gallon containers with a top, or spare water buckets in your trailer or truck are good to have any time.
I had some feed go rancid on me because I bought it too far in advance of my trip and I had no way of keeping it out of the heat we experienced while traveling.
Overnight horse camp list-
Check and pack spare liquids for your car (oil, coolant, power steering fluid)
trailer jack
Tire iron (that fits your trailer)
Spare tire (check pressure on the truck and trailer)
Safety cones/ triangles/ lights
Coggins. You will l need to stop at all Agriculture Stations.
Baling twine (for tying)
Firewood
Head lamp
Water bucket and straps if you plan to hang
Head lamp
Water bucket and straps if you plan to hang them
Your horsesAM and PM feed and hay
Camp chair
A spare bucket
Manure fork
Action of the Bit in the Horses Mouth
Shelbie Fredenhagen
Nov. 22, 2012
Working the horse by applying what is known of physics and the musculature system, provides the rider with an osteopathic way of working the horse. In this way your partner will have a longer working life with less health problems associated from poor muscle development. Stress can be eliminated by the rider not demanding the horse to perform things that their body cannot physically do.
One of the biggest problems people will relay to clinicians and their coaches that I have heard is “how can I keep my horse consistently round?” Thousands of dollars are spent every year on magic bits that promise results and artificial aids to help correct this problem. When a simple single jointed snaffle and educated hands are all you need to start with.
“The hand is the instrument of all instruments” -Aristotle
When pressure is forced on the hypersensitive organ that is the tongue through the downward action of the hand to the bit; pain shoots through the horses bars and tongue. Tension is evident in the body and mind which is shown as resistance against the bit. Symptoms include grinding teeth, sticking out tongue, dry mouth, above the bit, behind the bit, staleness in the bridle, tongue over the bit... the list goes on.
However, if the bit is used by exerting pressure on the corner of the lips, the horse will yield the jaw and swallow. As the muscles that are used In the act of swallowing are used,you can see that the tongue is a critical crossroad. Some of the tongue muscles connect to a small set of bones in the throat called the hyoid bones. Originating from the hyoid bones are two major neck muscles, one connecting with the sternum and one with the inside of the shoulder. When the horses tongue is compressed due to downward pressure from the bit, these muscles are blocked and cannot function properly. Therefore, discomfort and tension in the tongue will lead to tension all the way down to the bottom of the neck. In addition, there are muscles connecting the hyoid bones to the temporo-mandibular joint (the TMJ, or jaw,) which is an important centre for nerves involved in balance and proprioception (part of the horse's coordination system).
For some, it is just easier to change the bit, add a flash, and blame the horse for having a bad mouth, than it is to question the efficiency and action of the riders own hands.
By thinking of how your hand is acting as you ride and to simply “check in” with the corners of the horses lips to make sure it is relaxed by asking the horse to swallow, several things are accomplished. We can be sure that there are less braced muscles through the neck, further releasing tension from their back; they have greater mobility through the hindquarters, and start gaining longer strides. We then have a greater opportunity for the horse to have true roundness with soft, elastic movements; whatever your discipline.
“The aim of the Art is not only to ride a well conformed animal, but to get the very best out of those that have been less gifted by nature.” Ludwig Hunersdorf
Shelbie Fredenhagen
Nov. 22, 2012
Working the horse by applying what is known of physics and the musculature system, provides the rider with an osteopathic way of working the horse. In this way your partner will have a longer working life with less health problems associated from poor muscle development. Stress can be eliminated by the rider not demanding the horse to perform things that their body cannot physically do.
One of the biggest problems people will relay to clinicians and their coaches that I have heard is “how can I keep my horse consistently round?” Thousands of dollars are spent every year on magic bits that promise results and artificial aids to help correct this problem. When a simple single jointed snaffle and educated hands are all you need to start with.
“The hand is the instrument of all instruments” -Aristotle
When pressure is forced on the hypersensitive organ that is the tongue through the downward action of the hand to the bit; pain shoots through the horses bars and tongue. Tension is evident in the body and mind which is shown as resistance against the bit. Symptoms include grinding teeth, sticking out tongue, dry mouth, above the bit, behind the bit, staleness in the bridle, tongue over the bit... the list goes on.
However, if the bit is used by exerting pressure on the corner of the lips, the horse will yield the jaw and swallow. As the muscles that are used In the act of swallowing are used,you can see that the tongue is a critical crossroad. Some of the tongue muscles connect to a small set of bones in the throat called the hyoid bones. Originating from the hyoid bones are two major neck muscles, one connecting with the sternum and one with the inside of the shoulder. When the horses tongue is compressed due to downward pressure from the bit, these muscles are blocked and cannot function properly. Therefore, discomfort and tension in the tongue will lead to tension all the way down to the bottom of the neck. In addition, there are muscles connecting the hyoid bones to the temporo-mandibular joint (the TMJ, or jaw,) which is an important centre for nerves involved in balance and proprioception (part of the horse's coordination system).
For some, it is just easier to change the bit, add a flash, and blame the horse for having a bad mouth, than it is to question the efficiency and action of the riders own hands.
By thinking of how your hand is acting as you ride and to simply “check in” with the corners of the horses lips to make sure it is relaxed by asking the horse to swallow, several things are accomplished. We can be sure that there are less braced muscles through the neck, further releasing tension from their back; they have greater mobility through the hindquarters, and start gaining longer strides. We then have a greater opportunity for the horse to have true roundness with soft, elastic movements; whatever your discipline.
“The aim of the Art is not only to ride a well conformed animal, but to get the very best out of those that have been less gifted by nature.” Ludwig Hunersdorf
For more articles visit Shelbie Fredenhagen, Author at The Northwest Horse Source (nwhorsesource.com)
