Alayne Blickle

Alayne Blickle began in the 1990’s as a pioneer in water conservation and natural resources conservation by creating the entrepreneurial consulting business, Horses for Clean Water, an award-winning internationally acclaimed education program that looks for horse-healthy, nature-based solutions to land management challenges. She continues this work today partnering with agencies, organizations, and horse owners throughout North America and worldwide. She is a regularly contributing writer and photojournalist to several equine publications. Alayne lives with her horse trainer husband, Matt Livengood, in southwestern Idaho where they raise and train AQHA horses and mustangs on their eco-friendly horse ranch. Contact her through the Horses for Clean Water website or through their ranch website Sweet Pepper Ranch. For more information contact Alayne at [email protected] or 206-909-0225.

Create a Winter Paddock – Considerations for Building and Locating a Sacrifice Area on Your Farm

October 1, 2021October 1, 2021 by Alayne Blickle

Photo by Alayne Blickle

Probably the most important aspect of managing pastures is the time when you take your horses off your pasture. You can greatly improve the health and productivity of your pastures by creating and using a winter paddock or confinement area to house your horses during the winter. Early fall is …

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September To-Do List: Set Up Good Lighting! – It’s Time to Prepare for the Dark Winter

September 8, 2021September 1, 2021 by Alayne Blickle

Paddock lighting is a definite must-have for those with outdoor confinement areas and 9 to 5 jobs. Photos by Alayne Blickle

Even though summer is just barely in the rearview mirror, fall is the time of the year for winterizing horse properties. Chore efficiency is always my mantra, and this is especially true when prepping for the cold, rainy, snowy, windy, and dark months ahead. Setting things up so the barn …

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Water-Wise Tips for Horse Owners – Do Your Part to Save Water on the Farm and Beyond

August 5, 2021August 1, 2021 by Alayne Blickle

Using native drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping limits your need to use water. Photo from Alayne Blickle

If you live out West and manage horses on your property, you are undoubtedly pondering ways to reduce and conserve water. Many western states are suffering from prolonged drought conditions; some areas are even experiencing drinking water issues. With climate change looming, we each need to do what we can …

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10 Reasons to Create a Small-Scale Trail Course on Your Horse Property

August 5, 2021July 19, 2021 by Alayne Blickle

Short trail paths created with natural objects and plantings. Photo by Alayne Blickle

Trail courses are fun for horses and riders and can be beneficial for the natural environment. Landscaping a trail course with native plants can provide food and habitat for native insects and wildlife. Add in old logs and brush and rock piles, and you have the perfect habitat for other …

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Build an Outdoor Wash Rack – Tips for Happy Horse Bathing Outside

May 17, 2021 by Alayne Blickle

Photos by Alayne Blickle

Outdoor wash racks are a 3-season way to hose off or bathe your horse while allowing the water to recharge the natural hydrology of your property. Even if you already have an indoor wash stall, during the warm summer months an outdoor wash rack can provide extra bathing capacity for …

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Rediscover the Treasure of Horses – Take a Break from Farm Chores to Enjoy this Inspiring Read

March 7, 2021 by Alayne Blickle

“Horses are workmen, athletes, adventurers, accomplices. How they look is inessential. But how they go, how they are—in other words, who they are—is what makes any horse beautiful.” – Sarah Maslin Nir It may be surprising to some to learn that today there are over seven million horses in …

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Old Bits: Horse Farm Management – Creating a Sacrifice Area Part 2

January 23, 2021 by Alayne Blickle

Creating & Using a Sacrifice Area: Your Start Now for Better Pastures Next Summer! Part II Probably the best thing you can do for your pasture is take your horses off of it in the winter. Confining your horses to a winter paddock or “sacrifice area” will greatly improve the …

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Keep Your Confined Horses Happier

January 1, 2021 by Alayne Blickle

Locate your confinement area so your horse will have interaction and stimulus from the world around them. Photo by Kim Roe

Winter can be a challenging time for riders and our horses. Shorter days with inclement weather can make finding time to ride a challenge. Horses confined in paddocks or dry lots during winter still need something to do. Increasing turnout time, allowing social interactions between horses, and providing sufficient forage …

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Old Bits: Horse Farm Management – Creating a Sacrifice Area Part 1

January 23, 2021December 21, 2020 by Alayne Blickle

Creating & Using a Sacrifice Area: Your Start Now for Better Pastures Next Summer! Part 1 Don’t let this mild winter fool you – the most important part of managing pastures is the time when you take your horses off your pasture. By creating and using a winter paddock or …

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Build Your Own Permanent Mounting Block – A Simple and Essential Fixture for Riding Facilities

November 2, 2020November 1, 2020 by Alayne Blickle

Helyn, Jasper & the new mounting block. Photo from Alayne Blickle

I discovered the joys of a “real” mounting block about ten years ago when I tore my right anterior cruciate ligament and several other key ligaments that stabilized that knee joint. After the requisite surgery, my wait to get back on my horse was going to be six or more …

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Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

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