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Ted & JoAnn Dawson

Equestrian Experts

Ted and JoAnn Dawson are Equestrian Experts based in North East, Maryland. Ted and JoAnn gained years of business and horse experience operating Carousel Farm & Riding Stables in Delaware from 1986 to 1998, and in 1999, they opened Fairwinds Farm & Stables—a "destination" farm and B&B—offering riding lessons, trail rides, equestrian summer camp, horse-drawn carriages, pony rides, and special events including weddings and birthday parties. The Dawsons both teach Equine Science classes at Cecil College and work as animal wranglers for film and TV. JoAnn is the author of the Lucky Foot Stable series of books for ages 8-13, and screenwriter of the film Cream of the Crop, now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Education

  • M.Ed., University of Delaware, Education (JoAnn)
  • BS, University of Delaware, Animal Science & Agricultural Education (JoAnn)
  • BS, University of Delaware, Business Administration and Finance (Ted)

Professional Achievements

  • Fairwinds Farm has been selected as a Maryland Horse Discovery Center and was inducted to the Cecil County Business Hall of Fame
  • Awarded Tourism Business of the Year and Cecil County Outstanding Farm Operation
  • Fairwinds Farm has been featured on Good Morning America and in The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, Country Woman, Horse & Rider and Maryland Life Magazines

Certifications & Organizations

  • Members of the Maryland Farm Bureau
  • Members of the Maryland Horse Council
  • JoAnn is a Board Member of the Maryland Horse Council, the North East Chamber of Commerce, and the Cecil County Tourism and Economic Development Commission

Favorite Piece of Advice

Thoroughly research and/or take classes in horse selection and care before purchasing a horse. Too often, people jump into horse ownership without proper knowledge, and the horse ends up suffering for it.

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Q&A Comments (6)

What are the benefits of castrating a male horse at an early age?
Castrating a male horse at a younger age, typically under six months, offers several significant benefits. At this stage, the horse is less likely to develop stallion-like behaviors even after the procedure. By addressing the issue early on, you prevent the horse from forming habits associated with stallions, such as attempting to herd mares. Delaying castration beyond six months may result in the horse maintaining a stallion mindset, even post-surgery, which can lead to challenging behavior. Therefore, opting to castrate the horse at a younger age ensures a smoother transition and a more manageable temperament, contributing to a safer and more cooperative animal in the long run.
In what instances should I decide to put down a horse?
Euthanizing a horse is deemed necessary in specific situations, particularly when the animal is enduring significant pain or facing critical health conditions. The primary cause of horse mortality is colic, which can manifest as a twisted stomach or severe stomach ache. Veterinarians may attempt various interventions to alleviate colic, but if the condition proves unmanageable, euthanasia is recommended. Mild cases of colic might be treated with methods like drenching the horse with mineral oil, but if the horse is at risk of developing catastrophic colic due to rolling or getting down, where a twisted gut occurs, euthanasia becomes a humane option. Additionally, horses may need to be put down if they suffer a severe injury, such as a broken leg, from which they cannot recover. In cases where the injury is beyond repair and the horse's quality of life is compromised, euthanasia is a responsible and compassionate choice. This decision ensures that the horse is spared unnecessary suffering, and it aligns with ethical considerations for the animal's welfare.
How do I control and stop the horse?
Avoid yelling or screaming, as it can exacerbate the situation. Instead, focus on gently and consistently pulling the horse's head to one side without forcefully pulling back. Engage both hands and turn the horse sharply either to the left or right, effectively directing its movement. Continue turning the horse in a circle, as this maneuver helps to slow down the horse's pace. By maintaining control through controlled steering rather than forceful restraint, you increase the likelihood of calming the horse and bringing it to a gradual stop.
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Co-authored Articles (6)

How to

Put Down a Horse

Learn the different reasons and methods for euthanizing a horseEuthanasia is a humane way of putting an animal to death. It can be very emotionally difficult to think about euthanizing your horse, but there are situation...

How to

Castrate a Horse

Most male horses that will not be used for breeding are castrated at around 12 - 15 months of age. Uncastrated male horses have high levels of testosterone, which can make them difficult and even dangerous to handle. If ...

How to

Make a Leather Riding Crop

Crops are often used in horseback riding to train horses and help them learn new commands. Rather than used for discipline, riding crops are used to help encourage horses to perform specific tasks, and are meant to help ...

How to

Make a Braided Horse Rein

Reins are an important part of horseback riding. They connect the rider to the horse and allow the rider to give it commands. While you can always buy reins from an equestrian-supply shop, making your own is easy. Best o...

How to

Lunge a Horse

Lunging a horse, sometimes called “longeing,” involves leading your horse in a circle around a small enclosure. Not only is this great exercise, but it will also help you and your horse bond through training.. 16 Jan...

How to

Practice Two Point Position Without a Horse

Two point position is one of the key positions to master for riders. It is the position you adopt when you stand up slightly in the stirrups so your legs are the only two points of contact with the horse. You will have ...