Karen Griffiths

Four-H state team members

PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Miller Peninsula’s new parking lot now open for riders

It was so exciting to see the grand opening of Miller Peninsula State Park's new parking lot Sept. 17. The peninsula itself has long served… Continue reading

Four-H state team members
Blue ribbons won by all Clallam County Senior Division Performance 4-H riders at this year’s State Fair in Puyallup. In front row from left are Cassidy Hodgin

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Family to stay in home of 20 years rather than selling after change in plans

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” poet Robert Burns wrote, and thus it was when my hopes to simplify the lives of my… Continue reading

Blue ribbons won by all Clallam County Senior Division Performance 4-H riders at this year’s State Fair in Puyallup. In front row from left are Cassidy Hodgin
Peninsula Junior Rodeo's high-point saddle winners from last weekend's competition at the Clallam County Fairgrounds are

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Kids growing up too fast

Ok, I'm gonna bellyache a bit here: Why do kids have to grow up so fast and move on with their lives? I hate it!… Continue reading

Peninsula Junior Rodeo's high-point saddle winners from last weekend's competition at the Clallam County Fairgrounds are
Madison Ballou

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Fair time was chance to shine for Peninsula riders

FAIR TIME IS the most wonderful time of the year for those 4-H horse-showing youths. It's their time to shine. While it's hectic for them… Continue reading

Madison Ballou
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship-certified instructor Mary Craft-Nepute

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Program helps those with special needs

IT’S ALL ABOUT cause and effect. Imagine my surprise Monday afternoon when I was working outside. Suddenly, the dogs started barking and then, lo and… Continue reading

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship-certified instructor Mary Craft-Nepute
Back Country Horsemen members Tom Mix

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Volunteers keep trails in tip-top shape for all

TIMES ARE DRY, and I'm not talking about alcohol. With the entire Olympic Peninsula on a high fire alert and a burn ban in effect,… Continue reading

Back Country Horsemen members Tom Mix
Lesson horse Louie balked at approaching the mounting block until Freedom Farm’s Hoof Beats member Jamine Itti decided to help him get over his resistance through patience and fun training games. Two years later he’s happy to go there — or where ever else Jasmine calls him — sans tack.  —Photo by Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News ()

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Back to basics help horse, rider to grow

TURNS OUT, THE mounting block students used as an aid to climb on his back was a stumbling block for Louie, a Freedom Farm schooling… Continue reading

Lesson horse Louie balked at approaching the mounting block until Freedom Farm’s Hoof Beats member Jamine Itti decided to help him get over his resistance through patience and fun training games. Two years later he’s happy to go there — or where ever else Jasmine calls him — sans tack.  —Photo by Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News ()
Sequim author and endurance trail riding competitor Lisa Preston on one of her Akhal-Teke horses. —Photo by Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News ()

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Miles of smiles for endurance rider

Upon meeting my mild-mannered and friendly neighbor, one wouldn’t know she’s a fiercely competitive woman who, I think, excels at everything sports — be it… Continue reading

Sequim author and endurance trail riding competitor Lisa Preston on one of her Akhal-Teke horses. —Photo by Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News ()
Emily VanAusdle

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Age, health affect horses’ appearances

IT'S A SCARY thing to approach the home of someone you don't know to inquire why their once-plump horses are now skin and bones. Driving… Continue reading

Emily VanAusdle
Port Angeles ranch owners Dave and Beck Seibel show the matured barley and sunflower seed fodder grown in just seven days inside their hydroponic system’s climate-controlled trailer.  —Photo by Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News ()

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Hydroponics can cut down fodder bill

“WOW” WAS ALL I could say when I visited Dave and Beck Seibel’s home at Spirit Horse Ranch and saw their hydroponic fodder feeding system.… Continue reading

Port Angeles ranch owners Dave and Beck Seibel show the matured barley and sunflower seed fodder grown in just seven days inside their hydroponic system’s climate-controlled trailer.  —Photo by Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News ()
Riders gather at the Cape George Trailhead for the annual Jefferson County Horse 4-H Program and Equitese Pony Club Ride-a-thon on April 11. Proceeds helped pay for all 4-H youths to attend the Jefferson County 4-H Horse Camp in July for free.  —Photo by Amy Thompson ()

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Choose good hoof boot for horses for spring trail rides

LET THE GAMES begin! Springtime is bursting with sunshine and glorious new flowers and a flurry of horse activities. Earlier this month, a dedicated group… Continue reading

Riders gather at the Cape George Trailhead for the annual Jefferson County Horse 4-H Program and Equitese Pony Club Ride-a-thon on April 11. Proceeds helped pay for all 4-H youths to attend the Jefferson County 4-H Horse Camp in July for free.  —Photo by Amy Thompson ()
The Port Angeles High School equestrian team is made up of

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Leaving homestead stirs memories

AHH, YES, THE days of wine and roses — or extended sunshine and warmer temperatures — are among us and glorious for riding. Normally, I’d… Continue reading

The Port Angeles High School equestrian team is made up of
Sarge has a new life in Sequim because he refused to get in horse trailers that would have carried him to an awful fate. ()

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Inspiring story of a horse that refused to be taken to slaughter house — and the organization that found him a new loving home

I love sharing this story of success from the horse-rescue organization run by Valerie Jackson and Diane Royall called OPEN — Olympic Peninsula Equine Network… Continue reading

Sarge has a new life in Sequim because he refused to get in horse trailers that would have carried him to an awful fate. ()
During their first of three qualifying meets

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: New farrier brings expertise to Peninsula

“ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS.” Does anyone else recall singing that song at Girl Scout, Boy Scout or YMCA camp? 'Twas a song that ended almost every… Continue reading

During their first of three qualifying meets
Karen Griffiths holds pony Snowball Express’ lead as he caters to grand-nephew

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Pony offers years of love, riding to family

IT WAS AUGUST 1997 when Snow entered my family’s lives. We’d all left our separate houses to move to up to Sequim from California. My… Continue reading

Karen Griffiths holds pony Snowball Express’ lead as he caters to grand-nephew
Freedom Farm’s owner Mary Gallagher

KAREN GRIFFITHS’ PENINSULA HORSEPLAY: Family that rides together, stays together

IT’S A SMART man who supports his wife’s passion for horses; more so when he takes part in riding lessons, too. Yes, a willingness to… Continue reading

Freedom Farm’s owner Mary Gallagher
John and Sharon Trombly.  On her finger is the wedding ring donated by a generous widow. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)

Widow gives Peninsula Home Fund couple a gift from the heart — her wedding rings

EDITOR'S NOTE — See accompanying story today, "Jim's Pharmacy helps 'hand up, not handout' Peninsula Home Fund with $1,043," https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150118/NEWS/150119985 You can donate to the… Continue reading

John and Sharon Trombly.  On her finger is the wedding ring donated by a generous widow. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)
John and Sharon Trombly.  On her finger is the wedding ring donated by a generous widow. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)

Widow gives Peninsula Home Fund couple a gift from the heart — her wedding rings

EDITOR'S NOTE — See accompanying story today, "Jim's Pharmacy helps 'hand up, not handout' Peninsula Home Fund with $1,043," https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150118/NEWS/150119985 You can donate to the… Continue reading

John and Sharon Trombly.  On her finger is the wedding ring donated by a generous widow. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)
John and Sharon Trombly.  On her finger is the wedding ring donated by a generous widow. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)

Widow gives Peninsula Home Fund couple a gift from the heart — her wedding rings

EDITOR'S NOTE — See accompanying story today, "Jim's Pharmacy helps 'hand up, not handout' Peninsula Home Fund with $1,043," https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150118/NEWS/150119985 You can donate to the… Continue reading

John and Sharon Trombly.  On her finger is the wedding ring donated by a generous widow. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)
John and Sharon Trombly.  On her finger is the wedding ring donated by a generous widow. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)

Widow gives Peninsula Home Fund couple a gift from the heart — her wedding rings

EDITOR'S NOTE — See accompanying story today, "Jim's Pharmacy helps 'hand up, not handout' Peninsula Home Fund with $1,043." You can donate to the Peninsula… Continue reading

John and Sharon Trombly.  On her finger is the wedding ring donated by a generous widow. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)