If you have your own barn and a few empty stalls, it might be tempting to open your facility up to boarders. Bringing in boarders has some advantages, in that it can bring in some money and will create more activity at your barn. But should you take on boarders? Before you decide to make the leap, consider how it would affect your particular situation.

The Financial…

Trainer uses gentle touch to earn horse's respect

May. 8th, 2014 by Mary MacArthur

Taking your horse camping or for an overnight trail ride can be a great experience, but securing him overnight is a challenge that you will need to plan for ahead of time. There are a few different ways to secure your horse, so depending on your situation and your horse’s behavior, you can pick the one that works best for you.

Picket…

The Running Horse

A Newsletter from Horse Play

July-August 2014

Horse Play

EIN: 05-0506340

Website:  www.hptrc.org

Email:  horseplayri@msn.com

Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare

It’s been hot! But it’s supposed to be – it’s SUMMER! Grass is growing in the field…

While you've likely heard of the Australian Stock Horse, did you know that there's another breed that was hugely influential to Australia’s development? The Waler, a lesser-known breed, proved itself to be a phenomenal cavalry horse during the 20^th century.

The Waler's history begins with the importation of horses to Australia in 1788 and…

Some horses don't defend themselves. Others might toss their heads, kick or bolt, but this kind stays still, their eyes become bigger, glaze over, their body shrinks and tightens. They tuck their tail, contract their mouth, grunt or gasp trying to tell us humans to back down because they are having trouble. But we don't listen, we don't see their struggle and we continue with our demands, our loud aids, our whips and reins and spurs. 

The…

Do you videotape your riding lessons? There are a number of benefits to taping your lessons, and given how easily you can record with phones and tablets today, it’s really not a difficult thing to do. If you’re not already taping your lessons, here are some reasons you might want to start.

See What Your Trainer Means

Videos of your…

Your barn is supposed to be a safe place where your horse can live comfortably, but barns also often contain many health hazards you might not be aware of. Since your horse may be spending more time indoors during the summer to escape the bugs and the heat, now is a perfect time to evaluate your barn to make sure that it is truly a safe place for your horse to be.…

Let's get personal. At bloggen.co (I am sorry, it's in German) I've read that list-posts are a nice way to get information across. They are easy to read and quite popular at the moment. So I thought I join the crowd. Here we go



11 facts you don't know about me (yet)



1. I have a deep affection for bumble bees and I am redesigning my parents' garden to the needs of the bumble bee

2.…

Are you lucky enough to have a senior horse in your barn? Senior horses are sometimes brushed over for younger, more energetic mounts. But senior horses have much to offer riders, especially to those of us who are young, inexperienced, or just looking to enjoy a relaxing ride. Senior horses are amazing because:

They Know the Drill

Senior…

Vaccination records, farrier and vet bills, health certificates, hay invoices. Horse ownership is full of paperwork, and it’s even more complicated if your barn is established as a business. Keeping your barn records organized is important and can help save you time whenever you have to retrieve information. Here are some tips to help you keep your barn records organized and up to date.…

Some time ago, I was working with a rather stubborn pony (I know this is a human quality and the horse isn't actually stubborn but just has not learned the appropriate behavior). I wanted him to yield his forequarter and move out on a circle. He did not want that. He threw his head, turned his head to avoid looking at me, crowded me or just ignored the increasing pressure. Not long ago this would have frustrated me. But I came across two important concepts that did have a…

On July 22 of 1817, Figure, the foundation stallion of the Morgan breed, carried President James Monroe through a parade. The bay stallion’s dependability and strength in carrying the president through the parade’s busy atmosphere are just some of the great traits for which the Morgan breed would become known.…

In today’s world of online sales ads, having a good video of your horse can mean the difference between selling him quickly and not. So how do you make sure that your video portrays your horse well? Don’t worry - we’ve got some tips to get you started.

Use a Tripod

If you’ve ever watched shaky handheld videos of horses…

Hi everyone - my horse is in the Uxbridge area and our farm is being sold.  There are a few horses who are looking for a new home, and the owners have become a bit of a family.  We know it's unrealistic to be able to stay together, but if you know of boarding availability, I'd love to hear back from you - thanks!!!!!

Every rider dreams of open fields and large arenas and riding rings, but sometimes we have to make do with less. If you have access only to a small riding ring, there are still ways to make the most of the space. Here are some tips to get you started.

Place Equipment Strategically

A small ring will only seem smaller as you add in…

Downpours can happen unexpectedly, and whether you’re in the show ring, in the middle of a lesson, or out on the trails, you may find yourself unable to keep your tack from getting wet. Did you get caught in the rain? Don’t worry – here’s what to do to save your tack.

1.       Stay Calm

First off, don’t panic. With proper care,…