Hay is the basis of your horse’s diet, but do you know what to look for when you’re evaluating your horse’s hay? Here are some characteristics to consider.

Color and Feel

When you’re evaluating your hay, take note of the color and feel. The hay should still have a greenish color to it, but…

"To an optimist, taking a step backwards after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it's more like a Cha-Cha."

Seems like a great way to describe our progress, two steps forward, one step back. Sometimes two steps back.…

Today is a Cool, Dank and Rainy Day    

As was yesterday.  When I got up on Friday it was raining, with a pretty cool breeze.  I debated about going riding, after all the weather radar showed that there would be a break in the rain by the time for my ride on Mia.  But my body said NO since I had spent the earlier part of the week on multiple doctor visits trying to get ready for trying the new, to me, MS drug Gilenya, and I was feeling quite run down.  Then I thought about Mia, thirty…

The active equestrian spends a lot of time in the sun. From long horse show days to training rides to lessons, we’re outside a lot. If you want to keep your skin looking great, follow these tips to care for your skin.

Remember Your Sunscreen

Don’t head out on a ride without your sunscreen!…

Review by Glenda Fordham

Author: Laura Wolfe

Publisher: Fire and Ice YA (www.fireandiceya.com)

Pages: 186 pages Price: $11.95 (hard copy) or $4.99 (digital)

Available on Amazon, Smashwords or Lulu

Targeting the young adult reader, Trail of Secrets is like an equestrian Nancy Drew meets the Ghost…

Landscaping around your barn and farm can be a challenge. You don’t want to create anything too time consuming, but you still want your property to look great. Here are some easy landscaping ideas you can put to use around your farm.

Use Horse-Friendly Plants

In addition to using only…

Your child wants to learn to ride a horse. Great! Your first task will be to find a riding instructor who is a great fit for your child. This can be a little bit of a challenge, because every child and every instructor won’t necessarily be a great match. Put these tips to work to help find the right riding instructor for your…

It used to be that high school guidance counselors would tell women, "You cannot be a veterinarian, there's no way it's happening", and women didn't try.

In 1957 Dr. Lose(rhymes with dose), a woman, graduated…

I was privileged with the ability to once again job shadow a large animal veterinarian, this time a woman named Dr. Shrader. She was a very friendly vet who explained a lot and even allowed me some hands-on experience. My day wasn't as long as it was when I was with Dr. Esterline, but I still learned and experienced a lot and it was great fun.…

The Changing Seasons Always Mess Up My Riding    

Some mornings are cooler, and then other mornings are warmer.  Which breeches and shirts should I choose?  If my clothes make me feel too cool my muscles start moving slowly and it takes me more effort to move.  If my clothes make me feel too warm everything gets worse, balance, coordination, timing, and my stamina disappears.  The worst are the mornings that start out cool and then rapidly heat up, oh my, whatever can I do so I can…

Believe it or not, winter is just around the corner and it’s time to start preparing your barn. These tips will help you to get your barn ready to weather the coming winter.

Make Paint…

When you think about it, we spend a LOT of money on horse supplies every year. From tack to grooming supplies to barn supplies, it can quickly add up. Knowing how to find a great deal on horse supplies online can save you a lot of money – here are some great tips to get you started.

Buy in Bulk

Whenever possibly, try…

Building your dream barn gives you the chance to express your own individual style. There are many design features you can use to add a bit of character to your barn. Here are just a few ideas.

Cupola and Weathervane

The cupola and weathervane that you select for your barn go far in…

We all remember the first time we met a real, live horse. It’s a memory that stays ingrained with us forever, and it was enough to generate a lifetime with these beautiful animals. Introducing a child to horses is a special moment, but it’s also important to make sure the introduction is done well. If you want to…

Last Saturday, after reflecting on how good it felt to ride in my Crosby again I decided to ask Shannon if she would let me use my dressage saddle on Cider.  I had used my dressage saddle on Cider many years ago, before I got my Wintec Wide and EZ-Fit saddles.  Cider and I were only making teeny-tiny improvements during our rides the last few months and I was getting frustrated while Cider essentially plodded around the ring.  Shannon and I discussed this a little, and…

Your wooden horse stalls are a highlight of your barn, but if they’re not cared for properly, they may need replacing sooner than you’d anticipated. Here are some tips to prolong the life of your wooden stalls.

Start With Quality Wood

Using quality wood to build your stalls is the first step to prolonging the wood’s life. …