Struggling with My First Arena Ride of the Season

It was rainy, cold and dark.  It was time to try the indoor arena.

Just a reminder for my readers—I had issues with Cole in the arena in the…

When planning to move your horse to a new boarding barn, it’s helpful to make a to-do list to ensure that you get everything necessary done before the day of the move. Knowing that you have accomplished what you need to do before the move will make the actual moving day less stressful on both you and your horse. Need to put…

If a barn renovation or upgrade is in your plans for 2015, then choosing stall accessories will be on your to-do list. When choosing stall accessories, there are particular factors that you will want to look for. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the most out of the stall accessories that you…

If you've been following our gift-giving series, you’ll know that our first two posts covered stocking stuffers and…

People, I have a problem. It's been my fatal flaw throughout my sixteen years of life.......I have a phobia of failing. It's true. The thought of falling anything-tests, riding, contests, anything, causes me to literally hive up. I'm serious. Right now my biggest issue is that I am not assertive enough with the horse I handle. I am a passive person, being assertive isn't in my DNA. Oh, I can be assertive, I just don't like it. It really frustrates me that I am having this problem with…

At Christmas, for the last several years, my horse has tailored a popular Christmas carol to make her seasonal opinion known, and as always, I have opted to share it with others, because I believe most horses think pretty much the way mine does (that is, food is all-important):

I'm dreaming of a tasty Christmas ---

Treats coming in a steady flow.

Give me cookies, candy;

Mint chocolate’s dandy;

And I love carrots, don’t you know.

I'm…

From November 20^th through December 13^th this year, cutting horse enthusiasts will descend on Fort Worth, Texas. The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) World Championship Futurity brings together the very best 3-year-old cutting horses under the roof of the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The event, offering $4…

Last week I offered Debbie the chance to see if my old German made dressage saddle would work for her Arab gelding Tercel.  This is an old calf-skin covered saddle I had found in pitiful condition in my feed store almost ten years ago.  It obviously had been ridden by someone in jeans (the leather jockeys covering the stirrup buckles were sadly worn,) and the saddle had obviously not been stored right because there were wrinkles in the calf-skin on the flaps, luckily not…

A friend of mine shared this on facebook and I just had to post it here. It's amazing. 

Equines less than 4 years are not supposed to carry a heavy weight and yes that is including the rider....

Once apon a time this was well known and horses were not considered usable until this age and the majority of the chosen educated horses were not at the prime age for education at the age of 15!

Attending the AQHA judges conference in Dallas – felt like being part of a large orchestra. One of 300 judges, tuning up to be on key with the standard, and in sync with one another. So many experienced, talented horseman,  yet personal preference, interpretation and bias were to be laid aside – a reminder to stick to the music score, without improvising.

We…

As the holidays approach, you may find yourself horse sitting for friends or even for horse owners you don’t know. Caring for horses during winter is very different than caring for them in the summer, especially when you are the sole caretaker for a barn. When you’re horse sitting in the winter, there is some very important information that you should make…

Falls happen, unfortunately, and sometimes horses get loose as a result. If you fall off, or if you witness someone else falling off, you may have to catch a horse who is worked up or evasive. These tips will help you to handle the situation.

Check on the Fallen Rider First

If a horse gets loose as the result…

Christmas shopping for a horse lover can be a challenge – what makes a practical gift, and what is unneeded? Our first post in this series had suggestions for great stocking stuffer ideas. Today we have ideas for gifts…

I’m not sure which horse is haunting me the most. There was Jack. Big part draft gelding, 23 years old. Skinny as skinny, with large white saddle sore scars. Someone used him hard and threw him away.

Ginger was 26, from the same place as Jack. Friendly and gentle. She came to the fence to say hello.

The Percheron filly was a black beauty. After her trip to Alberta she might be one of the chosen ones to be shipped live from the Calgary airport. If she survives…

The Welsh Pony and Cob are actually closely related Welsh breeds. Welsh breeds are divided into four different types, including the Welsh Mountain Pony, the Welsh Pony, the Welsh Pony of Cob Type, and the Welsh Cob. These similar breeds all share the same heritage, while their modern uses and characteristics have distinguished them into separate…

Mia, the nearly 30 year old Arab mare I ride, seems to be going through various issues as she ages.  Bits that used to be fully accepted start bothering her and she always lets me know in a few weeks if she wants me to change then.

Mia, in the past, has not particularly liked bitless bridles (old jumping caveson bridle, LG bitless, Nurtural cross-under bitless, Dr. Cook’s cross under…

Gloucester Downs Equestrian Park

Has a 3 bedroom suite for rent and an opportunity to lease 10-20 stalls for the right trainer, coach or individual.  This is a s/s duplex on a very quiet property.  Cat/Dog by interview.  Live in the suite or put your workers/working students here.…