Ground Work Lesson Day 4:

I rode Cole in the indoor arena for a half hour.  The thermometer said it was only 20 degrees—which isn’t bad for me, but it turned Cole into a frisky colt.  He was like riding a stick of TNT—very volatile.  We…

Ground Work Lessons 1, 2   & 3

For those who have not been following my adventures with Cole Train from the beginning, let me bring you up to date.  When I got Cole, he was an untrained 4-year-old.  He was halter broken,…

Few draft horses are as iconic as the Clydesdale. Whether pulling a classic rig or the famous Budweiser wagon, the Clydesdale is a breed that is recognizable in most American homes. Want to learn more about this beautiful breed?

History

The Clydesdale owes its origins to the region of Clydesdale, Scotland. Flemish…

Happy New Year! We’re fresh into 2015, and now is the perfect time for change. This month we’ll be showcasing a series of “New Beginnings” blogs, each of which will give you a look at a potential area of change in your life with horses. Today’s blog focuses on a change that can be both exciting and intimidating: choosing a new…

Trying to work in the Arena

Since Ellen and I took so much vacation time in November and December, combined with conquering the loop in the back of the property, I have never ridden so little in an indoor arena since the years when we didn’t have one.  This is a good thing—and a bad thing.  It’s good that I have been able to ride…

It’s been a great year at Infinity Farm. I’m thrilled to say no one died. It’s kind of a miracle–all ages and infirmities considered. I wandered through the memories of the year, looking for a stellar moment to share with you, one that was inspirational and would reflect the best of us. There were a pile to pick from, but in the end, it was a no-brainer.

Remember our barn-rat, Hannah?…

2014 has come and gone like the leaves on a ttree in the fall. Now we embrace 2015 with open arms and new goals. Last year was the year of the horse. For me and some of you, it really was. Four months ago, I started riding again. Something I had given up on doing due to fear. Now, four months later, I am doing great. I usually don't make resolutions,I've never been one to do that. But this year, I did make one. My goal is to accomplish my fear head-on…

Willie Nelson is known the world over for his music but what you might not know is Willie Nelson has a love and passion for horses. Willie grew up watching the old cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry and that what he wanted to be "They rode horses and sang songs" as Willie said. Today not only does he ride horses and sing songs but he has also rescued and rehabilitated over 70 horses headed to slaughter.http://www.hrtv.com/willie

Are you still searching for that perfect New Year’s resolution? We’re here to help. These New Year’s resolutions can work for many riders – hopefully you’ll find an idea in this list that inspires you as we kick off 2015!

Become Physically Fitter

While losing weight is a popular New Year’s resolution, resolve…

Chimerism: what is it?  Chimerism is when fraternal twins fuse together while still in utero, resulting in an organism with two sets of DNA. It doesn't occur often, and both equines and people can be…

On December 28, 2011 the world was given a glimpse into the life of military horses with the release of Steven Spielberg’s War Horse. This dramatic DreamWorks film brought to life the 1982 children’s novel War Horse written by Michael Morpurgo.

Morpurgo wrote War Horse after speaking with World War I veterans about their…

2015, we'll have known each other for ten years. My project horse will be 21 and me 31. But let's not count numbers. Let us focus on quality: My project horse doesn't get older, he gets better.

I don't need fiery temperament in a horse. But I appreciate calmness and understanding. When you've been together for some years, communication becomes more and more…

If you’re lucky, you received some great new horse equipment for Christmas. Whether you got that new pair of boots that you needed, or your horse got a new blanket and halter, chances are that you now have some old equipment that you don’t really need. During this season of giving, that old equipment can be the perfect way to make a generous gift to a local rescue or…

If there is an annual pony day, it should be Christmas. The reason is obvious, but if you didn’t get your wish, read this:

I’m a Dressage Queen with an unlikely soft spot for vertically-challenged horses. Too often they get small patience from humans who treat them with low regard. Or at the very least, these condensed equines are under-estimated–they are smart, tough, and very athletic. In the last few years that I’ve…

Dante’s Dark Side

Ellen was working Sunday, and I thought I would take advantage of the great weather and ride Dante on the trail. I knew I couldn’t cross the river because I already rode down there with Cole Train.  We would have to do the hill multiple times.

The hill can be a tricky place to work a…

I have read many articles on Lusitano and Andalusion horses;some say there are differences between the two and other articles say there is no difference, they are the same horse From different areas. Well, Let's see…

Ranger’s Issues

Ranger, my sister’s horse of nearly 20 years, has developed breathing issues.  It was something that occurred gradually over the last year or so, but this fall, it got pretty bad.  He wasn’t coughing uncontrollably like Cruiser was, but…

The Fell Pony has a rich and unique history dating all the way back to 15,000 B.C. This pony still makes a popular mount today.

History

The Fell Pony’s distant origins begin with wild European ponies found in northern England as early as 15,000 B.C. These early ponies were strong, had a gentle nature, and were hardy enough to…

Since I had noticed that Mick’s back felt better when I used a bit versus using a cross-under bitless bridle I decided to see if I could get him to move his tongue more while being ridden.  I had three choices from my bit collection, my egg-butt center copper roller snaffle, my regular Wellep bit and the Wellep Lever cheek bit that acts like a gag bit (these bits are no longer made, you can see them at wellep.com.)  Since I think…