What's in a name? Well, a lot, actually. And when it comes to naming horses, especially those that have to be registered, you may find yourself facing quite the challenge. Coming up with a good name that you like and that fits your horse can take some time, creativity, and even a little bit of luck. Searching for a good horse show name for your horse? These…

Are you a sucker for pintos? How about round, fluffy ponies? The Chincoteague Pony combines both of those characteristics into an eye-catching pony with a rich and unusual history. Chincoteague Ponies, which actually live on Assateague Island off of the coast of Virginia, have been popularized by the best-seller, Misty of…

Can you ride the same horse that you play with at liberty?  Is riding going to damage the partnership?  How can you combine the two styles and how do you introduce them?

Extra is my liberty horse and she gallops around me with her red mane whipping and tail like a ball of fire chasing her down the field.  She prances up to me snorting and blowing.  Everything about…

Did you know that tomorrow is National Go for a Ride Day? National Go for a Ride Day encourages everyone to get out and go for a ride, whether it be by car, bicycle, train, or, of course, horseback. If you want to celebrate National Go for a Ride Day, or if you’re just looking for a change of pace, then think about giving one of these fun suggestions a…

Stacy Westfall. Beezie Madden. Debbie McDonald. These are just three out of many great riders out there.  Stacy Westfall is best known for her natural horsemanship, riding bareback and bridle less every time. She's competed in many competitions, appeared at the Quarter Horse Congress for guest performances. She is best remembered for her farewell routine on Wizards…

There are many ways to create atmosphere in your barn, such as the use of high ceilings, wide aisles, and plenty of natural light with barn windows and skylights. But one factor will have a significant influence on the atmosphere of your barn:…

Frank Hayes, born 1883 died 1923 due to a heart attack he had on June fourth.  He rode a lovely mare named Sweet Kiss(later renamed)  in a race in Belmont Park in New York. Sweet Kiss's owners didn't expect her to win any races in her lifetime, but Frank convinced them to let him try her out.  Not only did the name win, but Frank set history.  Half way through the…

When the temperatures dip below 32 degrees, keeping the water in your horse stalls from freezing can be a challenge. There’s only so much frozen bucket hammering that one can take during the winter, and freezing water buckets can put your horse at a higher risk of colic. There are a number of ways that you can help to keep stall water from…

It all started with Mexican farmers,looking for a horse able to do farm work,bullfighting and look nice. So they bred their Andalusion Stallions to Quarter Horse and Criollo…

On November 18, 2006, the world lost one of its best show jumpers: Thoroughbred Gem Twist was euthanized following a pulled muscle that prevented him from standing. The 27-year-old horse led an impressive and inspiring career at the Grand Prix level under multiple riders.

Gem Twist, born in 1979, competed in show jumping…

"Oh yeah! I'm totally going to get into blogging on Barnmice!" Over 5 months later I have 2 blog posts to show for it. I will get back on the horse, and this time I won't get off it. Let's just pretend like that hiatus never happened, okay?

Last weekend I was very fortunate to be given a full length oilskin duster. The catch? It was covered in mold. I'm not talking like a little spotting, I'm talking old-leather-halter-left-in-a-barn-for-50-years moldy. When I texted…

I was musing the other day on the Connecticut judge who found that horses are "a species naturally inclined to do mischief or be vicious."  (See Horses are vicious beasts in Connecticut…

One of our certified Saddlefit 4 Life® saddle ergonomists in Europe recently came across this horse – which had a shoulder blade that was higher than the withers. She said that the 'best' fitting saddle for it had a half panel to accommodate this unique conformation, but asked for my advice. Does anyone else recognize seeing a horse like this before?…

From recycled racehorses to recycled horse manure, there are tons of ways to recycle around the barn. With America Recycles Day upon us, here are some creative ways to recycle and repurpose things around the barn to get you started on your recycling.

Repurpose…

Marketing is an important aspect of running a successful boarding barn business. But marketing a barn is very different from marketing a product. Are you looking for different ways to market your boarding barn and to increase your business? We’ve…

The Spanish Riding School



With its world famous Lipizzaner stallions and dressage training and techniques, the Spanish Riding School is definitely a Mecca for any horse lover. Take in one of their daily shows and be awed by the power and grace of…