Last summer, some scientists published a paper about a “gait-keeper” gene in horses (see http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/08/29/one-gait-keeper-gene-allows-horses-to-move-in-unusual-ways/). A mutation in this gene appears to be responsible for the “extra” gaits in “gaited” horses (rack, foxtrot, running walk, etc.). The unmutated gene…

My ultimate favorite breed of horse has always been the Arabian and the Friesian and lastly the Quarter Horse, I actually did a two paged report on the Quarter Horse, so I know things about the breed. What is your favorite breed of horse?

Don't you think that is  a conspiracy that the olympics will allow dressage in their games, but not Cutting, Reining,Barrel Racing, WEstern Pleasure, Pole bending and Trail Class? They have the nerve to say Horse Racing and other events are not a sport, but then allow Dressage in the Olympics?!

I am not an adult, I will not however disclose my age to the public eye. I want to be an equine veterinarian as an adult, but also would like to look at other equine related jobs and equine related colleges, does anyone have any suggestions on jobs and schools? Also do have any suggestions on equine books for highschoolers? If you do please post it here.

 …

Have you ever noticed that when ever a horse wins the derby and/or preakness, it is usually a horse that starts in the back or middle of the group, and then comes to the outside , once it is on the outside it comes to the front and no horse can ever catch up? Secretariat always started in the back, came to the side, and…

Thanks Jackie Cochran

SOOOO excited to see when that baby comes!

Saturday

Ellen and I arrived early at the barn.  We got the first 3 stalls cleaned, and then I decided to start Cruiser’s physical therapy walk while she cleaned Dante’s stall.  I led him to the back of the property.  As we turned to head towards the barn, I saw someone riding the Saddlebred burst out of the barn being chased by the trainer with a whip.  (They train very differently in the Saddlebred world.)  The Saddlebred was doing a high-stepping trot straight towards us. …

It was a wonderful weekend.  I thought it would be one of sadness.  It was last year, on Memorial Day weekend that my dad took a turn for the worse and he went into hospice.  I thought the memories would be haunting me, pulling me down.  Well, that wasn’t the case at all.  The weekend was just too perfect, so I enjoyed it—just as Dad would have wanted me to.

Friday evening, Kevin and I went on a ride with Cole and Starry.  It was very cool, and the horses were perky.  We had…

just wanted to pass on my appreciation for this amazing community its so nice to pop in and feel the support on all levels. Its professional , present and welcoming and so many venues to visit Thankyou and my hats off the the head mouse in the barn never thought Id be thanking a mouse lol, seriously though this site is a gift to us all keeping us connected through our love of the horse you deserve a big piece of cheese !!!!! sincerely Julie Wright of Divine Dressage

Bringing a new companion into your life is an undoubtedly exciting experience. Whether you're adopting a shelter dog, feeding the neighbourhood cat, or even building a birdhouse so that you can attract wildlife to your backyard, the thought of a new creature appearing in your daily routine is an enticing thought at the least. Bringing a new horse into your life is an even larger endeavour that requires a lot of planning. Here are five of my favourite tips for buying a horse to make…

“What if horses, along with other animals, are trying as hard as they can to find a way to communicate with us in a positive way, but because we’re so stuck on seeing ourselves as ‘superior’ beings, or because we have to feel our theories are right, we don’t even give them a chance? Well, for me, it seems that would be one serious lost opportunity. And I guess that’s an opportunity I’m not willing to let get past me.” — Life Lessons From a Ranch Horse by Mark…

Ever been afraid of a horse? No? I don’t believe you. Fear is a pretty natural response, especially if your feet can’t touch the ground. It’s common sense, horses are big. They have twice as many legs. Horses…

Imagine the lecture I heard on the way home.

Yesterday the Minnesota Monsoon stopped long enough for us to take little spin in Wolsfeld Woods. A spring foray into nature’s beauty promised a relaxing hike through the trilliums. At least that’s what Madam intended, until we met with the first surprise. It was then I remembered that spring trail riding was a bit like a good poker game, dandy…

Four months ago, in the middle of January, I put away my stirrups.

I'm told that the Spanish School in Vienna and the Saumur both have their new riders work without stirrups for a few months, and my coach advised me to do it, so I did.  Took them right off my saddle and hung them up, so I would not have the option. No…

Kevin and I went on an evening ride together on Starry and Cole Train.  It was on the hot side, and since it was Cole’s 4^th consecutive day of trail riding, I thought he might be a little sluggish.  Wrong.  He was just right.  We did a lot of trotting and a little cantering—on the hard lead!  We walked all the way home to cool them off and enjoy each other’s…

Hey Horse Lovers: I know I risk sounding like a grouch (!) but holy cow, please keep a rein on your kids when they are at the barn, especially if you have gone off to ride and they have snuck back to run pellmell around the slippery aisles and in and out the doors, spooking the horses in their stalls and risking life and limb near those out on cross-ties. I get that children are high energy but maybe you could have them play near where you are riding so you can see what they are doing. Or…

Horse-Filled Weekend

Friday evening, I went for a ride by myself on Cole Train.  Since I was alone, I did a lot more cantering than when I am with other horses.  We did get the hard lead once on a sharp corner—that same corner that we were successful before.  He was doing great until we reached a sharp corner the other direction—and he switched.  Well, at least I had it for a little while.  We trotted a lot towards home, too.  The ride was about 5 miles round trip, and the…

Natural horsemanship revolutionized the way that we interact with horses.  Even if you do not follow one of the big natural horsemanship methods, you likely have some knowledge of them.  I think that even individuals who say that they do not use natural horsemanship techniques have still been influenced, to some degree, in their approach to horses by the influence natural horsemanship has had on the attitudes of the industry.  Even the non-equestrian culture has been made aware of this…