A recent article in the Wall Street Journal entitled “Midlife Crisis?  Maybe a Horse Will Help,” reported that women in their midlife years are returning to horses and horseback riding. Such a phenomenon is no surprise to horsewomen. But having this issue addressed in a well-respected,…

I was thrilled to interview another inventor on my podcast Straight From the Horse's Mouth Radio Show…

It is autumn now. I should be writing poetic blogs about geese on the wing, abundant golden harvests, or maybe a symbolic essay about the seasons of life. I’m not in the mood.

Every day the sun comes up later, and goes down earlier.  The drought has drained my beautiful pond, my pasture has fried and died. Hay prices are simply impossible. Some of the elder barn residents are…

Hey guys, 

Hope everyone is enjoying the start to the long weekend, and have enjoyed watching the spectacular performances by the Canadians today at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Canada won their first gold medal of this Olympic Games, as well as a silver and a bronze medal; go Canada go! For all the riders competing at Grandview Summer Horse Trials tomorrow, best of luck! Make sure you bring your rain boots and rain gear because the weather is unfortunately not looking too…

Hey bloggers,

This week is an exciting week because it is the start of the 2012 London Olympic Games. This is the third time London has hosted the Olympic Games and what an amazing place to have the Olympics, especially for all the equine events. A fun fact--> Did you know that equestrian sports made its summer olympics debut in Paris, France at the 1900 Summer Olympics. Shortly after, the equestrian sports disappeared until 1912 but has appeared at every Summer Olympic Games…

One of the first things to know about horses is that they are prey animals. Simply put, that means that other animals eat them, and their natural instinct and only defense is to flee. Prey animals usually have wide set eyes as an early defense system.

Humans are predators, like mountain lions and wolves. Our…

Hey equine bloggers,

The summer is flying by at a fast rate and so is everyone's show season. With seasons at the mid way point, many of you are thinking of upgrading your horses to the next level as we approach the second half of the season. With that in mind, you want to make sure you are wearing the proper equipment to ensure your safety on x-country. Many riders are wearing multiple styles of air vests, which have proven to be extremely beneficial if you were to dismount your…

Hi guys, 

Hope everyone has been soaking up lots of sun during their rides this week. To all the riders preparing for Will O Wind Horse Trials this weekend, best of luck! Reminding everyone that the Peter Menet clinic is this Sunday, July 15th; going to be very educational and fun, you won't want to miss it! 

This week's blog is going to be focused on ways to improve rider position from having the proper tack fitted to both you and your horse. At Baker's, we have extensive…

Hi guys,

This week's blog is going to be based on equine fitness. In any equine discipline, keeping your horse in top shape improves their performance and health. It is extremely important to do weekly conditioning to increase fitness in your horses for competition. In eventing, having a fit horse is crucial for x-country, and having the energy to complete all three phases safely and successfully. A great way to time yourself while doing your canter/gallop sets is to where the Optimum…

06/22/2012

My grandfather Percy Blake was a horse trader. They say he had a good eye, but I could never quite discern if he was honest or not. Folks respected him, but he maybe had more income than scruples.

Being a horse trader…

It’s official, Baker's is starting a weekly blog to update all equestrians on the latest and greatest news from one of your favourite equestrian suppliers. We will keep you informed on our new inventory, equestrian news, convention appearances and more.  We are expanding our social media platform to make Bakers news more accessible and convenient for you. 

We are pleased to inform you that we have an upcoming clinic with the renowned Peter Menet on July 15th, 2012 in Uxbridge,…

‎ An article of mine was published in a national dressage magazine in 2006. Spirit had been retired two years and he was still pouting (read) and holding a grudge…

There were lots of great rides in Spirit’s 25 years, but this was the most perfect ride…

Spirit was something in the day- he and I agreed. He was fun to show, always a crisp and spontaneous ride. His confidence improved year by year, and still, every day was a brand new day.

That day, our first…

When the autumn time change happens, I always feel like my house gets smaller- by a few acres. The outside is my favorite room and I resent winter for taking it from me.

And is it just me- or is every winter somehow a bit more twisted and confused than the one before?

In the dark months, everything on the prairie seems the very definition of the dead of winter. It’s a monotone landscape, flat-cold, with not many trees to distract my sullen gaze.

And just when…

“You know what your problem is? You’re too sensitive.” Ouch. Have you heard this? It feels like being accused of throwing like a girl.

It’s dismissive. This definition of sensitive means I’m not dependable, that I’m an emotional liability. When I was younger, hearing this would make me defensive. My mind ran like a rat on a wheel, I choked on my tongue and my heart rate jumped.  I appeared… well… too sensitive.…

Some riders are convinced that their horse has a devious plan for world domination- at their expense. Or that their horse is so lazy that any work from him will require a fight. Some riders just think their horses…

Winter doldrums: I’m dragging my feet all the way in from the arena, the ground is dry, the grass is dead and the wind is cold as a slap in the face. Maybe I have an Auld Lang Syne hangover. Mourning and a desire to hibernate go hand in hand in January. It seems we lose alot of…