The Marwari is an interesting, unique looking breed. Its long history dates back to the 1100's, making today’s breed an important part of Indian culture.

History

The Marwari breed originated in the Marwar region of India. It is believed that the Marwari is the result of Indian ponies which were crossed with Arabians. The Marwari was first bred in the 1100's by the…

If you were a horse-loving child, chances are that at some point you read Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague. Maybe you went on to read Stormy, Misty’s Foal, and even Sea Star, Orphan of Chincoteague. Misty of Chincoteague became a classic in the literary canon of horse stories, but do you know that it was…

Have you been lucky enough to ride a Canadian Horse? Did you know that this talented breed descended from French-bred horses? Read on to find out more about this fascinating horse.

History

As you’d imagine, the Canadian horse originated in Canada, but descended from horses sent overseas from France. In 1665, King Louis XIV sent two stallions and twelve mares to…

The image is one right out of ancient history: the horse freely gallops forward as the rider aims his bow and sends an arrow flying home to its target as the pair gallops on. But thanks to a revival of mounted archery, this ancient art is now becoming a popular sport – one that you may see more and more in the future years.

Mounted archery dates back thousands of years,…

If you’re an Arabian fan, there’s only one place to be during June: the Egyptian Event held at Kentucky Horse Park. Now in its 34^th year, the Egyptian Event showcases the Egyptian Arabian. This year’s event was held from Tuesday, June 3^rd through Saturday, June 7^th. You can bet that some of the world’s best quality Arabians were in attendance.…

A unique breed from the bogs of Ireland, the Kerry Bog Pony was on the brink of extinction only twenty years ago.

History

The Kerry Bog Pony is believed to have originated in County Kerry, Ireland as early as the 17^th century. The feral ponies were eventually domesticated and served as farm horses. The ponies were used to transport peat and…

The immense and impressive Suffolk Punch has a rich history – it is the oldest breed of heavy horse in Britain to exist today while still closely resembling its ancestors. But the Suffolk Punch is also rare, with fewer than 3,000 registered horses in existence.

History

The Suffolk Punch has an impressive history, dating all the way back…

In May of 1943, the first ever Royal Windsor Horse Show was held, beginning an annual tradition still in effect today. Founded by Geoffrey Cross and Count Robert Orssich, the first Royal Windsor Horse Show was part of the “Wings for Victory” effort to raise money to purchase war bombers for use…

From 2004 – 2007, Dawn and I lived on a ranch in northwestern Nebraska, doing work with our nonprofit.  There was an area at the ranch that had several houses and other buildings, and the main horse pastures were in that area.  The area around the houses had several apple trees that bore many apples each year.  The ranch had high game fence around most of the pastures because…

"Animals In War Memorial"   

Photo by Francisco…

May 1, 1912

My dad always said it was his lot in life to be surrounded by beautiful women. He has a wife, two daughters and all of our pets- horses, dogs, hamsters, rabbits- were female. We had a male cat once but I think even he knew there was only room for one man in our household so he eventually up and ran away with the cat next door.



Anyway, my dad always did his best to keep his ladies inspired with different articles on dynamic women who pertained to our interests. For my mom and…

Horse Have to be Kept Apart of Trail Rides



On any hack, everyone is careful to keep their horses apart. Mostly out of fear in case one spooks and kicks another or in case personalities don’t mix. Surprisingly horses prefer to be tail to nose on hacks. This gives them a sense of security and reassurance out in the big scary forests. It also has to do with their herd instincts and need for closeness.



Miniature Ponies are Ponies



A few people have…

We all recognize the Trakehner as a world class horse. They have excelled in the hunter/jumper and dressage ring as well in various other equestrian pursuits and made numerous appearances at the Olympics for years. They have also played influence in developing more modern types of warmbloods such as Canadian and American warmbloods. So it’s hard to believe such an elegant and versatile breed was nearly lost during World War II.



Trakehners were first bred and developed in…

Week of August 30th Through September 5th

August 31st, 1955 - Thoroughbred racehorse Swaps faced Nashua in a match race. The race was held at Washington Park. The race was held before a crowd of 35,262 racing fans. Swaps, suffering from a sore foot, lost to Nashua by six and a half lengths. Nashua would go on to be nominated as the 1955 Horse of the…

Week of August 23rd Through August 29th

August 22nd, 1974 - Famous Thoroughbred racehorse Ruffian won the Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse. It is said that when a reporter asked Ruffian's groom, Minnor Massey, by what margin she would win the Spinaway Stakes, Massey replied…

Week of August 16th Through August 22nd

August 16th - The Palio horse race is held annually on August 16th and July 2nd in Siena, Italy. Before the race the horses are blessed and there is a parade through the

center. The horses line up behind a rope and the race begins, with the horses

circling through the city three times. The whole race lasts for about a minute

and a half, and…

This Week in Horse History - August 2nd Through August 8th

August 3rd, 1863 - Saratoga Racecourse opened in Saratoga Springs, New York. The opening meet was organized by John Morrisey, John Hunter, William Travers, and Leonard Jerome. Because it was so successful, it was repeated the following year, and was moved across a street so that the track could be…

This Week in Horse History - July 26th Through August 1st

July 26th, 1968 – The palomino Quarter Horse gelding, Kaweah Bar, won his first stakes race today. Kaweah Bar won the Leo Handicap, held at Los Alamitos. He earned the title of the "Palomino Express" and would become Quarter Horse racing’s world champion at the young age of two years old. During his…