Showing can be expensive so it’s nice to know there’s a way to cut trailering costs and stay at home to do it. You can even compete against riders from all over the country while you’re at it. Thanks to developments by the International Performance Horse Development Association (IPHDA), it’s now possible to show your horses in western disciplines from the comfort of your home.



Entering is fairly easy. Simply go to the IPHDA website and choose from one of their… Continue

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…

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Every barn has at least a few Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, something half Arabian and the token Appy. But lately I’m noticing more and more that Standardbreds are taking up stall space. The fact that more people are willing to give this hidden gem of a breed a chance is great. After all, only a few decades ago a Standardbred who had run its last race was considered to be good… Continue

Extra sweet feed kicking around? Here's a great recipe for some horse treats! Be sure to follow the recipe, set your timers and make sure they don't burn. Oh and if you're curious, yes, they taste pretty good to a human to. :)



Sweet Feed Horse Cookies



Ingredients

• powdered sugar

• 4 cups sweet feed

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 3 cups molasses

• 2 grated carrots

• 2 grated apples

• 1/2 cup flour



Directions…

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Traditionally speaking, you’ve heard that a mare can only have one foal at a time. Maybe two if you’re lucky. But SIX?! With advancements in breeding, it’s now possible for a mare to have up to six foals in a year’s time. How? An embryo transfer.



An embryo transfer occurs after a mare has been bred to a stallion or artificially inseminated. Approximately nine days after the conception, the fertilized egg is then removed either surgically or flushed out and then placed in a “carrier… Continue

The Claremont Riding Academy was the last riding school in Manhattan. It was originally built in 1892 as a livery stable before eventually becoming a riding academy.



Horses were stabled in the basement and second floor of the building. The riding arena was fairly small and a clear path was obstructed by numerous posts around the arena. Nevertheless, for decades it served as a learning environment for hundreds of riders. While there was no room for boarding, more experienced riders… Continue

New York City native, Lillie Keenan is definitely an up and coming rider to watch out for. At just fourteen, she has some pretty big wins under her belt. In 2007, she made a successful completion of all three rounds at the USEF Pony Finals in Lexington. She returned on a strong note again in 2008 by winning five out of six possible championships at the Pony Finals. As of 2010, she has won WIHS Equitation Classic and its finals as well as the Maclay at Devon. Pretty impressive, no? She…

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The second part to “Equines in Education” focuses on equine related programs you can take as the post-secondary level. The list included universities and colleges from both the U.S. and Canada.



An equine management or science degree is good for interests in a career as a breeding and foal manager, equine industry consultant, equine rehabilitating specialist, equine event/facility manager, equine marketing, sales and promotion or as a coach. The rest of the programs are pretty… Continue

Some people don’t like to read. Luckily if you’re born with a passion for horses, you don’t mind it as long as someone’s saddling up. We all grew up with classics such as Marguerite Henry’s books, The Black Stallion, Pony Pals, The Saddle Club, Thoroughbred, Heartland and Canterwood Crest series. The list goes on. However I’ve looked through my bookshelf and compiled a short list of lesser-known horsey books you should all definitely have a look at.



No Small Thing by Natale… Continue

Every horse person has heard of Wellington. Most of the bigger Canadian stables have a secondary location here where their riders show and compete during winter. It's also known to attract some big names towards their shows and tournaments and boasts a wide equine culture with its various equine and polo events. So what exactly is it that makes Wellington such a hotspot for equestrians and their horses?



Location



Wellington maintains a warm climate all year long… Continue

With the school year's end coming into view, summer will pass and before you know it, it's September and time to send the kids out to school again. If you have horse crazy kids at home and a few extra grand kicking around, why not send them to a school with an equestrian curriculum?



Queen Margaret School



QMS is located on the west coast in Duncan, British Columbia. The junior school (kindergarten to grade 7) is co-ed but the senior… Continue

Therapeutic Riding Centers: these places usually run on 99% volunteers so they’re always looking for new volunteers. You can even bring along your non-horsey friends since most of the volunteer work involves working with riders. Try the Community Association for Riding for the Disabled in Toronto, or King’s Ransom Stables in Schomberg.



Horse Shows: student volunteers are usually needed for… Continue

EquiSketch Dressage or Reining- Nicholas Garcia: $4.99 for either



Allows you to create, manage, share and view dressage/reining tests. You can even choose from arena sizes and colour code your test.



Pocket Stable- Road Apple Applications- $3.99



If you have a horse, you should probably have this app. It keeps track of everything from your horse, barn and vet… Continue