Polo, often associated with elegance and tradition, has a long history of stylish attire. Helmet decoration, akin to trends in various sports, has evolved within polo, becoming a tradition that signifies both individual and team identities on the field while allowing personal expression. Whether it’s incorporating new colors, patterns, or innovative materials, staying current can be an exciting aspect of the game. With the increase popularity of polo over the years, where the sport blends in with fashion and lifestyle vibes, decorating helmets has become a way for players to shout out their personality and team loyalties while they […]
Unveiling the Symbolic Power of Horses in Fashion
In the world of fashion, where trends come and go, there exists a timeless and captivating allure—the symbolic power of horses. Their beauty and powerful presence have inspired designers and artists throughout the ages. The equine connection with nobility and royalty further elevated their symbolic significance. From medieval knights adorned in armor to the modern equestrian chic, these captivating creatures have been central to fashion’s aesthetic journey. Today, the equestrian influence in high end as well as mainstream fashion has left an indelible mark on runways, collections, and even everyday attire.
Horses in High End Fashion
Considerations for Selection and Maintenance of Optimal Riding Footing
Riding arenas and round pens are vital spaces for equestrians, offering controlled environments for training, practice, and bonding with horses. The quality of footing within these areas significantly impacts the safety, performance, and overall well-being of both the horse and rider, and directly influences the horses’ movement, balance, and comfort. Below are a few tips to help you select the right footing for your needs and ensure proper maintenance of your equestrian surfaces.
Adequate Footing Material and Surface:
The choice of footing material depends on the discipline of riding you intend to do and your climate. Common […]
Hemlock (the plant) vs. Hemlock (the tree) – An Important Distinction in Equine Safety
In the world of equine health, distinguishing between the hemlock poison plant and the benign hemlock tree is crucial. Despite their shared name, one poses a hazard to horses, while the other may very well be an asset to your equestrian property.
Hemlock Poison (Conium maculatum)
Hemlock poison, scientifically known as Conium maculatum, stands as a threat to horses and various livestock. This toxic plant harbors potent alkaloids, including coniine and gamma-coniceine, capable of inducing paralysis and, in the most serious cases, death if consumed in large quantities. With its tall stem, delicate fern-like leaves, and […]
Breaking the Cycle: A Call for Comprehensive Safety Measures in Horse Racing
The recent loss of 12 horses on the Churchill Downs track, home to the renowned Kentucky Derby race, has sparked outrage and raised profound concerns within the equine and animal rights communities, reigniting a nationwide debate on safety issues and the wider implications of horse racing.
Since April, over a dozen horses have met a devastating fate on racetracks, reviving painful memories of a series of heartbreaking fatalities that occurred at the Santa Anita racetrack in California back in 2019. These recent incidents have prompted a call for immediate action to thoroughly examine existing welfare measures and implement effective strategies […]
Honoring the Legacy of Equestrians: Coping with Grief and Navigating Loss in Our Community
Recent tragic incidents involving the loss of young talents have left the equestrian community deeply affected as we are grieving and struggling to make sense of these devastating events. Hannah Serfass was only 15-year-old when she tragically passed away on April 30 during a hunter/jumper competition at Fox Lea Farm in Venice, Florida. Just a few days later, on May 4, we mourned the loss of Sienna, a 23-year-old Australian model and exceptionally skilled equestrian, who sadly succumbed to her injuries after a fatal riding accident.
The emotional impact of losing someone from our community […]
7 KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUILDING YOUR DREAM BARN
As architects, we are frequently asked what makes a great barn design. And while aesthetics are important, there are several crucial factors that must be considered to prioritize the well-being of horses, providing them with a secure, comfortable, and healthy environment, while also ensuring functional and practical spaces for their handlers. These considerations apply whether you are planning a grand, state-of-the-art facility or a cozy personal barn!
Here are 7 key features we carefully consider when building or renovating stables in collaboration with our clients:
Adequate Space: This applies for both indoors and outdoors […]
The Rise of Genetic Technology in the Equine Industry
The equine industry has seen a significant shift in recent years with the rise of genetic technology, with DNA testing slowly becoming a commonplace in several countries. Currently, a lot of the interest around performance testing focuses on a few specific genes responsible for producing big muscles and sprinting speed. However, the introduction of whole genome sequencing tests by companies such as Victory Genomics (VG) is set to revolutionize the industry.
Improving Horse Welfare Through Genetic Testing
We caught up Jessica Morton, a lifelong equestrian and horse welfare advocate who conducts research for VG. Jess believes that the […]