Equestrian Barns & Architecture: Start Living the Dream

Greening Your Barn With Bamboo

10:41 pm

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As horse people, we all try to be good custodians of the land.

Our hobbies and sometimes livelihood depend on it, after all. Clean water, clean air, and clean soil are as important to the health of our horses as they are to our enjoyment of our outdoor lifestyle.

As many of us take up new composting techniques and other methods of easing our heavy footprint on the land, it’s time to consider how “green” we can make our permanent structures — such as our barns.

We are all accustomed to the predominate use of wood in horse […]

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

10:55 pm

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Equine Events

One of the most celebrated equestrian events in the world, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, is almost here!

Taking place April 24th to April 27th, 2014, this annual event at the Kentucky Horse Park brings the crème de la crème of the three-day eventing sport to the Bluegrass. Along with exhibitions, a trade fair, and world-class equestrian sport, Kentucky Horse Park http://kyhorsepark.com will also present the 2014 Kentucky Reining Cup, for two FEI competitions in one weekend.

This makes Rolex weekend a unique opportunity for equestrian enthusiasts to witness top horse […]

Should I Leave My Horse Out in the Rain?

9:25 pm

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Equine Care

There’s nowhere you’d rather be during wet weather than indoors…

preferably someplace warm and comfortable, right?

Many horseowners assume their horse feels the same way. And, truth be told, some horses do feel that way. But for the most part, the average horse really doesn’t mind a little wind and rain. They’d just as soon be left out to enjoy their pasture time during a storm as during a bright sunny day.

Of course, horses can pick up all sorts of ailments from wet weather, too: skin fungus, hoof infections, even injury from blowing […]

Equestrian Superstitions and Good Luck Charms

11:12 pm

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Guest Author, Misc.

You probably know by now: 2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse —

a year that Chinese legend tells us is filled with prosperity and good luck. It’s a good year to travel, so if you’re planning on doing a lot of horse shows this year, you’re in luck! You have ancient Chinese astrology on your side.

The equestrian world is full of good luck charms, superstitions, and folk lore, and as equestrians, we aren’t shy about cherry-picking where our good luck comes from! Every culture is fair game in our search for […]

Spring Risks for Horses

5:25 pm

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Misc.

Spring arrives this week (according to the calendar) and, for many people across the country, it feels like the answer to all our problems.

It’s been a long cold winter, especially in sections of the Midwest and Northeastern United States. All we want is to take off our coats and get our horses out in the sunshine, right?

Of course, spring comes with its own problems. Mud. Lush new grass. Bugs. Parasites. Sounds exciting, right?

Mud

The only thing worse than a frozen-over riding arena is a mud-filled lake of a riding arena […]

Steps To Successful Shedding

11:54 pm

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Equine Care

They say there are two sure signs of spring: mud and shedding horses.

Only your drainage and your weather can help you with the mud. But here are a few tips for helping you deal with the fur factory — I mean shedding horse — in your barn.

The old-fashioned way: the rubber curry comb. Curry combs come in all shapes and sizes these days; if you’re feeling like a princess, try a crown-shaped curry comb. But what won’t change is the bicep-building elbow grease required to give a horse a good rubbing […]

Equestrian Art Shows

4:11 pm

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Misc.

Equestrian art:

it brings your passion for horses into the home, creating an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. (And, unlike bringing horses into your home, it distracts visitors from any messes, rather than adding to them.)

But equestrian art at the local mall is usually relegated to a few arty pieces of a Friesian-type horse prancing in place, or maybe a carousel horse at an antique shop. Where do you look for the next wonderful piece of artwork for your home?

Try these art shows and exhibitions, coming up in 2014. They feature the best in equestrian art […]

Making Time for Downtime

12:08 am

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Misc.

You know what they say — there’s no time for downtime with horses!

Whether they’re stalled or turned-out, horses are an endless source of chores.

The most dedicated horseman or horsewoman in the world isn’t immune to burn-out. The daily grind of morning feeding, stall cleaning, riding and training, and then doing it all over again in the evening can really wear a person down! That’s why it’s important to make some time for yourself.

Decompressing from your equestrian business might be as simple as having a hobby — one that isn’t […]