Minimizing Spring Risks for Horses with Proper Stable Design

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 […]

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 […]

Where to Ride Your Horse on the Beach

12:01 am

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Misc.

It’s almost March, and you know what that means… it’s almost summer!

But you don’t go anywhere without your horse, right? That shouldn’t keep you away from the beach! Here are three great beaches where you can splash in the surf… on horseback.

Florida: Granted, the Gulf Stream-warmed Atlantic Ocean is usually nice enough for year-round dips. So you don’t have to save this one for summer — go as soon as your classes at WEF let up. St. Lucie County, just up the interstate from Wellington, offers riding permits […]

WEG and Horse-ball

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Equine Events

Get ready for equestrian excitement!

The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) http://www.fei.org/fei/events/fei-weg aren’t until August, but it’s time to plan the ultimate equestrian vacation now. That’s because tickets are already on sale — and 220,000 more tickets go on sale next month. That means more than half the passes available to WEG’s Normandy event will already be available by the beginning of March.

The 2014 WEG events include show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting, reining, para-dressage, polo, and horse-ball. Wait… horse-ball […]

Being a Foster Parent

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Guest Author Farmgirl, Misc.

When watching friends foster pets in the past, be it horses, dogs or cats, I always knew that was one thing I would NEVER do.

I couldn’t understand how you could have an animal you have cared for, be taken from you. My pets have a home for life with me; I couldn’t imagine having to give them away.

Well, just like Sean Connery learned when accepting the role to reprise his James Bond character in ‘Never Say Never Again‘, I can no longer, ever, say never. Devon and Bubba both came into my life a […]

Three Inspirational Reads for Equestrians

7:03 pm

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Misc.

Polar vortex got you down? You’re not alone.

And now with snow forecast this week as far south as Florida (yes, Florida!) the frozen precipitation is definitely dipping below the indoor arena belt. If your arena is frozen and your horse is buried under four blankets, what’s a good horseman to do? The answer is not to binge-watch Netflix and hope for spring to come, I’m afraid. It’s time to study — and gear up for a great warm season. Here are three inspirational reads to get you through the ice and snow.