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Jan 27, 2012
USET Foundation's "An English Country Evening" Location: Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
Wellington, FL
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is gearing up for its benefit event being held tonight at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in the Special Events Tent. "An English Country Evening" will feature honorary chairs NBC Today Show host Matt Lauer and his wife Annette, an avid equestrian. This year's celebratory evening will feature six unique and extraordinary live auction items for guests to bid on to help raise funds for the USET Foundation to further support the United States Equestrian Team riders as they prepare and compete at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.

In addition to the Live Auction, the special evening will include the USET Foundations presentation of its most coveted awards, the prestigious Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy and the Whitney Stone Cup as well recognizing Gold Medal Club members who have supported the USET Foundation for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years.
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Jan 27, 2012
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Jan 27, 2012
Are you like us, ready to hit the road with the truck and trailer?
Trail Riding
As an avid trail rider, you’re accustomed to loading and unloading your horse most every weekend. You travel to find and frequent the most scenic trails and add some variety to your rides.

Before your next trailering excursion, learn the safety steps that will keep you and your horse safe as you load and unload. Respected trainer and clinician Julie Goodnight works with trail riders and “trailerers” at many of her clinics. She’s seen horse owners skip important safety steps and trust that their horses will be safe.

But even the calmest horse can spook, step back, or slip, causing a harmful chain reaction if the loading, tying and untying process isn’t done in order. If your horse is tied in the trailer, but knows the back door is open for escape, he might pull back and panic when he can’t get free. The panic session compounds when he hears the trailer’s loud echo and slips on a metal floor. More info...

Jan 26, 2012
From Reining to Hunt Seat: Engage Your Mind to Ride a Successful Pattern
Dell Hendricks
I don’t know if Yogi Berra likes horses, but one of the sayings the baseball great is famous for is, “Ninety percent of the game is half mental,” which certainly applies to anything done with a horse.

In other words, your mental strategy is important, especially if you compete in reining, working cow horse, hunt seat equitation or any class that requires a pattern. Too often, riders lose their focus and end up missing markers or having a sloppy pattern.

Here to offer his expertise is reining champion and renowned clinician Dell Hendricks. In this Horse&Rider piece, Dell shares his winning mental strategies that will keep you on track and help you show your best:

Goal: To mentally “map” arena landmarks, then visualize riding to them, so you’ll know exactly where you should be — and where you should go next — on a pattern at all times.

Benefit: You’ll boost your pattern’s accuracy, and avoid losing your way as you negotiate it, which can lead to missed markers, sloppy maneuvers (such as poorly shaped circles), going off pattern, and other points-off–or zero-score–errors. Plus, you’ll net a strong dose of confidence from being mentally prepared for your run, thereby gaining a competitive edge. More info...

Jan 26, 2012
Unwanted horses are everywhere and always need a barn to call their own.Unwanted horses are everywhere and always need a barn to call their own. A Home for Every Horse on Equine.com is a new program that is the result of a partnership between the Equine Network and the American Horse Council’s Unwanted Horse Coalition. The program helps connect rescue horses in need of homes with people looking for horses. Check out our friends at A Home For Every Horse and see what you can do to help.



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Jan 26, 2012
2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* Commencing Today
Wellington, FL
Para-Equestrian Dressage riders returned to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center for the 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*. On Wednesday's schedule was a 3:00 p.m. jog where horses received their F.E.I inspection for the weekend's CPEDI3*. Riders from Bermuda, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, and Canada were on the grounds representing their respective country. In addition to the eleven United States riders who competed at last week's CPEDI3, were two additional riders, 2008 Paralympian Robin Brueckmann with her horse Radetzky and newcomer 14-year-old Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, MI. More info...

Jan 26, 2012
Western Pleasure Showing - Place on the Rail
John Dean
As western pleasure classes get more competitive and the gap between first and last place narrows, rider strategy becomes increasingly important in separating champions from contenders. A rider’s first opportunity for strategic advantage comes before the judging begins, as riders take their places on the rail.

Entries in a western pleasure class perform along the arena wall, circling at a walk, jog and lope both directions around the show pen’s outer edge while the judges watch from the center of the ring. Ideal rail positioning allows a horse and rider to work smoothly, creating a natural and consistent image for the judges, without having their “zone” encroached upon by other entries. More info...

Jan 26, 2012
EQUUS Foundation Announces Scholarship for Young Equestrians
Westport, CT
The EQUUS Foundation has partnered with the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) Horse Show Scholarship Fund to establish a scholarship open to the participants at the College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show, held January 13-15, 2012, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida. The mission of the CPI is to prepare and educate student riders in grades 8 - 12 about the format of college equestrian competition, encourage academics and horsemanship, and to provide the riders with resources to create their desired college equestrian experience.

All the horses and necessary tack for the show are provided by CPI. The show is specifically geared to promote college recruitment of equestrians by providing the opportunity for coaches and potential students to meet.

Along with the competition, the CPI offers seminars and question and answer sessions during the show. Riders and their families learn about the college equestrian experience and familiarize themselves with the different associations that govern collegiate riding. More info...

Jan 25, 2012
Shetland pony behind thoroughbred speed - research
Shetland Pony
The thoroughbred industry can thank a single shetland pony mare that lived about 300 years ago for providing the breed's impressive speed, research suggests.

The genes of a single shetland pony mare gave the thoroughbred its speed, British researchers say.
Scientists have traced the origin of the so-called "speed gene" in thoroughbreds back to a single British mare that lived in the United Kingdom about 300 years ago.

The findings were published today in the scientific journal, Nature Communications.

The origin of the "speed gene" - formally known as the C type myostatin gene variant - was revealed by analysing DNA from hundreds of horses, including DNA extracted from the skeletal remains of 12 celebrated thoroughbred stallions born between 1764 and 1930. More info...

Jan 24, 2012
World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5 - Live Coverage on USEF Network
Wellington, FL

Grand Prix Special at 2pm ET
Grand Prix Freestyle at 7.30pm ET





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Jan 24, 2012
2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival Videos of past shows
USEF

Videos of 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival Saturday Night Lights.







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Jan 24, 2012
Equestrian Mom’s ‘MyPokit’ Helps Daughter Pursue Dreams of Riding Despite Lifelong Illness
Commerce, MI
For 13-year-old Bayley Saville, having a permanent feeding tube does little to hinder her equestrian aspirations. Bayley was born with a rare intestinal motility disorder called pseudo-obstructive disease. She had her first stomach surgery when she was three months old and had a feeding tube placed to help with her nutrition. Many children with illnesses cannot participate in athletic activities because of tubes or IVs necessary for their well-being, but when Bayley was an infant her mother Melissa designed a special pocket to hold the feeding tube in place. As Bayley grew up, she developed a love for riding horses, and her “pocket” has made her riding dreams possible.

Melissa and Bayley live in Commerce, MI, where Bayley rides out of Hidden Hollow Farms with trainer Tara Golaszewski. Bayley started riding when she was eight years old and has done very well competing in the Pony Hunters. More info...

Jan 24, 2012
Raisins? Watermelon Rind? What’s a Safe Treat for a Horse?
Horse Diet
Think twice before you offer a bite of what you're eating to your horse.

Sure, we all know horse cookies are fine, but what about everything else?

Horse owners often ask equine nutritionist Dr. Juliet Getty about the safety of offering common—and sometimes not so common—foods as treats. Carrots have naturally come up in discussion, but also French fries, garlic bread, and even chocolate. What’s safe and what’s not, and under what circumstances, may surprise anyone who has ever extended a chunk of apple to an eager horse.

Dr. Getty points out that some treats are generally safe, some treats are sometimes safe, and some are never, ever good for horses. As she points out, “Horses trust humans for their care. Choose wisely.” More info...

Jan 23, 2012
Try Something New – Teach Your Horse a Trick or Two
Jane Wilson
Have you ever wondered how to trick train your horse? Editor Jayne Wilson says it’s not that hard–she even “accidentally” taught her horse a trick. Read on:

If you’re looking for something different to do with your horse, why not try teaching him some tricks? Perhaps he’s confined to his stall because of injury, or inclement weather is keeping you from riding, or you’re just plain bored with the same old thing — trick training alleviates the boredom and really helps create a bond between you and your horse.

I taught my horse, Annapolis, a trick without even meaning to. When he was recovering from a shoulder problem several years ago, I spent a few minutes each day asking him to pick his front foot up and then I stretched the leg forward to help increase his range of motion. After we were done, I would give him a treat. More info...

Jan 22, 2012
Animals Welcome Winter
England
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Jan 22, 2012
Top 5 Considerations for a Horse Sale Agreement with a Trial Period
by Allison Rowe
If you are thinking about buying or selling a horse on a “trial basis”, or if you are entering into a horse sale agreement with a trial period, here are five of the most important things you should consider:

1) The Timing of the Pre-Purchase Exam. The most important consideration in horse sales is usually, “is the horse sound”? If the horse is not sound enough to perform the intended tasks of the prospective buyer, the prospective buyer shouldn’t be taking it “on trial” anyway. It doesn’t happen often, but a horse can sustain an injury or get sick during even a short trial period. Therefore, the pre-purchase exam should be conducted before the horse is ever taken by a prospective buyer to “try out.” If a question is ever raised as to whose possession the horse was in when the horse was injured or got sick, both parties will be informed of the horse’s condition when it left the seller’s property if the pre-purchase exam is conducted before the horse leaves. See the following posts for more information on the types of tests that should be conducted in a pre-purchase exam. More info...

Jan 20, 2012
World Dressage Masters Palm Beach: List of Competitors and Schedule
Wellington, FL
Excitement is mounting for the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach, which gets under way in just one week. The World Dressage Masters presented by Axel Johnson Group is the richest dressage series in the world; over half a million dollars in prize money was awarded at four WDM competitions in 2011. The WDM Palm Beach is the only WDM event outside of Europe, and the only five star CDI in North America. International Polo Club Palm Beach became the presenting sponsor for the WDM Palm Beach in 2011.

An elite group of horses and riders, including several of the world's top ten ranked pairs, will compete at the 2012 WDM Palm Beach. Six nations are represented by 14 riders who have now confirmed their participation. The 2011 WDM Palm Beach champions, Steffen Peters of the US and Akiko Yamazaki's charismatic horse Ravel, will seek to defend their title against stiff rivals from Europe and North America. The number of Swedish competitors has now swelled to three, following the addition of Per Sandgaard and his horse Lomumba Havdal to the list of entries. Sandgaard represented his native Denmark at the 2004 Olympics in Athens before moving permanently to Sweden and changing his citizenship.
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Jan 20, 2012
Dr. Allan Hamilton on Horses and Emotions
Dr. Allan Hamilton
Can horses be overwhelmed by intense human emotions? How do horses benefit humans? Dr. Allan Hamilton, an author and neurosurgeon, took questions from participants of our free interactive author webinar from MyHorse Books called, “A Zen Mind, Zen Horse Discourse” based on his book, Zen Mind, Zen Horse.

Dr. Hamilton answers some of those questions below:

Feelings…Deal-breakers in Horse/Human Partnership ? More info...

Jan 19, 2012
Katie Robinson and Lady O Awarded Amateur-Owner 35 & Over Hunter Championship at WEF I for Deeridge Farm
Wellington, FL
Katie Robinson was very successful during the first week of the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Riding for her family's Deeridge Farm, Robinson took home top honors in the Amateur-Owner 35 & Over Hunter division. She captured the championship tricolor aboard Lady O, and also earned two first place ribbons riding Rock Steady.

Robinson piloted Lady O to winning honors in the competitive Amateur-Owner 35 & Over Hunter division. The duo earned two first place ribbons, a third place ribbon, and a fourth place ribbon to claim the championship cooler. More info...

Jan 19, 2012
$8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper Win Goes to Matt Williams and Bolero Van't Heike
Wellington, FL
Week two of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has begun, and the main class in the International Arena today was the $8,000G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. Matt Williams (AUS) and Bolero van't Heike, owned by Matt Williams, took the win in the class.

The second week of the FTI WEF runs through Sunday, January 22, and is sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 1, 2012, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit. The highlight jumper class in week two is the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2* on Saturday, January 21, at 7 p.m. More info...

Jan 19, 2012
Care of Your Horse’s Teeth Counts In Equine Performance
Equine Health
Wondering whether it’s time to do your horse’s teeth or if it’s OK to put it off a year? Well, read Horse Journal Performance Editor John Strassburger’s experiences with floating your horse’s teeth. Misaligned teeth can result in your horse not eating enough, poor digestion, bit problems and even pain. And, in case you wondered, John discusses costs, too. Read on . . .

Last week, Dr. Grant Miller, who’s one of the Horse Journal’s veterinary editors, came to our farm to power-float the teeth of four of our own and three of our clients’ horses. We’ve long considered equine dental care an important element in the management and performance of our horses, and watching Grant work on our own and our clients’ horses for the last five years has only solidified our belief. More info...

Jan 18, 2012
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Jan 18, 2012
USEF Network presented by Smartpak to Live Stream PRO DerbyCross in Wellington
Wellington, FL
The PRO DerbyCross Team Competition will be live streamed on the USEF Network presented by Smartpak on January 20 at 7 PM. Film production is being provided by CatchRide.

"We are very happy to team up with the USEF Network presented by Smartpak, who will be hosting the live stream broadcast," said Samantha Lendl, Executive Director of the Professional Riders Organization. "DerbyCross is so much fun and we hope that this allows people all over the world to see what this extreme sport is all about."

Kelly Plitz, a member of the 1984 Canadian Three-Day Event Team, is the featured artist for PRO DerbyCross and has created a unique painting, which is acrylic on board. The painting will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefitting Operation Homefront Florida. More info...

Jan 18, 2012
Any Young People Work on Your Horse Farm? Then Read This
American Horse Council
The American Horse Council (AHC) has opposed the Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed new child labor regulations applicable to agriculture. The proposed rule, if adopted, would place new limitations on the ability of young people to work for pay on farms or ranches not owned solely by their parents and would effectively bar workers under 16 from working in most capacities in agriculture, especially around livestock, such as horses.

“The safety of young workers is important, but these proposed rules are so broad they would keep most young people from working on horse farms and ranches at all,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “For over 70 years Congress has explicitly allowed young people to work in agricultural because of its unique and family nature. We believe, as written, this proposed rule is contrary to Congressional intent.” More info...

Jan 18, 2012
Karen O'Connor, Boyd Martin, Carol Cohen, and Bernie Traurig Join Mason Phelps Radio
Wellington, FL
The first segment of Mason Phelps Radio was a huge success last week, and as listeners gear up for the second installment on Thursday, January 19, the guests are lining up to join Phelps in studio. Karen O'Connor, Boyd Martin, Carol Cohen, and Bernie Traurig will join Phelps and co-host Steve Williams this week at 5:00 p.m. EST on W4CY.com. Phelps and his guests will be discussing the most important issues regarding the equestrian community, from exciting upcoming events, to the challenges and obstacles the sport faces.

Olympian Karen O'Connor will be a guest this week as she prepares for Friday night's PRO DerbyCross event at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Teams are composed of three event riders, a show jumper, and a polo player. The teams compete in a relay event over a course of cross-country and stadium jumping obstacles in the International Arena. Also participating in PRO DerbyCross and joining Phelps will be eventing rider Boyd Martin. More info...

Jan 18, 2012
Ravel “Stronger” Gearing Up for Olympic Year; Steffen Peters’ “Thank You” for Historic 3rd EoY Title
Steffen Peters and Ravel
After his first competition of this Olympic year, Ravel “feels even stronger” than 2011 when performances by the gelding and Weltino’s Magic led to rider Steffen Peters being named United States Equestrian of the Year for an unprecedented third time.

Rather than give a speech at the U.S. Equestrian Federation awards banquet in Cincinatti, Ohio, Steffen of San Diego, California, made a photo presentation of highlights with Ravel, now aged 14, and Magic which can be viewed by clicking more info link below.

The award came a day after a national Grand Prix before a single judge at Dressage Getaway in Thermal, California, in which the KWPN gelding on whom Steffen won the 2009 World Cup title, the CDIO hampionships at Aachen, Germany, and two individual bronze medals at the 2010 World Equestrian Games scored 80.426 per cent. More info...

Jan 17, 2012
Do You Know a High School Horseman Who Wants to Ride While They’re in College?
| Cover designed by Annie Kennedy
Let the EquineEDU guide take some of the work of finding an equestrian college off your hands.
Does it seem like only yesterday that your riding youngster was trying to figure out which they like better, English or Western?
Now they’re ready to go to college, and they’re trying to figure out how to combine their passion for riding with more academic pursuits.
If you’re one of those students, or the parent of a college-bound youngster, EquineEDU 2012, an interactive digital publication from the Active Interest Media Equine Network, is for you.
“Selecting a college is an important decision in anyone’s life, but when you want to ride, too, there’s much to consider,” says Tom Winsor, general manager of the Equine Network. “More than just a list of schools, media-rich EquineEDU 2012 is an entertaining and informational experience that will help guide the way.”
Your complete primer to riding at school, it offers an overview of the organizations governing collegiate equestrian competition, along with tips on determining which kind of program suits your needs, choosing the right institution for the right reasons and balancing your studies with time in the saddle. More info...

Jan 17, 2012
Hunter-Jumpers Will Soon Have a New Point System-Among Other Changes
United States Hunter Jumper Association
After decades of discussion, debate and consternation, the current increment system—the way points are calculated when a horse places in a class at a rated competition—has been successfully revamped, according to United States Hunter Jumper Association President Bill Moroney.
“This is a massive change. The beauty of this system is how easily it’s understood. This rule change had unanimous support, too; it’s what the sport wants,” Moroney said.
A record number of 362 attendees gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana, December 5-8 for the seventh annual USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. There they discussed a number of issues, including standardizing zone children’s and adult specifications and a national children’s/adult jumper championship, a new amateur definition, accident and return to play, jumper prize money, participation fees for jumper classes of $25,000 or more and points versus money won, to name a few. More info...

Jan 17, 2012
Youth Division Added to Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover
RDF TV
The Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover will add a new twist in 2012 as 100 yearlings will be offered for adoption for a new youth division. Yearlings will be adopted prior to the Supreme similar to the 200 older geldings that will be offered, too. In 2012, three adult divisions with combined purses and prizes estimated at $200,000 will again be held in addition to the new youth division. The Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover competition will take place at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 13-15. Applications for potential adopters are due on Feb. 13. The adoption auction will take place March 31 through Superior Productions on RDF-TV. More info...

Jan 17, 2012
10 Saddle Fit Tips To Enhance Your And Your Horse’s Comfort
Optimal Saddle Fit
Follow these 10 saddle tips to find the perfect saddle fit tip for you and your horse, including how to select the right cinch.

Optimal saddle fit enhances both your and your horse’s comfort and safety on the trail. Read on for our handy tips.
Photo by William J. Erickson
1. Check saddle design. The way your saddle fits your horse is the key to his comfort and soundness on the trail. The bars — the part of the saddle tree that lie on either side of your horse’s spine — should lie along the back muscles without touching the spine itself. The saddle’s front arch should be high enough to leave your horse’s withers free. The saddle fit should also be wide enough and angled so that his shoulders can slide back and forth freely.How well does your saddle fit your horse? Here are 10 easy things to check to ma... More info...

Jan 17, 2012
Havre de Grace Crowned Horse of the YearFor an unprecedented third straight year, a female was crowned Horse of the year when Fox Hill Farm’s Havre de Grace took home top honors Jan. 16 at the annual Eclipse Awards ceremony. Earlier, the daughter of Saint Liam had been a near unanimous selection as champion older mare.
The daughter of 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam trained by Larry Jones finished first with 166 votes, followed by Peter and Mary Hilvers and Bud and Judy Johnston’s 5-year-old Acclamation, who finished second with 26 votes. Diamond Pride LLC and the Lanni Family Trust’s 4-year-old Game on Dude finished third with 10 votes, followed by Cape Blanco with 9 votes. More info...

Jan 16, 2012
Nick Skelton and Unique Continue A Good Week with $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Victory
Wellington, FL
The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival concluded competition for week one today. In the International Arena, the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic was the main event. Nick Skelton (GBR) continued his solid week of success and capped it with a win on Unique, owned by Beverley Widdowson. Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Wannahave, owned by The Wannahave Group, finished second, while Alexa Pessoa (USA) on Madison was third.

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Jan 16, 2012
Debbie Kelly and Sheldon Cooper Win Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51+ Championship
Wellington, FL
Completing their second day of classes, the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Older Section B awarded championship honors to Debbie Kelly and Sheldon Cooper for the week. Quality Control and Margaret Taylor earned the championship in Section A yesterday.
Sheldon Cooper is a nine-year-old gelding owned by David Glefke, of Keswick, VA. Rider Debbie Kelly, of White Hall, MD, trains with Larry Glefke and Kelley Farmer. Kelly rode when she was a child and decided to get back into the sport after a long hiatus about five or six years ago. She had never ridden Sheldon Cooper before this week. More info...

Jan 16, 2012
Steffen Peters Named 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year
Cincinnati, OH
Steffen Peters (right)won the William C.Steinkraus Trophy as one of the 2011 Equestrians of Honor and then the Robert P. Strub Trophy (shown here being presented by USEF President David O'Connor on left) as the overall USEF Equestrian of the Year. Photo by Kim MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Peters (San Diego, CA) won the top honor in 2008 and 2009 based largely on his accomplishments with Akiko Yamazaki’s phenom Ravel – but in 2011, Ravel had some help. Peters capitalized on his first trip to the Pan American Games and scored Team and Individual Gold in a tremendous effort with Jen and Bruce Hlavacek’s Weltino’s Magic. From California to Aachen, Germany Peters was undefeated in 2011 with the now 9-year-old Westphalian gelding.
Both Ravel and ‘Magic’ scored at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Dressage Championships in Gladstone, NJ in September sweeping the Grand Prix and Intermediaire I divisions respectively. Peters won all six classes in the effort and secured his Pan Am spot with Magic in the process. More info...

Jan 15, 2012
Beezie Madden and Simon Take First Victory in $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix
Wellington,FL
The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) hosted its first "Saturday Night Lights" event this evening with the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix. Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) and new mount Simon, owned by Abigail Wexner, took home the blue ribbon. Nick Skelton (GBR) and Beverley Widdowson's Unique finished second, while Cian O'Connor (IRL) rode Blue Loyd, owned by Ashkirk Ltd and Cian O'Connor, to third place.
In the first round of the grand prix, Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward fell with Oh D' Eole at the 8b obstacle. Ward was taken out of the ring to an ambulance and transported to Wellington Regional Medical Center, where he is being attended by specialists for a fractured kneecap. Oh D' Eole was examined by veterinarians and is unhurt.
More info...

Jan 15, 2012
Spandau and Schaefer Raposa Garner Marley Goodman Small Junior Hunter 16-17 Championship
Wellington, FL
Division winner Schaefer Raposa, of Clinton, NY, showed Spandau for the first time this week for owner Visse Wedell. Raposa rode Spandau at his farm once last year and then got on the gelding on Thursday to prepare for this week's competition.

"He is awesome, he really is," the rider smiled. "He is one of the coolest hunters I have ever ridden. His rhythm is amazing; he has that great canter where the distance is never too far and you just kind of go with it. He has the jump where he uses every part of his body and he is so brave. He is just really cool." See Schafer and Spandau in their hunter round video at www.shownet.biz

More info...

Jan 15, 2012
Carl Hester joins Palm Beach 5* lineup at World Dressage Masters
Palm Beach World
Top British dressage rider Carl Hester will start in the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach in Florida later this month.
Hester led the British Dressage Team to a historic gold medal at the 2011 European Dressage Championships, and went on to win individual silver riding the nine year old stallion Uthopia.
Hester's exclusive appearance at the WDM Palm Beach will be his first time competing on American soil since he was a member of the British Dressage Team that won a silver medal at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games More info...

Jan 14, 2012
2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival Announces Live Streaming of $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix on USEF Network presented by Smartpak
Wellington, FL
Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is pleased to announce that the USEF Network presented by Smartpak plans to offer free live streaming video of the main events during this year's 12-week circuit at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Week one of the FTI WEF, sponsored by Surpass, is currently underway and will feature the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix on Saturday, January 14. Part of the "Saturday Night Lights" Series, the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix will be held in the beautiful International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center with the first horse on course at 7 p.m. More info...

Jan 14, 2012
Neville Bardos and Sjoerd Named 2011 Horses of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation
Neville Bardos
He shouldn’t have lived. But he did. He shouldn’t have returned to his life as an event horse. But he returned better than ever. Trapped in a burning barn for 45 minutes, Neville Bardos made a miraculous recovery from injuries sustained in a fire that claimed the lives of six other horses at his rider Boyd Martin’s barn in West Grove, PA. The now 13-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding won the USEF National CCI3* championship in 2009 and was 10th at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games – leading the U.S. effort. But his life changed dramatically in the early hours of Memorial Day in 2011. Martin pulled him out of the burning barn to safety. Neville Bardos was left with horrific injuries due to massive amounts of smoke inhalation and the subsequent damage to his throat. More info...

Jan 13, 2012
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Jan 13, 2012
Pegasus Awards January 13
Watch on the USEFNetwork.com
The USEFNetwork.com, will be broadcasting the 2012 Pegasus Awards, live from the USEF Annual meeting Saturday Night, January 14, 2012 beginning at 7:30 pm ET. With that and photos of the Horse of the Year Champions Dinner held on Friday, USEF shares with the world the wonderfully produced, historical record of equestrian sport in America, and those being honored including disciplines, breeds, luminaries, sponsors, organizers and officials and staff who work hard to contribute so much to the growth of equestrian sport.

Now the world can share what has always been just a magical evening for those who were there. Lifetime Achievement Award, Virginia's James "Jim" Wofford, a legend in his sport of Eventing is bound to be entertaining, with well produced video and imagery and then the witty Wofford himself who will no doubt be entertaining as "Woff" accepts the honor. More info...

Jan 13, 2012
Miniature donkey and tiny stallion form big friendship
Barnstead, NH
A big love affair with some tiny players has blossomed on a farm in Barnstead, New Hampshire. Charlie (left), a miniature ivory donkey standing 29 inches tall, and Einstein (right), the world's "smallest stallion" who measures only 20 inches high, have become new best friends. Adopted from a breeder in Kentucky after failing to stud, little Charlie was introduced to tiny Einstein on Nov. 1, and the pair have reportedly become inseparable as shown in these photos taken on Nov. 24, 2011. More info...

Jan 12, 2012
Tune In to Discovery TLC for DC Cupcakes at WIHS This Monday!
Horse Jump made from cupcakes.
Sophie and Katherine, the sisters who own Georgetown Cupcake, have a huge order from the Washington International Horse Show to make a full-sized horse jump out of cupcakes. Horses jumping over cupcakes? Why yes! The country’s leading indoor metropolitan horse show is just a few blocks away from Sophie and Katherine’s Georgetown Cupcake shop. A special jump made from the now famous sweets was a surprise addition to an exciting evening of world-class show jumping competition. Tune in on Monday, January 16, to see if any of the horses, riders or fans got to eat one!
At the same time, the sisters attempt to break the world record for largest cupcake. With the help of Mommy and Sophie’s nuclear engineer husband Steve, they set out to bake a one ton cupcake, first finding an oven huge enough for all 2000 pounds of homemade batter, and then baking it to perfection. More info...

Jan 12, 2012
How to Convert a Western Barrels Horse to English?
Julie Goodnight Rider Question:
Hello Julie,
I’d like your opinion. I have a 14-year-old quarter horse mare that was trained to run barrels. Since I’ve had her (almost 2 years now) I have converted to the English way.
She’s a smart girl but also very stubborn and thinks she knows everything. Trouble is she so resists our “English ways.”
She fights giving to the bit and bending and just about anything else that requires any real work. She’s fit and has no health issues that would keep her from complying with my requests. More info...

Jan 12, 2012
Feeding Horses: Slower is Safer
A hay net provides a healthy way for your horse to eat.
What’s the best system for feeding your horse in order to prevent colic and ulcers? According to the folks at Kentucky Equine Research, a little bit at a time is the best way. Here’s what they have to say:

Horses evolved as wandering herbivores, moving slowly for hours and taking bites of whatever forage they came across in their rambles. Modern feeding practice is quite different, with many horses given all-day access to rich forage, an invitation to obesity.
Other horses are confined to stalls and given two or three large grain meals each day. Between flakes of hay with a high carbohydrate content, there are often long hours when these horses have nothing to eat. It should not be a surprise that metabolic problems and gastrointestinal upsets are quite common in today’s horses. More info...

Jan 12, 2012
Can You Be Your Own Farrier in a Pinch?
Written by Dr. Chris Colles
There you are, happily trotting along a trail when you start to hear a clinking, clanking sound. No, it’s not loose change in your pocket, or the rocks in your head (just kidding).
You pull up your horse and lean down from your saddle to take a look and sure enough, there’s a loose shoe, barely hanging on your horse’s hoof, all twisted and off-center.
Phooey! What can you do? Well, after reading our guide below, you will be ready to pull that loose shoe yourself, all by your lonesome.
And for those of you who are truly engaged in every aspect of your horse’s care, you may want to consult an all-encompassing guide to every aspect of shoeing your horse, called, The Principles of Farriery. More info...

Jan 12, 2012
What about your horse's health makes you worry? If your horse has problems breat...
Lung Sounds
Just as lung sounds can reveal a lot about our own health status, the noises your horse makes when he breathes can be quite telling. Horses with advanced respiratory distress emit rasps and wheezes audible to your unaided ear. To hear the more subtle sounds of brewing trouble, however, you'll need a stethoscope and a certain proficiency in using it. Practice often when your horse is healthy, so you will be able to recognize abnormal noises when they do occur. An inexpensive stethoscope designed for listening to adult lungs (available at most drugstores) is best for listening to your horse's lungs. More expensive canine or pediatric stethoscopes won't pick up the low-frequency sounds of normal equine respiration. More info...

Jan 11, 2012
Horse-Showing Psychology
By Barbra Schulte in The American Quarter Horse Journal
Early in my career as a cutting-horse trainer, I noticed special showmen. Certain people consistently qualified average horses for the final. They regularly collected big checks. Other competitors would show an outstanding horse and fumble. I was intrigued to understand the differences.

In my own experience, some days I showed a horse to his potential. I helped him when circumstances threatened to expose our weaknesses. I asked for more when opportunities arose to maximize his strengths. Other days, if I concentrated on something going wrong, that’s all I could think about. The rest of the run fell apart.
More info...

Jan 11, 2012
Does Baby Really Need a New Pair of Horse Shoes?
Should the farrier put a shoe on that hoof? |
To shoe or not to shoe? It’s a pressing horse-owner question.

If you’ve often wondered about the pros and cons of a barefoot horse versus one with horse shoes, well, have we got a treat for you.

Two horse hoof professionals put together a friendly pro-and-con debate for American Cowboy about the benefits of shoeing a horse versus having the horse live with a barefoot trim.

If you’re on the fence about the issue (pardon the pun), hopefully this will help.

Should horses be shod? Two professional farriers discuss the merits of barefoot trimming and performance. More info...

Jan 11, 2012
Really Wanna Try Reining? Check Out This Show with Al Dunning
Al Dunning
Reining is one of the coolest things to do in Western riding, and now an expert horse trainer takes you through every step of learning how.

Horse trainer extraordinaire Al Dunning has been an integral component of HRTV’s equestrian programming line-up, and Dunning is now on HRTV.

The innovative new series, titled, “Reining — From Beginning to Winning,” will air on consecutive Tuesdays into the New Year, and will be replayed in succeeding weeks. Dunning will be joined in the instructive series by Shadd Parkinson.

The opening show, “Focus on Circles,” will feature Dunning and Parkinson showing the proper techniques on the correct lead departures, speed rating, collection and control and getting circles round. Subsequent shows will continue to showcase the outstanding tutelage of Dunning and Parkinson, are titled: “Focus on Lead Changes,” “Focus on Turnarounds,” and “Focus on Steps.” More info...

Jan 10, 2012
Save 10% off your orders of $60 or more at PetSupplies.com


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Jan 10, 2012
21 equestrian nations look to Olympic Games
1900 Olympic Games
Equestrians from 21 countries are counting down to the London Olympic Games, which marked 200 days to go on January 9.

Pierre de Champsavin (France) riding Terpsichore to bronze in the Prix de Nations at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris.
Belgian rider Emmanuel de Blommaert and Clonmore won individual bronze in jumping in Stockholm in 1912.
This year's Olympics will also celebrate 100 years of horse sport at the Olympics, with the three disciplines of eventing, dressage and jumping making their debut at Stockholm in Sweden in 1912. Riders from the home team won all the gold medals, except in the individual jumping, which was won by Jean Cariou and Mignon for France.
Earlier, there were five equestrian events at the 1900 Olympics in Paris: jumping, high jumping, long jump, and two "non-Olympic" events - Hacks and hunter combined and Mail Coach, in which mail coaches were drawn by four horses. More info...

Jan 10, 2012
Healthy Treats For Horses
Natural horse treats are as good for your horse as they are for you.
Ever wonder if horses can eat some of the snacks you enjoy as horse treats? Well, they can. At least the healthy ones. Read on for some suggestions from the editors at Horse Journal. You may find it more fun and less expensive to make up your own horse-treat recipe, using natural horse treat ingredients.

If the cost of commercial horse treats doesn’t get you, at least take the time to look at the ingredients. Most contain wheat flour and molasses—far more than you would find even in a sweet feed, and the ones that claim to include a supplement rarely have enough of that ingredient in them to truly make a difference for your horse. More info...

Jan 10, 2012
How to Listen to Your Horse's Lungs
Horse Health


Just as lung sounds can reveal a lot about our own health status, the noises your horse makes when he breathes can be quite telling. Horses with advanced respiratory distress emit rasps and wheezes audible to your unaided ear. To hear the more subtle sounds of brewing trouble, however, you'll need a stethoscope and a certain proficiency in using it.

Practice often when your horse is healthy, so you will be able to recognize abnormal noises when they do occur. An inexpensive stethoscope designed for listening to adult lungs (available at most drugstores) is best for listening to your horse's lungs. More expensive canine or pediatric stethoscopes won't pick up the low-frequency sounds of normal equine respiration. | More info...

Jan 10, 2012
Careers in the Equine Industry
http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/equine/careers
So, you want a career in the equine industry.... Many times people looking for career opportunities in this industry automatically begin to think about jobs that have the most direct contact with horses—e.g., veterinarians, trainers, riders. While these are valid careers in the industry, they are only a few in a field with a wide number of extremely varied opportunities.
The goal of this website is to assist you in recognizing the vast array of opportunities that are available so you can begin to consider the possibilities that best fit with your talents and other career objectives. This is in no way intended to be an all-inclusive list nor will it answer all of your questions. More info...

Jan 10, 2012
Does Equine Hoof Shape Have an Effect on Soundness?
Hoof Health
Could it be? A potential predisposing factor for lameness that can be seen with our very eyes? According to one British researcher, this dream could be a reality. A recent study revealed that certain hoof shapes and characteristics can be associated with chronic lameness, while others point to a sound horse.

"Despite being widely accepted that abnormal foot conformation may be associated with lameness, there is a paucity of evidence-based information concerning foot size and shape and lameness; the purpose of this study was to photographically document the foot shape and external hoof characteristics of lame and nonlame horses," said Sue Dyson, MA, VetMB, PhD, DEO, FRCVS, head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, England. Dyson presented her study at the 12th Congress of The World Equine Veterinary Association, held Nov. 2-6, 2011, in Hyderabad, India.



Read more: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=19421#ixzz1j5ZuA5nq More info...

Jan 9, 2012
TWO HUNDRED DAYS TO GO TO LONDON 2012
2012 Olympics
Twenty one nations are celebrating their Olympic qualification today, 9 January, which marks the 200-day countdown to London 2012 and 100 years of equestrian sport in the Olympic movement.

Eleven countries have now secured the opportunity to join the nine nations already qualified at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Kentucky and hosts Great Britain at London 2012 through a series of nail-biting qualifiers held around the world for their Olympic Group.

Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA and Ukraine will join hosts Great Britain in team Jumping.

Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and the USA have qualified to compete in team Dressage.

Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden and the USA have also secured their opportunity to compete in team Eventing. More info...

Jan 9, 2012
Michael Cooper and Jae Bar One Time Do It Again
Michael Cooper
The Abilene Spectacular 4-year-old Open finals on Saturday, Jan. 7, proved to be yet another successful class for Michael Cooper aboard Jae Bar One Time. The gelding, owned by James and Gail Hooper of Decatur, Ala., battled a few tough cows and dominated the 30-horse field. More info...

Jan 9, 2012
NRHyA Awards Varsity Reining Club Scholarship
Amy Stoney, NRHyA Varsity Youth of the Year
The National Reining Horse Youth Association offers members an online program that rewards youth for leadership and community service activities outside of the show arena. The Varsity Reining Club provides scholarships totaling $5,000 to be awarded to the most active participants in two age groups. In its sixth year, the VRC will provide 13 youth scholarship monies, with the top-placing individual in each age group receiving special recognition as “Youths of the Year.”
Youth members are awarded points by doing any combination of projects listed at vrc.nrhya.com. Participants can submit activity reports in four subject areas: philanthropy, creativity, publicity and academics. Members aged 14 years old and older are placed in the varsity category and members 13 years old and under are classified as junior varsity.
More info...

Jan 9, 2012
Oh, the Lusitano
Cherri Reiber
International rider and trainer Cherri Reiber performed a tandem driving demonstration with Zerbino Interagro and Vistor Interagro during the Pfizer Fantasia at Equine Affaire. The two Lusitanos from Interagro Lusitano farm in Brazil showed off upper level movements including the piaffe, passage, tempi changes and the spectacular Spanish walk with Reiber riding one horse and driving another in front. | Photo courtesy of M&A Photography

Of the hundreds of horse breeds that exist, how many names can you rattle off? More info...

Jan 9, 2012
Winter Feeding Tip: Your Horse Also Needs Omega 3sI’m sure you’ve heard that you should have Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet–did you know your horse should, too?

According to equine nutritionist Dr. Juliet Getty, Omega 3 fatty acids keep your horse healthy in a variety of ways. They balance immune function, protect joints and ligaments, diminish airway inflammation, support gastrointestinal function, reduce skin allergies, and decrease nervousness.

Keep in mind that there are several fatty acids that can be classified as “omega 3” based on their chemical structure, but there is only one omega 3 fatty acid that your horse cannot produce on his own, and which, therefore, must be in his diet: Alpha Linolenic Acid (or ALA).

Given this, however, your horse can manufacture two other omega 3s, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). 

Fresh grass has ample omega 3s — four times more than omega 6s, which can promote inflammation. Hay, however, has virtually no omega 3s left. More info...

Jan 7, 2012
College Barrel Racer Leads Abilene 5/6-Year-Old Amateur Cutting
Larami Stewart
Larami Stewart, 19, a sophomore barrel racer on the South Plains College rodeo team in Levelland, Texas, and her 2006 cutting gelding Haidas Screamin Cat marked a 218 to lead Friday’s first round of the 5/6-Year-Old Amateur at the Abilene Spectacular limited-age cutting and secure a spot in Sunday’s finals. More info...

Jan 7, 2012
Tips from a Charmayne James Barrel Racing Clinic
Charmayne James
I came across this video on Youtube that was taken at one of Charmayne’s Barrel Racing clinics. If you have watched her video and read her book like I have, you will appreciate this visual.

Part of Charmayne’s teaching uses 5 axis points around the barrel. She also really emphasizes looking over the outside ear on a horse going into the turn to locate those points while shifting your weight to the outside. The third thing she wants to see is a bent elbow through the turn as you lift and position your horse for the turn.

More info...

Jan 7, 2012
Alleyway problems with Ty Mitchell from the Josey Ranch
Ty Mitchell
This is an excellent video from Ty Mitchell from the Josey Ranch Team of trainers. He talks about some of the things we can do as riders to prevent alleyway anxiety in our horses. He will demonstrate how to be prepared for different setups and still be successful.

Prevention really is the key and he talks about some of the strategies to do that. Every horse is a bit different so getting your game plan and strategy for the alleyway in mind in advance, is key. Being prepared in the alleyway is part of getting consistent. More info...

Jan 7, 2012
What kind of bit do you ride your horse in or do you ditch the metal all togethe...
Bitless bridles
What kind of bit do you ride your horse in or do you ditch the metal all together? Bitless options are becoming more and more popular and here is a simple breakdown of the most common types of bitless bridles. More info...

Jan 6, 2012
World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Announces Change to Line-Up
Wellington, FL
Organizers of the World Dressage Masters presented by Axel Johnson Group have been informed that the stallion Totilas and his rider Matthias Rath of Germany will be unable to attend the WDM Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach, which is set to take place January 26th to 28th.

"I received a call this morning from Paul Schockemöhle, one of the owners of Totilas," said WDM Palm Beach organizer Noreen O'Sullivan of Wellington Classic Dressage. "I am very sorry to announce that Totilas will not be able to compete in this year's World Dressage Masters Palm Beach. The owners feel the horse has just returned to light work after an injury and would not be ready for this event. We have already invited Totilas and Matthias to our 2013 WDM event. The owners and Matthias were very disappointed they would not be able to attend this year's WDM Palm Beach but also said they look forward to accepting our invitation for next year if the horse is going well." More info...

Jan 5, 2012
Buy 2 get 1 Free DVD Sale at Barnes & Noble
Great equestrian titles such as Secretariat and Sea Biscuit




More info...

Jan 5, 2012
In War Horse, the horse steals the show
by Alex Brown
I will admit that when I went to see War Horse, which was released on Christmas Day, I was hoping to see a great movie. The horse’s place in modern culture continues to slide as its roles diminish. A great movie can help restore the horse’s place in our imagination. I had read the book, and loved it. I had seen the play and enjoyed that, too, although I was so intrigued by the puppets that played the horses, I was a little distracted from the story itself. No matter how good the book is, or the play, a movie is going to be much more accessible to the public, so it was important that this was a well-executed adaptation. I believe it was. More info...

Jan 4, 2012
Blog: Buy the horse, not an illusion
Making the right choice
Smart food shoppers know two rules: don’t shop when you’re hungry, and “buy the steak, not the sizzle”.�

Smart equine shoppers, we learned the hard way, should follow analogous rules: don’t shop when you’re too ambitious, and buy the horse, not an illusion.

We’ve bought four horses in recent years, three for $15,000 each, one for $40,000. Which horse failed to perform? Which horse ran up massive vet bills? If you guessed the $40,000 horse, you’re right. More info...

Jan 4, 2012
Retired Orlando police horse dies at ripe old age
Orlando, FL
A police horse in Florida who retired in 1992 has died at the remarkable age of 40.
Cheyenne, who served with the Orlando Police Department, was born on April 15, 1971. He was the department's first mounted patrol horse.
The Tennessee Walking Horse died on Deceember 27 at his home in Palatka.
He had a 10-year career with the force and, on his retirement, he was returned to his original owner, Wendy Payne, in Palatka.
To honour Cheyenne efforts with the force, two horses have been named after him since his retirement - Cheyenne I and Cheyenne II.

Jan 4, 2012
New FEI Pony Dressage Tests for 2012
Lexington, KY
Lexington, KY - At the 2011 FEI General Assembly, it was announced that there will be new FEI Pony Tests effective January 1, 2012.

A link to the 2012 tests can be found on the USEF website: More info...

Jan 4, 2012
USDF Approves National Dressage Championships
Lexington, KY
The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce approval by its Board of Governors of a US national dressage championship beginning in 2013. This championship will be a head to head competition showcasing Adult Amateur and Open riders at Training Level through Grand Prix.
With invitations to be extended to competitors who have qualified through the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, the inaugural championship (exact name TBD) will take place in the fall of 2013 at the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) in Lexington, KY. More info...

Jan 2, 2012
New US coin marks importance of horse trade
The 2012 Native American $1 coin
The United States Mint's 2012 Native American $1 coin will feature the image of a horse and Native American in profile.

The mint said the new design for the reverse (tails side) is themed on "Trade Routes in the 17th Century", with the horse perhaps the most significant of all the goods traded throughout the continent during that period.

In keeping with the coin's theme, the image shows a Native American and horse in profile, with horses running in the background, representing the historical spread of the horse. More info...

Jan 2, 2012
He Invented a Horse Massage Method
Jim Masterson
Have you ever looked at all the horse stuff we have available today, shook your head and wondered, “Who was the clever person who thought of creating this?”

I certainly don’t have an inventive brain, so I’m always in awe of folks who have the smarts to think of something first.

Take fly spray, for example. I know my mare would be miserable in the summer without it (of course, the challenge of creating a fly mask that my mare cannot destroy or remove within one day has yet to be mastered. I’m just sayin’….).

I’m also grateful for automatic waterers, half chaps, dewormer and the concept of natural hoof care. More info...

Jan 2, 2012
Do You and Your Horse Want to Star on Downunder Horsemanship TV?
Clinton Anderson
When clinician Clinton Anderson began airing Downunder Horsemanship on Fox Sports Net last year, he says had no idea how popular the series would become.

In fact, the half-hour show has evolved from Clinton just working with problem horses and their owners to the clinician, best known for his easy-to-understand horsemanship method, visiting with horsemen about their personal successes and helping them overcome challenges.

Because of an overwhelming response from horse owners across the country wanting help with their horses, needing a confidence boost or just wanting to share their horsemanship success stories, Downunder Horsemanship has created a Casting Call webpage on its website to better organize potential stories. The page currently offers nine submission categories: More info...

Jan 2, 2012
The Equus Foundation announces its Champions program
Westport, CT
The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its CHAMPIONS program - an incentive-based equine service volunteer program to recognize and reward individuals and organizations on the carrots4acause network.

To become a CHAMPION, an individual must volunteer for an organization or organizations on the carrots4acuse network and log at least 24 volunteer hours from January 1st to December 31st. The volunteer hours will be verified by the organization and The EQUUS Foundation.

carrots4acause is a free way for individuals to align their passion for horses with real needs and for organizations to access those individuals who may be able to help them with their volunteer requirements and wish-list items of needed products and services.

Why the name, carrots4acause? All horses love carrots, and the carrot is a universal symbol of enticement and reward More info...

Jan 1, 2012
Boot Store
Paddock Boots

Boots from equestrian boot makers Ariat, Justin, Tony Lama, Laredo, Dorango, Old Gringo, Dan Post, Lane Boots, Ovation, Der Dau, Mountain Horse, Hispar, Sergio, Dublin, Tuffrider, Saxon, Equi Star, Devon Aire, Double H, Lucchese, Justin, Twisted X, Tony Lama, Laredo, Georgia Boots, Timberland, Stetson, Nocona, John Deere, Funtasma, Corral, Carhart, Converse, Work One, RedHead, Rocky and Smokey Mountain. Custom boots available from Hispar Boots.

More info...

Jan 1, 2012
Iceland: the world's greatest horse nation?
An Icelandic horse in the snow. © Thduke
Fascinating insights into the importance of the horse industry to Iceland have been outlined in a paper presented to a conference on economics, management and tourism.

The paper, by Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir, assistant professor at Holar University, in Iceland, focused on northwest Iceland, but highlighted the significant levels of horse ownership in the country.

Sigurdardottir noted that horse ownership stood at 240 horses per 1000 inhabitants, compared with about 13 per 1000 people in Europe. More info...

Jan 1, 2012
Build Your Horse A Run-In Shed With Good Planning
Your horse's run-in shed should be convenient and inviting.
You don’t like being in cramped spaces, and neither does your horse.

Morgan sport-horse breeder Beth Benard, a contributing writer to Horse Journal, has suggestions to get you started with run-in shed plans that have the horse in mind:

The horse is by choice one of the most free-ranging mammals, yet we seem insistent on forcing him to live in little boxes. Evolution has allowed the horse to maintain his well-being by always moving, away from parasite-teeming manure piles and in search of fresh water and better forage. Access to a run-in shed is closer to natural for a horse than a 24-hour stay in a stall.

Studies in both humans and horses confirm movement is the most important contributor to long-term joint health. Every complete weight-bearing forward stride bathes the joint cartilage in fresh-lubricating fluid. This propulsive effort is totally lacking in a box stall, where it’s replaced by hours of repetitive pivoting on the hindquarters. Is it any wonder hock degeneration is rampant in the pleasure and performance horse industry or the nutraceutical industry is booming? More info...

Dec 30, 2011
Try A Different Breed of Horse
John Strassburger aboard Alba.
John Strassburger, Performance Editor at Horse Journal and former long-time editor of The Chronicle of the Horse, offers some insights into horse breed bias and what you might find looking at other breeds of horses:

I am a Thoroughbred man, and proud of it. I’ve had Thoroughbred horses all my life, and you can’t beat the breed for heart, courage, speed, stamina and just pure athleticism.

I’ve raced them, foxhunted them, done dressage and jumper shows, and competed them in eventing. Yes, they can be challenging. Thoroughbreds are usually (but not always) high-octane, mentally and physically, and they’re smart and quick. More info...

Dec 30, 2011
Impaction Colic in Horses
Impaction colic can sneak in during the winter, when water consumption is low.
The editors at Horse Journal understand that most horse owners want to know what they can do, in their own barns, to help keep their horses healthy. With that and the colder months ahead in mind, they’ve collected some suggestions about impaction in horses, a type of colic, so you can help prevent it in your horse.

Impaction in horses is one of the most common causes of colic. Despite this, there continues to be much misunderstanding about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. It is especially likely to occur in colder months, when horses normally drink less water.

Impaction colic occurs when fecal matter doesn’t move properly through the horse’s colon and becomes impacted. The first symptom is often a slight case of diarrhea. More info...

Dec 29, 2011
Showmanship Psych
Tony Anderman and Goodness Im Green at the 2011 AQHA World Championship Show.
An AQHA judge describes the psychology behind showmanship classes.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Holly Hover of Cave Creek, Arizona, became an AQHA judge in 1988. She judges AQHYA and AQHA world shows, and has judged internationally throughout her career. She’s a professional horse trainer who coaches amateurs and youth showmen with a focus on all-around competition.

One of her amateur showmen was Sarah Marold, All American Quarter Horse Congress versatility champion and reserve all-around amateur at the AQHA World Show.

Holly has helped transform many exhibitors into showmanship champions with her collection of showmanship psychology tricks. Her tricks include handwriting analysis, dressing for success, body language and positive thinking. More info...

Dec 29, 2011
Gulfstream Sets Quarter Horse Race Dec. 31
Gulfstream Park, FL
Going against a request from Thoroughbred horsemen, Gulfstream Park has scheduled a Quarter Horse event to open its Dec. 31 program, the first such race in the history of the Hallandale Beach, Fla., track.

The Quarter Horse race is the first on a 12-race card that will be followed by 11 Thoroughbred races. According to the Gulfstream entries posted Dec. 28, there are six entrants for a $5,000 Quarter Horse maiden claiming race at 220 yards with a $12,000 purse.

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association has asked Gulfstream not to run the Quarter Horse race because its contract with Gulfstream does not permit it to hold any races other than for Thoroughbreds through Dec. 31, 2012.
More info...

Dec 28, 2011
Panther attack behind death of pregnant mare
Golden Gate
Authorities in Florida are satisfied the Christmas Day killing of a horse in Florida was the result of a panther attack.

The Collier County family had feared an axe or weapon with a large blade had been used to kill one of their horses on Christmas Day.

The mare, Muneca, aged 10, a former racehorse, was found dead on Christmas morning after the overnight attack. She was seven months pregnant. More info...

Dec 28, 2011
How healthy are your horse's hooves?
How to Prevent Chipped Horse Hooves
Learn how to prevent chipped, brittle hooves in your trail horse with these expert guidelines.
Are your horse’s hooves brittle and chipped? Here, I’ll explain how hoof supplements can help strengthen your horse’s hooves. But first, follow these tips to address any potential underlying issues.

Letting a barefoot horse go too long between trims increases the risk of chipping and breaking, and long hooves can also allow undue stretching that can lead to the crumbling of the white line.
Chip Tip #1: Schedule Regular Trimmings

Proper and timely trimmings are crucial. Letting a barefoot horse go too long between trims increases the risk of chipping and breaking.

Here’s why: As the hoof wall grows, it also extends further forward in relation to the bones of the leg and foot. When the hoof lands, the bones stay in the same location, connected to each other, but the hoof wall expands. This causes stretching and eventually crumbling of the white line, the layer of hoof wall that connects the outer wall to the sole and live tissues of the hoof. It also contributes to chips/flaps developing in the hoof at ground surface. More info...

Dec 27, 2011
Horse killed in pasture on Christmas Day
Golden Gate
A family in Florida believes an axe or weapon with a large blade was used to kill one of their horses on Christmas Day.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office received the complaint about the attack in Golden Gates Estates and handed it over to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.

The family now fears attacks on their last remaining horse, a stallion, following the killing of the former racehorse.

They told authorities they had a six-month-old foal named Bambi who was stolen on Thanksgiving. More info...

Dec 27, 2011
Donkey's calendar selling like hotcakes - video
Ebenezer
Calendars featuring Ebenezer the donkey are selling like hotcakes, with proceeds going towards helping him through the chilly Missouri winters.
Ebenezer's caregiver, Shirley Phillips, told Fox 4 News in Kansas City that he had been helped over some health issues after his previous owners were no longer able to care for him.
They have since discovered Ebenezer, who lives in Grandview, has trouble staying warm in the winter and the proceeds from his calendar will go towards a new heated barn.

More info...

Dec 26, 2011
For Pets
Online pet store for best value
For Pets offers a wide variety of pet supplies for pets including your dog, cat, puppies, kittens and small animals. Dog beds, cat toys, feeding bowls, natural foods, nutrition, shampoos, flea control, collars, ID tags, and complete pet needs.

Aquarium needs for tropical fish and reptiles including fish tanks reptile and lizard food, snake treats, reptile books and magazines.


More info...

Dec 26, 2011
How a Western Rider Started Doing English Dressage Gymnastic Exercises
Keith Jacobson
It all started from a casual conversation I was having with our farrier, Keith Jacobson who as I’ve said before is a man who has his finger firmly on the pulse of the best horse information.

Keith was trimming my mare’s hooves when I asked how a recent Western Dressage show had gone for him and his 13-year-old Morgan gelding, Cody.

“It went great,” Keith said, “especially now that we got our lope fixed.”

Apparently Keith’s gelding was having a hard time staying in balance if they loped in a small circle, and so he consulted with a local English dressage instructor, Patty LeBlanc of Cappaleigh Farms for a couple of riding lessons to figure out the cause.

Even before the riding lessons, Keith said he was pretty sure he was the problem.

“This horse was always willing to do something for me, so I knew it had to be me,” he said. “So what was I doing wrong?” More info...

Dec 23, 2011
Deworming Your Horse with Clinton Anderson
Horse Health
Deworming should be a worry-free, routine practice that takes place several times a year. Is your horse difficult to deworm? If so, he may have had a bad deworming experience or doesn’t like the taste of the dewormer. You can train your horse to accept deworming calmly using Clinton Anderson‘s step-by-step technique.

Top trainer/clinician Clinton Anderson explains that most deworming issues aren’t the horse’s fault, it’s the owners’ approach to the process.

“Avoid sneaking up to your horse and jamming the dewormer in his mouth,” he says. “Also, don’t walk straight up to your horse, hang on to the halter really tight, then jam the syringe in his mouth. You’ll make him defensive.

“Keep in mind that horses are prey animals,” Clinton Anderson explains. “If you approach him and stick the dewormer in his face, like a predator, then he’s going to stick it back in your face and say, ‘Get lost!’ More info...

Dec 23, 2011
Lameness? Or Equine Hoof Problems?
Hoof Health
As the folks at Horse Journal tell us in this article, if your horse is showing signs of lameness and you think it’s coming from his hooves, use caution.

People sometimes pay for intensive unnecessary treatments on equine hoof problems that don’t work.

The horse hoof ailment white-line disease has become a bit of a hoof disease du jour and has led to a near epidemic of intensive hoof treat ments/soaks, ranging from a few days a week to several times a day. More often than not the treatment doesn’t have the desired effect on this horse hoof ailment, and there’s a good reason why: The horse didn’t have the equine hoof problem of white-line disease in the first place.

The layers of the hoof wall, from outside working in, are the pigmented horn, nonpigmented horn, the white line then the sole. The white line contains the live/sensi­tive laminae and the dead/insensitive laminae along the inner layer of the nonpigmented horn. Once the hoof wall has grown past the level of the live sole tissue, all laminae in the white line are dead, just like white tips of our finger nails. More info...

Dec 23, 2011
What is your pre-ride ritual? If you don’t already, you might want to add these...
Three Stretches to Prevent Horseback Riding Injuries
Long, limber muscles help prevent horseback riding injuries. Here are three pre-ride stretches from certified personal trainer Katie Mital.
Horseback riding is an athletic endeavor; just ask anyone who’s felt head-to-toe sore after a long day in the saddle. And, like any other sport, the more physically fit you are when you ride, the better you’ll perform. You’ll also be less likely to suffer a riding-related injury.

Pre-ride stretching can prepare your muscles for the rigors of horseback riding and help prevent injury. Here are three stretches you can do before every ride, from Katie Mital, BS, ACE, CPT/CES, a certified personal trainer in Bend, Oregon. She’s an avid rider, as well as a fitness professional. She does local and long-distance consultations for equestrians, with her clients ranging from trail riders to competitive jumpers. More info...

Dec 23, 2011
Heroic War Horse from the Korean War - Great Story
Sergeant Reckless on duty during the Korean war
Her name was Sergeant Reckless, and she ranks as one of America's greatest war heroes for her deeds during the Korean war.

Sergeant Reckless on duty during the Korean war.Now, a fundraising effort is under way to build memorials to honour the small Mongolian mare, whose efforts were instrumental to the frontline efforts of US Marines.
Reckness was bought off a boy from a racetrack in 1952 for $US250, at the age of five.
She was then put to work ferrying ammunition to the troops.
Her deeds became the stuff of legend, and in the 1990s she was named by Life magazine among America's top 100 heroes.

More info...

Dec 23, 2011
Blue Cross (WW1 Horse Charity) War Horse archive made available online
The charity has a pround history of helping thousands of horses caught up in World War 1.
Interest in military horses is unprecedented in the buildup to the much-anticipated release of Steven Spielberg's Hollywood blockbuster "War Horse", based on the Michael Morpurgo book of the same name.

The book has also been adapted into a stage play with life-size horse puppets, which has enjoyed international success.

The Blue Cross has opened its archives for the first time to reveal the real-life stories of the horses who fought and died in World War 1. But the real story of the millions of horses, ponies and mules, who played a vital role in the cavalry and hauling guns or ammunition, has no Hollywood ending. More info...

Dec 21, 2011
Horse Journal Answers: How do Horses Get Shocked?
Horse Fencing
Have you ever wondered exactly what happens when your horse gets zapped from an electric horse fence? Horse Journal explains it all:
In an electrified situation, there is a positive field and a negative field. The negative field is what permits electricity to flow and then return from the positive field, thus generating power. In an electric fence, the positive field is the fence material, while the negative is literally the ground. If a horse bumps into the fence, he interrupts this cycle of the power returning to the source, and that’s why he feels a shock. For an instant, the horse has become the ground.
Electric fence controllers are safe and yet effective because the charge is short. The burst is 700 volts, but it never stays on long enough to damage any organs. The controllers come in AC models and battery-powered ones. We like solar collectors because they are good for the environment and require little handling, but electric ones are admittedly more common More info...

Dec 21, 2011
Grains in Horse Feeds
Horse Feeding
Grain is one of the most traditional meals fed to horses. For years people have fed oats to race horses, corn and barley to plow horses, and the good old ”cob” (Corn-Oats-Barley mix) as a treat or as a staple of the diet. With the research and studies that have been done in the past decade, we have discovered that feeding straight grain, especially in large amounts and without vitamin or mineral supplementation, is not a healthy choice for your horse. That said, grains are still very good ingredients in a horse feed when used to provide valuable sources of energy and fiber, but need to be combined with other products and adjusted to meet requirements for protein, vitamins and minerals, so that a balanced diet can be achieved.

When grains are used in horse feeds they are most commonly processed to help enhance digestion. Processing methods can include cracking, screen cracking, flaking, kibble, toasting or heat processing . The grains that can be fed to horses include triticale, wheat, rye, rice and grain sorghum although these are much less common than “The Big Three” grains that are most typically used in horse diets: More info...

Dec 19, 2011
Wildlife Photographer: These Wild Horses Deserve to be Protected
Wyoming
Photographer and author Carol Walker is known for her breathtaking images of the wild horses whose cause she passionately champions.

In this account she wrote and photographed for her blog, she chronicles a fall round up of the Adobe Town Herd in southwestern Wyoming by the Bureau of Land Management. It’s a testament to these spirited animals, and no mater how you feel about the issue of wild horse roundups, as Carol points, out, “These horses are individuals, and deserve to be remembered.”

But I’ll let Carol tell the story:

I met the public observation team complete with 4 BLM rangers at 6 a.m. on the first day of the roundup. I was escorted out to the trap site through the area I had been photographing wild horses in for the last 3 months. When we arrived at an oil pad, we were told to park and I looked for the trap. I could not see the Willow Creek trap, as it was over a mile away and the entrance was hidden around a curve. When we asked if we could move closer we were told it was for our safety and the safety of the horses that we were placed here. This became a familiar refrain over the next two weeks every time we asked why we could not do just about anything. More info...

Dec 18, 2011
Horse-mad daughter urged Spielberg to make movie
War Horse
A horse-loving daughter played a part in getting Steven Spielberg to turn Michael Morpurgo's book, "War Horse" into a movie.

Oscar-winning director Spielberg told ABC's Katie Couric on current affairs show "Nightline" that the film was developed, in part, out of a promise Spielberg made to his 15-year-old daughter, Destry, to direct a film about horses.

"My daughter's a hunter-jumper and my wife, you know, was dressage and still dabbles in it and we live with horses," Spielberg said.

"That was another thing that really invited me into this process."

More info...

Dec 18, 2011
How to Train a Horse to Willingly Load Himself into the Horse Trailer
Horse Trailering
Dear Dr. Hamilton,

I have a problem in loading my horses in my two-horse enclosed horse trailer. My goal is to be able to put the halter rope over their back and they would load willingly and stay in the horse trailer. I feel that I need more confidence and knowledge to acheive this goal. Since I would be loading my horses usually by myself I think I need to understand my horses fears as well as my own. Thank you for this opportunity to express my concerns.

Sincerely,

Jane

Dear Jane,
I imagine from your question you are referring to getting the horses to load with the lead rope hanging over their backs. I should state, parenthetically that, for safety’s sake, I am not a big fan of transporting horses inside the horse trailer with the lead rope free, draped over their back.

I prefer to leave the lead rope off the horses so they won’t tangle themselves up in any trailing or dangling lead ropes during transport. When we arrive at our destination, I reach in and clip the lead rope onto the halter. More info...

Dec 16, 2011
Equestrian Gift Cards
The gift all horse lovers want
The perfect last minute gift.






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Dec 15, 2011
Riding an Antsy Horse? Learn How to Stand Still and ChillJulie Goodnight says that just because you’re mounted up doesn’t mean that your horse should charge ahead at full speed. In this piece written by Julie and Heidi Nyland Melocco for The Trail Rider, they explain that if you want to take a break from your trail ride and choose not to dismount, your horse should willingly stand still until you give a cue to move.

If your horse is “jiggy” or anxious to get moving on the trail, he probably won’t stand still and chill out when you’d like a break.
For help teaching your horse to stand still when you’re in the saddle, keep reading. More info...

Dec 15, 2011
Horse Running

Dec 15, 2011
Pecking Order: Horse Herd Hierarchy Have you ever wondered where your horse ranked on the herd ladder? This excerpt from the EQUUS Reference Guide, Understanding Equine Behavior, will help you figure out who’s in charge and who’s not:

Appearances are deceiving in the horse world and determining a herd’s hierarchy can be as tricky as threading a needle with barbed wire. Full of illusions, the complexities of the pecking order can often throw the casual observer for a loop. Do how can you tell if Ol’ Dobbin is a social butterfly or merely an errand boy?

Gather a thick pad of paper, a handful of pencils and stake out an unobtrusive spot in the field. Write down every action, no matter how inconsequential it may seem. Was that Blaze chasing Storm away from the water trough? Was Snip the first horse to take off running as the rabbit hopped through the pasture? Don’t expect to discover the placement of each horse in the hierarchy in five minutes; it may take days or weeks of careful observation to reach a conclusion. Once all the data is in, closely analyze your findings, charting who did what to whom. More info...

Dec 15, 2011
How do you prepare your horse and yourself when you're going on a long trail ride...
Trail Riding
"Be prepared!” That’s the Boy Scout motto. An excellent motto for life, but it’s also an outstanding motto for trail riders, especially when you go on the road with your equine partner. Being prepared is what good horsemanship and a great ride depend on and are all about. I’m well-known as a horseman and traveling clinician, teaching all facets of good horsemanship. But I am also a rancher. I grew up in the ranching business, and that’s one reason they call me “the cowboy clinician.”

More info...

Dec 15, 2011
How do you stay safe on the trail when hunters are in the field?
Hunting Season Safety Guide
Fall trail riding can involve crisp weather and beautiful foliage, but safety must come first. Follow these hunting season guidelines to stay safe on the trail this fall.
In the fall, when Rocky Mountain aspens turn brilliant yellow, there's no place I'd rather be than in a snug hunting camp among stately spruce by a clear stream, my horses and mules picketed nearby, aromatic pine smoke curling from the pipe of the tent stove.


More info...

Dec 15, 2011
Mare and Foal Care: Free Webinar TONIGHT
Patrick M. McCue, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT, professor in the department of clinical sciences at Colorado State University
Broodmare and stallion owners invest a great deal of effort, time, and money in producing foals. To provide the best possible care for mare and foal and get the most out of this investment, breeders must work closely with their veterinarians, carefully monitor and manage the health of mares and foals, offer any help that's needed during foaling, and provide the care young foals need for the best possible start in life.




More info...

Dec 14, 2011
Saddle Seat Equitation: Form to Function

Saddle Seat Equitation: Form to Function
Understand your horse’s mechanics to perfect your saddle seat equitation.
By Leslie Potter

If you’ve ridden saddle seat for any length of time, you’re probably used to the regular reminders about proper equitation. “Hands up! Heels down! Roll your thighs in!” The elegant appearance of a skilled saddle seat equitation rider is unmistakable. But what is the purpose behind the position? More info...

Dec 14, 2011
Online lameness tool for horse-owners
Equine Health
Equine Guelph, part of the University of Guelph, in Ontario, says its new tool, sponsored by Pfizer's equine division, provides horse owners with interactive activities to help them learn about lameness.

Equine caregivers know all too well that identifying and treating lameness in horses can be a frustrating and expensive process.

"We think that a visual approach to lameness will greatly help horse caregivers better understand the basics of lameness and how to recognize the signs or symptoms in their horse," says Dr Cathy Rae, equine technical services veterinarian for Pfizer Animal Health. More info...

Dec 14, 2011
Stop Your Horse Without Pulling on the Reins
Julie Goodnight
More info...

Dec 13, 2011
Spectacular Incomplete Horseman Sculptures
Beijing, China
We're familiar with Grecian sculptures highly revering the human form, so how does one echo the elegance of such art without mundanely copying it? The artistic trio known as Unmask Group has managed to not only sculpturally honor the human form, but to add a new twist to its visual appeal by subtracting redundant parts from the sculptures. Their series entitled Flash Memory also features the figures of horses that employ the same deleting technique.

The Beijing-based group, a creative formation of Liu Zhan, Kuang Jun and Tan Tianwei, masterfully constructs their hollowed, incomplete sculptures out of stainless steel and marble. The almost-abstract figures leave just enough of the sculpture intact to make the solid figure clear. It's the exclusion of certain parts that add a hint of intrigue. There is also an odd oneness to each sculpture that allows the human figures to melt into and meld with the horse's form. It's hard to tell where one entity ends and the other begins. More info...

Dec 13, 2011
Julie Goodnight’s Tips on How to Ride in an Aligned Position
Julie Goodnight
When you ride on the trail, you never know what obstacles or spooky items you and your horse might encounter. To stay seated and in the perfect position no matter what the terrain or environment, you must ride actively and think about your riding position. (For more position pointers, “Perfect Position, Perfect Ride,” Horsemanship & Maneuvers, The Trail Rider, May ’10.) Align your ear, shoulder, hip, and heel so that you’re always in an active pose.

Here, top clinician/trainer Julie Goodnight explains an easy-to-learn, but tough-to-master exercise that will challenge you and your muscles to help you maintain the desired position during any ride. More info...

Dec 13, 2011
Do you know how to fit your tack to your horse?
Check out this quick tack check
Learn how to prevent common horse problems by performing a point-by-point tack check including evaluating saddle fit with world champion trainer Lynn Palm.
Join world-champion trainer Lynn Palm as she guides you through a tack check to optimize the safety and comfort of both you and your horse. Lynn Palm will teach you how to check your saddle, saddle pad, bridle, and bit to prevent horse problems in the future.

Lynn Palm’s equine partners are Rugged Painted Lark, a 9-year-old Paint stallion (Western tack) and Lark’s Painted Dinero, a 5-year-old Paint stallion (English tack). More info...

Dec 13, 2011
Inspired by Lights
Lights on Broadway
As a 4-year-old in 2001, Lights on Broadway won the Assault Stakes at Lone Star Park, the Chick Lang Jr. Memorial Handicap at Retama Park, and the Star of Texas Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park. With those three black-type scores and many other impressive performances, Lights was crowned 2001 Texas Horse of the Year.

The son of Majestic Light continued competing in stakes and allowance races for several years until he first entered the claiming ranks in 2004. Gradually, he began dropping into lower and lower ranks. Near the end of his racing career, Lights ended up at Fonner Park in Nebraska, where he won for the first time in more than a year in a $2,500 claiming race. More info...

Dec 12, 2011
The Christmas pony that changed my life
Horsetalk's 2011 Christmas story!
I never much cared for Old Man Warner.

As a boy, I used to sneak up the lane beside his house in late summer and raid his small orchard for peaches, apples and nectarines.

He caught me in the act once and I successfully fled over the fence.

He yelled over the fence, "Just ask, next time, Marc" but I never did.

In hindsight, he was pretty reasonable about it, but it was not in the nature of a rebellious 11-year-old boy to ask for anything, and my orchard raids continued unabated throughout the summer of 1986. More info...

Dec 12, 2011
Why You Shouldn’t Pat Your Horse
Larry the Cowboy
If you haven’t “met” him yet by watching How to Bridle a Horse: Part I, How to Bridle a Horse, Part II, or The Best Way to Take off a Bridle, let me introduce you to Larry Fleming, whom I refer to as Larry the Cowboy.
Larry is indeed a cowboy–the real thing–and he’s also a horse trainer, so he’s Larry The Cowboy, Horse Trainer.
Larry is well-known up and down the Front Range in Colorado for his gentle, winning way with horses, and his ability to turn around even the most troubled horse.
Larry looks at life from the horse’s perspective, which is something the rest of us don’t always do.
In today’s lesson, he tells us why we shouldn’t pat our horse. It’s an interesting point.
Enjoy! More info...

Dec 12, 2011
Use TTouch to Awaken Your Lazy Horse with Linda Tellington-JonesUse this TTouch from world-renowned trainer Linda Tellington-Jones to help turn your lazy horse into a more willing, cooperative trail mount.
A "dull" or lazy horse can take all the joy out of a trail ride. If you have a slow or lazy horse, ask yourself the following questions:

Is your horse taking in enough “fuel” and adequately fed for the work required of him?
Could your horse have a physical problem that’s causing his “laziness” or reluctance?
Is your horse sufficiently challenged in the riding you’re doing together? Is he bored?
Are you riding your horse in a way that slows him down?
Has your horse learned how to move forward in a cooperative, alert, and engaged manner, as we’ve covered in the last two articles? More info...

Dec 12, 2011
Equine Nutrition Expert: Want to Prevent an Ulcer in Your Horse? Keep the Hay Handy
Dr. Juliet Getty
Dr. Juliet Getty never stops urging horse owners to “feed your horse like a horse,” for the simple reason that a horse, fed according to his physiology and instincts, will be healthier. Dr. Getty often speaks about free choice feeding as the first line of defense against ulcers, but there is more an owner can do to protect his horse from the pain and stress of this condition.

“For many reasons,” says the Ph.D. equine nutrition expert, “a steady, constant supply of forage keeps your horse’s digestive system healthy, but it’s especially important in ulcer prevention.” Some basic anatomy knowledge reveals why: Unlike in the human, the horse’s stomach secretes acid all the time, even when empty. Chewing creates saliva, a natural antacid. If left without food, horses will chew on whatever they can, even their own manure, to neutralize the acid that is causing them physical pain and mental discomfort. And if left with absolutely nothing to chew on, the horse will commonly develop ulcers. More info...

Dec 8, 2011
PGHA Speed Show
Camalita Park, Punta Gorda, FL
Speed Events Games, Rodeo Contact: Gayle Rogers
Phone: (941) 380-2325 More info...

Dec 7, 2011
2012 World Dressage Masters CDI 5* Palm Beach Presented by International Polo Club Tickets Now On SaleTickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated world-class dressage competition to be held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach from January 26th through the 28th. The World Dressage Masters CDI 5* presented by International Polo Club promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

The legendary stallion, Totilas, reigning Dressage World Champion and current world record holder in the Grand Prix Freestyle, is scheduled to compete at the WDM Palm Beach with his current rider, Germany's Matthias Alexander Rath. Totilas won the CHIO Aachen 2011 in July with Rath just a few months after the new partnership had formed. The pair went on to help the German Dressage Team win a silver medal at the 2011 European Dressage Championships in August.

Last year's WDM Palm Beach champions, American Steffen Peters and Akiko Yamazaki's 13 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Ravel, thrilled the audience at the sold out event when they earned the highest score ever given out at the WDM Palm Beach. Peters intends to return in 2012 to defend his title.

Limited Tables and General Admission Seating Available
Tables Sold Out in One Week in 2011 - Purchase Now! Call 561-282-5334 or go to website:
More info...

Dec 7, 2011
Miniature Horse is an Equine Ambassador Who Touches Lives
Buttons
Meet Hankering Hannahs Shoe Button, also known as “Buttons” and his owners, Tony and Leslie Cunningham of TLC Miniature Horse Farm in Paris, TX.

Once upon a time, Leslie Cunningham bred and trained full-sized Appaloosa horses. Unfortunately, there came a time when she could no longer physically handle big horses. According to the couple, Leslie fell into a state of depression after initially giving up her equine work. In the hope of lifting her spirits, Tony convinced her to go look at a Miniature Horse.

Enter Buttons. Upon meeting this four-month-old stallion, Leslie was immediately smitten, and Buttons soon found a home with the Cunninghams. Working with Buttons led Leslie to think of other people like her whose age, health or other concerns had forced them out of their relationships with horses. From there, it wasn’t a far leap for Leslie to realize there were many people who had never had a relationship with a horse at all. More info...

Dec 6, 2011
5% off any order at HorseLoverz
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Dec 6, 2011
Julie Goodnight: One Rider’s Story about Wearing a Helmet I’ll Never Forget
Florida Horseback Riding
We were working on cantering—everyone working at their own level; some not even cantering but enjoying the learning and watching. I think we were working on perfecting the canter cue and departure.

The riders were working at their own pace—some walking on the rail, some cantering round and round, some just cantering on the straight-aways. I was sitting back, enjoying watching everyone work—coaching riders independently as they came around—when things went suddenly wrong.

Unbeknownst to all of us in the arena, just outside the rail—in the attached horse barn– a worker accidentally bumped into an air compressor, knocking loose one of the hoses. Suddenly there was a very loud hissing sound and the three horses nearest the barn aisle spooked, spun and bolted.

Although my back was to them at the moment, between the sound of the released compressed air and the sound of the hoof beats, it got my attention real fast. When you work with an arena full of riders—15 to 20 riders is normal for me—you learn to observe with your ears. More info...

Dec 6, 2011
Insights Into Proper Stirrup Leather Length
Florida Horseback Riding
At proper length, your stirrup should rest against ankle bone.

It’s always fun to get the judge’s perspective, isn’t it? Well, read on for S-level dressage judge Margaret Freeman’s thoughts on stirrup leather length and its effect on your own riding.

When I judge dressage tests at a show, I often detect a “theme” as I hear myself repeating the same phrase over and over. The theme will be different at each locale. Sometimes it’s a positive phrase and sometimes a negative. I presume this is because people copy what they see others doing around them, whether they realize it or not and whether for better or worse. I wonder sometimes if they are picking this theme up at the shows themselves or if there’s an alpha pro nearby whose style has influenced many people in the area.

(I remember when I warmed up for my first-ever Prix St. Georges test. I planned this to be at an out-of-the way show grounds where I could do my FEI maiden voyage under the radar. But there was a huge class with some really top riders. I didn’t realize it until later, but I started doing the same things in warm-up that they were rather than playing my own game. Half way through the test, I realized my horse was cooked because I’d over-ridden him in the warm up. Lesson learned. Since then I’ve made a game plan for the warm up and stuck to it.) More info...

Dec 5, 2011
Treating Laminitis with Acupuncture
Horse Health
Acupuncture is a relatively simple treatment option veterinarians and horse owners consider for a variety of equine ailments, but little scientific evidence of its efficacy exists--particularly in regards to treating laminitis. Lisa Lancaster, MSc, PhD, DVM, of Lancaster Veterinary Services, in Denver, Colo., explored how this complementary therapy can be used as part of a multimodal approach to treating laminitis at the 6th International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, held Oct. 28-31 in West Palm Beach, Fla. More info...

Dec 3, 2011
My Classic-Format Three-Day Event Experience
John Strassburger
Horse Journal Performance Editor and veteran three-day event rider John Strassburger describes a spectacular run with his mare, Alba, and shares a video, too.

I had a tremendous ride around the cross-country and steeplechase courses at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event, where I was competing my mare Alba (show name Firebolt) in the classic-format CCI1*.

You can see video footage of us on steeplechase and on cross-country by going to the Galway Downs website http://www.galwaydowns.com/) and going to the Saturday video coverage. (Click on the “Event Video Coverage” tab on the right side of the home page.)

You’ll see us about halfway through the extremely professional Saturday coverage by Josh Walker of the U.S. Eventing Association. Host Frankie Therriot interviews me and my son Wesley (who doesn’t say much), and you’ll see part of the steeplechase phase from my perspective (because I wore Josh’s helmet camera) and see a few minutes of us going cross-country too. More info...

Dec 2, 2011
Thank You, Trigger
Tournament of Roses Parade
Juli Thorson, Horse&Rider’s editor, takes baby boomers down memory lane, as she describes growing up with Trigger on television. He’s going to be part of the upcoming Tournament of Roses Parade. Read on . . .

What are your plans for Monday, January 2?

I know what I’ll be doing–waiting for Roy Rogers’ golden palomino, Trigger, to parade across my TV screen as part of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

It promises to be quite a spectacle. Not only will Trigger’s mounted, rearing remains adorn the 75-foot float entry of RFD-TV, which owns the preserved horse, but he’ll also be accompanied by 100 riders on palominos of their own. Rogers’ son and grandson, Dusty and Dustin, are expected to be among the riders.

The float and entourage are designed to honor the 100th birthday of Rogers, the singing cowboy who partnered with Trigger and brought him to the small screen after starring with him in movies for Republic Pictures. More info...

Dec 2, 2011
How do you determine if your horse needs a blanket? If you do blanket, how cold...
Horse Blanket
Where I live in California, it never snows. Gets cold. And windy. But never snows. Nights can go down to freezing but days tend to warm up so I don’t blanket Nic. He’s got a winter coat about 3 to 4 inches long and I will admit, it’s difficult to ride him on a winter day and then get him dry before dark. If I ride him for an hour in the morning around 10 am, can have him ‘dry’ by 4:30 when it tends to get dark.

Many people blanket their horses for winter. In pasture. In a barn. Any and everywhere, horses are blanketed. As I’ve said, got nothing against blanketing but I do tend to think people over do the blanketing!! If horses have shelter — trees, a shed, something to break the wind and rain — they can do quite nicely in winter months. The secret to keeping a horse healthy throughout the winter is ‘care’!! More info...

Dec 2, 2011
Mare and Foal Care: Free Webinar Dec. 15Broodmare and stallion owners invest a great deal of effort, time, and money in producing foals. To provide the best possible care for mare and foal and get the most out of this investment, breeders must work closely with their veterinarians, carefully monitor and manage the health of mares and foals, offer any help that's needed during foaling, and provide the care young foals need for the best possible start in life.

To help breeders make the right decisions for their mares and foals, TheHorse.com will present a webinar on late-term mare care, foaling, and newborn/young foal care on Dec. 15, 8-9 p.m. Eastern U.S. time (brought to you by Merck Animal Health). In this webinar, you'll learn:

More info...

Nov 29, 2011
Great Holiday Gift - Advanced purchase of tickets to War Horse
Opening Christmas Day at your local movie theatres






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Nov 29, 2011
Multiple leads in probe into theft of university horses
Southern Arkansas University
Police are pursuing multiple leads in the hunt for those responsible for the theft of five rodeo horses from Southern Arkansas University.


Credit Card's pictures from netposse.com.
The horses were stolen from the university's Mulerider stables, along with tack and a horse transporter, overnight on November 2.

Four of the horses were recovered alive, but a 15-year-old sorrel quarter horse named Credit Card was found dead.

University spokesman Jeremy Langley told Horsetalk today: "The investigation is ongoing. The police are pursuing multiple leads. We do expect arrests. There is no time line on when that might take place." More info...

Nov 29, 2011
After a long ride, are you sore from being in the saddle? If your legs are overl...
Trail Riding
Do your knees ache after a ride? Make sure you're not bracing - putting too much weight forward and down into your stirrups. This undesirable position can cause soreness, as stiff joints can't absorb your horse's motion. Stiff legs may also push your saddle back from its usual position, causing your horse to experience wither and shoulder pain.

To fix your position, concentrate on sitting deep in the saddle (rather than deep in your feet), with your seat bones balanced over your horse's spine and your pelvis relaxed enough to absorb your horse's strides. The relaxed posture will allow your legs to swing a bit more than usual. That's fine. Your knees will relax, and you'll have a better balanced seat. More info...

Nov 29, 2011
Dressage
A picture of grace

Nov 28, 2011
THE 2012 AMERICAN EXPRESS RIDE FOR THE RED CROSS
Wellington, FL
Olympic show jumping medalists headline an impressive list of riders on a Wellington trail ride benefiting the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.

The trail ride, where participants will bring their own horses, will take place on Monday, March 26, 2012, in Wellington, FL, through Grand Prix Village and neighboring equestrian estates. Sheila Burke Reynolds of Manlius, NY, Candice King of Wellington, FL and Charlie Jacobs of Boston, MA are chairing the Red Cross fundraiser that is honoring living show jumping legend and Show Jumping Hall of Famer Rodney Jenkins. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.

CONTACT:James Hastie, American Red Cross, 315-374-6021, jhastie@syrarc.org

Nov 28, 2011
Heart Rate's Effect on Equine Performance
Heart Rate Can Determine Performance
A new show ring and a new environment can equate to stress--and even poor performance--for your horse. Because according to Danish equitation scientists, the faster a horse's heart rate in a new environment, the more likely he is to perform poorly.

New places are also not the ideal environment for teaching your horse a new trick, added Janne Winther Christensen, PhD, from the faculty of science and technology at Aarhus University in Tjele, during the presentation of her study at the 2011 International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) Conference, held Oct. 26-29 in Hooge Mierde, The Netherlands. As she and her colleagues discovered, not only do horses tend to perform better at home, they also tend to learn better. More info...

Nov 28, 2011
You Know How to Bridle a Horse-but Do You Know the Best Way to Take it Back Off?
Larry Fleming
If you haven’t “met” him yet by watching Parts I and II of How to Bridle a Horse, let me introduce you to Larry Fleming, whom I refer to as Larry the Cowboy.

Larry is indeed a cowboy–the real thing–and he’s also a horse trainer, which I guess makes him Larry The Cowboy, Horse Trainer.
Larry is well-known up and down the Front Range in Colorado for his gentle, winning way with horses, and his ability to turn around even the most troubled horse.
He’s also a master at starting young horses under saddle, and in this video, he demonstrates how to unbridle a horse–the right way, so that the horse bit doesn’t smack against the horse’s teeth, which hurts.
It’s a great lesson for introducing a young colt or filly to the horse bridle.
Enjoy! More info...

Nov 26, 2011
How to Bridle a Horse, Part 2
Larry Fleming
If you didn’t “meet” him yesterday by watching Part I of How to Bridle a Horse, let me introduce you to Larry Fleming, whom I refer to as Larry the Cowboy.

Larry is indeed a cowboy—the real thing—and he’s also a horse trainer, which I guess makes him Larry The Cowboy, Horse Trainer.

Larry is well-known up and down the Front Range in Colorado for his gentle, winning way with horses, and his ability to turn around even the most troubled horse.

He’s also a master at starting young horses under saddle, and in this video, the second of two parts, he demonstrates how to bridle a horse–the right way.

It’s a great lesson for introducing a young colt or filly to the horse bridle.
Enjoy! More info...

Nov 25, 2011
'War Horse' ad hits Television
Opening Christmas Day
"War Horse" is about to begin its charge on to United States movie screens, with the television advertisement now released.

The Steven Spielberg-directed adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's book of the same name opens in US theatres on Christmas Day.

Trailers paint a clear picture of a Spielberg epic, with spectacular cinematography, and pundits have widely tipped it as Oscar material.

The movie is set during World War 1 and follows the war campaign of Joey, who was sold into military service.

The young boy who trains him is determined to be reunited with Joey and, once old enough, sets off for mainland Europe to find his horse.

Advanced tickets from Fandango. More info...

Nov 25, 2011
Teach Your Horse to Flex His Neck from the Ground and “Give”
Clinton Anderson
Does your horse flex his neck and respond when you ask him to, or is he stiff and unyielding? In this lesson, trainer and clinician Clinton Anderson shows you some simple exercises that you can do from the ground with your horse, no matter his age, which will teach him to flex his neck and in turn, increase his responsiveness and suppleness. You just need to wait for the “give.”

To Get the Most from this Lesson

Before you begin, turn your horse out, work him in a round pen, or do some of my longeing for respect to get him relaxed and using the thinking side of his brain.
Outfit him in a rope halter, a lead and a saddle; later exchange the halter for a snaffle bridle. (For foals and weanlings, just use the halter and lead.)
Always conduct the lesson from both sides, remembering to start from scratch when you move to the other side.
Make this exercise part of your permanent routine. Flex your horse 10 times on each side whenever you first halter him, and again before you put him up for the day to keep him soft and submissive. More info...

Nov 25, 2011
This is my story of a mustang that picked me and made an impact on my life
Wild Mustang
A few years back, I had taken my truck and trailer to a BLM adoption to transport a load of yearlings for a friend of ours. She was a participant in the Blm foster program.
Normally, we bring a pair of binoculars to view the number tags due to the fact that the mustangs usually stay at the far end of the holding pens unsure of humans. I was about to find out not all mustangs think the same.
I had my back to the pen and was talking to my wife and our friend, when my wife says: Honey, behind you". Feeling something pulling at my shirt, I turned around to find a beautiful black mustang with a white blaze tugging on my shirt, totally curious as to what and who I am.
The next thing I know, I am in the office wanting to adopt him. The woman in charge of the adoption told me that someone had stated they would come back ad adopt him, but had not filed an application. She tells me, first to sign gets him. We have adopted before so had no problem in getting approval. I quickly acquired a pen and got to the paperwork. My new friend was not coming home that day, however. We were bringing back yearlings for our friend to foster and had no more room. We would have to make the 360 mile round trip again the next day. The next day happened to be mother's day. We would spend mother's day on the road to get MY horse. My wife teases me about that often.
The night before that next day seemed like it would never end. Finally, it was time to leave to go get my boy. I could never have guessed that day that I was adopted by a horse that would be
such a great partner in some adventures that I never even imagine were in my future. More info...

Nov 25, 2011
Old Navy Get $20 Gift Card for $10 More info...

Nov 23, 2011
Seven Tips for Preventing Colic
An equine vet offers advice for avoiding this common condition.
1. Routine: Keeping a consistent daily routine is important for horses. Any change in a horse’s routine can lead to digestive upset. Feed at the same time each day and turn out for the same number of hours daily.

2. Institute Feed Changes Gradually: If you are going to switch from one feed brand to another, for instance from timothy to alfalfa, do it slowly. Mix the two feeds together for a week or so while gradually removing the old feed and increasing the new. More info...

Nov 23, 2011
Clinton Anderson: How to Stop a Grass-Snatcher on a Trail Ride
Riding a grass-snatcher isn’t much fun.
Riding a grass-snatcher isn’t much fun. Don’t you hate it when you’re enjoying a nice trail ride with your friends and suddenly your horse pulls the reins out of your hands, or almost pulls you out of the saddle, as he puts his head down and snatches a mouthful of grass? And once he’s got a taste of the green stuff, he’s likely to keep trying to snatch grass for the rest of the trail ride! More info...

Nov 22, 2011
Take Clinton Anderson’s Horse Safety Know-How Challenge
Clinton Anderson
You know how to be safe around your horse, right? Are you willing to prove it? Then try your hand at my challenge quiz. Be careful, though, because I’ve designed these true/false questions specifically to make you think. As a savvy horse owner, that’s something you should be doing all the time…thinking, as well as troubleshooting and applying common sense.

But you know that. So grab a pencil (or your mouse) and have a go at it, mate. You’ll have a bit of fun, and reinforce your safety smarts in the bargain.

1. As long as your gear hasn’t gotten soaked (as by rain), a thorough cleaning once every third month or so will keep it in good condition. T / F More info...

Nov 22, 2011
When you're riding with friends, does your horse refuse to leave the herd? Here...
Trail Riding
When I ride my 7-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding with a group of friends on the trail, my horse tends to pay more attention to the other horses than he does to me. I've tried to ride him away from the group a couple of times; each time, he threw a fit and bolted back to the group. What can I do to change this negative behavior?

Pam Levens
Knoxville, Tennessee

You're right to say that this is negative behavior. To correct this behavior, first understand your gelding's survival instincts. Your horse is a prey animal and a herd animal. Whenever you're with your horse, you make up a herd of two; you have to become the leader of the herd. Your gelding is deriving his security from the other horses on the trail, not from you. More info...

Nov 21, 2011
Natural Horsemanship and Clinton Anderson: Teach Your Horse to Respect Your Personal Space
Training your horse
MyHorse Daily editor Jayne Wilson shares one of her experiences with “pushy” horses who don’t respect a person’s space and offers help from natural horsemanship trainer Clinton Anderson:

A horse that doesn’t respect your personal space is at least annoying and can be potentially dangerous. I met such a horse when my own horses were temporarily being boarded at another facility due to evacuation orders during the Texas wild fires.

They were in a large pasture with several other horses and when we went over to check on them, the horses were standing in groups among the trees. As we approached our two horses, one of the unknown horses came toward us, marched into our personal space and practically knocked us over. He apparently had learned that people meant the possibility of food or treats. I waved my arms at him and he stepped away for a moment, only to come right back. He had no respect for my personal space! More info...

Nov 21, 2011
Retired Racers Need Fostering–Do You Have Room for a Couple of Thoroughbreds?
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Rob Hinkle, the President and CEO of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, recently issued an urgent plea to horse lovers and farm owners throughout the United States to participate in TRF’s Foster Care program.

Under that program, a pasture-sound horse presently residing at one of TRF’s 30 Satellite farms will be moved to a nearby foster farm for board and daily care. TRF will reimburse the farm monthly for vet and farrier services, if requested. TRF is seeking 100 farms to take between two and five horses for a minimum commitment of one year.

“The Foster Care plea is an emergency measure to help TRF meet the mounting costs of caring for our herd,” Hinkle said. “Like thousands of other non-profit organizations throughout the country, TRF has been adversely affected by the downturn in the economy. Drought and flood conditions have contributed to the rising costs and shortages of hay and feed, and we are coming into winter.” More info...

Nov 20, 2011
New Arabian horse library officially opened
Pomona, CA
A new library housing the world's largest collection related to Arabian horses has officially opened on the California campus of Cal Poly Pomona.

The cutting of the ribbon is mark the library's opening.
© Tom Zasadzinski
The new facility houses the collection of philanthropist W.K. Kellogg, who gifted the land for the university.

He had a vision to build a center for higher education that would include his beloved Arabian horses. Cal Poly Pomona, which has 20,000 students, is the product of that vision and continues to build upon Kellogg's legacy.

The university recently unveiled a new facility for the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Library, which is dedicated to collecting and preserving materials about the breed, as well as Kellogg's original Arabian horse ranch.

The library houses the world's largest collection related to Arabian horses. More info...

Nov 20, 2011
PBIEC to Host Olympic Trials
Wellington, FL
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced the PBIEC as the location of the USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games. The competition will be hosted by Equestrian Sport Productions from March 21-24, 2012. This competition will also serve as the 2012 USEF Show Jumping National Championship. It will consist of four rounds over three days of jumping. More info...

Nov 19, 2011
Open Horse Show Association
New National Organization to Reward Open Show Competitors with Year End Awards
Show locally . . . achieve nationally. That’s the motto of the newly formed Open Horse Show Association. OHSA’s mission is to provide national recognition and quality awards to those that show at local open shows. Since OHSA is a national organization members showing in Florida will be competing with members from New York and Texas and California, and all over the US, yet they won’t have to leave their local areas to do so.

This is OHSA’s inaugural year. Our overall high point year end award winner will receive a custom trophy saddle with the reserve overall high point winner receiving a trophy buckle. Many other awards will also be given in various disciplines and classes. Our awards will be extensive, unique, and high quality. More info...

Nov 18, 2011
How do you cut costs to keep your horses?
Check out these tips on saving money
1. Rethink boarding needs. If you board your horse, he might be just as happy and safe (but cheaper to keep) in a pen or pasture instead of a stall. Provide adequate weather protection, such as a run-in shed, enclosed shed, or even a grove of trees.

2. Trade labor for boarding fees. Talk with the owner of your stable about a barter arrangement, in which you perform weekly chores in exchange for reduced board costs. If that's not an option, earn money by providing services - such as turnout, under-saddle exercise, currying, deworming, or giving supplements - when fellow boarders go out of town. More info...

Nov 18, 2011
Horse Journal’s Editor On Vets, Horse Care and Your Rights As A Consumer
Even medications your horse vet injects can be compounded drugs.
your horse medications, prescriptions and compounded drugs.

I spent many years in the horsey areas of Lexington, Ky., and Middleburg, Va. It’s amazing how spoiled you become in areas like this, especially when it comes to horse care and equine vets.

Where I live now there are only a couple of tack stores within reasonable driving distance, and they’re not well-stocked. My friends and I are forced to Internet shop a lot.

Contrast that to Lexington, where horse stores advertised sales in the local paper. You could purchase The Blood-Horse virtually anywhere, and the newspaper, now the Lexington Herald-Leader, had horse news on page 1.

In Middleburg, during a lunch hour, I could walk to three different places for horse supplies, and at the time, the local Safeway carried The Chronicle of the Horse, right alongside Good Housekeeping. A blanket repair, was as easy as getting your clothes dry-cleaned. More info...

Nov 18, 2011
Study: Dental Work Improves Feed Digestibility in Horses
Dental Disease
Many horse owners do not recognize signs of dental disease until a horse has obvious difficulty chewing, reduced appetite, feed dropping, and weight loss. Thus, even horses with mild dental disease benefit significantly from corrective dental work, according to recent research by a team from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich in Germany.

In the study, researchers evaluated voluntary hay intake, fecal particle size, and nutrient digestibility of nine adult Warmbloods--that all chewed normally, but had mild to moderate enamel points of the molars and premolars--before and after dental correction. More info...

Nov 17, 2011
Equestrian Gift Cards
The most wanted gift
Gift cards from Equestrian Collection, Horse.com, State Line Tack, Tack Room, Inc., Renton Western Wear, Horse Loverz, RCC Western, Crazy Horse Tack, and GR Pet.



More info...

Nov 17, 2011
Clinton Anderson: Don’t Get Emotional When Training Horses
Careful, consistent training is required
Clinton, I want to improve my gelding’s behavior, but he gets so grumpy when I ask him to do something. I reward him when he is cooperative, but it doesn’t seem to be making him any better. And I’m afraid ‘getting after him’ will just make his attitude worse–or even make him dislike me.”

Talk about a bad attitude–this horse owner has one! I see this a lot at my clinics. People get so worried about their relationships with their horses and so wrapped up in the whole natural horsemanship thing they forget the bottom line: You’ve got to get the job done.

I learned this when I was about 15 or 16 while training horses in Australia for Gordon McKinlay. I was just getting started with natural horsemanship, and was working with a big black mare with a bad attitude. In keeping with my early training, as soon as that mare would do something right, I’d instantly reward her with a pat, a treat, and a little break. More info...

Nov 16, 2011
Clinton Anderson: Control Your Horse on the Trail
Trail Riding
Of all the things that can cause excitement on a trail ride, one of the most unsettling for your horse is the appearance of one or more unfamiliar horses. In particular, having another rider come galloping up on you unexpectedly…well, that’s almost guaranteed to cause your horse to act up.

In this lesson, Clinton Anderson gives you three strategies for dealing with this situation. He’ll show you how to prepare your horse to stay under control while another horse approaches and passes; how to calm your horse down if he’s “surprised” into an eruption; and how to dismount and work out the problem on the ground any time you feel unsafe in the saddle.

Once you know you always have a strategy to fall back on, you’ll feel much more at ease on the trail. More info...

Nov 16, 2011
Tonight is another episode of American's Favorite Trail Horse from The American...
Trail Riding




More info...

Nov 16, 2011
Autumn leaves and animals
Dog and leaves

Nov 15, 2011
Easy Horse Rein Repair
On the trail tack repairs
If you end up with a broken horse rein despite your best efforts, dismount and lead your horse back to the barn. Then use this easy fix until you can buy new horse reins. You'll need: Leather punch or awl; zip-tie, tack screw, or six-inch piece of thin leather latigo. (If the latigo is too thick, use a sharp knife to thin it down.)



More info...

Nov 14, 2011
Five and 60-Second Flexion Tests Yield Similar Results
Limb flexions are subjective in nature
Every horse owner is familiar with the ubiquitous flexion test, which veterinarians regularly employ to exacerbate baseline lameness and reveal unknown internal issues in horses. No standard duration, however, dictates how long veterinarians should hold the limb in the flexed position. Researchers recently tested the results of comparative full hind limb flexions held for five seconds and for 60 seconds in order to assess the viability of shortening the time commonly spent applying flexions.

More info...

Nov 12, 2011
New video competition website for horse owners
Tired of the cost of transporting and competing your horse?


Horse enthusiasts worldwide can now compete by video at HorseShow.com, an online platform for equestrians to instantly compete and network with a global audience by video.

It offers members year-round access to a variety of online competitions for multiple breeds and disciplines.

On its launch, it is presenting three horse shows, which will award ribbons and a total of $US17,500 in prize money. More info...

Nov 12, 2011
Do you ride near or on roads?
How does your horse do when there is traffic around?
We'd like to tell you the statistics regarding accidents with horses on the highway to emphasize our point about the need to work at staying safe. But statistics about accidents with horses on the highway are sadly lacking. There is no central reporting agency to report vehicle accidents with horses. Still, if you talk with any group of horse people, you'll hear plenty of stories of accidents or near misses.

In a perfect world, our perfect horse property would border a national forest or major trails system. We'd never have to set a hoof on asphalt. Unfortunately, in the real world, many of us have to cross or ride along a road to get off our property, whether to ride to a friend's or to connect with a trail. And even a short journey on a quiet road can entail significant risk. More info...

Nov 11, 2011
Take $10 off all orders over $100 and FREE SHIPPING at VetShop
Save Money Now
Code: FALLVET, expires Nov 30, 2011 More info...

Nov 11, 2011
Totilas to Make Exclusive Appearance at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach
Totilas
Totilas, the reigning Dressage World Champion and current world record holder in the Grand Prix Freestyle, is coming to the 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach. His appearance at the prestigious WDM CDI5*’s only event in North America, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on January 26 to 29, 2012. This will be the ONLY public appearance of this legendary stallion during his visit to North America. The WDM Palm Beach CDI5* will run concurrently with the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*/CPEI3*. The World Dressage Masters CDI5* presented by Axel Johnson Group is the world’s premier dressage series, with over half a million dollars in prize money, and each show boasts over 100,000 Euros in prize money.

With his current rider, Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath, Totilas won the CHIO Aachen 2011 in July; Totilas and Rath went on to help the German Team win a silver medal at the European Dressage Championships in August. The WDM Palm Beach will launch Rath’s and Totilas 2012 competition season, which is directed towards the London 2012 Olympics. Totilas is an 11 year old KWPN stallion co-owned by renowned German Olympic Show Jumper and breeder Paul Schockemöhle and German Olympic Dressage rider Ann-Katrin Linsenhof. More info...

Nov 11, 2011
Clinton Anderson on Backing Up, Riding in a Group, and Horse Aggression
Backing your horse
Question: I’m having problems perfecting my gelding’s backing. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Clinton Anderson: The more you back the horse on the ground, the better he will be under saddle. Lots of groundwork paves the way for success in the saddle.

Most people teach their horse to back up by picking up on the horse’s reins and applying pressure to the horse’s face. Usually, that is the only cue they use to ask the horse to back up; and the more they pull, the more the horse resists and lifts his head and neck. You enter a tug-of-war that is very difficult for a rider to win. Sure, you might get the horse to back up; but it will be a very sluggish, lazy back-up with the horse dragging his front feet rather than picking his back and shoulders up and backing up soft and collected.

As a general rule, the harder you pull the horse when you back him up, the slower he gets. The softer you pick up, the lighter he will get and the faster he will back up. What you don’t want to do is try to make him back up by pulling on the reins. I like to teach my horse to back up by getting his feet to move, then redirecting his feet backwards. More info...

Nov 11, 2011
Best credit cards for holiday shopping
Credit card choices
Before you put down the plastic this holiday season, make sure you choose your cards wisely. Several credit card issuers are rolling out some pretty generous perks and incentives -- just be sure to read the fine print first. As the holiday shopping season gets into full swing, credit card companies are rolling out the incentives, including one-time cash back bonuses and discounts from retail partners, hoping to get shoppers to spend more.

Use the credit card recommender to find the best choice for you. More info...

Nov 10, 2011
Clinton Anderson: Help Your Horse to Flex to the Halter
Clinton Anderson
In this excerpt from his book Downunder Horsemanship, Clinton Anderson gives you the tools for teaching your horse to flex to the halter– which will help make him light and supple on the ground or in the saddle.

Flexing to the halter increases a horse’s suppleness and builds a foundation for flexibility and direction control under saddle. If the horse flexes well from the ground, you’ll have few problems flexing him under saddle.

Tools Needed: Rope halter, 14-foot lead rope

1. For this exercise, position the halter slightly lower on the horse’s nose than usual. This will make it easier for your horse to understand your cues. It’ll also make it more difficult for your horse to pull against you or ignore you.

2. Stand by your horse’s flank, with your belly button facing him. “Hug” your horse, putting the arm closest to his tail over his hips or hindquarters. Fold the lead rope in half and drape it over his back.

3. Slide the other hand down the lead rope about 2 1/2 feet from the clip. Pull the lead rope to the horse’s withers, bending his head toward you.

4. As soon as the horse gives to the pressure, creating slack in the lead rope, and his feet don’t move, quickly drop the rope to reward him. Repeat several times on both sides. More info...

Nov 10, 2011
What is an aortic rupture?
Eric Lamaze and Hickstead. © Spruce Meadows
An aortic rupture is a rare but deadly problem in horses.

Preliminary post mortem findings on Olympic gold medal showjumper Hickstead reveal that he died after a competition at the weekend of an aortic rupture resulting in heart failure.

The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to all other arteries, except the pulmonary artery.

Rarely, a sudden tear or break can occur in the wall of the aorta, usually quite close to where the aorta joins the heart.

Blood in the aorta is under high pressure and pours into the sac surrounding the heart, compressing the heart to the point where it can no longer pump blood. More info...

Nov 9, 2011
Ancient horse DNA sheds light on cave paintings
Previous ancient DNA studies have produced evidence for only bay and black horses.
Ancient DNA has shed new light on the realism of horses shown in prehistoric cave paintings dating back 25,000 years.

Horses from the Hillaire Chamber, Chauvet Cave. © French Ministry of Culture and Communication
An international team of researchers has found that all the colour variations seen in Paleolithic cave paintings - including distinctive leopard spotting, was present in horse populations before they were domesticated.

The DNA findings lend weight to the argument that the artists were reflecting their natural environment and were not painting abstract or symbolic works about their surroundings. More info...

Nov 9, 2011
Teach Your Horse to Flex His Neck from the Saddle
Clinton Anderson
A horse that is responsive and flexes his neck when you ask him to is a pleasure to ride.

In this lesson, horse trainer and master clinician Clinton Anderson gives you a simple exercise you can do from the saddle that will teach your horse how to flex his neck.

To Get the Most from this Lesson:

Before you begin, turn your horse out, work him in a round pen, or do some of my longeing for respect to get him relaxed and using the thinking side of his brain.
Outfit him in a saddle and snaffle bridle.
Before you mount, refresh his memory by reviewing my lesson from the ground, using the bridle.
Conduct both lessons (the ground one and this one) from both sides.
This time, I’ll show you how this exercise transfers to under-saddle work so you can get the maximum benefit out of this simple yet very useful maneuver. More info...

Nov 9, 2011
Mustang Heritage Foundation Announces 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover Schedule
Adopting Mustangs
The Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover will add a new twist as 100 yearlings will be offered for adoption for a new youth division. Yearlings will be adopted prior to the Supreme similar to the 200 older horses that will be offered, too. Three adult divisions will again be offered with an estimated $200,000 purse in addition to the new youth division. Dates for the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover competition are being finalized, but the adoption auction will take place March 31.

The final stop on the schedule will be in Clemson, S.C., October 19-21, its first visit to South Carolina. More info...

Nov 9, 2011
If You Have a Horse and You Like Watching TV, You’ll Love This
DownunderHorsemanship.TV
DownunderHorsemanship.TV, which launched in September, is a free (free!) online video streaming site that allows equestrians around the world access to on-demand episodes of his award-winning television show.

DownunderHorsemanship.TV will feature three episodes of the hour-long RFD-TV show Downunder Horsemanship. New episodes will be uploaded to the site every Wednesday, following their premier on RFD-TV each Tuesday.

The site was sited by the Downunder Horsemanship folks as having industry-best streaming capabilities that sync to individual viewing devices, guaranteeing fewer interruptions and allowing viewers to easily skip ahead with minimal buffering delays. More info...

Nov 9, 2011
Dental Health and the Performance Horse
Do look the horse in the mouth
When searching for answers as to why an equine athlete's performance has suddenly declined, many owners and trainers will look for problems from head to toe. But one place they sometimes neglect to check is the horse's mouth, where many dental issues can cause a performance horse to work at a less than optimum level.

During a presentation at the 2011 Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Sport Horse Health Symposium, held Nov. 2 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, R. Brad Tanner, DVM, an equine practitioner and associate at Rood & Riddle, discussed the impact of dental health on the equine athlete.

Tanner began by discussing a few different indicators of equine mouth pain while a horse is working, such as:

Opening the mouth;
"Lugging out";
Pinning the ears;
Head tossing;
Coming ahead or behind the bit; and
Leaning on the bit.


More info...

Nov 8, 2011
Calling All Show Jumpers!
Interested in Participating in the 2011 Holiday HorseFest Event in Downtown West Palm Beach at the Meyer Amphitheatre?
The second annual Holiday HorseFest is quickly approaching. Held on Sunday, December 11, from 1-5 p.m., the event will host a unique equestrian competition at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach. World-class riders are needed to participate in this year's event.

Riders are encouraged to participate, as the event will introduce them to a new audience in the West Palm Beach area. In addition to developing an interest in West Palm Beach, riders who partake in the day's jumping classes will be aiding Equestrian Sport Productions ("ESP") in their fundraising efforts for the 2012 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments®. All proceeds from Holiday HorseFest will be donated to this year's goal of raising $1.5 million for Palm Beach County charities.

Anyone interested in participating in this year's Holiday HorseFest, please contact Brooke Bidgood at 561.793.5867 x 129 or brooke@equestriansport.com as soon as possible. More info...

Nov 7, 2011
Internet Pricing on a New Truck
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Get your best price on the internet, pick your truck up locally.




More info...

Nov 7, 2011
There’s a Whole Lotta Sugar Goin’ On–and it Causes Laminitis, Colic and Ulcers
Grain has too many calories for most horses.
Katy Watts is tired. The independent agricultural researcher just got back from presenting at two major events in a row—the last one being about horse nutrition at The Whole Horse Symposium-and she’s fighting off the flu.

And then I pestered Katy for an interview—because early winter is upon us, hugely impacting horse nutrition and issues such as laminitis, colic and ulcers—and few know more about this than Katy. She graciously obliged, sore throat and all, but she got right to the point.

So if she’s blunt, please don’t be offended, because there’s an important message that Katy feels every horse owner needs to hear, and there’s really no way to sugar coat it, if you’ll pardon the pun (you’ll get it in a minute). More info...

Nov 6, 2011
Sue Smith Barrel Racing Exercise
Barrel Racing Video
Here is a great drill that Sue Smith (NFR Qualifier and Futurity Trainer) shared on her Spur UP – Sue Smith Facebook page.

The purpose of the drill is to get control of the horses shoulders. Sometimes a horse will “float” or drift in a turn where their shoulders are not following the inside rein pressure.

Sue teaches “separation” where she has the horse stop on the way into a turn and on the way out, giving the horse time to prepare and absorb the information give in the turn. Sue feels this helps the horse to soften and relax for the turn.

In this drill you will see the rider stops the horse before the barrel and counter bends the horse around the barrel pushing its shoulder in (which was wanting to drift/float). The second time the horse circles the barrel (not counter arced) it is more engaged in its hind end. She stops the horse on the way out before proceeding. This rider felt the horse drifting out on the way into second and quickly corrected it. You will hear Sue applaud her for her judgement there. More info...

Nov 6, 2011
DEATH OF EQUINE SUPERSTAR HICKSTEAD
Lausanne (SUI)


The fourth leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2011/2012 series at Verona, Italy was stopped today following the sudden death of the stallion Hickstead, ridden by reigning Olympic champion and world number one Eric Lamaze (CAN).

Drawn 22nd of the 39 on the startlist, the Canadian partnership had just completed Rolf Ludi’s 13-fence track with a single rail down in the middle of the combination when Hickstead collapsed and died. More info...

Nov 5, 2011
Amazon's Holiday Countdown Store
Get an early start on Black Friday
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Nov 5, 2011
Wild horse image wins photography award
Kaimanawa Stallions. © Jan Maree Vodanovich
New Zealand photographer Jan Maree Vodanovich has gained recognition at a world level for a picture of two Kaiwamana stallions.

Vodanovich, of Tuakau, was presented with the 5th Annual Photography Masters Cup Nominee title in the category of Wildlife Photography at a prestigious Nomination and Winners PhotoShow. The live online ceremony webcast on October 29 was attended by photography fans in 83 countries. More info...

Nov 5, 2011
Clipping Your Horse: Why I Like the Trace Clip
Horse Clipping
It’s THAT time of year again, clipping season. Not that I can complain. I don’t clip my own horse anymore. I used to, but my allergies hit me so hard that I now pay someone else to do the horse clipping and stay as far away as possible. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.) I feel I should send the horse clipping bill to my health insurance, but I rather doubt they’d honor it. Windy is totally ho-hum about getting clipped, so I don’t need to be there to hold her.

I’ve become superstitious about clipping. The first three winters I had Windy, something nasty (not related to riding) happened to her, or me, or both, and it was always right after a full clip. I ended up hand-walking a young clipped horse throughout each winter, once with my arm in a sling and once with a bad back. Not fun. Several falls ago, I mentioned this to Jess, my trainer, and she suggested a trace clip rather than a full clip. It’s worked like a charm, and we’ve had good winters every since. Well, maybe I have a selective memory and I’m disregarding my broken leg last year, but that happened in March and I had Jess to ride Windy, who thus made more progress in her training than if I’d been aboard. More info...

Nov 4, 2011
The Path to Better Trail Riding
Trail Riding
Every trail rider knows the great feeling you get as you cross the top of a ridge and can see the beautiful countryside for miles. Being mounted on a safe, trustworthy equine just makes it all the more enjoyable. There are some easy steps to make sure your trail ride goes smoothly and everyone has a pleasant ride.
If you or your horse are inexperienced, be sure to go out with another horse and rider that have more training and hours on the trail. Unexpected situations may arise and being with another seasoned horse and rider will give you and your horse confidence. This is very helpful to the horse's "herd" mentality and for your own safety. Very often, it is best to put the most experienced rider in the head of the pack. More info...

Nov 3, 2011
Horse Supplements
Equine Nutrition
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Nov 3, 2011
Consider Ulcers, Horse Nutrition To Combat Cribbing
Flexing Muscles
Your horse presses his top teeth against a solid object, arches his neck, and swallows air in a rocking motion. A grunting or gulping noise emerges. This is cribbing.

Its true cause is unknown, but genetics along with stressful circumstances appear to be the underlying problems. Cribbing is such a seriously addictive habit that many horses will actually prefer it to eating and will slowly waste away.

Early weaning can lead to this negative behavior later in adult horses and, while there’s nothing you can do to change the past, you can take measures to reduce the physical discomfort and mental strains that contribute to the horse’s cribbing habit now.

Cribbing collars are tormenting. They may discourage the horse, but they do not relieve the urge. Managing your horse’s conditions will help lessen the behavior. More info...

Nov 2, 2011
How do you keep your horse’s hooves at their strongest? Get some great tips on k...
Horses Hooves
You said it wouldn't happen again, but here you are: Your horse is confined, and your checkbook is out, as you wait for your farrier to come and fix your horse's ailing hooves. Meanwhile, you're missing out on another weekend of trail riding.

Could this scenario be avoided? Yes. Organize your approach to hoof care, farriers say, and your riding time is more likely to be uninterrupted by emergencies, equipment failures, and last-minute fix-ups.

Following are farriers' top seven secrets to keeping your horse sound all summer long.

Secret #1: Check your horse's hoof history.
Check back through your records and bills to see what problems your horse has had in the past. Did some keep coming back? Is your horse prone to infections or injuries-such as bruising-at certain times of the year? Ask your farrier and veterinarian what you can do this year to avoid those problems. More info...

Nov 2, 2011
Tiny horses or huge furniture?
Pretty Ponies
The horses in this photo really do look like they are miniature, but they are normal size.

The pretty ponies are standing under a gigantic wooden table and two chairs while grazing in a meadow near Doellstaedt, central Germany on Nov. 1.

According to the Associated Press, the huge garden furniture was installed by local wood designer Jens Braun as a shelter for his horses.

Nov 1, 2011
HRTV PREMIERES HAMPTON CLASSIC HORSE SHOW THIS THURSDAY
Prestigious Show Airs in English Horse Sports
The Network for Horse Sports, will continue to premiere top-notch events in its English Horse Sports Showcase programming block when it airs highlights from the iconic Hampton Classic Horse Show, from Bridgehampton, NY on Thursday, November 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

One of the most revered, and biggest, show jumping contests in the United States, the Hampton Classic Horse Show is annually held over the Labor Day weekend. This year's competition faced a difficult challenge when bad weather caused by Hurricane Irene prompted a delayed start, but didn't shorten the prestigious events, as it persevered smoothly through a compressed time frame. More info...

Nov 1, 2011
To Blanket,,,or Not?
Do you blanket your horse?
It's on again, off again when you choose to play the blanketing game. Here are key factors to consider when deciding whether or not to blanket your horse.




Weather Beeta Blankets

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Oct 29, 2011
Are you planning anything for Halloween?
Zoo animals have a smashing (pumpkins) good time!











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Oct 29, 2011
Study shows benefits of positive reinforcement
Equine Training
A study that involved float training of horses has shown the benefits of positive reinforcement.

The recent study in Denmark by Payana Hendriksen and colleagues suggested positive reinforcement methods were preferable to negative reinforcement when training horses in potentially stressful situations.

They found that horses trained using positive reinforcement methods trained more quickly and showed less evidence of stress.
More info...

Oct 28, 2011
Turnout's Effects on Stall-Kept Equine Athletes
Equestrian Athletes
More often than not, performance horses are kept in stalls for the better portion of the day. Fear of injury is one of the most common reasons these equine athletes are confined, but does a lack of turnout have an effect on the horse's behavior both in a stall and under saddle? According to a group of German researchers, a little turnout time could improve a stall-kept horse's work ethic.

"Many competition horses are housed in single stalls, in many cases without any opportunity for free exercise outside the stall," explained Hanna Werhahn, MSc, in her PhD thesis, written at the University of Goettingen's Department of Animal Science, Germany. "This way of life constricts the natural behavior patterns of a horse to a great extent."



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Oct 27, 2011
Equestrian Collections Coupons
Save up to $20 off
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Oct 27, 2011
Riding California’s Coastline
California
Scattered clouds in a pale blue sky and a gray sea framed the Farallon Islands on the horizon. Rugged cliffs and a narrow strip of white sand pointed to the Alemere Falls, where they plunged into the ocean. My riding partner, Susanne Haug, and I rode high on the bluff along the Coast Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, then followed switchbacks down to Wildcat Beach. There, we let our horses drink at a freshwater stream that meandered through the sand.

Two-and-a-half miles down the beach, the falls beckoned us. I knew we had arrived precisely at low tide, but it appeared from wave patterns on the dry sand that high tide would reach the cliffs. I hesitated, reluctant to venture away from our access to higher land. More info...

Oct 27, 2011
Equine smarts used to help people's development
England
Horses are being used in a new training programme in Britain to help people in their personal and professional development.


Participants at a recent Equine Affinity workshop.
Catherine Bray and Laura Dunton Clarke, both from St Leonards, in East Sussex, have joined forces to launch their training business, Equine Affinity.

It specialises in equine-guided learning and therapy, which gives businesses and individuals an opportunity to use horses to help personal and professional development.

The business combines four specialist areas - psychotherapy, coaching and training, bodywork and equine behaviour.

Oct 27, 2011
The Little Mustang that Could
Extreme Mustang Makeover
Have you ever fretted that perhaps your horse was too small for you?

That’s what Drew Olsen was worried about when he first saw Mercedes, a 2006 black Mustang mare he adopted through a televised auction.

“I was disappointed when I saw her because she is so little,” Olsen said of the 13-hand mare, gathered from the granite range in Nevada.

“I thought, ‘I’m way too big to ride her.’ ”

But Olsen, from Roopville, Georgia, said he quickly became a believer as Mercedes won him over by showing how big her heart is.

“She’s the best horse that I have ever had,” Olsen continued about the mare he adopted for $600. “She’s just got more heart and more try.” More info...

Oct 26, 2011
Take 5% OFF ANY SIZE ORDER at Statelinetack.com.
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Oct 26, 2011
Pfizer Animal Health Recommends Vaccinations to Help Protect Against Strangles
Horses who travel
We talked with Pfizer Animal Health about the risk for Strangles and what we can do to protect our horses from this nasty disease.

Whether you enjoy camping with your horse and exploring the wilds of America, or of you have a show mount whom you trailer to any and every show across the country, you know traveling can be stressful for both you and your horse. Horses who travel are more stressed than those who stay at home and are exposed to different environments. That makes them more susceptible to diseases, such as Strangles.

Pfizer Animal Health advises that proper vaccination by a veterinarian is the best way to help protect horses against Strangles and other contagious diseases. More info...

Oct 26, 2011
He’s So Sweet He’s Already a Winner–but Now Martha Stewart Confirms It
Costume Contest Winner
Gentle Carousel’s miniature therapy horse Cloudburst wearing his scarecrow costume (he really is holding his basket) won Martha Stewart’s Halloween Pets 2011 Photo Contest. The photo was selected from over 500 national finalists.

The winning description was included on Martha Stewart’s contest page:

‘”These tiny therapy horses (only 19 and 20 inches tall) work inside hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer’s patients, group homes, and with patients in hospice care,” writes gentlecarousel. “They also work with sheriff’s officers in high-crime neighborhoods as part of a community outreach program, and help children with developmental delays and at risk-and abused children. They’ll wear a tuxedo to a magical tea party for a child with a life ending illness or work with autistic children — these little horses bring special love where it is needed most.” ‘ More info...

Oct 26, 2011
What kind of truck do you haul with?
Trailer Hitches
If you have a short-bed truck and a gooseneck trailer, you know that hitching up can be challenging. You need to place the trailer weight far enough forward from the rear truck axle for steering control, balance, and efficient, effective brake and spring use.
However, if the trailer nose is wide, you might not have much clearance between it and the truck cab when you turn tight corners or back at an angle. You can even break your truck’s rear window with your trailer on a tight turn.
Some horse haulers with light trailers get by with placing the gooseneck ball bed hitch directly over the rear axle. However, I believe you need to place it two to four inches forward of the rear axle. Otherwise, the front of the truck will float and be hard to steer. More info...

Oct 25, 2011
The Equestrian Aid Foundation Announces the 2012 Sidelines Annual Equestrian Tetrathlon
Wellington, FL
he Equestrian Aid Foundation is pleased to announce the 2012 Sidelines Annual Equestrian Tetrathlon, Sunday, February 5, 2012. The second annual event will be held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Florida to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation. The event will feature the best of Palm Beach’s restaurant fare and cocktails as well as guest chefs preparing food that will entice your palette. The event will also include both live and silent auction items in tandem with exhilarating entertainment.
Bruce Duchossois and Scot Evans have dedicated their time as Co-chairs for the event to help raise awareness in the equestrian community and raise funds to assist those in need. The Tetrathlon will focus around a “Wild, Wild West” theme, the Gold Rush. The highlight of the evening will be the world-class horsemen and women in the greatest discipline switch to ever be anticipated. The four disciplines include dressage, reining, show jumping and polo. More info...

Oct 25, 2011
This Mini Mare Brings Big Love
US
She’s only 30 inches tall and 250 pounds, but Carmella is pure horse-therapy love–miniature horse, that is.
I met Carmella, a 9-year-old chestnut mare with a strawberry-blond mane and tail, during her visit to Balfour Cherrywood Village, a retirement home that specializes in Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory care located at 282 McCaslin Boulevard in Louisville, Colo.
She was there as part of the “Mini Troopers” program of the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, a PATH Intl Premier Therapeutic Riding Center located in Longmont, Colo., that has served children and adults with disabilities since 1980.

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Oct 25, 2011
Horseback Riding Lessons
US
Horse Journal editor Cynthia Foley offers suggestions for finding the right horseback riding facility and lesson program.
How do you know that the place you’re considering taking horseback riding lessons is a good one? If only there were a simple answer to that! One thing’s for sure, don’t judge the facility based solely upon the cost of riding lessons. Do a little research before you sign up to determine if that horseback riding lesson facility is worth your time or not.
Many people will tell you that the riding instructor should be “credentialed” or “certified” and that you to weigh the cost of riding lessons against that. I wouldn’t be too hasty to do that, as there are a number of more important considerations. The cost of riding lessons varies as much as the cost of a pair of socks at Walmart compared to Lord & Taylor. And, often, you’re getting what you’re paying for. More info...

Oct 25, 2011
Have you ever wanted to be part of a search-and-rescue team? Check out how horse...
US
Experienced mounted searcher Irvin Lichtenstein explains how you and your horse can become an effective mounted search-and-rescue team, plus gives you valuable search-horse selection tips.
An alert, intelligent horse makes an ideal search partner when you learn to tune into his body language.
Photo © Bob Langrish
A hiker is lost in the woods. A mounted search-and-rescue team is called on to aid the search. As you watch events unfold, you think, that could be me and my horse.
If you’re an adventurous, skilled trail rider, you might be right. Here, we’ll first explain what makes horses ideal search partners. Then we’ll tell you what skills you and your horse need to become an effective search-and-rescue team. More info...

Oct 24, 2011
An Avid Runner Faces a Choice: Her Run or Her Horse?
Illustration by Karen McDonald
I have two great loves: horses and running, and the two don’t co-exist very well.
I’ll get to the riding part in a moment, but first, some background. For those of you who are runners, or know one of us crazy people, you know that most runners do LSD: Long, Slow Distance, once a week.
It used to be that I’d do my long run on Saturday morning, and, full of endorphins, be more cheerful than those cartoon Chipmunk characters the rest of the day. Then the kids got older and began having soccer games and cross-country meets, so the long run moved to Sunday morning. More info...

Oct 24, 2011
Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy Win High Performance Championship at Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Harriburg, PA
The prestigious Pennsylvania National Horse Show came to a close on Saturday, and SBS Farms left with numerous victories for Jennifer Alfano. The talented professional rider and trainer showed several mounts during prominent event, competing against top professionals all vying for the top honors in their respective divisions. Alfano brought home the High Performance Working Hunter Championship title aboard SBS' Jersey Boy, winning over the judges with their beautiful rounds.
The duo has built a wide-ranging hunter record during their time together, winning events such as the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Devon Horse Show for two consecutive years as well as their recent reserve championship honors at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Marlboro, MD. The championship award for their efforts in the High Performance Working Hunter division is the most recent addition to their numerous accolades.


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Oct 23, 2011
Take 5% OFF ANY SIZE ORDER at Statelinetack.com
Special Sale Limited Time
Use coupon code CJSL5OFF at checkout. More info...

Oct 22, 2011
Horse Loverz Deals
Save big on TuffRider Breeches
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Oct 22, 2011
It’s time to get the barns and fences in shape for winter hits.
USA
It's time to get the barns and fences in shape for winter hits. What is on your fall chore list?
Complete your barn and pasture winter preparation with this fall horse chores checklist.
Proper winter preparation is important to make sure you, your horse and your barn are ready for the coming winter weather. This checklist of fall horse chores will help you organize your winter preparation effort.

Barn-Chore Checklist: More info...

Oct 22, 2011
Duchess checks out War Horse exhibition
London
The Duchess of Cornwall has added her own watercolour artwork to the new "War Horse: Fact & Fiction" exhibition, which opens at the National Army Museum in London on Saturday.
The duchess, who is the president of the Brooke, a charity which helps working animals around the world, was at an evening reception with War Horse's author, Michael Morpurgo, at museum this week.
War Horse: Fact & Fiction is a free family-friendly exhibition which tells the real-life stories of horses in war, which inspired Morpurgo's hugely popular War Horse novel. More info...

Oct 22, 2011
Can a Horse be a Supermodel? You Betcha
USA
Just look at him. This is Keegan, a Friesian stallion, and if you think he’s pretty enough to be in pictures, you’re right–he’s the next Supermask II Supermodel for Farnam.
Evidently Keegan held off a late charge in the home stretch from Stasia Wild Pony in the race to win the 2012 SuperMask II SuperModel title. The two horses ran neck and neck throughout the voting phase, with the lead horse changing several times in the backstretch. In the final days of voting, Keegan pulled away to win the first place prize . . . a starring role in the SuperMask® II Horse Fly Mask with Shimmer Weave™ Mesh Color Collection 2012 advertising campaign. More info...

Oct 21, 2011
FEI TV THIS WEEKEND
Odense, Denmark
FEI TV, the official FEI video platform, will be LIVE this Sunday (23 October) from the first round of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage in Odense (DEN) and the second round of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping in Helsinki (FIN).
The Grand Prix Freestyle-to-Music from the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage will be LIVE at 13.55 CEST.
Round Two of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ will be LIVE at 15.55 EEST. More info...

Oct 21, 2011
Eventing: You’re Qualified, but are You Ready?
USA
You’re part of a horse and rider team who is qualified to move up levels in eventing–but are you ready? Rate your riding with eventing legend Jim Wofford‘s rating system.
Eventing is an arduous sport. How do you know when you're really ready? | Photo courtesy of Practical Horseman
Everyone–especially the rider–has a part in making eventing safer. In this classic excerpt from Practical Horseman magazine, veteran eventing coach Jim Wofford outlines the following rating system to help you produce safe and effective riding. It should be applied with the help of an expert coach or horseman, if possible. More info...

Oct 21, 2011
How does your horse do with cattle? Have you ever thought about riding out on a...
USA
How does your horse do with cattle? Have you ever thought about riding out on a cattle drive? Check out this in-saddle account of a cattle drive through Montana Add spice to your equine escapades with a Western cattle drive. Here's an in-saddle account of one Montana drive, plus a roundup of recommended outfit More info...

Oct 20, 2011
Video: Major exhibition looks at American Indians' lives with horses
USA
A major exhibition exploring the relationship between American Indian tribes and horses opens in Washington DC on October 29.
A Crow war pony, painted by Kennard Real Bird. © Brady Willette
The exhibition runs at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, on the National Mall, until January 2013.
The story of the relationship of native peoples and horses is one of the great sagas of human contact with the animal world.
When American Indians encountered horses - which some tribes call the Horse Nation - they found an ally, inspiring and useful in times of peace, and intrepid in times of war. More info...

Oct 19, 2011
Horse Loverz Deal of the Day
USA
Find new special deals at Horse Loverz every day. More info...

Oct 19, 2011
American Competitive Trail Association
USA
In two short years, the American Competitive Trail Horse Association has grown from an idea to a national organization boasting more than 9,000 members. More info...

Oct 19, 2011
Hobble, high lines and picket lines
Trail Riding Store
Hobbles, high lines and picket lines with instructions on how to use them. More info...

Oct 19, 2011
Because a Horse Trailer Getting Stuck is No One’s Idea of a Good Time
USA
Be careful when taking a horse trailer onto restricted access roads. Those locations can make it difficult to get roadside assistance.
They just wanted to see some moose.
So Janice, Anne and Stephanie loaded up their horses into a horse trailer and took off for Caribou Ranch Open Space in Boulder County for some trail riding.
But they took a wrong turn, and instead of finding a scenic trail head, the women found themselves on an access road that grew steeper and narrower with every turn. They finally stopped so Janice and Anne could unload the horses while Stephanie continued down the road with the now-empty horse trailer until she found a safe place to turn around.
More info...

Oct 19, 2011
How Horses Keep Warm
USA
In my area of coastal Texas, we bask in mild temperatures in the 60's well into December. However, by then, many other areas have already seen snow and will see a lot more over the course of the winter.
So how do horses keep the elements at bay? In actual fact, the horse's body is well equipped to deal with temperatures way below the human comfort zone. Often horse owners will arrive at the barn, bundled up in layers of clothing, to find their horses frolicking in the snow quite oblivious of the sub-zero temperatures. More info...

Oct 19, 2011
Horse Blankets from WeatherbBeeta
USA
WeatherBeeta Orican Freestyle Turnout Blanket 1200 Denier Nylon - Heavy Material Strength 220 Gram Polyfill - Medium Warmth 210 Denier Oxford Poly Lining Waterproof and Breathable Fleece Wither Protection Adjustable Removable Leg Straps Dual Low Cross T-Lock Surcingles Freestyle Quick-Clip Dual Front Buckles Freestyle Full Wrap Tail Flap Freestyle Cupped Shoulder with Dart

See WeatherBeeta's complete collection of horse protection. More info...

Oct 18, 2011
Getting a Credit Card Without Credit
Build your credit with a prepaid credit card

The easiest way to build up credit and gain the benefits of a credit card is to apply for a prepaid card. These cards do not require credit history, and they can be used just like a regular credit card for on-line purchases and bill payments. Users also benefit from incentives like cash-back offers. And perhaps, the best news is that you will not have late fees or charges for exceeding your credit limit. More info...

Oct 18, 2011
Has your horse had his fall vet check yet? Learn how to ask the right questions...
USA
Learn how to best work with your horse veterinarian to enhance your horse’s health. Good communication can be achieved by being clear and keeping detailed horse health records.1. Be clear and direct. Good communication requires trust. You and your horse veterinarian must be able to speak directly to one another, ask questions, and get answers. Your horse veterinarian should take each of your questions seriously; in turn, you should feel that you can ask for and receive explanations about any terms, products, and/or treatments that you don’t understand.
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Oct 18, 2011
Miniature Horses Trained In The Parelli Method Help Disabled Children
USA
“She is so charming,” a little boy said, gazing into the chocolate eyes of the miniature horse that stood beside him.Two miniature horses named Carmella and Scarlet are making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.
Sue Crist, Carmella’s handler, has been with the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) since its founding in 1980. Sue is now the Education and Outreach Coordinator at CTRC and is head of the Mini Trooper’s Program. The program, launched in 2006, has a specific goal:“CTRC’s Mini Troopers program utilizes a miniature horse and outreach team to facilitate the well-being of populations with special needs who can benefit from the human-animal bond,” Sue says. More info...

Oct 17, 2011
Can You Stay in Balance When You Jump at a Gallop? (Yes, You Can!)
USA
Do your riding skills tend to get fast and loose the faster you go? If your form starts to fall apart at the gallop, imagine trying to jump an obstacle at that speed. But it’s not impossible–not with legendary horseman Jim Wofford to tell us how. More info...

Oct 17, 2011
Need to smile? Spend some time with a horse. |
USA
Just like the character Jo in Little Women, my childhood friend Jeannie had long, thick, dark, shiny hair that was her proudest feature. We were “barn friends,” which means I met her at the barn where I boarded my gelding and she boarded her mare, and as a result I spent more time with her than any of my other 13-year-old friends. Jeannie was a terrific equestrian, very athletic, and a down-to-earth, common sense person with a great sense of humor.
So I was shocked one day when she came running into the barn, tears streaming down her face, her once-long hair now cut into a fashionable, and very short and totally unflattering, bob. More info...

Oct 17, 2011
US wins team dressage gold at Pan American Games
Guadalajara, Mexico
The US has won its fourth consecutive team dressage gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games, which started in Guadalajara, Mexico on Sunday. More info...

Oct 14, 2011
How would you like to take a ride in Alaska? Check out this beautiful slideshow...
Alaska
Head to Seward, Alaska, for unspoiled nature, diverse wildlife, and even beach riding. Here’s a video clip of riding in Alaska, from the PBS television. More info...

Oct 14, 2011
Do You Want to Eat All Night Long? Your Horse Does
USA
True or false? Horses don’t need as much hay during the night because they sleep.

False, and dangerous, says equine nutrition expert Dr. Juliet Getty,who offers these facts:
Horses are awake and moving most of the time.
Mature horses will sleep up to two hours per day, broken into short periods.
These 15 to 20 minute naps are intermittent throughout the day and night.
In other words, horses do not sleep for long periods of time the way humans and some other animals do. Being prey animals, horses must get their sleep in frequent breaks of short duration, ideally in a group situation where some take turns resting while others remain alert for dangers.
More info...

Oct 13, 2011
Have you ever had a fall that made you reluctant to get back in the saddle? .
US
A reader asks how best to overcome her fear after being bucked off of her horse on the trail. On our third trail ride, I rode my mare for about six hours. Just before the end of the ride, a bird flew out of the bush and spooked her. She blew up, reared, and bucked me off.
Now, my self-confidence is shattered. I’m not afraid to work with my mare on the ground, but I am afraid to ride her again, even in the arena. How can I overcome my fear?
More info...

Oct 13, 2011
Support for equine veterinary dental college gauged
USA
Efforts are under way to gauge interest in establishing an international equine dental college for veterinarians wishing to specialise in the field.
The American Veterinary Dental College, Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and European Veterinary Dental College have been gauging interest among veterinarians in the proposal.
The groups said there was recognition that a formal specialty college in equine veterinary dentistry may now be justifiable. More info...

Oct 13, 2011
Gates rents $12m home to get close to horse action
Wellington, FL
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has opted for a renter in Florida to get his daughter as close as possible to the action for Wellington's upcoming Winter Equestrian Festival, it has been reported.
An aerial view of the property the Gates family is renting in Wellington, Florida.
However, at a reported $US600,000 for the winter, it is no ordinary house.
It is all in aid of supporting his eldest daughter Jennifer's show-jumping passion, and she reportedly has plans to compete in Wellington's festival. More info...

Oct 12, 2011
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Oct 12, 2011
How do you talk to the vet when your horse is getting checked out? Read how to g...
USA
Learn how to best work with your horse veterinarian to enhance your horse’s health. Good communication can be achieved by being clear and keeping detailed horse health records. More info...

Oct 12, 2011
Jenni Smith’s Journey to The Tevis Cup
USA
Do you remember Jenni? We told you about blogger/endurance rider Jenni Smith who was preparing to compete in the Tevis Cup endurance ride recently and the ride was this past weekend! She has posted great videos and pictures along with stories of the ride on her blog More info...

Oct 12, 2011
An Eventing Equestrian Takes a Look at…Reining
USA
As riding disciplines go, Jim Wofford is decidedly English; he has represented the U.S. in eventing at three Olympics and two World Championships; he has won the U.S. National Championship five times on five different horses. As a coach, he has had at least one student on every U.S. Olympic, World Championship and Pan American team since 1978.

And his take on reining is so funny that it will make you laugh out loud. I found this gem that Jim Wofford wrote for Practical Horseman while watching a reining competition at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. More info...

Oct 10, 2011
Does your horse behave for the vet? Read how to get your horse to stand
USA
Prepare your trail horse for the veterinarian with these lessons in ground manners from noted clinician Julie Goodnight. More info...

Oct 10, 2011
Do your trail horses go barefoot, or do you keep shoes on them?
USA
Roughly three years ago, my wife, Vanessa, and I decided to start switching our seven Arabian horses from shoes to bare feet. Thus, we entered the natural-hoof-care period of our lives. The journey continues. More info...

Oct 10, 2011
Just Longeing Around: Teaching Your Horse to Longe
USA
I found the answers to the most common questions when it comes to teaching your horse to longe. After reading this article you should have a good grasp on the ins and outs of horse longeing. Read on!
When you first start teaching a horse to heed, you use a corridor of aids or pressures to create a feeling in the horse of where you want him to move. As the horse’s understanding increases, the handler cannot only change the direction of the horse’s strides but also their length, speed and cadence. More info...

Oct 10, 2011
Get on Track with an Expert’s Weekly Training Schedule
USA
Like some of my students, you might economize by keeping your horses at home and hauling in for a weekly lesson. Obviously, what my students do outside of my barn isn’t under my direct control. But it’s my responsibility as a teacher—and my wish—to keep things safe, doable and productive so that when you come back to me next week, you and your horse are still in good shape.
I guide such a student with a fairly detailed weekly training schedule based on homework (the skills she needs to work on), lifestyle (it’s unrealistic to expect most students, mothers and 9-to-5ers to ride every day) and the five-day work week I believe is ideal for horses (he doesn’t want to be ridden every single day; and although we all want him fit, strong and healthy, we don’t want him SO fit—especially if he’s a Thoroughbred—that he’s hard to handle). More info...

Oct 10, 2011
Self Carriage? Piaffe? Are You Ready for Dressage?
USA
Let me be clear: I think dressage is one of the most beautiful forms of riding there is.

And I don’t ride dressage.

That second fact doesn’t keep me from admiring dressage riders from afar, like a teenager with a crush, although just like that teenage, I really have no experience with the matter. It wasn’t too long ago that if you said the word “collection” my first thought was of an usher in a church, passing around a little basket for donations.

So now you understand exactly where I’m coming from. More info...

Oct 8, 2011
How to make a barn birthday cake - great video
Fun for a rainy day
Follow this great video on how to "build a barn" cake and add the animals with cupcakes. More info...

Oct 7, 2011
Visit the coupon page to save on equestrian supplies
USA
More info...

Oct 7, 2011
B-Vitamins in Horse Diets
USA
Water soluble vitamins, which are the b-vitamins such a niacin, thiamine, folic acid, and many others, are excreted from the body on a daily basis in the urine. B-complex vitamins play an important part in allowing horses to metabolize the nutrients contained in feedstuffs, by facilitating carbohydrate, fat and protein utilization within body cells, providing the energy needed for growth, performance and reproduction. All of the B-complex vitamins are essential to horses, but they are synthesized by bacteria in the cecum and colon. After microbes form the vitamins, they are absorbed through the intestinal wall and are available for use by the horse’s body cells. Bacteria in healthy adult horses generally produce adequate levels of the B-complex vitamins. More info...

Oct 7, 2011
Is Your Hay Up to Snuff? Here’s How to Take a Sample to Find Out
USA
ad hay–which is hay with molds and dust in it–can trigger colic, an allergic reaction or even a respiratory condition like COPD (aka RAO or heaves).

Yet it’s not uncommon for horse owners to select hay simply based on what looks “good,” or the recommendations of others, or what’s available at the local feed store. How can you learn what’s really in that hay? Is it going to provide proper nutrition for your horse’s needs?
Clair Thunes, Ph.D., shows you how to take a hay sample to send to a lab for nutritional analysis. In addition to being an independent equine nutritionist, Dr. Thunes is a certified hay sampler with the National Forage Hay Testing Association. In her Summit Equine Nutrition program, she has worked with a wide range of horses from lactating mares to competitive driving horses, and with a variety of physiological problems including insulin resistance and muscle myopathies. Dr. Thunes believes in finding the right balance in the horse’s diet for optimal performance. More info...

Oct 7, 2011
A Horsewoman Shares Her Favorite Horse-Training Advice
USA
Juli Thorson, editor of Horse&Rider magazine, shares her the best of 50 tips from 50 great trainers. Read on, and be prepared to write her favorites down for future reference!
Horse&Rider editor Juli Thorson. | Photo courtesy of Horse&RiderTraining Tips,” which consists of one choice insight or technique from each of 50 expert horse trainers.
It’s more than an article. It’s also a renewable resource. Something different stands out to me with every read, and certain tips connect to one another in new ways each time. I can’t help but relate them to my latest horse encounter or training issue, and those (probably like yours) change from day to day.
Among the 50 important voices quoted, there’s always at least one with a tip that resonates, and stays with me for my next trip to the barn. The voice is an influence that guides me toward a desired outcome. More info...

Oct 7, 2011
Family friendly horse movie in US theatres next month
USA
A family friendly horse-related movie is to open in theatres in the United States on November 11.
A scene from the trailer of The Greening of Whitney Brown (below).
"The Greening of Whitney Brown" stars Aidan Quinn, Brooke Shields, Kris Kristofferson, and Sammi Hanratty.
The movie follows a spoiled pre-teen from Philadelphia, who is forced to move to the country when her parents feel the squeeze of economic hard times.
Far from her comfort zone, she befriends an amazing horse and undertakes an unexpected journey back to the simple life, only to discover that her family is her true home. More info...

Oct 6, 2011
VetShop Over the Counter Medication for Your Pet
USA
VetShop.com is one of America's leading online pet stores, offering the highest quality over-the-counter pet medications. We understand the special bond between you and your pet and take their health and well-being very seriously. We hope to become your favorite 1-stop online pet store, where you find quality products at unbeatable prices.
Our customer service representatives are here to help answer your questions. We are available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year.
Visit VetShop.com to find a huge range of discounted over-the-counter pet medication including Advantage, Frontline Plus, Frontline Top Spot, K9 Advantix, Program and more! More info...

Oct 6, 2011
More scenes of "War Horse" movie in fresh trailer
USA
More scenes from Steven Spielberg's much-anticipated movie, "War Horse" have emerged, with the release of the British trailer. More info...

Oct 6, 2011
Deworming Horses in Cramped Quarters
USA
Cynthia Foley, one of our contributing editors and editor-in-chief of the Horse Journal, talks about what to do about deworming horses if you have a lot of horses and not a whole lot of space.
Equine worming schedules need to take into consideration the number of horses being kept per acre, and I am currently acutely aware of that horse deworming program recommendation. Our barn is still not completed, which means the horses are all in a small space, and that makes me think horse worming. The more horses per acre, the more people have to give thought to their equine worming schedules, usually increasing the frequency of deworming horses in your barn, but possibly the drugs in your horse worming program, too. More info...

Oct 6, 2011
Do you practice mounting and dismounting off both sides?
USA
These great trail tips will teach you how to mount a horse from the right side, where to stash your lead rope while trail riding and what to pack on a on trail ride. More info...

Oct 5, 2011
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Use this loan to pay off high interest credit cards. No prepayment penalties. Apply now. Secure, confidential online application. Do yourself a favor and get control of your finances. More info...

Oct 5, 2011
"Mister Ed" coming to the big screen
USA
The popular 1960s television series "Mister Ed", about a talking horse, is to be made into a movie. More info...

Oct 5, 2011
Taking Riding Lessons—Where Do You Start?
USA
So you want to begin horseback riding lessons? Knowing where to start can be tough. You must decide which discipline you’d like to begin with. Do you want to learn how to barrel race, or maybe you want to feel the thrill of soaring over jumps. Next, you must consider the type of horse trainer you want as well as the prices of lessons. Take a peek at our Beginner’s Guide to Horses to have all of your questions answered. More info...

Oct 5, 2011
Gooseneck or bumper pull? What kind of horse trailer do you have?
USA
Our trailer expert tests two accessories designed to ease bumper-pull hitch-ups and electrical connectivity, especially if you're completing the tasks More info...

Oct 5, 2011
Trailer Parts and Accessories
USA
Trailer hitches, hitch balls, hitch covers, 5th wheel hitches, trailer parts, and trailer tires. More info...

Oct 5, 2011
Zenyatta celebration to kick start Breeders’ Cup
USA
Breeders’ Cup Ltd., along with Zenyatta owners Jerry and Ann Moss, announced today the launch of the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta Celebration, to be held Championship Friday, Nov. 4, at the Kentucky Derby Museum. With Zenyatta set to be the World Championships’ “Official Hostess,” the official all-day event will kick off the Breeders’ Cup racing festivities and welcome fans as they gather for Friday’s card. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Breeders’ Cup Charities. More info...

Oct 5, 2011
Horse Adoption Part 1: Before You Adopt Special Report
USA
With many horses in need of homes, adoption is often an attractive alternative to buying; however, it requires a serious human commitment. Adoption is not the right choice for everyone, but those considering adoption have plenty of options from retired racehorses to wild horses and everything in between. More info...

Oct 4, 2011
Hay alone not enough - British study
London, England
A British study of nine different hays found that the average protein content would not have been enough to sustain a horse's requirements over winter. More info...

Oct 4, 2011
HorseLoverZ.com Deal of the Day
USA
Get Horseloverz daily deal. More info...

Oct 4, 2011
Your Horse is Worth His Salt (Block)–Especially When it’s Hot Out
USA
If you’re debating whether or not your horse needs a salt block, consider this: Even at rest, your horse sweats more during hot weather, and he needs enough sodium (salt) to stay hydrated, whether it’s through loose salt for horses or salt blocks. One ounce per day (two tablespoons) is adequate for maintenance during cool months, but hot, humid weather calls for at least two ounces per day, and more if your horse is in work of any kind, according to equine nutrition consultant Dr. Juliet Getty.
Put out a plain, white salt block in close proximity, preferably where it’s protected from salt-block-melting rain, and check to see if your horse licks it. Many horses don’t lick salt blocks–the salt crystals can create tiny scratches on their tongue. Even better is to loose salt for horses by making it free choice–just pour granulated table salt in a bucket. You can also add salt to each meal. Use iodized salt only if your horse is not receiving iodine from another source. As for mineralized salt blocks, horses often avoid these because of their bitter taste.
More info...

Oct 4, 2011
With so many options out there, what kind of saddle pad do you use?
USA
Learn how to determine the best horse saddle pad to keep your horse comfortable on the trail and to prevent back soreness in horses. A horse saddle p More info...

Oct 4, 2011
What kind of halter do you use on your horse? Check out our tips to get the righ...
USA
It is important to choose the best horse halter to fit your horse, but proper halter training is the best way to ensure that you can control your horse. More info...

Oct 4, 2011
What color is your horse? If you are looking to add a little spice or color to y...
USA
Get the history of the Buckskin, Appaloosa, American Paint Horse and the Pinto Horse breeds to help you pick your next trail horse More info...

Oct 3, 2011
5% off any order at State Line Tack
Use coupon code CJSL5OFF at checkout
Bundle up with savings - 10% off and free shipping on Defender blankets and dog beds. Free shipping on StrongIDC 2X. Check out the new Mountain Horse collection. More info...

Oct 3, 2011
How to Support Your Local Equine Rescue
USA
Do you have extra barn supplies, tack, and other horse necessities? If you find yourself with an excess of blankets, bridles, dewormers, and halters, you could donate them to your local horse rescue. Like many shelters, most horse rescues are non-profit and rely on volunteers and donations. Since your horse appreciates your barn supplies, help another horse and donate to their brighter future.
Equine rescue centers do such a wonderful job all year-round. They take in horses in need and provide them with shelter, feed and medical care. But all animal rescue centers operate totally on donations of cash and needed items More info...

Oct 3, 2011
The Kind of Coach We’d All Be Lucky to Have
USA
It’s actually part of the job description posted by the United States Equestrian Federation for the position of Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe, which, to put this complicated job in simple terms, is the team manager/coach.
The position is currently held by world-renown horseman George Morris, who has served as chef d’equipe since 2005 and will retire in 2013, the year this amazing equestrian turns 75 More info...

Sep 30, 2011
Get to the Bottom of Saddle Rigging
USA
In-skirt rigging may offer two or three slots for the front cinch, allowing you to choose between the full, 7/8, or 3/4 positions, for greater versatility.
Your saddle rigging affects how you sit, how well your saddle fits your horse, and how well you’re able to perform the equine event of your choice. Variations in rigging styles give you options you may not even know you have—options that go beyond rigging’s primary function of keeping the saddle on your horse. By learning to evaluate variations with an educated eye, you can determine whether your existing rigging is right for you, and select the best rigging the next time you buy a saddle. More info...

Sep 30, 2011
Get Fully Equipped: Tips for Horse Training
USA
There’s a lot of mythunderstandings out there about training equipment. Some people seem to believe that using a certain piece of equipment guarantees their horse will learn something. Or they’ll be able to learn it easier or faster. Other people flat out condemn particular pieces of equipment no matter when or how they’re used. They can’t see any way using the thing could be justified. Another bunch puts down riders who use certain kinds of equipment as ignorant, unskilled, or inhumane. More info...

Sep 30, 2011
Adult Amateur Kelly Jennings Wins Everglades Dressage Adult Amateur High Score Award At Wellington Classic Dressage Fall Challenge I Show
Wellington, FL
Competing in their second rated dressage show ever, Kelly Jennings and her American Warmblood mare Lexington captured the Adult Amateur High Score at the Wellington Classic Dressage Fall Challenge I Show. Thanks to their high score, Jennings also rode away with the Everglades Dressage Adult Amateur High Score Award sponsored by Everglades Dressage and Bethany Peslar. More info...

Sep 30, 2011
Book published about careers in animal law
USA
The American Bar Association's Law Practice Management Section has published "Careers in Animal Law", the first book of its kind on employment related to the legal welfare of animals. More info...

Sep 30, 2011
"War Horse" to open in theatres earlier - video
USA
Steven Spielberg's much-anticipated move adaptation of "War Horse" will open earlier than expected in United States theatres. More info...

Sep 30, 2011
Rare Marwari horses loaned to horse park
Kentucky Horse Park
Four rare horses from the exotic Marwari breed have been given to the Kentucky Horse Park.
Marwari horses come in all colours and their ears are distinctive. © James Shambhu
The three mares arrived at the park on Tuesday and will be on permanent loan from Francesca Kelly, who imports the breed from India. A yearling colt will arrive later this year.
The horses came from Kelly's farm on Chappaquiddick Island off the coast of Massachusetts. More info...

Sep 29, 2011
Piaffe-Performance Farm To Give Demonstration On The Preparation Of Horses For FEI Competitions at Dressage at Devon
Devon, PA
Dr. Cesar Parra is one of Dressage at Devon’s most successful equestrians, both as a rider and as a trainer. His record at the Dixon Oval includes winning 13 classes, while his students have 22 wins at this famous dressage venue. Dr. Parra knows what it takes to be successful at the highest levels of dressage competition, and this year he will be paying it forward during Dressage at Devon as both he and Katie Riley, the Senior Trainer at Parra’s Piaffe-Performance Farm, will give a demonstration on how they prepare their horses to compete at FEI competitions. More info...

Sep 29, 2011
Get the Inside Scoop on How to Check Out a Riding Instructor
USA
You’ve had that nagging thought for a while that you should get some riding lessons, whether it’s to polish up your dressage training, give you an edge in your next Western Pleasure class, or just help you have a better seat while trail riding.
Maybe you've gone so far as to collect a few riding instructor names from some of the fellow boarders at your barn, or from the local tack shop. Now how do you decide?
We turned to our inside source for some expert advice: Patty LeBlanc, the head riding instructor at Cappaleigh Riding Academy in Longmont, Colorado. Patty has been running the program for riding lessons at Cappaleigh for the past seven years, and their booked schedule is proof they’re doing something right. Her advice: More info...

Sep 29, 2011
How safe is your farm from bio-hazards?
USA
A new tool to help horse owners assess their biosecurity risk and practices has been released by Canada's Equine Guelph.
Biosecurity is a major concern in the equine industry, especially given the high rate of horse movement.
The interactive Equine Biosecurity Risk Calculator is an educational resource of Equine Guelph (University of Guelph) developed in collaboration with Colorado State University and sponsored by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation and Vétoquinol Canada Inc. More info...

Sep 29, 2011
Project Cowboy
USA
Tune in Monday, Oct.10, to watch an hour-and-a-half special on the first-ever Project Cowboy, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association. The show will air on Monday at 7:30 p.m. (EST) and 4:30 p.m. (PT) and will repeat on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 9:30 a.m. (EST) and 6:30 a.m. (PT).
Project Cowboy was held Oct. 8-10, 2010, at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The competition was created to find “The Great American Horseman.” Competitors had to demonstrate exceptional horsemanship and communication skills to be competitive in eight elimination rounds that included:



More info...

Sep 29, 2011
Ease Your Anxious Horse: Tips to Handle Horse Anxiety
USA
Is your horse’s anxiety giving you anxiety? This article from EQUUS offers great tips in horse training to calm both you and your horse. More info...

Sep 29, 2011
Choose the Right Halter for Your Horse
USA
It is important to choose the best horse halter to fit your horse, but proper halter training is the best way to ensure that you can control your horse no matter the situation.
A halter allows you to hold onto and direct your horse. The strongest halter is good halter training. After all, to control your trail horse, you need his cooperation. Halter pressure is merely a cue.


A beautiful leather halter is a considerable investment but a good value—both in terms of its longevity and the great feeling you get when your horse looks like a winner.
Photo by Maureen Gallatin
When you lead your horse, he feels pressure on the sensitive area behind his ears. It’s as though the crownpiece pushes his head forward when you pull the lead rope forward.

Halters range from mild to severe. When the halter material is wide, it’s like the flat of someone’s hand. But if the halter is sharp or narrow, the pressure is concentrated. It’s like poking him with a fingernail — or worse. More info...

Sep 28, 2011
Get Ready for Cooler Weather
Eastern Mountain Sports
Take an extra 30% off at Eastern Mountain Sports on items already on sale. Kids, women's and men's clothing and footwear. More info...

Sep 28, 2011
Tips From the Trail Man for navigating trail courses
USA
Tim Kimura has been designing trail courses since he was a young boy growing up in Reedley, California.
He is now on the road weekly, designing and setting courses at shows and putting on clinics to educate newcomers to trail. That’s how he earned the nickname that he sports proudly on his ball cap: The Trail Man. More info...

Sep 27, 2011
What type of deworming program are your horses on?
USA
Deworming Your Horse: How to find the best deworming schedule for you and your horse details how to find a worming schedule for horses that fits More info...

Sep 27, 2011
Bob Avila: Let’s Talk Topline
USA
Are you thinking of buying a horse? Do you know everything about horse conformation and horse toplines and what to look for? If not, you’ll want to read this piece by world champion Bob Avila and writer Sue Copelend, outlining what a horse’s topline can tell you about his performance potential. More info...

Sep 27, 2011
Using the Ancient Methods of Acupuncture, Manual Therapy for Modern-Day Horse Healing
USA
Equine veterinarian Pam Muhonen decided to look into the practice of acupuncture when her Boulder, Colorado clients began asking for it, back in 1997.
“I didn’t know if it was effective, or safe,” Pam said. “I wanted to make sure this wasn’t just the newest thing but was also evidence based.”
What she saw was that acupuncture was improving the quality of life for horses.
“I’m a cynic at heart,” she said. “An animal doesn’t get better to make you happy. There’s no placebo effect.” More info...

Sep 27, 2011
Teaser released for new HBO racing drama
USA
A teaser has been released for the highly anticipated new HBO series centred around the racing industry.
A still from the trailer of "Luck", below.
The series, "Luck", stars Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte. It is from "Deadwood" creator David Milch and award-winning director Michael Mann."Luck" will go to air on HBO in the United States in January.
Hoffman plays gambler Chester "Ace" Bernstein, fresh from a lag in prison, while Nolte plays a veteran horse trainer. The series marks Hoffman's debut as a television regular. More info...

Sep 27, 2011
Horse eye scanning system a step closer to launch - video
USA
New iris scanning technology for horses is to be used at the World Championship Show for Paint Horses later this year.

A camera with infrared illuminators is used to take an image of the horse's eye.
The eyeD system, which is to be officially launched this year, uses the unique features of the animal's iris to establish an identification code which is then electronically stored along with photos as part of pedigree registrations.

A digital photo is taken of each of the horse's eyes using a special camera. The images are then automatically converted into a unique eyePrint, which is then electronically sent to the eyeD processor via the eyeSync client software along with optional identification records and other owner defined information. More info...

Sep 26, 2011
You could save $522 on your car insurance
Great discounts
When shopping for auto insurance be sure to check out all the discounts available for safe driving, multiple cars and safety equipment. More info...

Sep 26, 2011
Study: Permanently Avoiding Colic Impossible in Some Horses
USA
According to Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus, "There is nothing permanent except change." What he failed to add was, "especially when it comes to colicky horses." .. More info...

Sep 25, 2011
Ask the Vet LIVE on Horse Adoption and Rescue Now Archived
USA
TheHorse.com's Ask the Vet LIVE Q&A event on Horse Adoption and Rescue took place on Sept. 21, and the recording is now available. More info...

Sep 24, 2011
Calendar Listings for Florida Horse Shows
Florida Horse Shows
To have your horse shows listed on Florida Horse Shows calender and your local calendar, click "more info" below for a an easy to complete input form. Don't lose out on potential participants because your horse show or event is not listed. Now is the time to be updating your calendar for 2012 and any remaining show for 2011. More info...

Sep 24, 2011
Out of the Legends of Norse Mythology, the Icelandic Horse has Captured America’s Heart
USA
I have been working with a little black Icelandic mare by the name of Ulla. She is the first Icelandic horse I have ever worked with. Typical of her breed, she has not been started under saddle and she just turned five years old. Icelandic horses, like most gaited horses, develop slower than other breeds, but patience always pays off. Many Icelandic owners enjoy saddling their horses and hiking them among the local hills and exposing them to obstacles they will soon find on the trail. This hiking method of training, and being ponied behind a tractor, mixed with a lot of Clinton Anderson ground exercises, has prepped Ulla for her new job as a trail horse. I cannot wait to experience her 20-mile-an-hour tölt over the hills. More info...

Sep 23, 2011
Live Webcast: Reducing Hay Waste
University of Minnisota
Reducing hay waste starts with buying quality hay and proper storage. However, waste can also be reduced though feeding management and careful selection of a feeder. New research on hay waste and economics of nine unique round bale feeders will also be discussed. More info...

Sep 22, 2011
Lovestuck ponies have eyes only for each other
USA
It was love at first sight for Piglet and Rosie - but then a testicle got in the way. Piglet and Rosie.Now, the lovestruck pair are back together.
It was discovered that a testicle remained in Piglet from a botched castration and the pair had to be separated because of the risk of Rosie getting pregnant.
The testicle has now been removed, allowing the pair to run together again at The Horse Trust's sanctuary in Speen, Buckinghamshire. More info...

Sep 22, 2011
Tarpans returned to the wilds of Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Twelve tarpans have been reintroduced for the first time into the Eastern Rhodopes region of Bulgaria.
A tarpan mare and foal in their new home in Bulgaria.
A group of the tarpans near Sbor. They will be fenced in for a time before being released into the wild.
The reintroduction of the back bred wild horses is part of a wilderness restoration project backed by Bulgarian and Dutch authorities.
The tarpans have been released near Sbor, in the municipality of Krumovgrad, in the expectation their grazing will improve the natural environment. More info...

Sep 21, 2011
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USA
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Sep 20, 2011
USET Foundation Hosts an Olympic Benefit Event "An English Country Evening" January 27, 2011
Wellington, FL
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that it will be hosting an Olympic Games benefit event on Friday, January 27, 2011 at the International Polo Club in Wellington, FL. "An English Country Evening" with honorary chairs NBC Today Show host Matt Lauer and his wife Annette, an avid equestrian, will help raise funds for the USET Foundation to further support the United States Equestrian Team riders as they prepare to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. More info...

Sep 19, 2011
Hawaii donkeys off to US mainland in massive airlift
USA
More than 100 donkeys from Hawaii's Big Island have winged their way to the US mainland in a major adoption programme to tackle overpopulation. More info...

Sep 16, 2011
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Sep 16, 2011
Do you how to tell which leg is lame if your horse is limping? Check out these 6...
USA
Clues about lameness in horses can be subtle, and it is important to detect these signs of lameness in horses soon for a speedy recovery. Here are si More info...

Sep 16, 2011
Quaterback Sandro Hit 2011 Colt
USA
Fun video of young cult playing with a ball. More info...

Sep 16, 2011
What Marriage and the Horse Business Have in Common
USA
"Horse professionals just need to run their businesses more like real business owners." - I've heard this statement (or variations of it) on countless occasions and it irritates the heck out of me every single time. Here's why: First of all, many professional equestrians run their businesses exceedingly well. Second, you can't run a horse business like a normal business because there are things about the horse business that simply make it different! One aspect that is often overlooked is the difference in both the longevity and depth of customer relationships. The complex relationships that a horse professional must sustain versus what's expected from professionals in the mainstream business world, makes them as different as night and day. More info...

Sep 15, 2011
Firefighters haul Sky from stable window
USA
A horse that got himself stuck halfway out his stable window has been rescued by firefighters. More info...

Sep 15, 2011
Pony Bess feels the love
USA
Bess, a pony found abandoned in a snow-covered field at Christmas in 2009, has learned to love again. More info...

Sep 14, 2011
Don't forget! Tonight is the premiere of The American Competitive Trail Horse As...
USA
Don't forget! Tonight is the premiere of The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA)'s America's Favorite Trail Horse on HRTV at 8pm EST More info...

Sep 14, 2011
How to Transition a Horse’s Feed
USA
You may be thinking your horse might be in need of a senior diet, or perhaps there is a new feed available that you believe is even better for your horse. Maybe you are no longer happy with your current feed. Or, your dealer no longer carries the product you were using. Whatever the reason, switching your horse to a new feed is a change that requires care and know-how. More info...

Sep 14, 2011
Humane Society Applauds New USDA Regulations Against Double-Decker Transport of Horses
USA
American horses are held in export pens in Texas and New Mexico before transported to slaughter in Mexico. This type of double-decker trailer is now banned by the USDA for transporting horses. | Photo by Kathy Milani/HSUS

The Humane Society of the United States is praising the U.S. Department of Agriculture for closing a gaping loophole that previously allowed the horse slaughter industry to escape oversight and transport horses in inhumane conditions. Many horses bound for slaughter have ended up in dangerous double-decker trailers if the shippers exploited the loophole and simply made a stop between the auction block and the slaughter plant. More info...

Sep 14, 2011
Guide to Bad Barn Habits
USA
Walking through the barn is often a symphony of pleasant noises: hay-munching, hoof-clopping and horse-nickering. Unfortunately, sometimes the sounds of the barn are not so sweet: grunts of cribbers, bangs of stall-kickers and scrapes of pawing hooves. Many horse owners are aware of their horses’ bad habits, but a staggering number – 66 percent, according to a recent survey by Dover Saddlery and QuitKick – do nothing about them More info...

Sep 14, 2011
How To Prepare For An Emergency
USA
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how hot it was in the Lone Star State. The update is that we’re literally on fire. Wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes in central Texas, and they’re breaking out all over the state (more than 60 fires so far). We were More info...

Sep 13, 2011
Teachers’ Pets
USA
Meet the four-legged significant others that rule the barns--and hearts--of six world-class trainers in 1995.
“But was the dog okay?’” Those five words, uttered last June by world champion western pleasure trainer Steve Heckaman, provided an insight to the hearts and minds of professional horse-people, whose reputations for being aloof, steely-eyed, ice-water-in-their-veins show-ring gods would belie such a comment. Steve’s query came in response to the tale of “whoa” I was relating to him after experiencing a disaster-filled photo shoot with one of his north Texas neighbors, Clint and Liz Haverty. (You saw the results of that shoot in our April ’94 cover story.)

First, I’d told Steve how photographer Cappy Jackson and I had pulled up at Clint’s, only to learn that Liz had just backed her car over the neck of Clint's numero uno canine compadre, Poncho. I went on to tell Steve how a subsequent fire at the Haverty ranch had raged undetected during our photo shoot, gutting a trailer house that was home to several hands. Steve politely waited for me to finish my fire story, but his mind was on Poncho, not the now-homeless hands. As soon as he sensed a pause in my disasterlogue, he slipped in the but-what-about-the-dog query. More info...

Sep 13, 2011
Do we have any fans of long ears? Check out these mules on a ranch
USA
When gaited mules caught this horseman's fancy, he patiently crafted a successful breeding program. More info...

Sep 13, 2011
How Can You Slow Down Your Horse’s Lope? Make Him Speed Up!
USA
Does your horse have only one gear–fast–when it comes to the lope? This Horse&Rider reader asked world champion Bob Avila how to slow down his Western Pleasure horse while loping, and his advice uses some interesting reverse psychology! More info...

Sep 10, 2011
Do you know how to ground-tie your horse? Check out these simple steps to get yo...
USA
Improve your horsemanship, and develop a kind, trustworthy relationship with your trail horse with top clinician/trainer Julie Goodnight. How to ground-tie More info...

Sep 10, 2011
The Benefits of Hippotherapy: Freedom Through a Horse
USA
Have you ever heard of hippotherapy? It is therapy through horses. It is an ever-increasing form of therapy allowing children and adults alike to gain freedom on the back of a horse. There are more and more associations cropping up providing therapeutic riding. If you know someone who could benefit from riding therapy, or if you want to volunteer some of your time, try checking out local therapeutic riding centers in your area. More info...

Sep 10, 2011
WATCH THE FEI EUROPEAN JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 LIVE ON FEI TV
Madrid, Spain
The FEI European Jumping Championships 2011, which will take place from Tuesday 13 to Sunday 18 September in Madrid (ESP), will be broadcast LIVE on FEI TV, the official FEI video platform, according to the following schedule:

Wednesday, 14 September 2011
14.00-15.45 - First Championship Competition
15.45-16.00 - Arena Maintenance Break
16.00-17.45 - First Championship Competition (continued) More info...

Sep 10, 2011
10 Ways a Bad Credit Score Can Hurt You
USA
In the old days, a bad credit score or report simply stopped you from buying something with borrowed money at a low rate. That’s still true, but times More info...

Sep 10, 2011
America's Favorite Trail Horses TV Show starts September 13
Watch on TV
ACTHA is an organization dedicated to the great American trail horse! We acknowledge and value the trail horse by providing a venue for your horse to showcase its abilities, as well as provide a registry and point system for every horse. More info...

Sep 9, 2011
30 Best Horse Movies Ever
Great DVD Selection
From Black Beauty to Secretariat, these are the movies you love. More info...

Sep 9, 2011
Senior Horse Care – Keeping Your Senior Horse Healthy and Happy
USA
Senior horse care is a subject near and dear to my heart. My own senior horses, Annapolis and Star, are now 32 and 20 years old respectively–and still going strong. Part of the reason for their longevity, I’m sure, has something to do with genes, especially in the case of Annapolis, whose sire lived to the age of 34. But a lot of it has to do with the excellent senior horse care they get from my barn owner, my vet and my farrier. More info...

Sep 8, 2011
Right Facts About Equine Deworming by Amy Herdy
USA
It’s spring, and you know exactly what kind of worming program for horses to follow. Deworm all your horses, do it on a frequent and regular equine worming schedule, and have horse dewormer rotation through different classes for deworming horses. Right?
Wrong. Equine parasitologists now advise you to rethink the traditional rotational horse deworming protocol. Conventional wisdom has changed, and it’s forcing a need to relearn what we’ve assumed to be “fact” about horse deworming strategies. Read on for a quick fact check that before you change your horse dewormer schedule again. More info...

Sep 7, 2011
Fall Farm Tour October 27, 2011
Ocala, FL
Tour the Ocala Horse farms. Tickets are $50.00 Transportation, lunch and entertainment are included. 352-307-6699 More info...

Sep 7, 2011
Take a Test Ride of Your Western Saddle
USA
When you and your horse move together in comfort and support with a well-fit saddle, you’ve got harmony in motion. But if your saddle doesn’t fit, it’s like an uncomfortable shoe, leading to pain, imbalance and, in some cases, bad habits.
Find harmony in motion on your Western saddle with this step-by-step process. It will help you to assess a prospective saddle’s fit while mounted. Obviously, saddle-shopping starts with careful evaluation–you look for a saddle that fits you, and you check measurements to see if it will fit your horse. But once you’ve found a saddle you think fits you both, your next step is to take it for a spin. The saddle is a communication device in this situation, and it’s important to learn to read the messages it gives you.

Western Saddle Store

More info...

Sep 7, 2011
Horse Adoption and Rescue FREE Ask The Vet LIVE Q&A Wednesday September 21 | 8:00 p.m. EDT
USA
With the current drought, high hay prices, and other factors, more horses are in need of homes and many people have questions about horse adoption and rescue. How can you find the right horse to rescue or adopt? How can you find a reputable rescue if you have a horse to rehome? If your newly adopted horse came from an unhealthy situation, what common health and behavioral issues might you expect to see, and how can you safely rehabilitate the horse? How do you adopt a mustang or burro? More info...

Sep 6, 2011
Florida Equine ServicesFlorida equestrian and equine services such as equine sports therapy, horse transport and trailering, equine massage, horse sitting, farm sitting, saddle fitting, horse portraits, photography, horse mane braiding, and horse show grooming. More info...

Sep 6, 2011
Horse Hauling Tip: Make Sure Those Wheels are Ready to Roll
USA
You’ve planned your horse riding vacation and are certain you’ve thought of everything to prevent a horse hauling disaster — but you know the phrase: “The best laid plans of mice and men…”
To make sure you don’t end up by the side of the road in distress, USRider, a 24-hour roadside assistance program, has some safety tips about checking the most fundamental part of your vehicle pulling your horse trailer: the tires.
According to USRider, the leading factor in horse hauling roadside emergencies is tires. Tires can lose their footing long before they’re worn out, leaving you in need of roadside assistance. Tests conducted by Consumer Reports show that tread can give up a significant amount of grip when it’s still at the halfway point. More info...

Sep 6, 2011
Hawley Bennet helmet-cam at Burghley
Helmet Cam Video
Wow, that's a lotta galloping! She had one stop, but a great ride on her mare Gin'nJuice... More info...

Sep 2, 2011
Saddles, Saddles, Saddles
Thousands of western saddles
Saddles from Billy Cook, Tex Tan, Saddlesmith of Texas, Easy Rider, American Saddlery, Dakota Saddlery, Connie Combs, Reinsman, Arlington, Big Horn, Royal King, Wintec, Cimmaron, Simco, Crates Hand, Brazos, Hoss High, Motes, Atec, Connie Combs, Champion, Silver Royal, and Mule Skinner, Collegiate, HDR, Bates, Ovation, Saint Lourdes, Henri de Rivel, EquiRoyal, Pro Lexus, Anky, Paris Tack, Silver Fox, M. Toulouse, Kincade, and Tekna. More info...

Sep 2, 2011
"A" Rated Show National Hunter Classic September 9-11
Fox Lea Farm
More info...

Sep 2, 2011
3 Things to Aid Your Horse Deworming Program in Summer Heat
USA
Here to help are the folks at Horsemen’s Laboratory, who have some tips on how to best manage your pasture to manage those parasites.
As we all know, worm eggs are passed with manure, and horses tend to leave manure piles in one area while grazing in another. Their instinct to eat away from manure piles builds in natural worm control but results in uneven grass growth.
Dragging pastures, which spreads worm eggs around, and cutting the grass to improve pasture appearance can result in larger quantities of larvae and eggs being ingested by grazing horses. To manage parasites in your pasture:

Keep horses off the grass during cool mornings when small strongyle larvae crawl to the tops of the blades of grass, just waiting to be eaten.
Remove manure from pastures.
Drag pastures during hot afternoons when larvae have crawled back down to the soil level where exposed larvae will be quickly killed by heat. More info...

Sep 2, 2011
A Handy Equine Vaccination Guide & Annual Health Chart by Amy Herdy
USA
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has four “core” equine vaccination recommendations that EVERY horse should receive—tetanus, Eastern/Western equine encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus and rabies. Other vaccination decisions are based on risk factors.
You can find out which equine vaccinations are right for your horses at different ages and stages. Download this PDF chart with equine vaccination recommendations and our handy annual health chart, which allows you to record your horse’s vaccinations, deworming program, farrier visits, dentist visits and more. More info...

Sep 1, 2011
Live dressage results from Burghley Horse Trials - video
USA
All of the 80 combinations who trotted up for the first veterinary check passed muster for the Burghley International Horse Trials, and the first day of dressage is under way. More info...

Sep 1, 2011
Remembering the real war horses
USA
Joey is the world's most famous fictional war horse, but there were many other equines who were the real deal - toiling in their millions on battlefields. More info...

Sep 1, 2011
Dressage in California: Cool August Nights at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center
USA
A Unique Partnership - If it takes a village to raise a child, then the same could be said for a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood named Ari. At the Cool August Nights Dressage show, August 25–28, owner Lori Lauver looked on intently as trainer Nina Winternheimer competed in the Intermediaire I Freestyle. But Lauver and Winternheimer’s roles could just as easily have been reversed: In an unusual twist on the typical owner-rider relationship, both women compete the 16.2-hand gelding - Lauver as an adult amateur and Winternheimer as a professional. The partnership works because of Lauver’s focus and perseverance, says Winternheimer. “Lori is very driven and determined. Every time I ride, she’s there; I’m always explaining to her what I’m doing More info...

Sep 1, 2011
How to Stay on Track With Your Goals
USA
Fall is often a time to reflect about what has transpired during the first three-quarters of the year.
You’ve got time now before the beginning of next year to think about what worked this year, what didn’t work, and what you would like to do in the future.
In this article, I’m suggesting three key questions to ask yourself when you make decisions.
They will help you stay on track with what makes you personally happy. It’s so easy for any number of reasons … ourselves, other people, circumstances … to make decisions that haven’t been thought out completely. More info...

Sep 1, 2011
How to Stay on Track With Your Goals
USA
Fall is often a time to reflect about what has transpired during the first three-quarters of the year.
You’ve got time now before the beginning of next year to think about what worked this year, what didn’t work, and what you would like to do in the future.
In this article, I’m suggesting three key questions to ask yourself when you make decisions.
They will help you stay on track with what makes you personally happy. It’s so easy for any number of reasons … ourselves, other people, circumstances … to make decisions that haven’t been thought out completely. More info...

Sep 1, 2011
Fly Control
USA
More info...

Sep 1, 2011
The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center Sponsors Dressage Rider Stacy Parvey-Larsson
Ocala, Florida
The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center is pleased to announce their sponsorship of dressage rider Stacy Parvey-Larsson of Hidden Acres Dressage in Reddick, Florida. Parvey-Larsson is an accomplished dressage rider who trained at the prestigious Hilltop Farm for five years where she was also a working student under the tutelage of Scott Hassler. She has also attended the International Academy for Equestrian Studies in Warendorf, Germany.
“Over the past couple of years, I have received horses in training that due to previous injuries were in rehab at The Sanctuary. All of these horses were able to make a full recovery and continue their careers in dressage,” Parvey-Larsson said. “That is just one of the many reasons that I am thrilled to be sponsored by The Sanctuary. I also know they will aid me in the training and conditioning of my top competition horses. I am impressed with The Sanctuary’s knowledgeable and professional staff and, most of all, with their therapeutic equipment.” More info...

Aug 31, 2011
Invest your money safely with better returns
USA
As Featured in Barrons, Forbes, New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post, and National Public Radio. More info...

Aug 31, 2011
Ah, the Joy of Deworming Horses
USA
When it comes to deworming horses, things have changed. It used to be that equine deworming meant popping in some nasty goo into your horse’s mouth a few times every year.
Now we know so much more about deworming horses, and we know it requires much more than a good horse deworming schedule. Experts now say that the science of equine deworming must include something called a fecal egg count, which means having your horse’s manure tested to see if it is infested with any parasites, what kind and in what form. More info...

Aug 31, 2011
Personal Loans Low Rates 6.78%
USA
Save thousands, pay off your high interest debt with a low, fixed rate loan. More info...

Aug 30, 2011
Ask the Vet LIVE: Horse Adoption and Rescue, September 21
USA
With the current drought, high hay prices, and other factors, more horses are in need of homes and many people have questions about horse adoption and rescue. How can you find the right horse to rescue or adopt?

Aug 30, 2011
Free online web seminar on reducing hay waste
USA
Reducing hay waste is one of the simplest solutions to cutting costs without compromising quality when it comes to feeding horses, the organisers of an upcoming online seminar suggest. Register online More info...

Aug 28, 2011
Supple Your Horse with Clinton Anderson
USA
Side-to-side flexion helps your horse tuck in his nose vertically and collect too.
Here's Clinton Anderson's proven technique. Bonus video! More info...

Aug 28, 2011
Pain Management in Horses Webinar Tuesday Aug 30 8.00 pm
USA
Nobody likes to think of horses in pain, especially when there's something we can do to help. But reducing pain in horses has benefits beyond just making you and your horse feel better, such as maintaining the horse’s appetite (so he keeps his energy up for healing) and reducing stress. How can you tell if your horse is in pain, and what's the best way to manage that pain? What shouldn't you do when managing pain? More info...

Aug 27, 2011
Shop for new homeowner's insurance at every renewal aniversary
USA
Protecting your home and its contents is probably one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Understanding the details regarding your home and what insurance does can help you be sure you have the right coverage. Don't pay more than you have to. More info...

Aug 26, 2011
Many questions remain on cribbing - researcher
USA
The underlying mechanism behind cribbing is still not completely explained, says a US researcher who has reviewed many studies conducted into the behaviour. More info...

Aug 26, 2011
Horse domestication pushed back to 9000 years ago
USA
Evidence has been found that pushes back horse domestication by another 3500 years, Saudi officials report. More info...

Aug 26, 2011
Horse Barn Safety Check
USA
The owners of pole barns or prefab barns all have the same goal in mind: safety.
Toward that end, here’s a classic article from the editors at Horse&Rider on horse barn safety. More info...

Aug 26, 2011
Lynn Palm: What’s Your Horse Saying with His Body Language?
USA
Lynn Palm explains just what a horse is “saying” with the language of his entire body.
Also, the Paint horse used in the photos is gorgeous! More info...

Aug 25, 2011
$10 Off at Equestrian Collection
USA
$10 off an order of over $200. Save more on our already discounted prices. More info...

Aug 25, 2011
Julie Goodnight: Three Tips to Calm a Nervous Horse Rider
USA
Since our horses don’t come with instruction manuals, it’s a good thing we have horse trainers like Julie Goodnight to lend us helping hands. Here, Julie gives us the ABCs of how to overcome nervousness in the saddle. More info...

Aug 25, 2011
Can oats help prevent colic in horses?
USA
Oats have historically played a major role in the equine diet, but very few people understand the nutritional benefits oats have over many other cereal grains. One of those benefits may include preventing colic. Oats: The Horse-Healthy Grain, written by Dr. Laurie Lawrence of the University of Kentucky, discusses the positive effect oats can have on colic risk. The Prairie Oat Growers Association commissioned the research study, a summary of more than 260 published research documents, to assess past research surrounding the nutritional benefits of oats More info...

Aug 24, 2011
How to get the best deal on auto loans
Auto Loans USA
Shop online for the best deal before going to the dealer. More info...

Aug 24, 2011
UF Equine Veterinarians Share Research at Colic Symposium
USA
From pain management to disease diagnosis to postoperative recovery rates, University of Florida (UF) veterinarians are advancing knowledge about equine colic, the No. 1 cause of premature death in horses More info...

Aug 24, 2011
Weed of the Month: Sandburs
USA
Sandbur is the common name for several annual grasses that produce burs with multiple sharp spines. These grasses grow in pastures, landscape beds, gardens, fields, and roadsides. Field sandbur and longspine sandbur are the two most common species. ... More info...

Aug 24, 2011
WATCH THE FEI NATIONS CUP™ FROM ROTTERDAM (NED) LIVE ON FEI TV
Rotterdam, ND
The eighth and final leg of the FEI Nations Cup™, which will take place on Friday 26 August in Rotterdam (NED), will be broadcast LIVE on FEI TV, the official FEI video platform, according to the following schedule:

1st Round: 17.15 - 18.45 CEST (15.15 GMT - 16.45 GMT)
2nd Round: 19.00 - 20.00 CEST (17.00 GMT - 18.00 GMT)
Prize Giving: 20.00 - 20.20 CEST (18.00 GMT - 18.20 GMT) More info...

Aug 24, 2011
How do you keep your horse safe when he's in the trailer? More than just shippin...
USA
How do you keep your horse safe when he's in the trailer? More than just shipping boots or a head bumper, it's important to be safe on the roads with your precious cargo. Read our best tips here More info...

Aug 24, 2011
10 Easy Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill by April Dykman
USA
Turns out many of the biggest ways to save electricity don’t require a big investment of time or money. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll implement the following practices to try to reign in our unwieldy electric bill: More info...

Aug 24, 2011
Washington International and Smithsonian Team Up to Celebrate Horses
USA
Exhibition Grand Opening Oct 29-30. The museum opens "A Song for the Horse Nation at its flagship museum on the National Mall, a major exhibition that explores the role of horses in Native culture from the 1500's to the present. More info...

Aug 23, 2011
Researchers reveal fresh colic findings
USA
Recovery from a "twisted" small intestine following colic surgery in horses is far better than previously reported, researchers have found. More info...

Aug 23, 2011
How to Maneuver the Horse Coat Supplement Aisle
USA
Do you need horse supplements? If so, which kind of horse supplement will help your horse look and feel his best?
Editor Cindy Foley has some answers. More info...

Aug 23, 2011
What do you do if your horse is a little off? Our friends MyHorse.com have a gre...
USA
Diagnosing and Treating Equine Lameness: Has your horse got a limp? Determine what's wrong and help him heal. is a free downloadable report that shows More info...

Aug 22, 2011
Naughty Fabio rehomed over mealtime manners
USA
Wild stallion Fabio picked up some naughty eating habits at his national park home, raiding human food sources and becoming aggressive toward those who tried to stop him. That meant a new home for the Maryland horse, writes Pepper Ballard. More info...

Aug 21, 2011
Tamara Reinhardt talks to Winning Runs about Bit Fit
USA
NFR Qualifier and Futurity horse trainer Tamara Reinhardt makes an excellent point. Not all horses mouths are created equal. We need to consider whether the bit we are riding them in fits the horse. Watch this Winning Runs video trailer and learn how you can measure if your barrel racing bit fits your horse properly. More info...

Aug 20, 2011
Purchasing Used Tack & Equipment
USA
The purchase of good, used tack can be an economical alternative to purchasing new tack and equipment; however, purchasing improper or unsafe used tack can be a costly mistake. . More info...

Aug 20, 2011
Slapping police horse brings arrest
USA
A man has been arrested in St Petersburg, Florida, for allegedly slapping a police horse. More info...

Aug 20, 2011
THREE MORE TEAMS QUALIFY FOR LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES DRESSAGE
USA
Sweden, Spain and Denmark qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games as a result of their placings in yesterday's FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 team competition. Sweden finished fourth on a score of 214.437%, Spain was fifth (211.580%), and Denmark sixth (209.985%). The three leading nations at the Championships had already achieved Olympic qualification. Gold medallists Great Britain are automatically qualified as next year’s Olympic Games’ host nation. More info...

Aug 20, 2011
Do Your Barn Plans Include Enough Space for Safety?
USA
The stable aisle is a driveway, foyer and living room all in one. Because of the busy traffic and multiple uses, a badly designed or poorly maintained aisle is at least annoying and at worst dangerous in a horse barn. Whether you’re designing new barn plans or improving an existing setup, consider the following aspects of aisleway safety as you plan: More info...

Aug 20, 2011
How to Halter Your Foal
USA
If you’re a rookie at foal training, this is for you. Here’s step-by-step advice on how to make that first haltering experience a positive one for your wee one.
I recommend putting a well-fitted leather halter or foal slip on your new foal within a couple of days of birth, so that wearing it becomes a normal part of his life. If you take it off and put it back on regularly (a good opportunity to check that it still fits him!), he’ll accept that handling as part of his routine. More info...

Aug 20, 2011
Have you ever used round bales to let your horse munch all day? Why do you use t...
USA

Have you ever used round bales to let your horse munch all day? Why do you use them? There is an upside and a downside to every story, and the same goes for round bales. Those big round bales weigh a half ton or more and from the right More info...

Aug 19, 2011
Fall Dressage Concours Show Information: August 27 & 28, 2011 at Fox Lea Farms
Florida
Fall Dressage Concours Show Information: August 27 & 28, 2011
The show secretary will be scheduling on Saturday August 20th in the morning. If you have not already sent in your entry or if they were sent late please touch base with Monica to make sure she includes your rides in the schedule. Monica's e-mail is: mon1206@aol.com. Look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Aug 19, 2011
One Piggy Bank, One Little Girl, One Huge Heart
Florida
Sassy, a black no color paint mare spent the majority of life as a broodmare and subsequently, through no fault of her own, this sweet mare ended up at an auction with no one bidding on her. The next place for Sassy would have been the killbuyer. At the auction in northern Florida on a Saturday in November amongst the people was another group outside of random killbuyers, waiting for the horses that the crowd did not seem to want, Pure Thoughts Inc. Horse Rescue and horses like Sassy were just who they came looking for to help. That day Pure Thoughts and many of their volunteers, new ones and veterans saved 8 horses. More info...

Aug 17, 2011
FEI TV LIVE: FEI EUROPEAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
Rotterdam NED
Join us LIVE on FEI TV for high quality, uninterrupted coverage of the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 according to the following schedule:

17 August: Team Competition 09:30 - 18:00 CEST
18 August: Team Competition 09:30 - 18:00 CEST
20 August: Individual Grand Prix Special 09:30 - 18:00 CEST
21 August: Individual Grand Prix Freestyle 11:00 - 16:00 CEST

Visit the FEI Press Kit Zone to download the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 press kit, which includes: More info...

Aug 17, 2011
Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses
USA
From TheHorse.com: “Insect bite hypersensitivity is the most common cause of pruritus (itchiness) in horses, affecting equids in almost all parts of the world,” van den Boom said in the study, adding that IBH is an allergic reaction to insect bites. Clinical signs include scratching and rubbing, excoriations (areas where the skin is rubbed off), oozing of serum, patchy alopecia (hair loss), scaling, and hyperkeratosis (callousing).” (article on ointments that can help bug bite sensitivity.) More info...

Aug 15, 2011
Quick Barn Fixes
Florida
You can create a functional, safe barn in an existing structure on your property with some practical, inexpensive, and uncomplicated modifications. You don't need to strain your budget to make the building safe and healthy housing for your horse More info...

Aug 15, 2011
Don't Miss This Tonight! Free Webinar - Smart Sales Skills for Horse Professionals
USA
On Monday, August 15, 2011 Equestrian Proessional.com - The Horse Business Site continues its popular horse business webinar series with "Smart Sales Skills for Horse Professionals." This event can be attended via phone or computer and is free to all horse professionals. More info...

Aug 14, 2011
Smart Sales Skills for Horse Professionals - Don't Miss This!
USA
On Monday, August 15, 2011 Equestrian Proessional.com - The Horse Business Site continues its popular horse business webinar series with "Smart Sales Skills for Horse Professionals." This event can be attended via phone or computer and is free to all horse professionals. When it comes to "selling" we've all had good and not so good experiences. This webinar will unravel the mysteries of the sales process from both the sellers and customers point of view. You'll learn how to make sales more comfortable for both yourself and the buyer. Plus, how to "close the deal" without being pushy. Whether you could sell "ice to Eskimos" or "couldn't sell a free life preserver to a drowning man" - You'll learn key strategies for how to increase your sales success from a professional sales coach who knows the horse business. More info...

Aug 14, 2011
How Horse Saddle Design Affects Your Riding Form
USA
If your horse trainer is constantly finding fault with your balance or you seat, it may be your horse saddle. Before you peruse the “horse tack for sale” classifieds for a new one, read Olympic-rider-turned-coach Jim Wofford’s advice. More info...

Aug 14, 2011
Trouble Free Bathing
USA
A lot of people hate giving their horses baths because they know that the whole ordeal is going to be a struggle. The horse runs in a circle and constantly pulls away. Before long, the handler is soaked to the bone with soap suds clinging to her shirt, while the horse is standing off, spotlessly dry and having a good laugh. More info...

Aug 13, 2011
Daisy Farish and Ballou Awarded Overall Small Pony Hunter Grand Championship at 2011 USEF Pony Finals
Lexington, KY
Another cool summer day greeted exhibitors for the 2011 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park. The Large Pony Hunters took center stage in the Walnut Ring this morning as they completed their Model and Under Saddle phases where Meredith Darst and For the Laughter took home both blue ribbons. The Small Pony Hunter Over Fences were next, and at the end of the day Daisy Farish and Ballou earned the Overall Small Pony Hunter Grand Championship with their consistency throughout the division. Finally in the Covered Arena, riders participated in the USEF National Pony Jumper Team Championship. More info...

Aug 12, 2011
Courtney's horse dream comes true
USA
Nine-year-old horse-loving Courtney had a simple dream. One of the child stars from the recent BBC documentary, "Poor Kids", told viewers that her dream was to ride a horse. More info...

Aug 12, 2011
Limited benefits in hay soaking - research
USA
The limited benefits of soaking hay for laminitis-prone horses have been highlighted in British research. Equestrian research. More info...

Aug 12, 2011
Vitamin E in Horse Diets
USA
Vitamin E is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, meaning it can be stored up in the body, and is of significant interest in horse nutrition. It is thought to be involved in muscular efficiency and may play a role as an antioxidant. In growing horses vitamin E plays a key role in nerve and muscle development and function. Foals less than six months of age generally show gait in-coordination, with hind limbs more severely affected than fore limbs. Older foals and yearlings may show decreased muscular reflexes in the neck and trunk area along with muscle in-coordination (equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy). More info...

Aug 11, 2011
Lifeboat crew rescues horse at sea
England
A horse who swam 800 metres out to sea off a beach in Kent, in England, had to be rescued by a lifeboat crew. The horse, named Shallimah, bolted at Walmer and ended up in a long swim after a wave spooked him and his female rider was unseated. More info...

Aug 11, 2011
World Champion Kappy Allen talks about Proper Hand Position for Barrel Racing
USA
World Champion Barrel Racer and Olympic Gold Medalist Kappy Allen put together this video clinic.
The video demonstrates proper hand position and how it contributes to a happy, relaxed and focused horse with bend through the body. All these key factors result in a smooth run and FAST TIMES.
Kappy says “relaxed and fluid means consistent and fast”. The key to this is hand position and this all starts in the practice pen. We need to train our muscle memory so that in the run and at fast speeds we are in the proper position without having to think it through. More info...

Aug 11, 2011
Horse Lameness: Helping Your Horse’s Feet Through His Mouth by Amy Herdy
USA
Since the best medicine for horse lameness is prevention, here’s an article that will tell you why grazing muzzles are important. Because sometimes, horse lameness causes have more to do with their stomach than their legs. More info...

Aug 10, 2011
No Sweat?
Florida
As athletes, American Quarter Horses perform amazing feats of strength, agility and grace. To accomplish that, every body system must function at its very best. But some horses have developed a condition that makes exercise difficult if not downright dangerous: anhidrosis, the inability to produce sweat.
Some degree of anhidrosis is thought to afflict as many as 30 percent of horses in the hot, humid areas of the United States, but the disease can appear anywhere. Performance horses seem to suffer most often, but even nonexercising horses can be affected. More info...

Aug 10, 2011
Do you use shipping boots while trailering your horse? Learn how to put them on...
USA
Follow these directions on how to apply horse shipping boots when trailering horses this summer for equine leg protection. More info...

Aug 10, 2011
Because Your Horse Can’t Talk: Diagnosing Horse Lameness
USA
It would be so much easier if your horse could just tell you where it hurts, but since he can’t, we’re left to try to figure out horse lameness where’s and why’s on our own. Do horse lameness causes leave you in a lurch? Well, that’s what the experts are for. More info...

Aug 10, 2011
DressageTrainingOnline.com presents Debbie McDonald on Self Carriage
USA
Debbie McDonald is currently the USEF Developing Dressage Coach, identifying and cultivating future U.S. dressage stars. Debbie is busy training across the USA. She and the now retired Brentina, have had a long and outstanding career together. Together they've helped the US equestrian team win a team silver and team bronze at the World Equestrian games and a team bronze at the 2004 Olympics. In 2003, Brentina helped Debbie to become the first American rider to win the World Cup championship. They also came in third place at the 2005 World Cup. Brentina herself was named the 2005 Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year. More info...

Aug 10, 2011
War Horse continues its global march
USA
The stage adaptation of the book, War Horse, is continuing its global march, with an All-Canadian cast named for the production north of the US border. More info...

Aug 10, 2011
Horse Owner's Guide to Saving Time and Money
USA
Horse ownership is rewarding, but it's also expensive and time-consuming. Here are thirty tips for economical and efficient horsekeeping to help you enjoy the time you spend with your horse. More info...

Aug 9, 2011
Keeping Your Horse Safe During a Hurricane
Florida
It can be really difficult to keep your horses safe during a hurricane. The best way forward is to have an advance plan where they can easily be moved to a place of safety before the storm hits. This is always assuming that you have enough notice, or a suitable place.
Definitely avoid last minute moving which could be far more dangerous than not moving at all. Not only will evacuation routes have heavy traffic, potentially you could get trapped by the approaching storm. Horse trailers and high winds do not mix well and a serious accident could result. More info...

Aug 8, 2011
Horse Supply Shopping Online
Find what you need fast and at the best price
Horse supplies for everything equine and those who love horse riding including dressage tack, saddles, hunter/jumper, western, riding breeches, riding helmets, chaps, show halters, rope halters, leather halters, bits, saddle, girths, stirrups, riding attire, boots, farrier supplies, horse grooming, horse supplements, barn needs, horse vacines, wormers, and fly control. More info...

Aug 6, 2011
Ladies' Western Boots
USA
Women's western boots including, Ariat, Justin, Tony Lama, Laredo, Dorango, Old Gringo, Dan Post, Fleur De Lis, Nacona, Roper, Luchese, Boulet, Jama, Shyanne, Double H, Dingo, Oak Tree Farms, Frye, dav Ladies, and Lane Boots.
Leather, deer skin, lamb skin, ostrich skin, lizard. More info...

Aug 6, 2011
Ready to ride? Horse trails provide authentic experience
Florida
The six horses shuffled in a single-file line, careful to stay on a trail just wider than their bodies.

To the left, the hillside dropped down into a deep vale. Riders nervously looked anywhere but down, though the animals they were aboard didn’t seem to mind, clip-clopping along at a leisurely gait.

Jeff Snyder, riding a reddish brown appaloosa named Elvis, led the group through the forest. He whistled an upbeat tune, keeping any customers from focusing on the drop-off. More info...

Aug 5, 2011
Pickens' horse sanctuary focus of Time report
Nevada
Time Magazine has completed a report on Madeleine Pickens' plans for her horse sanctuary in Nevada. More info...

Aug 5, 2011
Pinpointing Horse Lameness
USA
Stumped by horse lameness, but not sure which leg? Read on!
By Dr. Karen Hayes and Sue Copeland
In most cases, pinpointing horse lameness isn’t difficult if you follow these steps.
Horse lamenesssigns you’re looking for: More info...

Aug 5, 2011
What kind of bit do you use on the trail?
USA
The differences between an eggbutt bit, snaffle bit and curb bit explained is a free downloadable report on horse bits explains types of horse bits. More info...

Aug 4, 2011
Sierra Trading Post
August Promotions
Get 20% off your purchase of $75 or more.
Get 25% off your purchase of $125 or more.
Get 30% off your purchase of $150 or more. More info...

Aug 3, 2011
Training Tip - Jody Hartstone - Mental Capacities, Understanding Your Horses Brain
USA
Understanding how your horse thinks is vital. It doesn't matter what level you ride at, your horse's breed or discipline you specialize in, knowing their capacity for learning, memory and response will greatly enhance your abilities as a trainer and rider. Part 2 - Jody discusses the Flight Response in the horse. Dressage tips. More info...

Aug 3, 2011
Rubber Mats for Horse Stalls? Or No?
USA
Your barn plans and barn equipment should include a careful study of the equine mats you use on the floor. And do you know what the foundation of the stalls in your horse barn should be? Keep reading.
Here’s wishing health to you and your horse, More info...

Aug 3, 2011
Cures for Horse Lameness
USA
If you don’t have time to search for helpful equestrian articles on horse lameness, look no further. I’m bringing some to you today, on everything from hind leg lameness in horses to front leg lameness in horses. More info...

Aug 3, 2011
Weaning Options for Your Wee One
Weaning Options for Your Wee One
When it comes to breeding horses, it’s always good to have a plan, and this includes weaning the foal when it’s time.
Then you can move onto equine foal training . . .
More info...

Aug 3, 2011
Palm Beach Polo Season 2012
Wellington, FL
Palm Beach Polo Season 2012 Calendar More info...

Aug 2, 2011
Horse Women Calendar 2012
USA
Twelve dazzling full-color photographs illustrate the many traits that horses and women share including spirit, courage and grace. More info...

Aug 1, 2011
Boot Up!
USA
Learn how to apply splint, bell, and performance boots so that they protect your horse during exercise. Brent Morgan from the Certified Horsemanship Association shows you how to apply each type of boot and explains the best use for each one. More info...

Aug 1, 2011
Helicopter Exercise
USA
This month's Downunder Horsemanship lesson teaches your horse how to accept noise and movement from above using Clinton Anderson's Helicopter Exercise. Desensitize your horse to movement and noise above him so he's more confident and relaxed when you are in the saddle. More info...

Aug 1, 2011
Junior Horse to Watch Update: For Flits And Giggles
USA
We want to say a huge congrats to Krystal Dyer and For Flits And Giggles on their outstanding weekend at the IBRA State Finals last weekend! The duo placed in the Open 3D every day. She ran a 16.7 on Friday, 16.5 on Saturday and a 16.4 on Sunday! She got checks in 3D for all those runs with 160 in each class! She’s getting 10th in the 3D for IBRA Ohio state awards. More info...

Jul 31, 2011
l 29, 2011 (2 days ago) Chincoteague pony sales up on last year - video
USA
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company is more than $US90,000 better off after a successful pony swim and auction of young stock. More info...

Jul 31, 2011
Discover Student Card
Back to school financial management
5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, department stores, gas, groceries, restaurants, and more.. More info...

Jul 30, 2011
Lunging Tack Shop
USA
Lunge lines, lunge whips, lunge cavesons, surcingles and chambons. More info...

Jul 30, 2011
Adult and Children's Jumpers Kick Off Winning Final Weekend at Horse Shows by the Bay
Traverse City, MI
With the sun back out in full force today in Traverse City, horses and riders at Horse Shows by the Bay had to keep their cool amidst considerable competition. The Adult and Children's Jumper divisions had a full schedule during both the morning and the afternoon, with the Low Adult and Children's Jumper Classics heating up Ring 4 at Flintfields Horse Park. Over in the Grand Prix ring, the Children's, Adult, and Modified Child/Adult Jumpers started the weekend in a winning fashion with great rounds galore. The top finishers of the day included Reiley Wilson and Stefanie Calderone in the classics, Kady Abrahamson in the Children's Jumpers, Lauren Keck and Madeline Cooley in the Adult Jumpers, and Erin Haas in the Modifield Child/Adult Jumpers. Horse Shows by the Bay Series IV will continue through Sunday, when the Grand Prix ring will host a Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix, a Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, a Modified Child/Adult Jumper Classic, and a Children's/Adult Jumper Prix. More info...

Jul 29, 2011
Courtney King Dye talks about riding helmets
USA
Former member of Olympic Dressage team talks about her severe injuries and wearing a helmet while riding. More info...

Jul 29, 2011
Junior Hunters End Spectacular Series with $2,000 Horse Shows by the Bay Junior Hunter Classic
Traverse City, MI
Temperatures remained reasonable while the humidity inched upward at Horse Shows by the Bay in scenic Traverse City, MI today. The professional hunter divisions and the Junior Hunters wrapped-up a beautiful two days of showing, presenting champion and grand champion titles this afternoon. Lacey Gilbertson dominated the Junior Hunters, taking home both the champion and grand champion titles. Kelley Farmer took center stage in the 3'3" Performance Hunter and the Conformation Hunter divisions. The $2,000 Horse Shows by the Bay Junior Hunter Classic was also held today, giving junior riders the chance to light up the main hunter ring with their over fences finesse. More info...

Jul 29, 2011
Brian Shook and Courage 68 Shake Up $10,000 Welcome Prix at Horse Shows by the Bay Series IV
Traverse City, MI
Bright and early were today's themes in the Grand Prix ring at Flintfields Horse Park, where the fourth and final $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome Prix was won by Brian Shook and Courage 68. The class kicked off at 8am in the main jumper ring and fielded a total of 26 horse and rider combinations vying for the top prize. On a colorful course designed by J.D. Godard of Aiken, SC, Shook and Courage 68, owned by Equestrian Endeavors, jumped past the talented competition to clinch the win. Close behind in second place was Charles Jacobs on Leap of Joy, owned by Deeridge Farms, and Denise Wilson on Delphine Van Het Orshof of Blue Gate Farm LLC. Completing the top four was David Jennings on Nandy Fontaine, owned by Emily Reiney. More info...

Jul 29, 2011
Ace’s Top Tip For Taking Dewormer Willingly
USA
’m sure you’ve been there before … it’s that time again. Your horse knows something is up as you enter his stall. He’s always paranoid that something or someone is trying to get him, and he can tell by the shifty look in your eyes (your attempt to look natural with a tube of wormer hidden behind your back) that today is the day you are the one trying to kill him More info...

Jul 29, 2011
This Cowgirl Knows the Barrel Horse World
USA
We are lucky to have a wealth of talented horsepeople in our offices who ride everything from dressage to rodeo. One of those folks, Chelsea Toy, is the Group Managing Editor for American Cowboy and Spin To Win Rodeo magazines.
In all her spare time (yeah, right!) Chelsea also runs a website called The Barrel Racing Blog (http://thebarrelracingblog.com/) that’s all about, you guessed it, barrel racing. More info...

Jul 28, 2011
Finding the lowest auto insurance cost
USA
When shopping for insurance be sure you seek out all of the discounts you are entitled to. And be sure to include your present company when comparing those rates after discounts.

More info...

Jul 28, 2011
Hoof care needs are different for every horse
USA
The purchase of a horse alone can be costly enough, but horses have certain requirements that need to be met that generally far outweigh the cost of the horse itself. One important facet of horse care, in addition to proper nutrition and regular veterinary care, is the maintenance of the hooves, a science that is usually performed by a specialist in farriery. More info...

Jul 27, 2011
Florida Colleges and Universities Love Horses
Florida
Florida is home to eight university equestrian teams. Not only do two football teams embrace horses as an integral part of their mascots for football games, eight others field impressive dressage, jumper and western teams. All of these teams compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association or Intercollegiate Dressage Association IDA. More info...

Jul 27, 2011
Chincoteague pony swim today
Chincoteague
The event in Accomack County has an 85-year history, and is a key part of the strategy to manage the wild horse population on Assateague Island.
The event, which takes place on the last Wednesday in July, will culminate in the auction of 70 to 80 of the young horses, the funds going toward the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. More info...

Jul 26, 2011
Equestrian Collection $5.00- $10.00 -$15.00 off Coupons
USA
Stock up and save money on your equestrian needs at the Equestrian Collection. Plan ahead and save big. More info...

Jul 26, 2011
Training Tip Tuesday - Practical Dressage
USA
Say the word ‘dressage’ and many riders think only of the specific requirements of the competitive sport of dressage. Others immediately protest that dressage is ‘difficult’, ‘boring’, or ‘irrelevant’ for what I do with my horse. From a practical standpoint, however, dressage is simply a training system that allows a rider to develop any horse for any possible use. And, perhaps more important, systematic training enables riders to identify and fix those inevitable problems that crop up as training progresses. The Old French word ‘dress’ meaning to prepare or drill is the root of the word ‘dressage. From that perspective, dressage IS relevant for any horse whose rider aspires to train and compete in a systematic way. While the Greeks get credit for penning the first works on classical horse training, the Renaissance French developed horse training as a high art practiced by nobility and royalty. In contemporary times, the Germans systematized dressage training principles which enabled the sport of competitive dressage that we know today. More info...

Jul 26, 2011
Are you ready for your horse to be as cool as a cucumber under pressure? Check out how the mounted patrol desensitize their horses
USA
Are you ready for your horse to be as cool as a cucumber under pressure? Check out how the mounted patrol desensitize their horses More info...

Jul 25, 2011
A Fence Can’t Contain Horse Love
USA
When it comes to a stallion’s fancy for a mare, the line from the song, “Aint’ no mountain high enough,” comes to mind.

In this case, it was, “Aint no horse fence high enough.” Or actually, low enough.

The stallion, who we shall call Romeo in order to protect the trainer who was boarding him, didn’t particularly act like a typical stud. He didn’t pace up and down the fencing, calling out to his lady love, Juliet, who belonged to the horse trainer and lived in a paddock on the other side of the facility.
And as far as fence designs go, this one was one of the more sturdy—steel pipe wrapped with rubber belting, and topped by a hot wire. All in all, the fence topped nearly six feet.
Romeo, a warmblood who stood at 16.3 hands and weighed at least 1,200 pounds, waited until dark to make his move. More info...

Jul 25, 2011
Tax Free Back to School Days Aug 12 - Aug 15
Florida
The state's 6% sales tax is lifted on clothing and footwear selling for $75 or less per item and school supplies selling for $15 or less per item. But no shopping at Disney World or Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter--the exemption does not apply to sales made within a theme park, entertainment complex or airport. For more details, More info...

Jul 23, 2011
Ponies Painted Through History: Appaloosa Horses
USA
Bred by the Nez Perce Indians in the present day region of Idaho, the Appaloosa has been a favorite among riders of all ages. Even Lewis and Clark wrote about these splendid horses in their journals. The name Appaloosa comes from the Palouse River where this horse breed was originally founded.

Despite the near extinction of the Appaloosa at the hand of the U.S. Cavalry, the Appaloosa now boasts one of the largest breed registries in the world. The Appaloosa Horse Club was founded in 1938, and is still going strong today. More info...

Jul 23, 2011
When was the last time you examined your saddle's fit for your horse?
USA
Check out our tips on how to make your horse's comfort under saddle here More info...

Jul 21, 2011
How Much for That Horse in the Window? A Comparison of Horse Breeds for Sale
USA
Are you looking to buy a horse or interested in how much different horse breeds are selling for? Different horse breeds cost different amounts, but does that change in price across the country?

Contributing writer Grace Eckert looked at the East Coast for different horse breeds for sale in New York and North Carolina and thought it would be a good resource for horse lovers to learn the different prices of horses being sold in the East. More info...

Jul 21, 2011
Is your horse spooky on the trail? Check out our expert's tips on how to calm your spooky horse for trail rides.
USA
Is your horse spooky on the trail? Check out our expert's tips on how to calm your spooky horse for trail rides. More info...

Jul 20, 2011
Training 2:We can Get the Canter, we just can't Hold the Canter
USA
By the time our second class rolled around, Riley was his usual self, and much more the "familiar ride" that I'd worked with previously. In many respects this test went a little better: More info...

Jul 20, 2011
Get It On-Your Horse Helmet, That Is
USA
The goal of the Riders4Helmets Campaign is to educate equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitted and secured, certified horse helmet. More info...

Jul 20, 2011
Feeding Tips for Horses with Laminitis
USA
Laminitis in short, is the inflammation of soft tissue in the hoof causing damage to or death of the laminar cells, resulting in the loss of the foot’s mechanical integrity. The severity of damage is unique to each case with the worst damage resulting in founder which is the sinking of the coffin bone. More info...

Jul 20, 2011
How do you keep your horse comfortable on long trailer rides?
USA
Check out our suggestions if your pony seems extra tired after a trailer ride More info...

Jul 20, 2011
Credit Card Recommender
USA
Looking for a credit card with maximum cash back or one with the lowest interest rate. Find what you want with the credit card recommender. More info...

Jul 20, 2011
Brevard County firefighters rescue former racehorse from swimming pool 4 hours ago
Melbourne, FL
Specially trained firefighters rescued a former racehorse that went for an inadvertent five-hour swim Tuesday afternoon near Melbourne. More info...

Jul 20, 2011
Hunter Under Saddle Strategy
Here are a few tips to help improve your hunter under saddle show-ring strategy
In hunter under saddle classes, judges find their favorite horses during the first direction around the ring. In the second direction, they place their horses. That’s why we call the second direction the “money direction” – that’s when it’s all said and done. Getting your horse shown well in both directions requires a little defensive driving on your part. Here’s what I tell my amateurs to do More info...

Jul 18, 2011
Daily horses checks can save lives
USA
Knowing your horses and making simple daily checks can save lives. More info...

Jul 16, 2011
Arthritis in Horse Legs? Put a Sock on It
USA
A gentleman named Raymond Patterson says he was trying to bring some warmth and comfort to his horse who suffered from arthritis, so he created some socks that he now calls Whinny Warmers®.

So it wasn’t a big step for Patterson to create Summer Whinnys® for his horse. In the summer, he realized that every time his horse stomped her hoof to the ground to shake off flies, the percussion of that stomp caused pain in her arthritic legs. Released only last summer, the new Summer Whinnys® not only protect the legs from flies but also have improved wicking and antimicrobial properties because of the unique yarn from which they are made. “I now have my yarns made specially for Summer Whinnys® by an American yarn spinning company that could take that yarn where I wanted to go,” he says. More info...

Jul 16, 2011
Gordon Resigns as Florida HBPA President
Florida
Sam Gordon resigned as president of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association July 14 citing “personal reasons” in a letter, organization officials said July 15.
Gordon was re-elected president this year and has served in that capacity for almost seven years. The resignation apparently caught the Florida HBPA board of directors by surprise, as a release said the board was “shocked and saddened.”



More info...

Jul 16, 2011
Ask the Vet LIVE Q&A: Healthy, Safe Trailering
USA
Generally, trailering or shipping your horse is a lot more risky than traveling with only humans. What can you do to make sure you and your horse arrive safely and legally at your destination, and how can you ensure your horse is healthy and ready to tackle the show, trail, or whatever awaits? Find out during our free Ask the Vet LIVE online Q&A chat about Healthy, Safe Trailering on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 8-9 p.m. Eastern U.S. time (5-6 p.m. Pacific)!

Read more: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18531#ixzz1SGs8vFLv More info...

Jul 15, 2011
Stacy Westfall’s Amazing Horse Reining RideReining trainers around the world sat up and paid attention when horse reining queen Stacy Westfall dazzled at the 2006 All American Quarter Horse Congress on Whizards Baby Doll (“Roxy”)—without a saddle or bridle. The announcer, like many in the crowd, became choked up when Stacy dedicated her bareback/bridleless freestyle performance to her father, who had died less than a month before. Her performance, to Tim McGraw’s song “Live Like You Were Dying,” garnered Stacy a score of 239, one of the highest for horse reining in NRHA history. More info...

Jul 15, 2011
How to Avoid Liability in a Heat Wave
USA
Nearly half of the United States is battling extreme temperatures. Surprisingly, the occurrence of a simple heat wave can expose boarding facilities and trainers to complaints and even lawsuits should a customer’s horse become ill due to extreme heat. More info...

Jul 15, 2011
Looking for Affordable Health Insurance
USA
Affordable health insurance from Aetna, Humana, United Health Care, Blue Cross More info...

Jul 14, 2011
Western Tack Store - Western Saddles
USA
Western tack, western hats, western boots, barn boots, western leathers, saddle pads, western saddles, reining saddles, cutting saddles, western pleasure saddles, western show saddles, western trail saddles girths, bits, stirrups, western apparel, women's and children's boots. More info...

Jul 14, 2011
It’s All French: Realistic Expectations and High Standards for Horses Behavior
USA
We were stuck in the middle of the arena. Again.

Ace had been mine for about a month. As an 8-year-old gelding who was out of practice but had obviously been handled well in his past and I knew had been ridden plenty in his early years, I expected that a simple walk under saddle should be easy. But once again we were planted in the center of the ring – unmoving. More info...

Jul 14, 2011
Should I Add Electricity To My Horse Fencing?
Florida
It’s time to fix up the fencing on our horse property. Our paddocks have always had smooth wire fences and it has worked really well for us. But without fail, every year when it is time for regular maintenance on our fences, my mom always considers adding electric fencing to our pastures. We’ve toyed with the idea of electric fencing before and tried to decide if electric fencing was going to work for our horse pastures. And as good an idea as that is, we never end up doing it. More info...

Jul 14, 2011
Working your horse in hot weather
USA
Exercising your horse in very hot weather can be a risky business due to the threat of heat stress and potentially heat stroke. Heat stroke is an extremely serious condition for horses which can cause them to collapse and may prove fatal if left untreated.

Any horse can suffer discomfort in hot weather and there are various factors to take into account. Horses, just like humans, are individuals and have individual needs. Breed, size, coat length, normal body temperature and overall fitness all play a big part in how much heat a horse can cope with before heat stress occurs. More info...

Jul 13, 2011
Would you like to improve your dressage test?
USA
To earn higher scores you need to understand how to ride your dressage test. With a clearly defined road map it’s easy to perform the movements required. More info...

Jul 12, 2011
Women's Western Boots - Over 30% off
Sierra Trading Post
Justin, Ariat, Double H, Dan Post, Nocona, Twisted X, Durango, Tony Lama, Rocky Ride More info...

Jul 11, 2011
Commentary: Disaster Preparedness: The Time is Now
USA
It is time for equine veterinarians, owners, and other stakeholders to become effectively engaged in preventing the catastrophic and heartbreaking losses of human and animal life associated with disasters. We can no longer continue to play the odds ... More info...

Jul 11, 2011
Air Quality in Barns Critical for Horse and Human Health
USA
Most equestrians know firsthand the dangers that accompany their passion for horses: bumps and bruises (and the occasional broken bone) are nothing out of the ordinary. But fewer owners are aware of the damage they can receive by simply spending... More info...

Jul 11, 2011
Vermont uses draft horse to lay cable for Internet access
Hardwick, VT
An aging Belgian draft horse named Fred is part of a team racing to bring broadband Internet access to all corners of Vermont by 2013. The horse, 14, and his owner, Claude Desmarais, 66, have been laboring up to seven days a week, over all four seasons, to haul miles of fiber-optic cable and rig it to telecommunications lines. More info...

Jul 11, 2011
Cool off with this terrific slide show of horses in the snow
Poland
More info...

Jul 10, 2011
How to Evaluate Horse Reining Potential
USA
When it comes to reining and Western riding, Al Dunning is one of today’s most famous horse trainers. In this article, Al shows us how he examines pedigree, conformation, ability and heart to determine a horse’s potential as a reining horse.
Al took contributing editor Juli S. Thorson from Horse&Rider through the paces of judging a horse reining candidate. More info...

Jul 10, 2011
Madison Myers named 4-H Florida's Horseman of the Year 2011
Tampa, Florida
Madison Myers of Brevard County, FL was named Florida's Horseman of the Year 2011 at the annual 4-H State Horse Show Banquet. The banquet rapped up the 2011 horse show season for Florida with 40 riders qualifying to go on to the Southern Regional 4-H Championships to be held in Tunica, Mississipi July 26-31.

Jul 9, 2011
Public-private deals mooted to keep US horse trails open
USA
US horse owners will have to explore public-private partnerships to keep trails open to riders, a senior American Horse Council figure says. More info...

Jul 9, 2011
Updated: Sheryl Crow's rodeo appearance criticised
USA
Singer and wild horse supporter Sheryl Crow has come under fire for her decision to perform at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. More info...

Jul 9, 2011
A Tiny Spider Can Cause Your 1,000-Pound Horse a Lot of Pain
Florida
Is the troublesome spot on your horse a spider bite? If so, ointment won't help, and you should call the vet. Your horse has a small lump that keeps getting bigger. It’s apparently itchy, because he scratches it all day, the hair covering it has fallen out, and it oozes some kind of gross yellow/green liquid. Chances are, your horse has been bitten by a toxic spider, and you should call the vet, immediately. Until then, try to keep your horse from scratching himself raw, and don’t feed him in case the vet wants to give him an anesthetic. DO give him plenty of water to keep him hydrated. More info...

Jul 9, 2011
The Real Cost of Towing a Horse Trailer
USA
Do you know what it actually costs to own and maintain a trailer and towing vehicle? More important, perhaps, do you even want to know? That’s sort of like saying that we understand that it’s expensive to own a horse, but if we sit down to really figure out the cost then the fun is gone. We’d either sell the horse or fret every time we wrote a check. There are some things on which you just can’t put a price. More info...

Jul 8, 2011
Todd Minikus Wins $30,000 Intercat Inc. Open Jumper Classic at 34th Annual Intercat Inc. I Love New York Horse Show
USA
Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL won the $30,000 Intercat, Inc. Open Jumper Classic, Thursday’s highlight at the 34th annual Intercat, Inc. I Love New York Horse Show. Minikus was one of 11 entries from the starting field of 40 to reach the tiebreaking jump-off with a fault-free ride over the 16-jump, first-round course at the North Elba Showgrounds More info...

Jul 8, 2011
Cheap shots: Get vaccinated for free
USA
Adults tend to miss vaccines that can help keep them healthy. More info...

Jul 8, 2011
How Your Horse Business Can Survive an IRS Audit
USA
There is a sense among equine tax professionals and tax lawyers that as of recently, IRS has begun to audit more horse businesses than ever before, and that the IRS is allowing fewer deductions and losses for taxpayers who run horse businesses. More info...

Jul 8, 2011
Curb Bit, Snaffle Bit, Eggbutt Bit—Do You Know A Little Bit About Horse Bits?
USA
Because it’s one of the most important pieces of tack you’ll ever own, I’m going to tell you today what I’ve learned regarding what to look for in a good quality horse bit.
I picked up this knowledge recently from reading Emily Esterson’s terrific book, The Ultimate Book of Horse Bits: What They Are, What They Do, and How They Work. More info...

Jul 8, 2011
Summer Fly Control - You are in charge
USA
Fly masks, fly sheets, fly sprays, fly wipes, fly traps. More info...

Jul 8, 2011
How much does your horse drink? The average horse should go through two buckets but our horses definitely drink more in the summer! Be sure and fill up those buckets!
USA
How much does your horse drink? The average horse should go through two buckets but our horses definitely drink more in the summer! Be sure and fill up those buckets! More info...

Jul 8, 2011
Florida Trail Rides
Florida
Complete information about Florida's best horse trails. More info...

Jul 7, 2011
State 4-H Horse Show
Florida State Fair Grounds, Tampa, FL
Each year 4-H clubs across the state hold countless local and county horse shows. In the spring, each of the six Areas has a qualification show to determine who will be able to participate at the State show. Only the top 55% from each Area qualify to go to State. Moving up through the levels of 4-H Horse Shows is a very competitive process and requires good sportsmanship and a thorough knowledge of all the rules by everyone involved. More info...

Jul 7, 2011
20% off at Wyoming Trading Post in July
USA
Just enter coupon code summertime when you check out. More info...

Jul 7, 2011
Help horse keep their cool
USA
Under normal conditions, horses can cool themselves by sweating. They are the only mammals other than humans who sweat. Once the temperature reaches 105 degrees F., or the sum of the air temperature and the humidity reaches or goes beyond 150, however, they need help cooling off. More info...

Jul 6, 2011
Wellness Wednesday - Answers for Equine Allergies
USA
Immune system imbalances can generate excessive inflammation. This excessive inflammation has been linked to a number of health issues and has a clearly defined role in allergies, sinusitis, hay fever, hives, sensitivity to bug bites, some intestinal problems, a variety of skin inflammations and an increasing number of auto-immune health challenges. Some of these responses can also be caused by excessive histamine release. Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system when the body overreacts to a normally harmless substance in the environment, such as pollen, animal dander or food. Almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction, which can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening. More info...

Jul 6, 2011
40 Tips for the Trail Rider
Florida
Trail riding is an excellent way for riders and horses to bond and work on communication aids in a new environment. Training outside the box is something that AQHA Professional Horsewoman Lynn Palm does with all her horses in training, especially the competition horses. It is an opportunity to strengthen the bond by overcoming new obstacles together and encountering situations not found in an arena setting. However, riders must always be prepared to confront the unexpected when out on the trail. More info...

Jul 6, 2011
Horse Training Secrets of Olympic Dressage Coach, Jane Savoie
USA
Have you ever wished you could have a 1-on-1 coaching session with an international Olympic dressage coach like Jane Savoie? Well, you can! It's all here in this interview. We've got some incredible stuff in store for you here.
More info...

Jul 6, 2011
Top Ten Horse Riding Helmet Facts and Myths
USA
Horseback riders have the same number of injury accidents* as motorcycle riders
Because the hospital admission rate for injured riders (0.49/1000 hours) is greater than motorcycle riding (0.14/1000 hours), football and skiing, it is definitely considered a high-risk activity. Read more about this study in the The Equestrian Medical Safety Association (EMSA) Spring, 2010 Newsletter. More info...

Jul 6, 2011
Learn how to avoid seven problematic situations on trail rides--and how to get out of them as safely as possible if they do catch you by surprise.
Florida
Learn how to avoid seven problematic situations on trail rides--and how to get out of them as safely as possible if they do catch you by surprise.
Proper planning can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying a trail ride. Without it, you can wind up in predicaments ranging from inconveniences to serious threats to your safety, as well as that of your horse and your trail-riding pals. More info...

Jul 5, 2011
Trailer Smart for Safer Hauling
USA
We've all been there. A truck that isn't quite large enough to haul that heavily loaded bumper pull gets pushed around when the horses bicker over the hay bag. The old trailer doesn't have any brakes or tail lights, but it's only a few miles down the road. Your brakes lock, but it's only on one wheel and you're a good driver, so wh... More info...

Jul 4, 2011
Getting Rid of Poison Ivy
USA
Try these natural solutions to send poison ivy packing. More info...

Jul 4, 2011
70% Off at Photobook America
Florida
Photo books make for handy spots to place noteworthy photos while ensuring minimal mold growth. Preserve images in a portable and rodent-repelling format with today’s Groupon: for $35, you get $115 worth of custom-designed photo books from Photobook America. There is a limit of two Groupon purchases, but only one book and any additional copies of that book may be ordered per transaction. More info...

Jul 2, 2011
Get 30% Off Select Mens & Womens Flip-Flops & Sandals at EMS.com. Shop More info...

Jul 1, 2011
Dressage Foundation Scholarships
USA
The Dressage Foundation announced the deadlines of their several Grants/Scholarships. These scholarships include Adult Amateurs, U.S.bred horses, Dressage instructors and riders trying to reach an elite/International level. Check out if you may qualify to recieve financial assistance from the Foundation. More info...

Jul 1, 2011
War Horse - The Movie
USA
The trailer for Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse is out and EW.com (Entertainment Weekly) says it beautifully with "The first impression of Spielberg’s teaser trailer for the movie (out Dec. 28) is simply: God, that’s gorgeous — which is jarring since the opening shot is of a vast landscape reduced to a cinder as the title character, a farm horse named Joey, frantically gallops for its life, just inches ahead of the mortars." Watch the trailer and see for yourself... More info...

Jul 1, 2011
Dressage Horses as an Investment
USA
CNNMoney has a report this week about "11 crazy alternative investments" of people who were fed up with their single digit returns on their investment. One of these "crazy" alternative investments is.....dressage horses! Read about one man's investment that paid off and see the other 10, and yes, some are a little crazy! Read about it here! More info...

Jun 30, 2011
One Really Good Reason To Have a Mare
USA
Sheath Cleaning. That about sums it up.
I feel like I’m about to introduce myself at an AA meeting: Hello, my name is Jackie. And until yesterday, I had never cleaned my gelding’s sheath.
I know, I know. It’s an important part of every male horse’s regular care. But because I had never done it (we had a mare growing up), and I had no idea what I was doing – and it’s sheath cleaning – I’ve been avoiding it. But it was cleaning day at the barn yesterday, so I finally got an experienced barn worker to show me the ropes. More info...

Jun 30, 2011
Animal Magnetism
USA
Summer is my favorite season of the year for more reasons than I could list. Living Maine, the winters are so long and brutal, you have to really seize sunny days when you have them. One of my favorite things to do during the summertime is to spend time in the woods with my two. More info...

Jun 29, 2011
Preparing for Vacation and Leaving Your Horse At Home
USA
Make sure he’s up-to-date on regular care. Is your horse about due to have his feet trimmed? Ace was due the week I was gone, so I got it done a little early this time around. I know that for Ace it’s been not to let his feet go too long between trims or he starts to have problems. Also check to see if it’s time for de-worming and make sure you’ve got that handled. More info...

Jun 29, 2011
5000 pairs of sunglasses
USA
Protect your eyes and make a statement. Take a look at this exciting collection of sunglasses from Oakley, Versace, Guess, Polo, Juicy Couture, Calvin Klein, Ray-Ban and more. More info...

Jun 28, 2011
Beach Riding in Florida
Florida
Beach horseback riding is only offered at select locations in Florida which are listed below. Ride the Atlantic Ocean beaches or the Gulf of Mexico Beaches. Plan your horseback riding on the beach adventure well in advance since reservations are required. More info...

Jun 28, 2011
Barn fires
USA
If barn fires upset you, or you lost a horse in a fire, or you don't like to contemplate scary situations, don't read this. I'll admit this post is a total downer.
Harv is your typical anxious thoroughbred, and he's known me for fourteen years. When we were going to horse shows years ago, Harv stayed on the trailer while I got ready. When he couldn't see me he would call and stomp. Our horse hauler told me he was restless and anxious when I wasn't around. As I walked around the trailer, he followed me with his eyes. More info...

Jun 27, 2011
30 Trailering Tips
USA
1. Even if you don’t own a horse trailer, your horse needs to know how to load easily in case of an emergency.
2. If possible, carry two spare tires for your horse trailer.
3. ST (special trailer) tires, not passenger car or light truck tires, should be used. An ST tire has about 10 percent more load capacity than an equivalent LT tire and nearly 40 percent more than a P tire when each is filled to its maximum PSI rating.
4. Check to ensure that your ball hitch is the right size for your trailer.
5. If you feed hay in transit, make sure it’s not dusty. More info...

Jun 27, 2011
Feeding the Horse in Hot Weather
Florida
Most show and racing seasons occur during the summer season when we experience the hottest weather of the year. The horse has a thermal neutral zone of 68° F, which means that above or below this temperature he has to expend additional energy to warm or cool his body. The major means that the horse uses to cool his body is accomplished by sweating. During hot weather and muscular activity, the horse’s body temperature increases and he must increase his sweating rate and respiratory rate to decrease the heat load. More info...

Jun 27, 2011
Fly Control for your horse and barn
Florida
It is the flying insect season in Florida and it is time to protect your horse from biting horse flies and decease bearing mosquitoes. Fly sprays, fly masks, fly sheets, fly traps. More info...

Jun 26, 2011
Best Auto Loans
USA
Auto loans come in all sizes and terms. You can get an auto loan in terms up to 72 months (6 years). Expect to pay a higher interest rate for longer term loans. Auto loans are available for all types of credit. Expect to pay more if your credit is dinged. Auto loans may require anywhere from zero percent down payment up to 20% percent down payment. Expect to have to put more down if your credit is poor. More info...

Jun 25, 2011
Take 20% off your order at Sierra Trading Post,
USA
use code: AVPJUNE1. Expires July 6, 2011. More info...

Jun 25, 2011
New test for Lyme disease in horses and dogs
USA
Cornell University is now offering a new test for Lyme disease in horses and dogs. More info...

Jun 25, 2011
Dressage blood rule firmed up by FEI
USA
The FEI Dressage Committee has proposed a new rule whereby a test will be stopped if blood appears anywhere on the horse. More info...

Jun 25, 2011
When Thunder Roars, Stay Indoors
USA
Lightning kills. Be sure to follow these safety guidelines. More info...

Jun 25, 2011
Horse Trailer Selection and Buying Considerations
USA
You've made the decision to buy a trailer, but the option and features are a little overwhelming. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help make your decision a happy one. More info...

Jun 25, 2011
Infectious Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in Horses - Free Seminar
USA
Flu, equine herpesvirus, strangles: All can cause upper respiratory disease that you’d rather not see in your barn, and all can cause coughing, runny nose, and fever in horses. How can you tell which one your horse has, and what can you do to prevent these diseases? If your horse does get sick, what treatment does he need and how can you help him get well faster? More info...

Jun 24, 2011
HORSE FLIES AND DEER FLIES
Florida
Horse flies and deer flies are bloodsucking insects that can be serious pests of cattle, horses, and humans. Horse flies range in size from 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches long and usually have clear or solidly colored wings and brightly colored eyes. Deer flies, which commonly bite humans, are smaller with dark bands across the wings and colored eyes similar to those of horse flies. Attack by a few of these persistent flies can make outdoor work and recreation miserable. The numbers of flies and the intensity of their attack vary from year to year. More info...

Jun 24, 2011
Be Good To Your Horse--Know The Dangers Of The Summer Months
USA
Just as the bodies of people do, the bodies of horses may react in a negative way to excessively hot or humid weather. Heat stroke and exhaustion may occur in very hot months, as well as sunburn, which can be a very painful ordeal for a horse.
When going through a great deal of physical exertion, the body of a horse may be unable to properly regulate the temperature of the body. More info...

Jun 23, 2011
Severe Weather Travel Tips for Horse Owners
USA
The severe weather season is upon us, and as horse owners, we need to be prepared for any meteorological situation when hauling horses. USRider, the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians, spoke with large-animal rescue authority Rebecca Gimenez, PhD, about what to do when traveling in bad weather situations.
Gimenez, who is the president and a primary instructor for Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, said, "Bad weather should not be a surprise."

She added, "With cell phones, GPS [units], and other conveniences of the modern world, you should ensure that you have access to a reliable weather app. Pick one that works for you - make sure it has moving radar and prediction capabilities. Have your navigator/alternate driver check it regularly on your route. And purchase a weather radio or a CB with a weather channel you can monitor."


Read more: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18400#ixzz1Q5ob8u7q More info...

Jun 23, 2011
Review: Buck, a small film that takes on biggest of issues
USA
People interested in learning a trick or two about working with horses will find plenty of information readily provided in Buck, a new documentary by Cindy Meehl that focuses on the life of horseman Buck Brannaman.
Then again, people interested in a trick or two about some of life’s biggest mysteries also will be rewarded.
Yes the film is filled with nuggets of useful information on working with horses from a man who travels 40 weeks a year to conduct clinics on natural horsemanship, but the Big Sky country that serves as the breath-taking setting for much of the movie hints at a bigger picture. More info...

Jun 23, 2011
Prepaid Credit Card - Perfect for College Students
USA
Safer than cash, no check cashing issues, keeps record of expenses, More info...

Jun 22, 2011
Administering Horse Medication
USA
You’re watching your vet head down your driveway. He’s examined and diagnosed your horse—now it’s up to you. You’re clutching a large plastic bottle filled with pills that need to be administered twice a day. Unscrewing the cap, you shake some pills into your hand—they’re enormous! How will you get them into your horse? More info...

Jun 22, 2011
Tailor your worming programme - expert
USA
A veterinary adviser is reminding horse owners that a "one size fits all" approach is not the best strategy for treating horses for worms. More info...

Jun 22, 2011
Keep Your Focus
USA
Everyone makes mistakes in the show ring. Many times, people let those mistakes affect the rest of their show experience. But there are ways to overcome adversity and stay mentally tough in the show ring.
Michigan State University Equine Extension Specialist Karen Waite of East Lansing, Michigan, and trainer Brynne Bassler of Tomball, Texas, offer these tips for exhibitors: More info...

Jun 21, 2011
Shop PetPerks Power Sale, the biggest sale of the year! Shop now at PetSmart.com
USA
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Jun 21, 2011
Extending Your Hay Supply During Drought and Emergencies
USA
Horses need 1.5 to 2.0 % of their body weight in high quality roughage per day. Ideally, good quality hay or pasture is the best source of this roughage. But drought, storms or other emergencies may make hay scarce. Here are a few ideas to preserve and extend your hay supply. More info...

Jun 21, 2011
Equine Coat Colors A great link to a full color horse color chart. More info...

Jun 20, 2011
Battling the Bloodsuckers
USA
The mosquitoes are out in full force this year thanks to a wet winter and spring. Try these helpful tips for getting rid of them. More info...

Jun 20, 2011
Summer Reading
Thousands of Horse Fiction Books
Enjoy the best of horse oriented fiction from Black Beauty to the Horse Mad series to the Horse Whisperer. More info...

Jun 15, 2011
Dublin Reserve Zip Up Paddock Boot now $34.90 down from $44.90Rich durable full grain leather with a Thermo Plastic Resign sole that provides maximum durability and high impact absorption. This gorgeous boot has a wickable lining that is moisture absorbing and comfortable. More info...

Jun 10, 2011
Sports Fan Shop 20% off coupon until Fathers Day
USA
Use coupon code 2011FATHER2 More info...

Jun 9, 2011
How Do Horses Define Your Style?
USA
Whether it’s the hay that’s decorating your hair when you rush into the office in the morning, or your favorite accessory with an equine twist, we know that somehow, horses define your style. So we partnered with SmartPak to ask you to show off your equestrian style! Read on: More info...

Jun 9, 2011
Get a Personal Loan 6.98%
USA
Fast, easy online application. More info...

Jun 9, 2011
30 Tips for Better Trail Riding
USA
Improve your trail rides with our best collection of tips. More info...

Jun 8, 2011
Infectious Upper Respiratory Tract Disease: Free Webinar
USA
Flu, equine herpesvirus, strangles: All can cause upper respiratory disease that you'd rather not see in your barn, and all can cause coughing, runny nose, and fever in horses. Learn about these diseases in a free webinar at TheHorse.com/webinars!.. More info...

Jun 8, 2011
How Do Horses Define Your Style?
USA
In anticipation of our upcoming summer fashion issue, Sidelines wants to know how horses shape your look. And no, we’re not talking about the hay stuck to your boots, or the bit slobber your horse left on your shirt this morning! Show us your most stylish equine-themed fashion item, whether it be your risky bedazzled helmet, your special horse charm, or that hunt coat that you always seem to win the hack in. The top entries will be voted on by our readers and the #1 entry will receive a very stylish Plymouth Padded Fancy Stitch bridle from SmartPak! More info...

Jun 8, 2011
Avoid 7 Types of Trail Riding Problems
USA
Learn how to avoid seven problematic situations on trail rides--and how to get out of them as safely as possible if they do catch you by surprise. By Jennifer Paulson for Horse & Rider magazine. More info...

Jun 7, 2011
10% off all orders from Jeffers Pet - Today Only! More info...

Jun 6, 2011
A Thoroughbred called 'Jinx' wins at Devon
USA
Meghan Orr’s confidence had been badly shaken in an ego-bruising ride the day before.
Three rails came down in the Devon Horse Show’s adult amateur jumper competition, and as she and Thoroughbred Four’s a Charm re-entered the show ring for their final try, Orr’s frustration was building. But in a good way.
“I think I channeled that frustration into riding well,” she says in a Q&A interview with Off-TrackThoroughbreds.com. “I concentrated on what I needed to do instead of getting down on myself and forgetting how to ride!”
So focused was Orr, that didn’t know how well she was doing until they galloped toward the last jump. This is when she started praying to herself.
“The whole way down to the last jump I kept thinking, “Oh my God, I’m clear! Please don’t let this (rail) fall!” More info...

Jun 6, 2011
Devon, PA – June 6, 2011 – For the second year in a row, SBS Farms’ leading duo of Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy proved unstoppable by scoring the winning title during the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of Devon. Alfano and Jersey Boy led the c
Devon, PA
For the second year in a row, SBS Farms’ leading duo of Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy proved unstoppable by scoring the winning title during the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of Devon. Alfano and Jersey Boy led the competition from start to finish by scoring a 184 during the first round and a 200 during the handy round for a total of 384. Their incredible success at the 2011 Devon Horse Show also included the High Performance Working Hunter Championship, and Alfano was presented with the Leading Lady Hunter Rider award for excellent effort during the professional hunter divisions. More info...

Jun 6, 2011
Free Report Riding Dressage
USA
In AQHA’s FREE Riding Dressage report, the industry’s best horse trainers show you how to get started in the exciting sport of dressage. Plus, they explain how the fundamentals of dressage can help you in other horse disciplines.
In the Riding Dressage report, you can prepare to show dressage with these nine lessons from AQHA Professional Horsewoman Carla Wennberg, with The American Quarter Horse Journal’s Andrea Caudill: More info...

Jun 1, 2011
NASCAR $29 for one ticket and Sprint Fanzone Access to Subway Jalapeno 250 Race
Daytona Beach, FL
NASCAR, like setting apple pies on fire and taking a day off from school to celebrate Michael Douglas's birthday, is considered one of the finest American pastimes. Attend a decisively American race with today's Groupon: for $29, you get one general-admission ticket and Sprint Fanzone access to the Subway Jalapeno 250 race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach (a $67 value). More info...

Jun 1, 2011
Judging Guidelines for the Evaluation of Piaffe, Transitions and the Walk
USA
On 6 April 2011 FEI Dressage Judge General Ghislain Fouarge issued the following judging guidelines for the evaluation of piaffe, transitions and the walk. In his memo he requests to be more strict when mistakes to the correct execution of a movement are made, but also to be more generous when certain movements are executed with clarity and effortlessness. More info...

Jun 1, 2011
EHV-1 Outbreak: Weekend Cases Boost Total Numbers
USA
Several new cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) were diagnosed over the long holiday weekend. Confirmed cases are currently confined to nine states in the Western U.S. and two Canadian provinces. The outbreak is believed to have stemmed from a... More info...

May 31, 2011
Trailer-Loading Made Easy
USA
Learn how to easily load your horse in the trailer with top clinician/trainer Julie Goodnight. With five simple steps and encouragement, your horse will gain the confidence to load up so you can be on your way. More info...

May 30, 2011
Highlights from 2011 National Conference on Equine Law
USA
This year's National Conference on Equine Law, held May 4-5, 2011 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky, hosted 158 lawyers and other horse-industry participants from 25 different states and two continents.
Hosted by the University of Kentucky Continuing Legal Education, the National Conference on Equine Law has been held in Lexington, Kentucky during Kentucky Derby week for the past 26 years. More info...

May 28, 2011
A View of Reining at the Rolex – “Can Competition Be More Than Just Scores?”
USA
By John Strassburger, Horse Journal Performance Editor Excerpts from Strassburger’s blog at www.horse-journal.com I spent last week at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, working in the Media Center, as I’ve done for the last five years, and I’ve come home with two observations after watching the reining competition, a new and very popular addition to the event. More [...] More info...

May 27, 2011
Advantage Flea Treatment for Dogs - Save $4 for 4 month supply
GregRobert Pet Supply
Advantage® stops fleas from biting in three to five minutes, and starts killing fleas withing an hour. Within 12 hours of initial application, 98-100 percent of all existing fleas on pets are dead. More info...

May 26, 2011
Warm Temps & Water Consumption
USA
he transition in temperature and humidity from cool season to warm season may require an adjustment in watering horses. Reduced water consumption may impair performance and may increase the risk of impaction colic. Also, horses that are not conditioned properly may sweat more profusely than a well-conditioned horse, and thus dehydrate faster. This is particularly important early in the season when temperatures may change suddenly and horses may not yet be in peak condition. More info...

May 25, 2011
Ms Axeu leaves her mark on young rider
USA
Across her left shoulder, often hidden from sight, a tattoo reflects the love Emily Diggins has worn on her sleeve since she was a little girl.
Inked in black, the number V11290 is offset by a red ribbon encircling a horseshoe. It’s a bold graphic that honors an even bolder racehorse who wears the same number on her lip; and small tribute to a horse who left the track underweight and green, to befriend a young girl, insecure and in need of a companion. More info...

May 25, 2011
Quiz Tests Equestrians' Rider Safety
USA
Are you aware of the potential accidents that could happen if you're not well-versed in the safety rules of... More info...

May 25, 2011
Strap One On: International Helmet Awareness Day June 11
USA
Building on the success of National Helmet Awareness Day 2010, the popular helmet awareness campaign Riders4Helmets.com has announced plans to host International Helmet Awareness Day 2011 on Saturday June 11th.

Riders4Helmets has teamed up with leading helmet manufacturers to offer discounts on helmets to equestrians via participating retailers globally on this day. Over three hundred retailers in the USA and 8 retailers Internationally offered discounts on helmets from eight different manufacturers during last years’ event. It is anticipated that the 2011 event will attract participation from over 500 equestrian retailers globally. Helmet brands that have committed involvement in the promotion to date include: Samshield, Troxel, Charles Owen, GPA, Aegis (Devon-Aire), Pegasus, Tipperary, Ovation, IRH and KEP Italia. More info...

May 25, 2011
Mattes Half Pad, Dressage - Now $129.95, down from $141.95
USA
Mattes Half Pads World Equestrian Brands
These pads fit neatly under the saddle and can be used directly on the horse's back or on top of a quilted pad that has a similar shaped top line.
Color: White
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large
Styles: Dressage, All Purpose, or Jump More info...

May 24, 2011
Win a Chance to Ride at the O'Connor Equestrian Camp
USA
Want to ride with Olympic three-day eventers David and Karen O'Connor? Kentucky Equine Research (KER) is proud to offer one grand prize winner a rider's slot at the 2011 O'Connor Equestrian Camp, to be held at the Virginia Horse Center June 26-July 1. Enter the contest. More info...

May 24, 2011
Video: Linda Parelli Talks to Her Veterinarian about Equine Herpes Virus; Dr. Dwight Hooten Chats About Prevention, Tips for Farriers and Barn Security, Background of Disease
USA
Just a horse owner chatting with her veterinarian? Sure, except she is Linda Parelli of Parelli Natural Horse Training (Natural Horsemanship) and her vet is Dwight Hooten, DVM, a well-known endurance veterinarian who is now consulting with Natural Horsemanship in Colorado. I’m sure that as you listen in, many of your questions about the Equine Herpes Virus outbreak in the western states will be answered, and you’ll learn plenty of additional information, besides.
I think it is terrific that the Parelli organization has made this video, and I’d like to thank them and Dr. Hooten for doing it. They didn’t have to, but they did. I hope that you will forward the link to this post to your horse owner friends if you find it valuable.
So get comfortable for the next 14 minutes, and get ready to listen in! More info...

May 24, 2011
Pocket Knives with built in tools
Carry these handy tools for emergencies or to save steps
Made of high-quality stainless steel Designed to fit conveniently in your pocket Available in set of 3 Main blade 2 inches long Knife measures 3.5 inches closed Tools include: Knife, bottle opener, slot screwdriver, scissors, saw, Phillips screwdriver, toothpick, tweezers, corkscrew, can opener, file, punch, and more More info...

May 23, 2011
EHV-1: Florida Update
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture,
No horses in the state are confirmed or suspected of havinging EHV-1 from the Ogden outbreak. However, in what state animal health authorites are describing as a separate incident, one farm in Alachua County is under state quarantine and two horses have been euthanized due to complications of EHV-1 infection. One case is confirmed, the other suspected. Authorities believe the index case occurred on the quarantined farm due to re-emergence of a latent infection and that no exposure has occurred off the affected premises. More info...

May 23, 2011
Shop at StateLineTack.com for Supplements plus get $5.99 Flat Shipping!
USA
Browse our extensive selection of supplements to find the right one for your horse health needs. We carry digestive, hoof care, joint support, & much more. More info...

May 22, 2011
Unbelievable Uceko! Kent Farrington Takes $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix Win at Kentucky Spring Classic
Lexington, KY
As the Kentucky Spring Classic hosted another night of show jumping, the incredible duo of Kent Farrington and Uceko continued their complete domination of the last two weeks by securing the $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix victory. Tonight's event was sponsored by Audi of Lexington and honored Mary Rena Murphy, a horsewoman whose dedication to equestrian sport was unmatched. Once again, speed proved to be the determining factor during the thirteen horse jump-off, and that is something Farrington and Uceko are proving to master. The duo was a full two seconds ahead of second place finishers Ali Wolff and Lanoo, while Christian Heineking and River of Dreams took home third for the second time this week. More info...

May 21, 2011
EHV-1 Outbreak and Potential Liability for Equine Event Hosts
USA
At Equine Legal Solutions, we have received a number of questions from our clients about the EHV-1 outbreak. Many of our clients wanted to know whether they should cancel or postpone events scheduled for this weekend or the following week. Here's our advice: More info...

May 21, 2011
EHV-1 Outbreak and Potential Liability for Boarding Barns
USA
We were surprised at the questions that poured in following yesterday's article about potential liability for horse show managers and other equine event hosts associated with the EHV-1 outbreak. Lots of folks weren't even aware of the EHV-1 outbreak, or they weren't aware that it was serious, or that it was in their state. While being the bearer of bad news is never pleasant, we're glad we More info...

May 21, 2011
Youth Reiner, Cody McMillion, featured in Sports Illustrated
USA
More than 500 of the nation’s leading middle school and high school equestrians competed at The Show Place Arena/Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland April 28-May 1, 2011 at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) National Finals. Finalists represented over 200 teams from seven zones throughout the United States. Individuals and teams participated in [...] More info...

May 20, 2011
Shop online for your new car - dealers compete for your business More info...

May 20, 2011
Understanding & Practicing Biosecurity on Horse Farms
USA
Biosecurity is a big word that many livestock owners don’t fully understand. Let’s break it down: Bio means life; biology is the study of life; and biosecurity is a term that literally means securing life. In the agricultural context we often hear government officials talk about biosecurity with the U.S. food supply (i.e., protecting U.S. citizens by inspecting food production facilities and imported food products). As horse owners, we also need to be aware of disease threats and do our part to not only prevent disease from infecting our horse herds but also to prevent it from spreading to others. More info...

May 20, 2011
Smoke the donkey goes live on Facebook, Twitter
USA
Smoke the donkey is settling into his new home in eastern Nebraska after a 6000-mile journey from Iraq, and has already done what any red-blooded American donkey would do - set up on Facebook and Twitter. More info...

May 20, 2011
12 Florida horses quarantined after two are euthanized
Jonesville, FL Alachua County near Gainesville
Two horses have been euthanized and a Jonesville area farm is under state quarantine as a result of an equine neurologic disease called EHV-1 that was confirmed last week.
State Department of Agriculture veterinarians are keeping an eye on the remaining 12 horses on the farm, identified only as a private pasture. The 12 horses have shown no symptoms, according to veterinarian Susan Tanhauser of the North Florida Equine Veterinary Service, which treated the horses. More info...

May 20, 2011
EHV-1 – What Do I Need To Know RIGHT NOW?
USA
For the purposes of this post right this moment, I am not going to get into a lot of scientific details about Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) – you can find the science with a Google search. What I am going to give you the down-and-dirty version of how it works and what you need to know RIGHT NOW to prevent this in your barn. More info...

May 19, 2011
Construction for the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida is Underway
Wellington, FL
It was an historic day for the Wellington equestrian community as bulldozers began construction on the grounds of the new Global Dressage Festival (GDF) at the old polo stadium located on the corner of Southshore Boulevard and Pierson Road following the groundbreking ceremonies. The construction on the dressage arenas and surrounding facilities will continue to be very active throughout the summer, and the team at ESP is certain that the dressage element of the multi-phase project will be completed before the year’s end. More info...

May 18, 2011
Compounded Horse Medications: Legal/Ethical Issues Webinar
USA
Learn about legal and ethical issues with compounded medications for horses in a free TheHorse.com webinar!... More info...

May 18, 2011
Love My Horse" License Plate Frame - Now $7.95
USA
More info...

May 18, 2011
Fit for English
USA
English apparel is not as flashy as the rhinestones you might see in western pleasure or showmanship classes. The look is elegant and refined, but it doesn’t have to be boring. While AQHA rules aren’t too strict, Cheryllee Sargent, owner of Cheryllee’s English Tack & Apparel, pointed out some helpful tips to make your English dress a success. More info...

May 18, 2011
Coping with Summer’s Stingers and Biters
USA
Stay safe on the trail this season. Get tips on avoiding unpleasant encounters with bees, wasps, snakes, and other potentially hazardous creatures. Find out how to treat stings and bites and how to keep these pests from taking up residence in and around your barn. More info...

May 17, 2011
The Dressage Foundation Chooses Four Young Riders for Olympic Dream European Tour
USA
Four advanced young riders have been selected for the 2011 Olympic Dream Program that annually sends young riders to Europe for an intensive 10-day dressage experience. The program is administered and funded annually by The Dressage Foundation (TDF). On May 2, an independent Selection Committee, after reviewing dozens of applications, chose Mary Bahniuk Lauritsen (MA), Jhesika Wells (WA), Kathryn Butt (SC) and Laura DeCesari (AZ) to make the 10th annual TDF trip to Europe. The committee chose Melissa Reese (NJ) and Ari Lopez (CA) as the first and second alternates, respectively; however, the original winners have all committed to go. The Selection Committee based their decision on candidates’ essays, competition scores, recommendations, DVDs of their riding and signs of commitment to the sport of dressage More info...

May 17, 2011
Boot Store
USA
Cowboy boots, women's cowboy boots, dressage boots, field boots, Jodphur boots, paddock boots, barn boot, rain boots, work boots and work shoes. Boots from Ariat, Justin, Tony Lama, Laredo, Dorango, Old Gringo, Dan Post, Lane Boots, Ovation, Der Dau, Mountain Horse, Hispar, Sergio, Dublin, Tuffrider, Saxon, Equi Star, Devon Aire, Double H, Lucchese, Justin, Twisted X, Tony Lama, Laredo, Georgia Boots, Timberland, Stetson, Nocona, John Deere, Funtasma, Corral, Carhart, Converse, Work One, RedHead, Rocky and Smokey Mountain. More info...

May 16, 2011
Iraqi donkey Smoke touches down in US
USA
Mission accomplished. Smoke the Donkey has completed his journey from Iraq to the United States, landing at JFK International Airport in New York. More info...

May 16, 2011
$10 Off Any Jeffers Equine Order of $100 Or More! More info...

May 15, 2011
Equestrian Collection $5.00-$10.00 off Coupons
USA
Save money at Equestrian Collection. Use coupon code YES5 More info...

May 15, 2011
FEI to produce educational cross-country DVD
USA
An FEI-backed project to produce a DVD to share the organisation's vision for the future of eventing's cross-country phase is to go ahead. The FEI said the DVD, which would specifically focus on cross-country training and riding, was intended for education and discussion purposes by officials, riders, trainers, and National Federations. More info...

May 15, 2011
Jodphurs
Florida
First class selection of Jodphurs and Jodphur boots More info...

May 14, 2011
FEI Announces Detection Times for the Drug Meloxicam
USA
The FEI has announced detection times for Meloxicam (veterinary formulation known as Metacam®), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation in the equine athlete. The findings of studies on the use of intravenously or orally administered Meloxicam show the urine and plasma (blood) detection time as 72 hours**. This is the first COX-2 inhibitor on the FEI List of Detection Times, which contains common medications administered out of competition and is listed on the FEI Clean Sport website. More info...

May 14, 2011
Sisters engineer a happy life with horses
Florida
Until recently, much of Suzanna Norris’ professional life involved issuing permits for water treatment plants.
The Florida civil engineer spent hours poring over paperwork from power plants that were trying to meet construction criteria and standards.
And all things considered, she was pretty content with her life.
Until that is, she decided she wanted to be really happy, as happy as she felt riding horses. More info...

May 14, 2011
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic Victory Goes to Kent Farrington and Calvin Vanhet Wuttensenfof at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show
Lexington, KY
Rainy skies greeted exhibitors this Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, but that did not slow down the jumper action in the Rolex Stadium. The competition kicked off at 8 a.m. with the $20,000 Bluegrass Classic. At the end of the seven horse jump-off, it was Kent Farrington and Calvin Vanhet Wuttensenfof that accepted the winning honors after their double clear effort. Columbia's Daniel Bluman followed in second with Sancha La Silla, while Richie Moloney of Ireland took home the third place prize with Alsvid.
More info...

May 13, 2011
Great Sale 20% off all camping and hiking gear 3 Days Only Starts May 13
USA
Eastern Mountain Sports
Specifics:
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More info...

May 13, 2011
Dinan and Vancouver Show The Veterans How It Is Done
North Salem, NY
Katie Dinan, New York, NY, and her mount Vancouver, bested a field of 36 to win the $25,000 New York Welcome Stake at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, held on the stunning Grand Prix field at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY.
Dinan, 17, and the 13 year old New Zealand Warmblood/Thoroughbred gelding, owned by Grant Road Partners LLC, were the 30th pair to enter the ring. Dinan had the advantage of already turning in a clear round with her first mount, Amoroso, and watching other riders, including eight Olympic and World Cup veterans, navigate the course. More info...

May 12, 2011
Hit the Road (Trailer Maintenance)
USA
Teaching a horse to load like a champ is an oft-covered topic, but have you considered whether you're starting with an enclosure that's safe and pleasant for both horse and human? By maintaining your trailer properly, and abiding by some simple safety guidelines, you will go a long way in helping your horse enjoy his ride and arrive safely.. More info...

May 12, 2011
You Can Help! Horse and Pet Supplies Desperately Needed In Alabama and Neighboring States
Alabama
April 27th, 2011 brought devastating tornadoes to Alabama and neighboring states. The destruction is extremely wide spread and has left so many areas a wasteland. Families have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their basic way of life and are faced with the daunting task of starting over completely from scratch. They have lost many beloved pets, horses, and farm animals and have no way of caring for the ones that remain. As members of the equestrian community, we feel we must do what we can to help those that are in so much pain and need. The Birmingham Dressage & Combined Training Association is teaming up with Rhonda Johnson-Bowles from LandOLakes Purina Feeds, The Alabama Horse Council, and Cahaba Pony Club to help provide much needed relief for the equine and pet victims of these cruel tornados. More info...

May 12, 2011
Enjoy high returns on your investments
USA
Invest your money safely with better returns. As Featured in Barrons, Forbes, New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post, and National Public Radio. More info...

May 11, 2011
7:08 PM (10 hours ago) Video: Zack gets the jump on other zebras
USA
Zebras, it seems, can do anything horsey, and six-year-old Zack is living proof. More info...

May 11, 2011
Camp It Up!
USA
The American Quarter Horse Youth Association invites local kids to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum for its annual Camp It Up! summer program.

Camp It Up! has three sessions this summer. Horseology 101 is June 6-10 from 8 a.m. to noon for kids ages 8 to 11. The cost for this session is $60. This session will teach basic facts about horses, such as care, feeding and riding, through the use of exciting educational tools. The kids will have the opportunity to watch a farrier work with a real American Quarter Horse, learn about horse diseases by a veterinarian and ride a real horse. More info...

May 10, 2011
FEI Dressage Trainer Kari Garber Brings the Art of Long Lining to a New Level
Florida
Florida based Kari Garber has invested her life’s work in Dressage which includes a special niche: preserving the classical art of long lining, as influenced by her trainer and mentor, international Dressage trainer and Judge Bo Jenå. The Garber Jenå Long Lining System is recognized internationally and is a popular attraction for clinics, symposiums and forums. At her own facility near Wellington, Finesse Farm, Garber can train both horse and rider individually giving those in a pressure packed competitive environment the edge that is needed. “Just one of the gratifying results about this work,” Garber told DressageDaily, “Is that top High Performance riders are impressed with our work, and keep coming back for more!” A USDF Bronze and Silver medalist, Kari also is a rider member of Dressyringen, the Swedish equivalent of USDF gold. Garber honed the skill of long lining as both a student and business partner with European master Bo Jenå, head trainer for the prestigious Flyinge, the National Stud of Sweden, who is also a well respected international Dressage judge. More info...

May 10, 2011
Trained versus Untrained Horses
Florida
When looking to buy a horse, one of the first decisions is whether to get one which is untrained, partly trained, or fully trained. Most people, especially if it is there first horse, will be better off getting a horse which is already trained for whatever they intend to use if for. For example, if one intends to use the horse for basic riding it should already be trained for riding, whereas if you are using it for show jumping, it should already be trained in show jumping. More info...

May 10, 2011
Important Horse Training Tips
Florida
What do you consider are the 4 most important lessons involved with horse training? According to specialists, you need to teach your animal about motivation, spot, direction, and finally prize. Horse trainers who find it’s hard to control horses would have to teach those 4 examples. It doesn’t actually have any impact if you’re training a performance horse or colt as these lessons are critical to the training program however do not allow the horse to control you – you need to perform as a leader of the herd.
Horse training is additionally about proper governance and it could be held similar to building a house as it takes some time before you complete it. So, you need to provide the horse some time in learning the various examples of this training program and in the end various body parts of your horse will be simple to manipulate – starting with one section at once. As you do that, you need to be what’s called an active rider, and not a reactive rider. More info...

May 9, 2011
Researcher: Breed and Housing Impact Riding Horses' Temperaments
USA
Finding ideal riding school horses is a perpetual challenge for instructors. There isn't a formula for selecting the ideal school horse--sometimes the perfect mount just comes along. But a group of French researchers recently put some parameters to ... More info...

May 9, 2011
Summer Equine Dermatitis
USA
As a modern term, "sweet" denotes pleasure and enjoyment. But for a horse, sweet itch is anything but sweet. "Sweet itch, also known as summer eczema or equine dermatitis, is one of several seasonal allergies that your horse may encounter," notes .. More info...

May 9, 2011
Dealing with Ticks
USA
Ticks are not only unsightly, they also can transmit infectious diseases such as ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and piroplasmosis to horses. Severe infestations can cause skin irritations and even anemia (a decrease in number of healthy red blood cells).
Ticks spend most of their lives on the ground in areas with some shade and humidity and congregate along trails, in overgrown areas, and in margins of wood openings. Direct sunlight and low humidity are their enemies. Keeping brush cut back and clipping pastures will make areas inhospitable for ticks. More info...

May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day

May 6, 2011
Auto Loans
Better, Faster, Cheaper
Shop online and get several offers regardless of credit. Shop for your car with your loan already approved. Or refinance your present loan to a lower rate. More info...

May 5, 2011
Do Horses Recognize Their People?
USA
Does a horse respond differently to "his person" as opposed to a stranger? The results of a recent French study indicate that horses use auditory and visual information to recognize specific people, and that they expect certain behaviors from those people based on previous experience.
"We wanted to understand how horses perceive humans and which of our characteristics and behaviors are relevant to them," said Carol Sankey, MSc, PhD (ethology) and lead author on the study. More info...

May 5, 2011
Global Dressage Festival on Track for December 2011!
Groundbreaking celebration for new Global Dressage Festival to be held on Tuesday, May 10th.
- Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is delighted to announce they have recently received a special use permit officially allowing ESP to hold dressage competitions on the Old Polo Stadium Property in Wellington from November 2011 - April 30th, 2012, as part of the new Global Dressage Festival (GDF).
In even more exciting news, a land development permit has been granted, which will allow ESP to begin construction on the new state-of-the-art dressage facility that the GDF will call home, in just less than one week! ESP is confident that the facility will be completed and ready for use before the 2012 season. ESP invites all of the community to enjoy the groundbreaking celebration on Tuesday, May 10th at 4:00 PM on the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Pierson Road in Wellington, where the derby stadium currently exists.

May 4, 2011
American Paint Horse Helps in Reining With The Stars
Fort Worth, TX
Mr Bay Jewel, a 6-year-old solid Paint-bred gelding, helped a trainer and celebrity team win the 2011 Reining with the Stars competition on April 17. Sired by Marthas Mega Jac (AQHA) and out of Bootspainted Jewel, the gelding, also known as “Barney,” was bred by top reining competitor [...] More info...

May 4, 2011
Florida Auto Loans
Florida's Best Auto Loan Deals
Find your best Florida auto loan in minutes. Fast, easy online application. No hassles. More info...

May 3, 2011
Equine Rescue Under Fire - How to Make Things Better
USA
It has been a rough week for all horse lovers as allegations of widespread and chronic neglect, starvation, horse deaths, and mismanagement hit the front page of the New York Times in Joe Drape’s investigative report regarding the world’s largest charitable organization that promises to provide humane and compassionate care for retired race horses.The purpose of this article is not to discuss that report but to offer some helpful insight to readers gained from working with equine rescue organizations for more than twenty years. We need to give generously to these important organizations, but we must also give wisely. More info...

May 3, 2011
Watch the Video! San Diego Favorites Peters and Seidel Dominate Saturday’s CDI Classes at Del Mar National Dressage Week
Del Mar, CA
San Diegans Steffen Peters and Guenter Seidel dominated the first and second places respectively in both the Saturday’s CDI classes: the Intermediere I and the Grand Prix Freestyle. Steffen Peters and Jen and Bruce Hlavecek’s Weltino’s Magic won Saturday’s Intermediere I CDI class with an impressive 75.439% followed closely by Guenter Seidel and Jane and Dick Brown’s Sundayboy with a 72.149%. With consistent scores such as these, both horse rider combinations are viable candidates to represent the United States Equestrian team in the Pan American Games this year in Guadalajara, Mexico. The plan for each of these horses at this point in the season is to travel to Europe and participate in the European tour with sights set on competing at Aachen. More info...

May 3, 2011
Caspian horse remains unearthed
Iran
The remains of a Caspian horse dating back 5400 years have been unearthed in Iran.

The Caspian is the oldest breed of horse still in existence.

The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies reports that the horse's remains were unearthed during the eighth season of archaeological research in Gohar Tappeh, in the northern Iranian province of Mazandaran.

The remains were discovered in a cemetery dating back to the late Bronze and early Iron age, around 3400 BCE.

"Due to the form, figure and size of the discovered remains of the horse, we now have the oldest evidence for Caspian horse ancestry at hand," the director of the archaeological team in Gohar Tappeh, Ali Mahforuzi, said. More info...

May 3, 2011
Turn your dog into an Obedient, Loyal Pet In Just 5 Days
USA
Online dog training. More info...

May 2, 2011
The Power of Magic
Bradenton, FL
At first, “Magic” sounded perfect. The bay American Quarter Horse gelding had done it all: He had jumped, been a pony horse at a polo barn, showed dressage, been trail ridden and had the classic Quarter Horse temperament.
That’s how his owner, Jody Lynn McBrien, described him to Gail Clifton of the Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) in Bradenton, Florida, hoping to donate him to the therapeutic riding program.
“And then Jody said, ‘Well, I need to tell you the rest of the story,’ Gail recalls with a smile. “‘He’s blind. … He has no eyeballs. More info...

Apr 30, 2011
AMERICAN TIANA COUDRAY IN THE LEAD GOING INTO TODAY’S CROSS COUNTRY AT THE SECOND LEG OF THE HSBC FEI CLASSICS™
Lexington, KY
ollowing two days of dressage at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, second leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™, America’s Tiana Coudray is in pole position with her Jersey Fresh CCI*** 2010 winner Ringwood Magister. The duo earned the best marks from the judges for a penalty score of 40.8. “The trot work was tidy but [...] More info...

Apr 29, 2011
Springer Sparkles During First Day of Dressage at the 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bridgestone
Lexington, KY
With the sunshine came the first day of dressage at the 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bridgestone. After a week of rain, the sun shone brightly and the wind blew through the Kentucky Horse Park. Spectators that were here first thing were treated to the best test of the day [...] More info...

Apr 28, 2011
Best Rolex Kentucky Three Day Coverage Online
USA
If you, like me, are NOT in Lexington, Kentucky right now being subject to tornado warnings as you camp out to watch the Rolex Kentucky Three Day jog – you’re in luck. There are lots of fantastic ways to get your fill of 4* horses and riders showing off their best dressage, cross country, and show jumping.
A few years ago, the only way to follow Rolex live online was through a Horse Radio Network live chat (read: delayed by 15 minutes) and paying Universal TV to watch the stream. Now we have FEITV for live and on-demand video, live streaming from USEF network, real live blogging from Eventing Nation, and radio coverage by Horse Radio Network. If only I had the time to follow them all! More info...

Apr 28, 2011
SCHRODER STARTS THE ACTION IN ROLEX FEI WORLD CUP™ JUMPING FINAL
Leipzig, GER
The Netherlands’ Gerco Schroder will be first into the ring as the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final gets underway in Leipzig, Germany tomorrow afternoon. A total of 43 riders will compete for the coveted title which crowns the champion of the indoor international jumping season and which draws the best horse-and-rider combinations from [...] More info...

Apr 28, 2011
Two Horses
USA
A great photo. More info...

Apr 28, 2011
Fly Masks
USA
Fly masks for horses. Prevent eye disease and irritation with quality fly masks. Centaur, Horseware, CoolMedics, Kennsington, Professional's Choice, Cashel, Durvet Equine, Fly Rid, Absorbine, Cavallo, Defender, Super Mask II, Tough-1, Bar None, Got Flies, Weaver, and Quite Ride. More info...

Apr 28, 2011
Pilot Rookie Classes
USA
AQHA is offering new pilot rookie classes at nine shows this year.
The American Quarter Horse Journal - This year, the American Quarter Horse Association is introducing a trial run of rookie classes created by the AQHA Blue-Ribbon Task Force to make the transition from 4-H, open showing or no show experience at all less intimidating and more comfortable for exhibitors. The goal of these classes is to reach AQHA members of all ages and riding levels. By developing true entry-level classes, AQHA plans to introduce new AQHA members, as well as members who have never shown, to the AQHA show scene. More info...

Apr 27, 2011
FOUR FEI WORLD CUP™ FINALS UNDER ONE ROOF – WATCH THE ACTION LIVE ON FEI TVFor the first time in history four FEI World Cup™ Finals will take place under one roof. Watch high quality, uninterrupted LIVE coverage on FEI TV according to the following timetable (all times are in GMT):
Thursday 28 April
Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final I - 13.10 GMT - 15.15 GMT
Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix Qualifier - 15.55 GMT - 19.05 GMT
Position: More info...

Apr 27, 2011
Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup to Air LIVE on USEFNetwork.com
USA
Join USEFNetwork.com for two days of LIVE, world-class reining, with the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup, April 29-30, 2011. The CRI5* and the Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment World Freestyle Championship will air live from the Alltech Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, featuring reiners from around the world, including U.S. favorites Tim McQuay, Craig [...] More info...

Apr 27, 2011
Improve your competitive edge with advice from former NBA stars Bill Bradley and Tom Chambers.
USA
In his book, “Values of the Game,” which was on the New York Times nonfiction best sellers list, former NBA star and U.S. Senator Bill Bradley lists a few key elements of competition that are especially applicable to competition with horses. Achieving competitive success, according to Bill, depends on many elements, including discipline, resilience and courage. More info...

Apr 27, 2011
Mother's Day
USA
Visit the American Horse Store for the perfect Mother's Day Gift. More info...

Apr 26, 2011
Protecting Against Founder
USA
We made the 720 mile drive from Florida to Kentucky and my ponies were gazing longingly at the rich green grass surrounding them everywhere as we arrived on our farm with fields of lushness. After a season in Florida where their sandy paddock was enriched with flakes of coastal hay three times daily, their joy was short lived. I had dug out the muzzles and had their grazing halters ready as we unloaded them. Dusty was pretty ingenious as he managed to swill some long blades of grass through the small hole at the base of his muzzle, sucking some Kentucky bluegrass like spaghetti. And Buddy was just in shock, “how could you do this to us?” But it is for their own good as the following tips on what to watch for in laminitis and founder, which can strike after a rainy spring season with the first cutting still flourishing. More info...

Apr 26, 2011
Book Review - Down The Aisle…For The Love Of Horses By Leslie McDonald
USA
Every year there are horse books written about training, breeding or show ring success. However, recently released Down the Aisle … For the Love of Horses by Leslie McDonald offers a totally different perspective from the usual equine book fare. It is the captivating story of a horsewoman as she travels down the aisle populated by the horses, mentors and experiences that enrich a life’s journey. The doors to that aisle swung open over 50 years ago, evolving from a little girl’s love of horses that developed into a life long, incurable case of horse fever. From the struggle to maintain a presence in the aisle through financial setbacks and injuries as well as love lost and found, Down the Aisle is the story of a woman whose life has been shaped and strengthened by the aisle she has followed for the love of horses.
More info...

Apr 26, 2011
Boot Store
Florida
Cowboy boots, women's cowboy boots, dressage boots, field boots, paddock boots, barn boot, rain boots, work boots and work shoes. Boots from Ariat, Justin, Tony Lama, Laredo, Dorango, Old Gringo, Dan Post, Lane Boots, Ovation, Der Dau, Mountain Horse, Hispar, Sergio, Dublin, Tuffrider, Saxon, Equi Star, Devon Aire, Double H, Lucchese, Justin, Twisted X, Tony Lama, Laredo, Georgia Boots, Timberland, Stetson, Nocona, John Deere, Funtasma, Corral, Carhart, Converse, Work One, RedHead, Rocky and Smokey Mountain. More info...

Apr 25, 2011
Help horses by volunteering at an equine charity
USA
Why Volunteer?
A donation of time. Most average Americans don't have the financial resources to write a big check to their favorite charities. Giving your time and talent is just as valuable and won't take a chunk out of your bank account.
Local focus. Volunteering for a local charity helps the people and animals in your own neighborhood. Donating a few hours a week can help make your community a better place to live. More info...

Apr 24, 2011
Eight Ways to "Green" Your Barn
USA
Horse people aren't always known for being the best environmentalists. Unfortunately, there just isn't a good way to drive horses all around the country that doesn't involve lots of diesel fuel and giant gas-guzzling vehicles.
However, that doesn't mean we can't go green around the barn. In honor of Earth Day, we've put together a list of some simple changes you can make that will really have an impact. Living the green life isn’t as complicated as it seems. And not only is it good for the earth, it’s good for your wallet. More info...

Apr 24, 2011
An Introduction to Combined Driving with Andy Marcoux
USA
Does Combined Driving sound like something that you’d like to do? Are you signed up for an event, and not sure what to expect? Did you drive in an event, and spend a lot of time wondering what the heck was going on? Combined Driving is the carriage driving version of Three-Day-Eventing. It’s exciting, challenging, and most of all fun! Andy Marcoux has been training carriage driving horses for nearly 20 years. He’s a frequent Combined Driving competitor, as well as Judge. In this ADS Webinar Andy will give you an overview of Combined Driving, with what you’ll need to know as you get started in this exciting sport.
More info...

Apr 24, 2011
Equine Massage Evaluations : Equine Massage Horse Health Conditions Video
USA
A horse that has been competing may need a more attentive equine massage because of health conditions. Learn more about how a horse's health conditions affect equine massage with tips from a certified equine sports massage practitioner in this free horse care video. More info...

Apr 24, 2011
Equine Massage Techniques : Equine Massage Chopping Techniques Video
USA
During an equine massage be careful using chopping strokes on certain parts of a horse's body. Learn more about chopping techniques in equine massage with tips from a certified equine sports massage practitioner in this free horse care video. More info...

Apr 22, 2011
Icelandic horse doing dressage: Yet again "I want one!"
USA
Love the color, love the big handsome head, love the judge's spot on scores... More info...

Apr 22, 2011
Evaluating Your Horse's Body Condition
USA
Body condition scoring (BCS), an impartial way to evaluate a horse's weight and welfare, is a valuable tool that helps horse owners understand their horses' well-being. It is an important aid that can be used to make sound decisions regarding general... More info...

Apr 22, 2011
Spring Vaccinations: Points to Consider Before You Buy
USA
With a selection of horse vaccines readily available on local feed store shelves, purchasing a handful for use in your barn might be something you're considering. But are there equine health risks lurking behind a choice to forgo your veterinarian's ... More info...

Apr 21, 2011
The Buzz about Horse Flies: Preventing Equine Fly Bites and Disease Transmission
USA
There are several kinds of flies which can wreak havoc in and around your stable or pasture. They not only attack the horse itself – and you by extension – but in addition to receiving painful bites, they are also liable to transmit dangerous diseases such as encephalomyelitis as well as swamp fever. Of course, there are a number of ways to reduce the number of parasites that are swarming around your barn and pasture.
Before you can take any preventative measures, you will need to know what kind of insects you are dealing with. Most commonly you will find tabanids, which is the family name for a wide variety of horseflies and also deerflies. A deer fly is very recognizable since it is yellow or orange in color and has dark colorings on its body. A horse fly may come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. What tabanids have in common is their nutritional staple: blood. They will actually ingest blood every three to four days. You will notice if you receive such bites since they are rather painful. Additionally, you will be able to see changes More info...

Apr 21, 2011
Be Good To Your Horse--Know The Dangers Of The Summer Months
Florida
Just as the bodies of people do, the bodies of horses may react in a negative way to excessively hot or humid weather. Heat stroke and exhaustion may occur in very hot months, as well as sunburn, which can be a very painful ordeal for a horse.
When going through a great deal of physical exertion, the body of a horse may be unable to properly regulate the temperature of the body. When too many vital electrolytes are released through sweat, not to mention the all important fluids in a horses body, heat exhaustion can occur and this is pretty dangerous. Keep in mind that if your horse is not a working horse or a race horse, it can still suffer from these problems if it is kept confined to a stall or a trailer or another enclosure. Humidity can increase the likelihood of heat exhaustion as well. More info...

Apr 21, 2011
Deworming Your Horse on a Regular Schedule Will Prevent Worms & Parasite Infestations
USA
De-worming your horse is a multi tiered effort that cannot simply be done away with by administering a bit of de-wormer as you would do for a cat or dog. Instead, you will need to begin by carefully controlling the quantity of eggs as well as larvae your horse will pick up via its grazing.
In other words, you will need to carefully monitor and manage your animal’s environment. Managing the environment, on the other hand, will require you to observe very specific time period that you may let lapse between administering de-wormers.
By adhering to a specific interval, you will be able to decrease the number of eggs that the animal is releasing into its pasture, thus controlling the quantity of contaminants it will pick up again. At times the period of time between a de-worming treatment and the passing of eggs is referred to as the egg reappearance period, also known as ERP. If you let the time period between de-wormings exceed the ERP, you will likely experience a larger number of eggs and larvae on your pasture. More info...

Apr 20, 2011
Administering Horse Medication
USA
You’re watching your vet head down your driveway. He’s examined and diagnosed your horse—now it’s up to you. You’re clutching a large plastic bottle filled with pills that need to be administered twice a day. Unscrewing the cap, you shake some pills into your hand—they’re enormous! How will you get them into your horse? More info...

Apr 20, 2011
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
USA
Because a number of factors can affect the risks of falling victim to potentially deadly brain-swelling diseases carried by mosquitoes, Purdue University experts recommend that all horses be vaccinated and that people take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The number of cases of West Nile virus, and Eastern and Western equine encephalitis, can vary due to temperatures, rainfall, regional seasonal differences and bird migratory patterns, according to veterinarians and entomologists. Encephalitic diseases are spread when mosquitoes suck blood from infected birds and then bite people, horses or other mammals. In addition, areas that don't experience insect-killing frost have a threat of these illnesses almost year-round. In the Midwest, West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-transmitted disease, but outbreaks of the other diseases are possible. More info...

Apr 19, 2011
High-tech helmets help in safety developments
USA
A system developed in the US to prevent football head injuries may have future implications for equestrians.
Using a monitor that fits inside a football helmet, researchers at the Center for Injury Biomechanics are collecting data that measure the severity, location and angle of every hit to the head a football player receives during practice and games.
The data collected by the Head Impact Telemetry System could help helmet manufacturers develop safer products and increase information available to physicians, said Joel Stitzel, Director of the WFU arm of the center, a joint program of Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University. More info...

Apr 19, 2011
Horse Show Halters
USA
Show halters including Royal King, Tory, Perri's, Cowboy Pro, Abetta, Tex Tan, Weaver, and Ovation. More info...

Apr 19, 2011
30 Blue Ribbon Tips For Horse Shows
USA
If you haven’t already, attend a show and watch the classes you plan on entering so that you know exactly what to expect.

2. If your horse is a greenie, take him to a show and don’t enter any classes; just evaluate how he handles the new surroundings.

3. Make a list of everything you need to take to the show; then pack the day beforehand, checking each item off your list.

4. Have a friend or family member on hand at the show to help with last minute grooming, giving your boots a wipe before you enter the ring or just providing moral support. More info...

Apr 18, 2011
Keep Your Horse Cool in Hot Weather
Florida
Provide ample fresh, clean water. Check daily that buckets or troughs are not contaminated with bird droppings, insect larvae, chaff, or algae growth. Try to keep the water cool. Horses may not want to drink warm water. Ponies and foals may have trouble reaching to the bottom of a shallowly filled trough. Make sure everyone in your paddocks can reach the water. Sponge or hose down the large blood vessels along the inside of the legs, belly, and neck. Don’t spray the horse’s face or get water in its ears—sponge them down gently.
If you must work your horses hard, try to schedule your session for early morning or late evening when it is cooler. More info...

Apr 17, 2011
Get healthy, all natural horse food - Shop all natural with Wysong today.
USA
A concentrated, natural food source of active enzymes, probiotic cultures, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and more! More info...

Apr 16, 2011
Photograher captures the magic of birth
USA
Even when people are lucky enough to be present at the birth of a foal, the drama of the occasion can overshadow what is often the most precious moment: when the mother first connects with her newborn arrival.
Photographer Lisa Miller, from New Hartford, New York, became interested in documenting foal births in 2010 after a friend mentioned she had two pregnant thoroughbreds.
She was not prepared for the incredible intimacy that some of those images captured.
"I thought it would be fun to document a foal birth through photography," she recalls, "and even though the idea of hanging out in a cold barn in the middle of winter didn't thrill me, the idea of being present during these births did. More info...

Apr 15, 2011
Rabies in Horses: Preventable but Still Invariably Fatal
USA
The risk of rabies exposure for horses is higher in geographic localities where the disease is endemic in raccoons, skunks, foxes, or other terrestrial reservoirs. Rabies transmission can also occur from a rabid bat to a horse or secondarily from .. More info...

Apr 15, 2011
The 7 Stages of Aging on Horseback
USA
he Seven Stages of Aging on Horseback
Stage I: Fall off pony. Bounce. Laugh. Climb back on. Repeat.
Stage 2: Fall off horse. Run after horse, cussing. Climb back on by shimmying up horse’s neck. Ride until sundown.
Stage 3: Fall off horse. Use sleeve of shirt to stanch bleeding. Have friend help you get back on horse. Take two Advil and apply ice packs when you get home. Ride next day.
State 4: Fall off horse. Refuse advice to call ambulance; drive self to urgent care clinic. Entertain nursing staff with tales of previous daredevil stunts on horseback. Back to riding before cast comes off.
Stage 5: Fall off horse. Temporarily forget name of horse and name of husband. Flirt shamelessly with paramedics when they arrive. Spend week in hospital while titanium pins are screwed in place. Start riding again before doctor gives official okay.
Stage 6: Fall off horse. Fail to see any humor when hunky paramedic says, “You again?” Gain firsthand knowledge of advances in medical technology thanks to stint in ICU. Convince self that permanent limp isn’t that noticeable. Promise husband you’ll give up riding. One week later purchase older, slower, shorter horse.
Stage 7: Slip off horse. Relieved when artificial joints and implanted medical devices seem unaffected. Tell husband that scrapes and bruises are due to gardening accident. Pretend you don’t see husband roll his eyes and mutter as he walks away. Give apple to horse.

Apr 15, 2011
War Horse
USA
Photos from the Production at Lincoln Center Theater More info...

Apr 14, 2011
SUBMIT YOUR GRANT PROPOSAL TO USA EQUESTRIAN TRUST
USA
Grant applications continue to come in to USA Equestrian Trust (USAET) but there’s still time to submit a proposal. All not-for-profits are invited to apply by going to the web site at http://www.trusthorses.org/grant/request.html to fill out the online grant application. The deadline is May 2nd at 5 PM EST. Past recipients of [...] More info...

Apr 14, 2011
Controlling Horse Ringworm and Rain Rot Skin Diseases
USA
A horse’s skin is constantly under attack by a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, and biting insects. Symptoms of skin diseases can range from a simple, isolated skin lesion to generalized itching and hair loss over the entire body. Two of the most common varieties of skin diseases are ringworm, also called dermatophytosis, and rain rot, which is also known as dermatophilosis.
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus, not a worm. It spreads between horses thorough the use of common grooming tools, saddle pads, or harnesses. Also, damp, dark, and crowded conditions (such as horses confined to their stable during the winter and fall) can predispose horses to contracting ringworm. More info...

Apr 14, 2011
Horses and the Drinking Issue
Florida
In addition to being large animals horses will often drink a lot. Depending on the weather and their activity horses can drink between six and ten gallons of water a day. However, horses can also drink and urinate excessively from several diseases both common and uncommon. A condition known as polydipsia is one common condition that has several causes.
Another condition common among horses, humans and dogs is Cushing’s disease. It is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland and is also referred to as pituitary dependent hypoadrenocorticism. In horses the signs of this condition include long, shaggy, wavy coats that do not shed during the summer; excessive thirst along with excessive urination; high blood-sugar levels; bulging eyes and a pot bellied appearance while having muscle loss in the back. Older horses and mares are most likely to get this disease. More info...

Apr 13, 2011
Yes, Your Horse is Fat
USA
Horse owners are often warned about the dangers of equine obesity and encouraged to help overweight horses drop a few pounds. But to solve this problem they must be able to acknowledge it in the first place. According to the results of a recent study completed by a group of researchers in the U.K., one of the biggest challenges posed by equine obesity could be that owners don't recognize their horses are overweight.
"Obesity is a problem in horses; as horse owners we need to be aware of this and learn how to recognize it," said Sarah Freeman, BVetMed, PhD, CertVA, Cert VR, CertES, Dipl. ECVS, MRCVS, associate professor of Veterinary Surgery at the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, in Leicestershire. More info...

Apr 12, 2011
Horse aggression linked to chronic pain
A link between chronic back pain and aggression in horses has been discovered by French researchers.
The study team said it was known that sudden or severe (acute) pain was known to increase the risk of aggressive or violent behaviour in humans and animals.
However, to their knowledge, their findings provide the first experimental evidence of such a link between persistent and long-lasting (chronic) pain and aggression. More info...

Apr 12, 2011
Carry two spare tyres, horse owners urged
USA
Equestrians should consider carrying an extra spare tyre when trailering animals, according to the operators of a roadside assistance programme for horse owners.Equestrians should carry two spare tyres, a roadside assistance specialist says. USRider points out that the roadside is a dangerous place to be, especially with horses on board