My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
My OTTB, Freedom, had a massive abscess blow out his heel a few weeks ago. While he’s sound on it, the exit hole has left a crack in his heel that extends up to his coronary band! To stabilize the hoof capsule, my farrier put on a bar shoe, but she also recommended packing the […]
Read MoreContrary to what many people think, horses don’t grow winter coats because temperatures drop. Rather, it is a response to the length of the day. As days get shorter, horses’ coats get longer. This means that some of the “traditional” methods of trying to reduce a horse’s winter coat, such as early blanketing or keeping […]
Read MoreFreedom and I are still grieving, but we are keeping busy and moving forward. He needs a job and I need to be riding. On Saturday, I took him hunting. Normally, the hunt in this territory is relatively short, but very pretty. I thought it would be good for both of us. It was a […]
Read MoreThis past weekend, Elmer Bandit and his owner/rider Mary Anna Wood achieved a new record for lifetime competitive trail riding: 20,720 miles. The 37-year old half-arabian gelding passed the previous record held by Wing Tempo this past weekend when he completed the 29-mile North American Trail Ride Conference at Kanopolis State Park near Lindsborg, Kansas. […]
Read MoreAs racing begins to wind down for the season at Suffolk Downs, the number of horses that will need non-racing careers is beginning to rise. Given the uncertainty facing the economy, there will be more horses than ever who need a soft landing. If you are looking for a “prospect” or just a horse to […]
Read MoreYears ago when I bought my first horse, Bogie, I asked the instructor at the barn why he was always turned out alone. She told me that he had bonded very strongly to another gelding and had been turned out with him for years. When the other horse died, Bogie refused to accept a substitute. […]
Read MoreFrom The Onion, a video segment that made me laugh on a day when I needed it! First Openly Gay Racehorse To Compete Sunday
Read MoreWhen I posted yesterday morning, I was cautiously optimistic about Kroni’s health. Unfortunately, when I came to check him mid-day, he was down and not able to get up. With the help of many people, including an extraordinary team from the MSPCA, we transported Kroni to Tufts for emergency care. I have never been to […]
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