Go Walk Your Horse

Go Walk Your Horse

I’m so glad to see people promoting one of the best things you can do with your horse — go for a long walk. It makes me feel virtuous and “in the know” as it’s one of my favorite things to do. This Facebook post says: Go walk your horse. Saddle up and go walk […]

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Please don’t eat the flowers!

Please don't eat the flowers

I managed to sneak in a quick ride today, while it was still cool enough that the deerflies were caught off guard. This is a frustrating time of year because it’s so beautiful out, and yet so treacherous. Zelda is very sensitive to biting bugs and can misbehave when they attack. Zelda and I enjoyed […]

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Racing moves toward restricting medications, including Lasix

churchill downs

All I can say is: It’s about time. Led by the Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields, changes are coming North American racing. Two other major racing organizations — Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association — are implementing a partial phase out of Lasix, beginning with 2-year olds racing […]

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Tightening your girth on the move

Adjusting your girth

Many horses are adept at inflating their bellies like balloons, making it near impossible to get your girth tight enough before you mount. Especially when you are riding cross country, or foxhunting, getting that girth up another hole or two can make the difference between a saddle slipping or staying put. The problem is that […]

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Beating the Heat

Water Horse

With temperatures in the 90s F and heat indices over 100 F, riding is not on the cards. If it’s so hot that merely carrying a few flakes of hay to the pasture makes you feel like a limp dishrag, the most important thing is to keep your horse cool and comfortable. Our horses live […]

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Mounting from the Ground with a Treeless Saddle

Zelda in her ghost

Okay. I’ll admit it. I have trouble mounting from the ground with a treed saddle. The combination of aging (my impending birthday makes me feel older), residual stiffness from last year’s fall, and Zelda’s large size conspire against me. I have a three step mounting block (bought after my injury), which is perfect and otherwise […]

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What book titles describe your life as an equestrian

Equestrian books

I love this graphic. I particularly relate to Broke, Broken and Bedraggled. As for the titles I’d write? Never say it can’t get worse or Mystery Lamenesses and the Treatments you can Try or 101 Saddles. As a matter of fact, I am writing a novel with an equestrian theme. Stay tuned for a few […]

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#ride4Ashley

Ashley Stout

Whenever I see a large jump in views on my blog, my heart sinks. Usually it means that there has been a rotational fall somewhere in the world (my post, What is a Rotational Fall and How can They be Prevented) has high Google rankings. Sadly, yesterday that prediction came true. Thirteen-year old Ashley Stout […]

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