Capital CowHorse came up significantly lame a few weeks ago. Her toes were long and the left front shoe was loose. The vet pulled her shoes for a thorough exam and recommended a decent trim. We discussed whether to reset and decided that if she can be barefoot, she should. I called the farrier, and left […]
Chances are, your horse either has “feathers” year-round, or only during the coldest winters (depending on the breed). The fact that I left these “hairy heels” unclipped used to send my trainer over the edge. And with a little Irish draft in her blood, my mare sports perennial leg-hair. But feathers do serve a purpose. First, […]
I have a confession to make: I love sparkle. Yes, I was called a tom-boy growing up. My nails have a permanent dirt line. And I’m happiest outside, preferably sweaty and covered in animal hair. But a little glitter never hurt anybody. For my birthday last year, my husband bought me a pair of spurs with […]
I try to avoid making this blog discipline-specific. The truth is, good horsemanship has no discipline. My equi-love began on a blind therapy pony named Santa Claus. The flames were fanned on summer western trail rides. And a full-blown fire started in the hunter world as an “up-downer” (you know, where your trainer’s only words […]
Memorizing a dressage test, or anything for that matter, was so much easier when I was little. And even then, I can’t say I didn’t get lost every now and then. I’m sure I’m not the only one. March 30th will be our first show in a very long time. I’m getting started early. While […]
In the DC area, we awoke this morning to a very thick blanket of snow. If you’re a Capital Cowgirl recipe aficionado, you know that snow means baking… I’ve been prepping for Valentine’s Day. When I was a teenager, I joked that I would take my horse to prom. A horse can be a Valentine, […]
Everything takes longer in winter. Us humans are putting on and taking off outerwear all day. And we’re doing the same for our horses. Once blankets get muddy, the task is even less appealing. Here’s a quick trick: Undo all straps and stand on the near side of the horse (the horse’s left side) Grab […]
During the holidays, we wind up baking (and eating) lots more often. On yesterday’s menu: Apple-Spice Cupcakes for humans. Today: WHOA Cakes (With Honey Oats and Apples) for horses. And unlike the Cob Cookies I made earlier this week, Whoa Cakes are tasty enough for people, too! Whoa Cakes feature cinnamon. In addition to providing […]
My mare is lame. Has been for a year and three months. We don’t know how she did it, but she came in from the paddock in August 2012 with two injured ligaments in her left front. So, she did a year of stall rest, and I have been bringing her back slowly. But some […]
It isn’t fun to brush dried poultice out of a tail. But then again, a tail is a horse’s best defense against pesky biting flies. My poultice regime starts with fashioning a less-than-attractive-but-cheap-and-effective fake tail. Step 1: Cut 2 foot segments of baling twine Step 2: Braid tail. Thread baling twine about halfway through the […]
It’s a new word, but an old phenomenon: Attorneys who ride. As most horse-people know, if you argue with a horse, you’ll lose every time. With most horses, it’s a matter of asking the right questions, in the right way, at the right time. The best lawyers would say the same thing about the courtroom. […]
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