The saying goes that a parent knows. I guess the same is true even when your children aren’t human. Last Saturday, my mare was in the wash rack giving me side eye to assess whether I brought treats. I noticed something. Her sclera (the white portion of the eye that shows when your horse’s head is facing forward but […]
My horse became the smelly kid this winter. I’m embarrassed, but I might as well own it. I am a disciplined groomer. But with the unusually long and intense winter and the copious mud, she became a dusty smelly fur-ball. Exhibit A: I coat her legs in poultice at the slightest hint of heat. It gives […]
Growing up in Florida, I very rarely wore gloves. I would throw on a lightweight pair for horse-shows only. I couldn’t stand them. My blistered hands wanted glove love, but I felt so far from the bit when wearing them. Over the last five years living in the Arctic North Mid-Atlantic, I’m learning to tolerate them. This winter […]
This may not look like much. But it took two-and-a-half years, several vet bills, sleepless nights, and lots of tears to get here. Prior to this moment, the last time we rode a centerline to a judge was November 2011. I haven’t been taking lessons, but I felt it was time for an independent third party […]
Lots going on in the Capital Cow-house. Stay tuned. In the meantime, we’ve had dressage on the brain. And we are praying for spring. After a very wintry day and two successful dressage tests, here’s a new seasonal recipe. Your horse won’t complain if the Easter bunny hides these at the barn… Dressage Nests […]
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 […]
Horses don’t speak human. But if you “listen” with all of your senses, they absolutely communicate. Nothing will teach a rider to listen to their horse quite like prolonged lameness. Each time I approach my mare, my mind starts a checklist. “Is she bright-eyed? Was that a little swelling on her leg? Did she take […]
After over a year and a half of unresolved lameness in my mare, I am having outstanding success in a very short time with daily Cur-OST. (Please note: I am not sponsored by, and have no business or financial ties to, Nouvelle Research or Cur-OST. I blog about products only to provide helpful information to other […]
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 […]
Merriam-Webster defines amateur as a noun meaning “a person who does something for pleasure and not as a job.” I write and I ride for the sheer joy of it. So this post is my sincere thanks to the friends, family, and followers who join my adventures in text, and to those who nominated Capital […]
It’s a belated Christmas and Year of the Horse gift to myself! My bridle and saddle are brand new. Scratch that. The leather looks brand new. For a fraction of the price. The buckles? My bit? Reins? Stirrups? Those will have to be the subject of another post. And the tack certainly doesn’t feel brand new […]
I have saddle bags. And not the kind that carry your lunch. These are the kind a few over-indulgent lunches become. I will turn 30 in the Year of the Horse. I am determined to lose (and not find) ten pounds. I believe it will improve my riding. Studies estimate that horses can carry from […]
Do you know about the Equestrian Social Media Awards? Take a look at the acceptance videos from past winners and see the depth and breadth of how the equestrian community (businesses, thought-leaders, pleasure riders, charities, and professionals) is using social media. It’s no surprise really. Horse-people share a unique passion that transcends profession, age, riding style, […]
Horses are built to move. These powerful grazing herbivores are not adapted to a sedentary lifestyle. While most tolerate periods of time spent in a barn, horses (and people!) are healthier and happier with consistent exercise. To remedy this, we have to work both his mind and his body: to harness the feedback loop between […]
Have you heard of CurOST? Until a few years ago, I hadn’t either. In 2010, I had the privilege of watching the World Equestrian Games with friends and family. As we walked the aisles of gift shops and exhibits, I picked up several samples. Over the last few years, Nouvelle Research has emailed articles about […]
Capital Cowgirl 