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 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 […]
What’s the one thing you should do more regularly but don’t? Whether it’s riding more, eating right, cursing less, exercising, cleaning tack, or writing blog posts, this simple trick will help keep you motivated. Intention+Motivation=Action I began this practice in 2012 while training for my first half-marathon. I’m using it now to track exercise in […]
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 […]
Sharing horses with kids is a magical event. Being at my inlaws’ house, I’m having horse withdrawal. So I made a toy to woo the kids in the family. Nothing says “Cool Aunt” quite like a homemade hobby horse. What you need: Sock Yarn Quilt batting Buttons (two, or googly eyes if you prefer) Felt […]
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 […]
You’re running late. There are two sub-reasons why it isn’t wise to ride when running significantly behind schedule. Why are you late? Perhaps the universe is trying to tell you that today is not your day. Stress. When you rush, you’re prone to make mistakes. A horse can sense an anxious human from a mile […]
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. […]
Capital Cowgirl 