I’ve said for years, to many thousands of people around the nation, that for me the perfect trail mount would be an Icelandic mule. Without fail the reply is “Why Icelandic?” Iceland is far more than the volcano scene from the 2013 version of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. … Read More
This article is the first in a 3-part series to help horse owners see and understand where their horse is lame. Forelimb Lameness As a veterinarian, I frequently encounter client questions as to how to evaluate lameness. In this article I’ll cover forelimb lameness and the common signs we … Read More
Do you dream of having a horse of your own—a four-legged friend who comes when you call and nickers when you’re nearby; who doesn’t judge or pick favorites; who always listens quietly when you need someone to talk to? When your horse or pony is still in the future and … Read More
Are you a history buff? Do you love old things that have been carefully restored and/or preserved? Are you nostalgic for the days when people traveled by horse and wagon (or stagecoach)? Do you know the difference between a town sleigh and a coachman’s sleigh? A Hansom cab and a … Read More
Your horse doesn’t have to be a senior or have pre-existing problems to develop winter stiffness—although those things can certainly make it worse. While some horses may function quite well in the warmer months, they may have so much trouble with cold weather that they find themselves unable to get up … Read More
In this day and age of instant everything, waiting can be hard to do, especially when you’re training a young horse (or an older horse for that matter). It’s easy to get excited; everything is now or soon. There are show classes for weanlings and yearlings, two-year-old futurities, and derbies … Read More
This is a story that begins with a pony—a penny pony. “Actually, it was a two-penny pony,” says Stacy Westfall with a laugh. “I was six-years old and my brother and I each paid a penny to buy Misty, a Shetland Hackney pony.” Misty, an experienced teacher of many young … Read More
One challenge horse folks have is how to include our non-riding family members in our weekend outings or vacations. It’s a dilemma! We want to trail ride or camp with our horses, but we don’t want to leave our loved ones behind. Sometimes a solution can be found with a … Read More
The 10th Annual Washington State Horse Expo is upon us! One of the top equine events in the Northwest, it attracts thousands of horse enthusiasts from all over the Western United States. Every year the horse expo features national experts, first-class entertainment, premier vendors, and kid-friendly activities. It’s the horse … Read More
We’re smack in the middle of winter with its driving rain, icy cold, and short days. As I’ve thought about writing this month’s editorial, with a focus on the equestrian lifestyle, it’s easy to find myself a wee bit sarcastic about the whole scene. Each day I pull on … Read More
