Expectations often become the anchors for how we evaluate opportunities and our own sense of happiness. They also make us fixate on what could or should have been, not what’s right in front of us.1 When reality doesn’t line up with our expectations, unhappiness, bitterness, and anxiety follow.2 These negative … Read More
Some of the prettiest pictures and coolest maneuvers in mountain trail are done on the swinging bridge. It’s impressive to see a horse do a 360 as it sways or turn and back up the other side. An image of a horse with its head down, eye soft and ears … Read More
A smooth, strong topline is a definitive sign of health. Your horse’s back musculature not only looks good but is important for his ability to support his spine and joints. If the topline is diminished, it’s important to assess the cause. Some possible reasons include: Multiple pregnancies Poor saddle fit … Read More
Melissa Chapman was 23 years old and part of a happy, loving family. She had a decent job, a boyfriend she cared about, and friends she enjoyed. Yet she said goodbye to all of it. Carrying a puppy named Gypsy, she climbed aboard a horse and rode away from everything, … Read More
It’s midwinter in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Are your horses wallowing in mud? Living in muddy, wet paddocks is unhealthy and unpleasant for your animals, a problem for the environment, and a real pain for you. Let’s face it, pushing a wheelbarrow and picking manure out of a boot-pulling, slick, … Read More
I live in a river valley in the Pacific Northwest. With annual rainfall amounts close to 50 inches per year and clay soil on my farm, I’ve spent much of the 30 years I’ve lived here perfecting mud control. I’m often asked about the best footing choices for sacrifice areas. … Read More
Article by: Tracey Hamilton and a Youth Dynamics Student Milo joined Stonewater Mustangs from a Nevada BLM Herd Management Area called the Pine Nut Mountains herd. He is athletic, pony-sized, curious, never-met-a-stranger, busy-all-the-time, and four years old. He arrived with solid ground training, and a trick… he lies down … Read More
Article by Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD for ECIR Group Inc. Frozen and lumpy ground can make any horse hesitant and short-strided but cold-induced hoof pain is something different. Most horses are energized by cooler weather, bucking and playing exuberantly. But for some horses, temperature drops mean the temporary onset of … Read More
English or Western? Which Style of Riding Should I Learn? By Darleen Finnigan, Saddle Soar Ranch What is your dream for riding your horse? Do you want to show? Do dressage? Do jumping? Gaming? Do Western Pleasure? Or do you want to primarily trail ride, riding high mountains or desert … Read More
Creating & Using a Sacrifice Area: Your Start Now for Better Pastures Next Summer! Part II Probably the best thing you can do for your pasture is take your horses off of it in the winter. Confining your horses to a winter paddock or “sacrifice area” will greatly improve the … Read More
