Equine Professionals Wear Many Hats Think of an airplane pilot. They train for years, are repeatedly tested, and then earn their wings. Now imagine if that pilot had to purchase the airplane, keep it running, pay for and install upgrades, keep the books, clean the garbage out from under the … Read More
It’s a Lifelong Trip horse·man, noun, 14th century 1. a rider or driver of horses; especially: one whose skill is exceptional2. A person skilled in caring for or managing horses Merriam Webster Dictionary A long time ago I was at a dressage show sitting on my tack trunk in front of … Read More
After the Show—a Judge’s Musings I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I love horse shows, and I love being a judge. Judging horse shows takes me places I’d never be able to see and allows me to meet wonderful like-minded people. I also get to see horses, beautiful … Read More
Managing Plump, Bored Horses Means Rethinking Equine Husbandry With nearly 40 acres of pastures, fields, and woods, my place, Blue Gate Farm, sits on fertile soil and has plenty of water. Even in the hottest, driest summers the grass stays green without irrigation. I’ve spent thousands of dollars and many … Read More
Educate Yourself to Save Money and Keep Animals Healthy A few years ago I ordered a load of teff hay for my metabolic horse. The seller had posted photos and analysis on social media, and though it was expensive—nearly $600 per ton delivered and stacked—it looked like a good product … Read More
Equine Facility Professionals are Hard Workers, Passionate, and (Maybe) Crazy A few years back a teenage student of mine asked, “What will happen to all these horse facilities owned by old women like you after you all die?” Ha! I was taken aback (to say the least). I was only … Read More
While some equestrians are fortunate to own, ride, and show world champion horses, the love and appreciation for our first ponies is something we never forget. The Horse Industry Podcast (horseindustrypodcast.com) has launched a new long-term project to capture the stories of first ponies through their “Registry of the Remarkables” … Read More
Keep Your Equines Safe and Where They Belong Few things are more important on a horse property than good fencing. Well-constructed, safe, effective fences give you the peace of mind to know your horses will stay home and add value to your property. Fencing represents a huge financial outlay, so … Read More
Successful Riders are Not Always Good Teachers Recently a video going around social media featured clips of a jumping lesson taught by an elite equestrian to a group of young riders. The trainer, a former world champion, repeatedly berated her students, yelled at them, and at one point said, “Either … Read More
The Whatcom County Dressage and Eventing Association (WCDEA) was founded in 1984 for the promotion and education of dressage, eventing, and working equitation in Whatcom County, Washington, and the surrounding areas. As one of the initiating members of this wonderful club, I’ve believed in its mission of supporting grassroots horse enthusiasts … Read More
