X is for . . . eXtravagant

(L.A.N.) Royalty – Spoilty My boy looks beautiful in blue,Though he’s a royal pain; it’s true.He’ll jump the moonTo any tune,But every month he’ll lose a

Iowa Pony Clubbers Pitch in for Twister Victims

Iowa Pony Clubbers Pitch in for Twister Victims Spring 2008 has been the worst tornado season in decades, particularly for Iowa residents. On May 26th, a twister struck the Parkersburg area, killing at least seven people. With 205-mph winds, the tornado has been called the worst in more than 30 years. Many Iowa families watched the destruction of their houses, barns, farm equipment

Name The Filly Contest - at Oh, HorseFeathers

"What's in a name? "William ShakespeareRomeo and Juliet(Act II, Scene 2)Actually, my friend Jo at Frequently Feline informs us that a name can be quite important, particularly when it comes to a cute new foal. In fact, horsey bloggers have been invited to participate in a foal naming contest.It's not too late to enter! Just submit your idea/s for cute names for this adorable filly.The

Teddy O'Connor: Mourning the Loss of a Power Pony

Photo by Shannon Brinkman for USEA. Teddy O’Connor:Mourning the Loss of a Power Pony Olympic hopes have ended suddenly for a promising American pony. Theodore “Teddy” O’Connor, the prized pony prospect for equestrian eventing in the 2008 Olympic Games, was humanely euthanized on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.Teddy O’Connor had sustained catastrophic and crippling injuries in a tragic accident

USEF Names Olympic Equestrian Eventing Team - Short List

Announced in May by the United States Equestrian Federation, the U.S. Olympic short list for equestrian eventing for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, includes: Steven Bradley (46) and Brandenburg’s Joshua (Thoroughbred) Bruce Davidson, Jr. (32), and Ballynoe Castle RM (Irish Thoroughbred) Phillip Dutton (44) and Connaught (Irish Sport Horse) Phillip Dutton (44) and The Foreman (

Providence

Ah! Memorial Day weekend is here at last. What a wonderful reminder that spring has come.Every year, on Memorial Day weekend, even as we ponder the sacrifices of those who purchased freedom with their lives, we also enjoy a few consecutive days of rest and relaxation. This seems like a paradoxical juxtaposition somehow.The school year always draws to a close shortly after Memorial Day weekend too

Big Brown Wins Big

Two down, one to go?Jockey Kent Desormeaux rode Big Brown to victory on Saturday, May 17th, in the 133rd Preakness Stakes, just weeks after his runaway win in the Kentucky Derby.By the time they hit the back stretch, it wasn't even close.The Pimlico Race Course (Baltimore., Maryland) crowd went wild, along with trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr., as the big bay thoroughbred raced to the fore, claiming the

Halter-Skelter

Here's this week's entry for Wordless Wednesday (Saturday edition) and Jane’s Inspiration’s Saturday prompt on “adventure.” Photo by Nickers and Ink. Halter-Skelter Sun’s soft ray and pasture playSimply take our breath away.Colts and fillies run and romp;Soon the horseflies, they will stomp. Yanking halters, chewing manes,Living free from ropes and reins,Horses practice

A Bit of Horse Sense . . .

A Bit of Horse Sense . . . from The Mane PointRelated Items of Interest:Break It to Me Gently (Halter-Training)Church ClothesCompassion for FashionFrom the Guy in the Fourth RowIntermissionLiving Large as a Petite LadyThe Mirror LiedMuscling into FitnessNever BetterStyle RevivalVying for VintageWhy Try?

Come to Me

(This posting is also an entry for Totally Optional Prompts' "transformation" topic this week.)Just today, my young sporthorse colt worked under saddle in the big arena for the first time.As he moves, step by step, through his training, I cannot help but reminisce about the journey that brought us together to this point.His mother is a gorgeous chestnut Warmblood mare, my very first horse. His

Dandy Day

(for Wordless Wednesday’s Saturday edition and Blog Carnival's "Carnival of the Horses") Dandy Day(A poetic phrasing from a horse that is grazing) It’s a dandy day for a turnout,A wonderful day in the field,A perfect day to beat burnout,As sweet dandelions are revealed. I promise I’ll give you a ride, dear,If you will allow me to stay.The grasses are growing beside here,

A Stroll That's Droll

This post responds to the following prompts: Inspire Me Thursday (“doors”) and Read-Write-Poem (#25). Riding on horseback outdoors on a gorgeous spring day is a true pleasure, long-awaited. Of course, a brilliant spring day seems to energize both horse and rider. As we traverse the trail together, the signs of spring surround us. Mares are coming into season, stallions are calling out

Chicago 2016 Picks Proposed Olympic Equestrian Venue

Chicago 2016 Picks Proposed Olympic Equestrian Venue Chicago hopes to host the 2016 Olympic Games, and the Chicago 2016 Committee is saddling up for the challenge. On Saturday, May 3, 2006, the Chicago 2016 Committee announced the selection of Tempel Farms as the proposed site for the Olympic Equestrian Complex. Located in scenic Old Mill Creek, Illinois, Tempel Farms is a Lake

Off Course - Haikus and Views on Racetrack News

Here's this week's entry for One Single Impression’s prompt (“deserted”). Off Course –Haikus and Views on Racetrack News for Eight BellesUnbridleds' Song x Away(2005 - 2008) Running with the boys,Lovely filly, second place,Hopeful contender. Finish-line gallop,As grandstanders whoop and cheer.Clutching ticket stubs. Suddenly, she’s down.Ambulances shield

Kentucky Derby - Triumph and Tragedy

"A horse never runs so fastas when he has other horsesto catch up and outpace."Ovid(43 BC - 17 AD)The 134th Kentucky Derby, held Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky, was marked by both triumph and tragedy.Big Brown BountyBig Brown boldly blasted from gate #20 into the fray, and he never looked back. The three-year-old thoroughbred won big at the Kentucky Derby,

Brolly Folly - A Limericked Rule for Fashion's Fool

Here's this week's entry for Simply Snickers’ prompt on “umbrella,” “under,” “puddle” and “promise.”) Brolly Folly –A Limericked Rule for Fashion’s Fool Such promise was rare, yes, indeed.He rigged up the sulky and steed.The crowds, they did roar,Till it started to pour,Still, he held onto reins and his lead. A puddle stretched clear ‘cross the track,But he drove

Minis and Whinnies - Limericking Courses on Tiny Horses

Here's this week's entry for Wordless Wednesday (Monday edition), as well as a Poetry Train prompt. Photos by Nickers and Ink. Minis and Whinnies –Limericking Courses on Tiny Horses The miniature horses are cute.They pull carts and wagons to boot.For folks great and small,The minis enthrallWith darlingness most absolute. A horse may be tiny or tall,While ponies

Capping It Off - The Headless Horseman Takes a New Form

Capping It Off –The Headless Horseman Takes a New Form (Inspired by a flashy exhibitor at the Midwest Horse Fair 2008, “Dancing With Horses.”) The horseman is headless, they say.He rides on a spirited bay,His hair in the breeze,As he gallops with ease.He stored his crash helmet away. The horseman, he must use his head,And not by appearance be led.Just strap on his

Headin' Home - From the Midwest Horse Fair

Here's this week's entry for Wordless Wednesday (Sunday edition). Photo by Nickers and Ink.Headin’ Home - From the Midwest Horse FairAt the Fair(These lines can be sung to the tune of the familiar children’s folk song, “We Went to the Animal Fair.”)We went to the Midwest Horse Fair.Equines of all kind were there.The Freesians, they danced;The Arabians pranced,And Percherons did their share.The

The Mane Point Is . . . on a field trip

The Mane Point Is . . . on a Field Trip to . . .That's right. The Mane Point has gone on-location at the Midwest Horse Fair, April 18-20, 2008, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.C'mon back to The Mane Point in a day or two for news, photos and more from the Midwest Horse Fair!Love poetry? Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.Click here

Saddle Up!

Here's this week's entry for Wordless Wednesday (Monday edition). Photos by Nickers and Ink.Saddle Up!Mystified – A Rhyming Roundup on Saddling Up A foal is born, and so he grows,Until we head for rings and shows.The trail awaits, and so do we,My handsome chestnut colt and me.Today, we saddled him for once,Without a glitch, no bucks or stunts.In tack he’s never worn before,He modeled like a

Horse Show Ribbon Displays Made Easy

Horse Show Ribbon Displays Made EasyEconomical and Creative Ways to Show Off Your Horse Show Successes My horse-loving daughter has more than one hundred ribbons from various horse shows over the years. From hunter-jumper to dressage to pleasure classes, my young equestrian and her horse have emerged victorious often. Because of this, we have amassed a large collection of acetate, in the form of

Zero to Fifty-Five

(Written upon request of Mr. Knowitall’s “Flash-55” prompt. The guidelines call for stories with exactly 55 words.)Zero to Fifty-FiveBehind the barn,five pairsof horses and ridersset offat a brisk canter.Left behind,I cued my mare,and she exploded,terrified.A whirlwind of dustfollowed us,as we thundered paston the mile track.Once I knewthat we would live,I loved it.When can we ride together again

Peace With Everyone

Here's this week's entry for Wordless Wednesday (Saturday edition). Photo by Nickers and Ink."If it is at all possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18, NIV). Love poetry? Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here

Fragile Finery - Grace and Glory Can Be Costly

(Written upon request of Three Word Wednesday’s prompt on “glass,” question,” and token.”)Fragile Finery –Grace and Glory Can Be CostlyA lovely filly, made of glass,Without question, bonny lass,Pranced through classes, without par,Ever graceful superstar.Leaving others at impasse.With perfect braids and flexing poll,She lured the judges to extolLovely form and elegance,Poise and beauty, all at

The Hope of Spring

Here's this week's entry for Wordless Wednesday (Friday edition). Photo by Nickers and Ink.The Hope of SpringThe snow may fall, deep all around,And yet we know, spring may be found.Love poetry? Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free

Struck by Luck – A Riding Pass on Surprise in the Grass

Struck by Luck –A Riding Pass on Surprise in the Grass “The only sure thing about luckis that it will change.” Bret Harte(1836 – 1902) We galloped ‘cross the countryside,The perfect afternoon trail ride.Beside a creek, we paused to restAnd lounged awhile in grassy nest. Our horsey posse was content;To sit a spell was our intent.We sighed to see a day so fair

Common Myths About Cats

Common Myths About Cats

It is nearly impossible to spend time at the stables without becoming acquainted with at least a few barn cats. Our family recently adopted an abandoned kitten, found atop a haystack. For horsey folks and animals lovers of all kinds, The Mane Point offers a Cat Quiz today.
Test Your Cat Knowledge.Can you determine which of the following statements are TRUE or FALSE? (A

Down Time (for Wordless Wednesday's Thursday edition)

Here's this week's entry for Wordless Wednesday. (Photo by Nickers and Ink.)Love poetry? Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink. Or click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

Spring Is Coming! Time for Foaling! (for Wordless Wednesday)

Here's this week's entry for Wordless Wednesday. (Photo by Nickers and Ink.)Love poetry? Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink. Or click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

The Horse and His Girl – A Prodigious Pair

The Horse and His Girl - A Prodigious Pair Kindred Spirits? There is something about jumping a horse over a fence, something that makes you feel good. Perhaps it's the risk, the gamble. In any event it's a thing I need. William Faulkner(1897 – 1962) My daughter is a force of nature. From the moment she arrived, this kinetic kid has galloped through each day with gusto.

Break It to Me Gently - How to Halter-Train a Foal

Break It to Me Gently -How to Halter-Train a Foal Young horses are a delight, but they can also be a challenge. Hooves fly! Heads toss! How can you hope to put a halter on that young horse? Start early! It is never too soon to start handling and training a young horse. The best time to commence is while he is still small and willing to trust you. Ideally, human contact begins

Land Mines - A Rhyming Prep to Watch Your Step!

Land Mines -A Rhyming Prep to Watch Your Step! There is an eagle in methat wants to soar,and there is a hippopotamus in methat wants to wallow in the mud. Carl Sandburg(1878 – 1967) We live beside a danger zone,So watch before you tread.And when the grass is overgrown,The obstacles embed. Bare feet are not advisable,As everybody knows,And things

Horse Family Values: Why Should a Child Have a Horse?

Horse Family Values: Why Should a Child Have a Horse? What Horse Care Can Teach Kids Religion needs a baptism of horse sense.Billy Sunday(1862 – 1935) What makes friendship with a horse such a wonderful part of a child’s healthy development? After all, horses can be costly. Actually, the purchase price of the horse is not the issue. The upkeep is what adds up. Boarding,

Have You Herd?

Have You Herd?A Rhyme Past-Duefor My Favorite Crew Of what shall a man be proud,if he is not proud of his friends?Robert Louis Stevenson(1850 – 1894) Have you heard about the herd?It’s my very favorite word.Although you may think it absurd,It’s where I am most self-assured. The herd admits without password.There, pure acceptance is conferred.Equine affection may be stirred,

Horses and Ponies - What's the Difference?

Horses and Ponies - What's the Difference? “I heard a neigh.Oh, such a brisk and melodious neigh as that was!My very heart leaped with delight at the sound.”Nathaniel Hawthorne Size matters.What is the difference between a horse and a pony? Many people assume that a pony is simply a baby horse, or even a little horse. This is absolutely not true. Ponies and horses, though related,

Home-Grown Fertilizer

Home-Grown Fertilizer -How My Best Intentions Destroyed My PretensionsWhat crops up, when you combine horses and gardening?As a budding gardener, I read somewhere that organic fertilizer is excellent for garden beds and patio pots. In fact, for several years, we had actually purchased manure to compost and enrich our landscape plantings.We live in horse country. We even have our own horses. We

What's Your Name?

Just for fun today, "The Mane Point Is ..." posting a poem I wrote to help children (and the rest of us) remember the correct names for various baby animals.What's Your Name? Those baby animals are sweet;Look at their tiny eyes and feet.What can you call a girl or boy,The parent creature’s pride and joy? A pony’s not a little horse,A colt or filly is, of course.But both are known as

Falling Off Your Horse - Getting Over the Unscheduled Dismount

Back in the Saddle AgainWhoop-pi-ti-yi-yo Rockin' to and fro Back in the saddle again Whoop-pi-ti-yi-yay I go my own way Back in the saddle again. Gene Autry (The Singing Cowboy)Falling Off Your Horse - Getting Over the Unscheduled DismountHave you been launched by your Lippizan? Pitched by your pony? Heaved by your Hanoverian? Thrown by your Thoroughbred? Upended by your Appaloosa?

Horse Measurement - How Many Hands Is Your Horse?

Horse Measurement - How Many Hands is Your Horse? Why is a horse's stature measured by hand?Here's a trick question, unless you have horses: The tall, dark and handsome thoroughbred hunter-jumper stands 16 hands high. His flashy Arabian show horse and pasture pal, however, is 15 hands tall. And the sturdy and dependable Paint pleasure horse is 15.3 hands. How tall are these three horses? (

A Daughter's First Love

A Daughter's First Love - A Poetic Lead Line on Her Best ValentineIt is difficult to know at what moment love begins.It is less difficult to know that it has begun.Henry Wadsworth Longfellow(1807-1882)I bought my girl a Valentine,When she was only twelve.This one was of divine design,Not something off the shelf.He was a little jumpy, sure;That's how he stole her heart.His racy manners, her allure

Shooting Horses - Tips for Equine Photography

Shooting Horses - Tips for Equine Photography"Film is cheap! Time is not!"That's best photographic advice I ever received, as a budding corporate journalist years ago. Gathering bigwigs in the boardroom for a photo-shoot can be challenging, so it's critical to keep that shutter clicking as much as possible. The photo-opportunity may not appear again.Yearlings in the pasture can be even more

Horsey Products We Love - Passier Grand Gilbert (Nicole) Dressage Saddle

Product Review - Passier Grand Gilbert (Nicole) Dressage Saddle"Deep-Seated Delight."What's your favorite saddle? Here's mine! Click here for a full product review.You can find the Passier Grand Gilbert dressage saddle online at Cheshire Horse, Dover Saddlery, Mary's Tack, Pelham Saddlery, Rick's Heritage Saddlery, Saddlers Row, St. Croix Saddlery, State Line Tack, VTO Saddlery, and other

What's Wrong With Mouthy Gift Horses?

What's Wrong With Mouthy Gift Horses?"Never look a gift horse in the mouth." This age-old adage has become so overused that it now has its own chat-room acronym (NLAGHITM). If that doesn't make you roll on the floor laughing (ROFL), then what will?What do horses have to do with giving?When a veterinarian, equine appraiser or other expert assesses the value of a horse for sale, he will look

Running With the Right Herd

Running With the Right Herd - A Poetic Tribute to True FriendsMy friends, they're not so cool at all.I think they need an overhaul,An extrication from the mallAnd tutoring in protocol.Their manicures are without flaw;It ought to be against the law,Their afternoons spent at the spa,Where every day is Mardi Gras.They need some soil beneath their nails,From strolling scenic nature trailsAnd

Horsey Products We Love - Troxel Spirit Equestrian Helmet

Horsey Products We Love - Troxel Spirit Equestrian Helmet"Heads Up!"Smart horseback riders use their heads, by wearing equestrian safety helmets. Which is the best utilitarian safety cap for schooling, training and everyday riding? Here's the one we like.Click here for the full product review.You can find Troxel's Spirit helmet in direct-mail catalogs (such as Rods, SmartPak Equine and Valley Vet

A Running Start

A Running Start -A Rhyme I Penned for a Truest FriendMy favorite friend is tall and strong;He takes me where I don't belong.We share our secrets and our joys,With him, I need no other boys.You caught my heart.You caught my hand.With a running start,On you I'll land.My favorite friend has earned my trust,We leave all others in the dust.He doesn't scratch or pick his nose;He never worries 'bout his

A Yearling's Reminder

A Yearling's Reminder -Learning Holiness from a Horse"I will follow You wherever You go."Luke 9:57bNot long ago, I was working with a favorite little yearling colt, when he kicked me.This little guy and I have been together for about a year now - ever since the day he was weaned from his momma. He trusts me, and I trust him. He will follow me anywhere - even into dark nooks and crannies of the

How to Trim a Horse's Bridle Path

How to Trim a Horse's Bridle Path -Clipping Without SlippingWhat is a bridle path?To betrothed lovers, a bridal path is the aisle to the wedding altar. However, to horse lovers, a bridle path is something altogether different.In fact, a bridle path may be either an outdoor trail that has been groomed for equestrian use or a groomed area of the horse's mane to accommodate tack. This second

Grieving a Gelding

Grieving a Gelding - Recalling a Favorite HorseMy friend just lost her horse. A gorgeous black-and-white American Paint Horse (APHA) gelding, Jireh was the envy of the pasture. He boasted perfect conformation and an affectionate disposition. Proudly, he stood 17 hands high, with his abundant mane ruffling in the wind.Jireh belonged to Mindy, a fun-loving teen girl with 8,000 freckles and

Equine Insurance: Do You Feel Lucky?

Equine Insurance: Do You Feel Lucky?"You only need to insure your horse, if you couldn't afford to replace him." That was practically a mantra for one of our first equestrian trainers. Actually, this has turned out to be pretty good advice.We did carry insurance coverage on our first horses. However, as our herd grew, we opted out. It was simply too costly!Do you need insurance for your horse?

Respect Your Elders

Respect Your Elders - Caring for Your Senior HorseYour elderly equine carried you for many seasons. How can you care for him in his golden years?Horses may survive and thrive well into their 20s, and ponies may live past 30. Essentially, a horse ages three years for every human year, so a five-year-old horse is equivalent to a 15-year-old human; a 15-year-old horse is considered middle-aged (as

Horsey Products We Love - Mountain Horse Rimfrost Winter Paddock Boots

Horsey Products We Love -Mountain Horse Rimfrost Winter Paddock BootsWant warm feet in the stirrups, right in the middle of winter?Mountain Horse Rimfrost Winter Paddock Boots are the best for keeping toes toasty in the barn or out on the trail. Our horsey family has tried nearly every winter riding boot available, and these are our best pick.Click here for the full product review.You can find

Choosing a Horse For a Child

Choosing a Horse for a ChildFirst Horse, First LoveTo a young horse lover, a first horse quickly becomes a first love. How can you select the ideal match?"Pretty is as pretty does."Looks aren't everything, especially when you are choosing a first horse for a youngster. Matching horse to rider means finding a horse that will care for a beginning equestrian, or picking one that may provide enough

Horsey Humor - Green Lessons

Green LessonsA Poetic Reflection on Riding CorrectionI used to think I knew a lot;My horses nearly were self-taught.We'd pirouette, right on the spot,Until this sorrel colt, I bought.I used to think myself quite smart.My equitation, work of art.Until this colt, he stole my heartAnd upended my apple cart!I never stood a single chance.He looked at me, a single glance,And my resolve turned

A Soft Place to Land - Preparing for the Foal

A Soft Place to Land Preparing for the FoalThe mare is restless. Her tail is sagging a bit, and her udder is swollen and leaking waxy drops. Eleven months after her breeding to the prized stallion, her time is finally here. She is nearly ready.The foaling stall must be prepared as well. Basically, it is impossible to fully disinfect a horse's stall. Simply put, the area will be quickly sullied,

Horsey Products We Love - Passier Lederbalsam

Horsey Products We Love - Passier LederbalsamPassier Lederbalsam is ideal for conditioning and restoring leather saddles, bridles, harnesses, and more.Try it on your fine leather goods as well. Coach purses and handbags, Levinger briefcases and even custom cowhide Bible covers gain suppleness and shine from this compound.As you condition your leather items, you will not believe how soft your

Great Gifts for Horse Lovers

Great Gifts for Horse Lovers Tacky Actually Works, If You're Talking Tack! Shopping for Valentine's Day, a birthday or another special occasion? If you love a horse-lover, you may already have the ideal gift in mind. If not, don't be saddled with guilt. Here's a bit of advice: Skip the bridal shop, and head for the bridle shop.Equestrian-friendly gifts are available in every price range. The