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