Monday Morning Feed from SmartPak: Abscesses — How to Deal
Abscesses, man. They ruin everything. One minute you’re on a roll, gearing up for the next big competition, and the next your horse is limping around like it has a broken leg. What gives? (more…)
4 Eventers Compete on Stick Horses for Charity
No horse? No problem for British riders raising funds for a local air ambulance. (more…)
Watch These 2 Bulldogs Who Just Want a Real Pony
I feel you, bro.
(more…)
An Unusual Patient at the ECB Equine Spa
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander…and what’s good for the horse is good for the camel??? (more…)
15 Absolutely Stunning Photos of Tack
Transport yourself to the tack room with these amazing photographs. (more…)
Ainsley Carter: The Jenna Marbles of Equestrians?
Tailored Sportsmans? Check. Horse show-proof manicure? Check. Possibly tipsy? Check. We interviewed Ainsley to learn more about how she became the online voice of hunter-jumper riders everywhere. (more…)
Weekend Welcome from Kentucky Performance Products
Is there any benefit to feeding electrolytes year-round?
10 Things I Learned as a Tack Store Employee
Working at a tack store is fabulous, weird and full of equestrian life lessons. (more…)
What The Muck Is That? Neck Threadworms
Each week we investigate one equestrian conundrum in “What the muck is that?” This week we take a look at neck threadworms.
Dave Rohrbach Has His Hands Full, Literally
To our knowledge this Pennsylvania daredevil is the only driver to ever hook up the “suicide hitch,” among other unique combinations of don’t-try-this-at-home draft-horse awesome.
Friday Standing Ovation from Ovation Riding: Pink 50 Poker Prance
Each week we recognize an individual or organization that is doing good work in the horse world — but today is a little different. An event, Oxford Feed & Lumber’s Pink 50 Poker Prance, is taking the spotlight.
Presented by:
This unique breast cancer awareness fundraiser takes place on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at Fair Hill in Elkton, Maryland. Nancy Johnson kindly supplied us with all the info we need to support this year’s event!
From Nancy:
Oxford Feed & Lumber’s Pink 50 Poker Prance, now in its fifth year, began as one of a number of events within the Pink 50 Campaign that Purina co-sponsored with their dealers nationwide in 2010. The purpose of the Pink 50 Campaign was to reach out to women in rural America and raise awareness about breast cancer while also raising money for research programs. In 2010, more than 50 Purina dealers joined the Pink 50 Campaign through a variety of fundraisers including barbeques, tack swaps, and trail rides.
“It was such a hit the first year and everyone asked us to continue it, so we have,” explain the Drennen brothers, Chris and Larry Jr. “It’s just gotten bigger and better as people bring their friends along for this fun event for a great cause.”
Last year more than 250 riders enjoyed the Poker Prance through scenic Fair Hill. Riders may start the ride any time between 9 a.m. and noon, so it doesn’t get overcrowded. We believe we may top that number in 2014 as not only is it a great cause, but people love the prizes and raffles we have too.
Pink is definitely the color of the day! And we make a contest out of it as well. The top five “most pink” horse and rider teams each win gift cards. It’s amazing how creative the riders, (and horses) have become!
We also have some incredible raffle prizes – all with a pink theme. The oversize raffle baskets can all be seen at Oxford Feed & Lumber prior to the event and tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the store, or on Oct. 12 at Fair Hill. The winning tickets will be drawn at the event, but one need not be present to win.
As in a paper chase, there are various checkpoints along the ride. At each checkpoint, a rider collects a card. At the conclusion of the ride, one has a poker hand and gift cards are awarded to the best five poker hands.
Five raffle winners will also take home five bags of Purina feed. Plus, for the first time, we will be selling Purina feed at a substantial discount at the event — customer pickup only. As riders will have transported their horse, it’s easy to take advantage of this deal and throw some feed in the truck or trailer.
With their $30 donation, participants receive a coveted pink Poker Prance tee-shirt, lunch, and a goodie bag. A new addition this year, a commemorative saddle pad, with embroidered pink logos, is sure to be a hit. A limited number will be available for a suggested additional donation.
All proceeds go to the Pennsylvania and Delaware Breast Cancer Coalitions to advance their breast cancer awareness and research programs.
Riders should register early to be sure a tee-shirt in the proper size is reserved for them. To
register, stop in or call, Oxford Feed & Lumber, 112 Railroad Ave., Oxford, PA 19363, 610-932-8521 or Brandywine Ace Pet & Farm, 1150 Pocopson Rd., West Chester, PA 19382, 610-793-3080. The registration form is also available on our website, www.oxfordfeedlumber.com and Facebook page.
Go Riding!
Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.
SpectraVet Performance of the Week: Jessica Springsteen & Vindicat W
The Boss’s daughter rock ‘n’ rolled around the 2014 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W last weekend at New York’s Old Salem Farm. (more…)
6 Free Horses in Search of a Forever Home
Could you be it? (more…)
Quiz: What’s Your Sporthorse Personality?
Flickr/Grace B. H./Creative Commons License
A dressage horse, an eventer, a show jumper or something else entirely… take our quiz to find out!
At work, you’re known as being…
A) An organized, detail-oriented perfectionist. The master of spreadsheets and to-do lists.
B) A serial multi-tasker. To others your desk looks cluttered, but there’s a method to your madness, and you’re at your best when your plate is just a little too full.
C) A goal-setter. You thrive on raising the bar for yourself and your co-workers.
D) Hypercompetitive, and everyone wants to be on YOUR team.
E) Calm, cool and collected in any situation. And… stylish–your tailored pantsuit collection is ah-mazing!
E) The most fun at happy hour!
What kind of driver are you?
A) An excellent driver, thank you, unlike 90% of everyone else on the road. Why can’t people use their turn signals?
B) Skilled not only at driving, but at talking on the phone, eating a sandwich, messing with the radio and digging around for your sunglasses in the center console–all at the same time.
C) You live in the fast lane and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere without first consulting your GPS for the shortest, fastest, most efficient route.
D) A big advocate for carpooling. You enjoy the company and it saves gas.
E) Happiest when your ride has all the bells and whistles: leather interior, satellite radio and seat warmers are a must.
F) You prefer to roll down the window, crank up the jams, and let the destination come to you–unless you’re in a hurry, and then it’s “Get out of my way!!”
Your ideal vacation would be…
A) A self-guided tour of your favorite European city.
B) A cross-country road trip. Why see just one place when you can see it all?
C) Vegas, baby! You like living large and rolling the dice.
D) A trip to the beach with friends.
E) Anywhere with a spa in it. Great shopping is a bonus.
F) In the great outdoors.
What’s your favorite type of exercise?
A) Pilates, yoga or ballet barre.
B) You like to mix it up. Crosstraining keeps you from getting bored.
C) Running sprints.
D) Playing sports with friends–if it involves kicking, throwing or hitting a ball, you’re in.
E) Riding without stirrups–not!
F) Hiking or trailrunning.
What’s your sporthorse personality? Scroll down to find out!
If you picked mostly As, you’re a…
DRESSAGE HORSE: You take pride in perfect execution, but be sure to give yourself some free rein every once in a while!
If you picked mostly Bs, you’re an…
EVENTER: You thrive on mixing it up and biting off more than you can chew–just take care to not spread yourself too thin!
If you picked mostly Cs, you’re a…
SHOW JUMPER: You have a need for speed and you hold yourself to a high personal standard. Remember that it’s OK to slow down and take a breath every now and again!
If you picked mostly Ds, you’re a…
POLO PONY: You’re a team player who thrives on social interaction and is motivated by competition. Keep in mind, though, that an overobsession with winning can be counterproductive!
If you picked mostly Es, you’re a…
SHOW HUNTER: From your career to your closet, your approach to life involves a certain degree of finess. Just don’t shy away from getting your hands dirty when necessary.
If you picked mostly Fs, you’re a…
FOX HUNTER: You’re happiest when surrounded by nature and friends. Clear room in your schedule for plenty of trips to the countryside–and the pub!
How did you fare?
Go Riding!
Thursday Morning Feed from Fleeceworks
In the event world, Plantation Field, otherwise known as the Best. Event. Ever., is kicking off today. (more…)
So THAT’S Why You Shouldn’t Lunge a Draft Horse
One of my FB friends shared this video with the caption “why you should never lunge a draft horse” — which had me pretty confused until I watched it. Spoiler alert: The draft horse wins. (more…)
15 Breathtaking Photos of Horses & Clouds From Around the World
Have you ever found yourself riding beneath a sky so beautiful you had no choice but to drop the reins and look up? (more…)
The Athletic Rider: Turn Frustration Into Fascination
Especially when you’re in the early stages of a fitness program, it’s easy to feel discouraged. Personal trainer Leah Hinnefeld suggests a different approach. (more…)
If Dressage Letters Made Sense…
…the arena might look more like THIS, as illustrated by Morgane Schmidt.
Go Riding!
Morgane Schmidt is a 29-year-old teacher/artist/dressage trainer/show announcer/ who still hasn’t quite decided what she wants to be when she grows up. A native Floridian, she now lives in Reno, NV, where she’s been able to confirm her suspicion that snow is utterly worthless. Though she has run the gamut of equestrian disciplines, her favorite is dressage. This year she was able to complete her USDF bronze medal and is now pursuing her silver. Generally speaking her life is largely ruled by Woody, a 14.2 hand beastly quarter horse, Willie, a gawky three year old Dutch gelding, and Stormy, her friend’s nearly all white paint gelding with a penchant for finding every mud hole and pee spot in existence. Visit her website at www.theideaoforder.com.
Wednesday Helmet Cam from World Equestrian Brands: Calecto V’s Goodbye Gallop
Tina Konyot retired her 2014 WEG dressage mount with a gallop into the sunset on a Normandy beach. (more…)
Remember California Chrome? He’s Ba-ack!
Photo: Michael Candelori/Flickr/Creative Commons License
CalChrome is making his first racing appearance since his failed attempt at the Triple Crown this Saturday for the Grade II Pennsylvania Derby.
America’s favorite racehorse is returning to the track this weekend for the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby, adding some star power to what’s already going to be a huge weekend at Parx Racing outside of Philadelphia. On the card is both the Grade II Pennsylvania Derby as well as the Grade I $1 million Cotillion for fillies. Parx looks to be drawing one of the biggest crowds ever as it hosts a Kentucky Derby winner for the first time, aided in part by a $100,000 bonus for each owner just for California Chrome to start.
While California Chrome has fallen off the radar a little bit this summer after his heartbreaking fourth place dead-heat in the Belmont Stakes in June, the colt has been using his R&R wisely. Chrome has put back on the weight he had dropped in the grueling Triple Crown chase and recovered from his grabbed quarter out of the gate at the Belmont. When the colt returned to his old stall at Los Alamitos for training, crowds gathered just to watch his workouts, showing that the “Chromies” still have faith in their horse.
California Chrome is flying cross-country to Philadelphia on Tuesday with plans to work the Parx track later in the week in preparation for Saturday’s race. He’s drawn the rail and was listed on Monday as the even-money favorite. However, it’s not going to be a casual breeze to the winner’s circle: Bayern, who hasn’t seen Chrome since the Preakness, is coming off of wins in the Grade II Woody Stephens and Grade I Haskell (as well as a last-place finish in the Grade I Travers, but he seems to be in better form now.) Tapiture should also not be discounted with two wins in Grade III and Grade II races since his 15th place finish in the Derby.
Art Sherman is hopeful that a win in the Pennsylvania Derby will prepare the colt to take on the Breeders Cup Classic. While Sherman remains optimistic, he’s also nervously curious to see how California Chrome competes after coming off of the first real rest of his career. I think most of the nation is hopeful that Chrome is rested, ready and ravenous again for the winner’s circle. Time will tell.
Here’s a video of California Chrome’s last workout at Los Alamitos before traveling to Pennsylvania, including interviews with Art Sherman and some helmet-cam footage from his workout rider:
Go Chrome!
Inside My Equine First Aid Kit
Horses tend to be a little accident prone. Here’s a list of everything I keep in my emergency stash.