DeAnn Sloan
The Power of the Horse–Human Bond Shines at the 2025 EQUUS International Film Festival
From wild mustangs to therapeutic riding, the 2025 EQUUS International Film Festival showcased how storytelling, science, and empathy continue to deepen our understanding of the extraordinary bond between horses and humans.
‘Oh Crap’ Monday: Unsolicited Opinions
Monday already is the crappiest day of the week, so it only makes sense that we make things official. Here’s our latest “oh crap” moment.
10 Types of Boarders You’ll Have When You Run a Boarding Barn
Because running a boarding barn isn’t just about feeding horses — it’s about managing a full cast of characters straight out of an equestrian sitcom. (more…)
Introducing the #EquestrianGratitudeChallenge
This November, we’re taking a moment to slow down, saddle up, and say thank you. (more…)
Halloween Short Story: En Fuego
When the flames took Fuego, the barn lost a horse — but gained a guardian made of smoke, fire, and loyalty that refuses to die. (more…)
Halloween Video: The Headless Horseman
The Headless Horseman rides again at Keeneland. (more…)
A Day in the Life of a Pony Named Pony: Halloween
Halloween. THIS is my holiday. (more…)
How Did No One Know? The Haunting Questions Behind the Pure Gold Stables Investigation
“[H]ow, in 2025, did this level of neglect — of alleged suffering — stay hidden long enough for four horses to be left starving behind closed doors, so desperate they tried to kick and chew their way out?” (more…)
10 Things That Will Spook Riders This Halloween
It’s that spooky time of year — when things go bump in the night, horses spook at invisible demons, and riders are haunted by the scariest monsters of all: vet bills, mystery lameness, and their post–show season bank statements. (more…)
Kentucky Derby: The Middle East Strengthens Ties with US Horse Racing
Photo by Abbie Myers, via Wikimedia Commons
Three prestigious Middle East horse races in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have been added to the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ series.
The Group 3 UAE 2000 Guineas and Listed Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes will award qualifying points towards up to two invitations for the big race at Churchill Downs.
The Group 3 Saudi Derby has also been added to the list of qualifying races, further strengthening the links between racing in the United States and Middle East.
The qualification series now consists of ten races, giving fans of Arabic horse racing betting even more reasons to wager on the sport in the region.
Saudi Racing Receives Major Profile Boost
The addition of the Saudi Derby is a landmark moment for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. First staged in 2020, the race has quickly gained global prominence.
Japanese superstar Forever Young won the 2024 Saudi Derby before finishing third in a thrilling renewal of the Kentucky Derby. He subsequently produced a stellar performance to defeat Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup earlier this year.
Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, says the link-up with the Kentucky Derby will boost the profile of racing in the Middle East.
“This announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership between the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and Churchill Downs Inc which holds the promise of more collaboration in the future.
“Saudi Arabian racing has been in a position to make important advancements on the international stage since the inauguration of the Saudi Cup in 2020.
“This latest development further strengthens the depth of appeal of the Saudi Cup weekend and allows the Saudi Derby to form part of a series of prestigious races with those in the UAE that further complement the important Middle East swing of winter racing.”
Meydan set to Stage Two New Kentucky Derby Qualifiers
Meydan Racecourse will stage the other two new races added to the Kentucky Derby qualification pathway during the early part of next year.
The UAE 2000 Guineas is scheduled to take place on January 23, while the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby will be run on February 20.
Dubai Racing Club will also offer a new bonus, in addition to the $100,000 already in place, if the winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas also wins the UAE Derby.
If the same horse wins the UAE 2000 Guineas, the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby and the UAE Derby, it will be eligible to accumulate two bonuses valued at $200,000.
Bill Carstanjen, the chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, believes the addition of more qualifying races enhances the global profile of the Kentucky Derby.
“The UAE Derby has long been a cornerstone of the Road to the Kentucky Derby,” he said.
“But the addition of the 2000 UAE Guineas and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby now offers a clearly defined pathway for Dubai-based runners aiming to earn a coveted spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
“This partnership further connects Dubai racing fans to the Kentucky Derby, often known as the ‘Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’, while building on the rich history of horseracing in Dubai.”
Ted Noffey Bidding to Boost Kentucky Derby Credentials
The bookmakers’ favourite for the Kentucky Derby is the Todd Pletcher-trained Ted Noffey, who has reeled off three consecutive victories in the United States.
The two-time Grade 1 winner is the favourite for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar on October 31, and a victory there would enhance his Kentucky Derby credentials.
Six-time Derby winner Bob Baffert trains the second and joint-third favourite in the betting for the race – Brant and Buetane. Baffert has several other horses who could become Derby contenders.
Both horses are entered in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and the race could become a useful form pointer for the big one at Churchill Downs next year.
Halloween Short Story: Ghosted By Soundness
A traumatized horse owner’s tale. (more…)
Rock and Roll: What You Need to Know About Enteroliths
Enteroliths, or “gut stones,” can be a serious issue for horses. They form over time and cause colic. But the good news? They are preventable. (more…)
As If! Which ‘Clueless’ Character Is Your Horse?
“Ugh, as if!” Your horse has opinions, drama, and a flair for the dramatic exit — but which Clueless character are they really? Take our quiz in honor of the movie’s 30th anniversary and find out if your horse is a total Cher, a Dionne diva, or a laid-back Travis. (more…)
Halloween Short Story: Carol’s Barn
Some barns creak from age — mine creaks when Carol’s unhappy. And if you leave a mess, she’ll make sure you know it. (more…)
12 Things We Worry About When We Leave Someone Else in Charge of the Horses (aka Barn Manager Separation Anxiety)
You may have left the farm, but mentally you’re still there — staring at the feed chart, whispering, “Please don’t forget to check the waters.”
(more…)
How Would You Like To Train Like This?
For many, riding a horse on the beach is a bucket-list item. But for Soul-be Courtney, it’s just another day of training. (more…)
Thursday Video: Wellness Exam
Or even scarier — the dreaded lameness exam! (more…)
VRC Confirms Second Declarations for the 2025 Melbourne Cup
With 53 contenders still in the running and international stars arriving in Melbourne, anticipation is building for the 2025 Melbourne Cup — the race that stops a nation. (more…)
If Only Parenting Worked Like Horse Training
So, it appears we’re on a “how horses are like children” kick today. In keeping with that, here are 10 things that would MAKE OUR DAY if we could enforce it with our children the way we do with our horses. (more…)
Teaching Emotional Control: Horses and Kids Aren’t That Different
Teaching emotional control — whether in horses or children — isn’t about avoiding stress altogether, but about helping them recover from it with confidence, calm, and trust. (more…)
Wild Rides: Bringing Along a Young, Incredibly Athletic Horse (and Why You Should Probably Stretch First)
Because bringing along a young, athletic horse isn’t just training — it’s an extreme sport disguised as character building. (more…)
A Look Ahead to British Champions Day
The Flat racing season comes to a thrilling close as British Champions Day 2025 brings the best horses from the UK, Ireland, and beyond to Ascot for one final, high-stakes showdown worth over £4.3 million in prize money.
