Kristen Kovatch
Your Turn: Sometimes, the Horse Chooses You
Sigourney Jellins describes how she selected her off-the-track Thoroughbred for the 2016 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. (Spoiler: it’s not as scientific as you might think.)
Photo by Sigourney Jellins.
Just yesterday, I was asked to point out why I thought one young OTTB would be a better competition prospect than another. Confirmation, bloodlines, race history, and temperament can all play a role in choosing a horse off the track with the ability to be successful in a second career. In a completely objective world, only these things would matter. But sometimes it’s the look in the horse’s eye as you meet them, that special feeling you get when they give you that first nuzzle or whiskery kiss that makes the decision for you …
I met Oso for the first time in a shaded barn aisle at Eclipse Equine Sports Therapy Center in Paso Robles. I walked down the aisle, searching for his name on the stall door, excited to see him for the first time. I found his stall, and he looked at me and came to say hello. Now, I can try to say it was the rhythm and fluidity in his walk down the barn aisle, or the suspension in his trot as he jogged down the driveway that made me conclude he would be an excellent prospect for eventing or dressage. But in truth, it was the friendliness in his gaze, and the gentle way he reached his nose out to nuzzle my hand that told me Oso was a special horse.
Time will tell if he will be a future dressage or eventing star (I think he has all the tools to be!). For now, I’m going to savor our first few rides, and enjoy seeing his lovely face over the stall door every morning.
Photo by Madison Jellins.
Sigourney Jellins is a professional eventing and dressage rider in Northern California, and a 2016 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover trainer. Oso Smart is a 2011 gelding by Curlin. Oso is sponsored by Neigh Savers Rescue; click here to check them out on Facebook. “Like” Oso’s page on Facebook to get updates on his progress!
Is it “Your Turn”? We love sharing reader submissions — email yours to [email protected].
Academic Equestrian: You Can Take the Girl Out of the Barn …
… but the horse smell stays with her.
Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: EQUUS Foundation’s Best Performance Team Invitational
The only national charitable foundation dedicated solely to ensuring the quality of life of horses in the United States, the EQUUS Foundation raised funds through its annual Best Performance Team Invitational.
The Hazy Future of the Polish Arabian
Poland’s incomparable Arabian horse breeding program has been recognized as a national treasure — but recent political moves leave the breed’s future in doubt. Shya Beth details the controversy.
Photo Challenge: 9 Horses Enjoying the Mud Spa
One of our favorite signs of the season.
14 Signs It Might Be Time To Change Boarding Barns
Because for all the reasons that exist to get kicked out of the boarding barn, there are an equal number of reasons that it might be time to leave on your own.
Daily Dose of Hilarious: Draft Horse Sled Rescue
The draft horse rescuing the broken-down snowmobile is pretty cool … but watch all the way to the end, because then it gets hilarious.
While there are many uses for draft horses — farm work, carriage livery, riding, maximum snuggliness and more — perhaps one of their greatest applications is their ability to aid stranded motorists in the winter. This video is a variation on that theme, when this draft horse is hitched up to a broken-down snowmobile in the woods to haul it home.
That in and of itself would be reason enough for a fun video, but watch all the way to the end, because boys will be boys and can’t resist an opportunity to goof off. Good thing karma has a way of getting in the last laugh.
(Note: must be logged in to Facebook to view.)
When the sled breaks down… Frank to the rescue… with some unexpected entertainment.
Posted by Mark Leslie Hamilton on Saturday, February 20, 2016
Oops. I’m sure it will come out in the wash.
Go draft horses! Go riding!
#ThrowbackThursday: 5 Alternate Uses For Barn Cats
A not un-useful list.
Proposed FEI Name Changes For Other Equestrian Disciplines
“Equestrian triathlon” is just the beginning. [Disclaimer: this is a spoof list.]
Product Review: The EquiGroomer
The perfect tool for the most wonderful time of the year!
SpectraVET Perf. of the Week: Bareback/Bridleless Cutting
Zach Combs turned heads at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in late February when he demonstrated the art of cutting … without a saddle or bridle.
Cutting is one of those disciplines that showcases a horse’s raw talent, the innate ability of a stock horse to read cattle and move with them. It’s an intense feat of athleticism, both for the horse, who is rolling low over his hocks and crouching to give a cow “the eye,” and for the rider, whose job is to make it look like he or she is not doing anything at all while he or she literally hangs on for dear life. Yes, cutting — where you will see the biggest most manly-looking cowboy with a death grip on the saddle horn.
So when a horse and rider amble up to the herd with naught but a lead rope around the horse’s neck, naturally it gets our attention. Watch Zach Combs ride bareback and bridleless to the herd! (Note: must be logged in to Facebook to view.)
Ride ‘Em Cowboy . . . . . Zach Combs put on quite a show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo during the World Series. This man not only rode to the herd Bridleless, he was bareback. What a show!
Posted by National Cutting Horse Association on Sunday, March 6, 2016
Well done, Zach! Our hats are off to you and your impressive performance.
Go cutting!
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SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.
We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.
World Equestrian Brands Helmet Cam: Fjord Trail Ride
Yeah, yeah, we know we’re supposed to keep our eyes up when we’re riding … BUT LOOK AT THAT MANE!
Fjord riders of the world, you have all of my respect, because if I had a Fjord I would spent 100% of my time in the saddle watching that iconic black-striped mane waving back and forth. I dare everyone about to watch this video to try to not get sucked in to that adorableness.
So how did you do? Did you enjoy the scenery? Or did you watch that adorable Norwegian Fjord the whole time?
Go riding!
2016 Best of HN #4: #RideForOlivia: In Memory of Olivia Inglis
Equestrians all over the world united in support.
International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Equestrian
March 8 is designated annually as a day to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. We’re taking a moment to spotlight female equestrians at all levels and niches of our industry.
Horses In Ads: ‘Courage Is Already Inside’
This minute-long spot ran almost a year ago for the 2015 Kentucky Derby, but it remains just as good today.
As opposed to most truck commercials which show shiny new vehicles driving up over mountains, hauling boats to the sea or parked at a beauty-shot angle at construction sites, this 2015 commercial produced for the Kentucky Derby takes a different tactic. No masculine money-shots here — instead, this Dodge Ram commercial includes a few ladies you might recognize excelling in their native habitats. And, of course, plenty of horses — what else could you possibly need a truck for if not hauling your horses around?
Look for country music star Miranda Lambert, outdoorswoman Eva Shockey and champion female jockey Rosie Napravnik:
Hey, we already know — trucks are for girls. But isn’t it nice to have a commercial to back us up?
Do you have a favorite horsey commercial? Give us a shout-out in the comments! Go riding!
2016 Best of HN #21: 11 Reasons Never to Be a Horse Trader
Straight from a former horse trader’s mouth.
Tuesday Video: Horse & Cat Are BFFs
… or maybe someone spilled molasses on the cat. Either way, we’re loving this little video.
Animal friendships know no bounds. Case in point: this horse who loves his cat. (Or at least the taste of his cat.)
Note: must be logged in to Facebook to view.
Horse And Cat Hug#PauseTendresse | PegaseBuzzIs it Love ?
Posted by PegaseBuzz on Sunday, March 6, 2016
Whatever this friendship might be, we love it. Happy Tuesday, Horse Nation — go riding!
#horsenation ‘Grams of the Week
Check out what your fellow readers are up to all across Horse Nation!
‘Gram of the Day from @my_arabian_spirit: He makes me happy #horsenation #arabianhorse #equestriansofinstagram A photo posted by Horse Nation (@go_riding) on
Happy World Wildlife Day! ‘Gram of the Day from @tealamears_brown: I work at such an amazing place I get to ride beautiful horses and see amazing wildlife when I’m riding. Here is a video of some sandhill cranes flying over while I was riding. #sandhillcrane #horsenation #horselife A video posted by Horse Nation (@go_riding) on
‘Gram of the Day from @rickstarr93: #mountedarchery practice today! It was way fun! #horsenation #horsesofinstagram A photo posted by Horse Nation (@go_riding) on
Join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram at @go_riding and tag your public photos with #horsenation. We’ll share our favorites daily. Go riding!
Olympic Cyclist Switches Saddle to Steeplechasing, Sets Sights on Cheltenham
One year ago, two-time gold medalist Victoria Pendleton had never sat on a horse. Today, she’s heading for one of the biggest steeplechase meets of the jump race season.
A Comic to Kick Off Your Week
Need a little comic relief for your Monday? You’ll get a kick out of Kellie Lewis’ latest comic!
‘Oh Crap’ Monday
Here are our latest reader-submitted photos and videos.
