Kristen Kovatch
A Valentine To My Number One
Haley Ruffner, the Academic Equestrian, has a special message for the important guy in her life.
From left to right: Haley’s friend Elena, Cricket and Haley, ready for prom. Photo by Maria Hurd.
Dear Valentine,
Thank you for spoiling me this year—you didn’t buck me off once, and you only went through two winter blankets. I very much appreciate your loving personality (even if it’s only for the peppermints), and your winter coat is wonderful for cuddling on chilly evenings when I come to the barn.
Even though we’ve been together for five years now, every year you grow more handsome and muscular. You’ve matured so much, and even through your gangly and rebellious stages, I have never regretted choosing you.
I cherish our time together, but when we’re apart it still seems as though you’re with me. Your scent lingers on my skin, in my hair, and on my clothes, and everyone around me knows we’ve been together by the tell-tale snot and hair that blankets my jacket.
Not everyone understands our relationship, but that’s okay. Sometimes my friends will ask why I spend more time with you than with them, and my family rolls their eyes when I come to dinner late and smelling like the barn. The truth of the matter is that I like spending time with you because you make me the happiest.
You’re honest, smart, snuggly, and mostly well-behaved. You don’t argue with me (little disagreements over whether or not there are monsters in the corner of the arena don’t count as arguments, really) and you’re always happy to see me. Honestly, your personal hygiene isn’t even that bad compared to a lot of people.
It seems to be a growing trend to refer to one’s significant other as “bae,” but you’ve been bay for years and I don’t see that changing any time soon.
Love,
Haley
Haley is the author of Horse Nation’s “Academic Equestrian” series, following her collegiate experience as she balances her studies with participation on the varsity equestrian team and time with her own horse. Catch up on past columns by clicking the #ACADEMIC EQUESTRIAN tag at the top of the page!
Haley Ruffner is attending Alfred University, majoring in English and minoring in Business and Equestrian Studies. She has a green Quarter Horse, At Last an Invitation “Cricket,” and he is also “enrolled” at Alfred. She rides western and hunt seat and also loves to rein and trail ride.
Photo by Maria Hurd.
Friday Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Oxford Feed & Lumber Free OTTB Seminar
Oxford Feed & Lumber, producer of the famous Pink Poker Prance breast cancer benefit, is focusing on the revival of the off-track Thoroughbred through a free seminar for horsemen and enthusiasts.
Win a Virginia Horse Farm Via Essay Contest … Again
It’s just 200 words and an entry fee away!
A Conversation with Sara Sherman, Equine Assisted Coach: Part I
Sara Sherman’s 2015 TEDx presentation highlighted how equine-based counseling and coaching can change lives. We caught up with her to learn more about the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method.
The Heart of the Horse
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’re looking at the heart — literally.
#ThrowbackThursday: 7 Times Idiot Horse Owners Turned to Google When They Should Have Called the Vet
We’re bringing back this head-scratched from early 2015. Seriously, what is wrong with people?
Fleeceworks Morning Feed: Mini Sled Rally
We realize that there are lots of ways to interpret that title, but we think you’ll agree that this interpretation is the cutest.
There are plenty of winter activities you can enjoy with your horse: snowy trail rides and gallops, sleighing behind a good driving horse, skijoring, snow polo or one-horse open snow-tubing. This video shows another way to get your horses in on the wintertime fun, and it’s totally adorable.
(Note: must be logged in to Facebook to view.)
Cute Little Ponies In The Snow !#LOL | PegaseBuzzAttaque de Poneys !!!
Posted by PegaseBuzz on Thursday, February 11, 2016
While this prospect would be slightly terrifying with a field full of regular-sized horses, it’s downright cute when a score of miniature horses serves as your sledding honor guard.
Go sledding, and go riding!
Poll: Who Wore It Best? Great Charity Challenge Edition
The 2016 theme: “Fairy Tale.”
Best of Craigslist: Don’t Cry Edition
Best of Craigslist is back with another tear-inducing roundup of terrible ads.
Ah, Craigslist — you evoke all sorts of emotions in us. These ads remind you that when you can’t decide whether to laugh or cry, just laugh. It’s easier.
We’ll kick things off with this “calm cool a collective” horse from Kristy:
Screenshot via Craigslist
I have a Percheron horse which will be 2 March 5 2016. He is a sound horse with good training and is very smart. Temperament wise he is a very cool calm a collective kind he is a pocket horse. Easy to catch. I have broke him without a bit so to each his own. I assume with as big as they get you might have to.
Overall, this ad isn’t bad, and credit to the sellers who are raising money to geld the sire. But there’s a certain misspelling that raises an eyebrow and a good chuckle. From Lisa:
She’s excellent over very short distances. From Joye:
Screenshot via Craigslist
I have a Quarter mile horse for sale, 7 year old (Female), registered with “American Quarter Horse Association”, horse Comes with Certificate of Registration. She is broke to ride, but I haven’t ride her for about a year.
The new tactic in tack sales seems to be melodrama. From Maddie:
Screenshot via Facebook
This horse is obviously a saint and needs to be purchased right now. Look — she goes great in a snaffle… sort of. From Maria:
Screenshot via Craigslist
I am selling my female horse, she is trained to be ridden on , she is about 5 years old. I an not sure about the breed but I was told she is a Quarter horse Asking $1,300.
Rounding out the collection today, we had to do some serious sleuthing to discover that this is not, in fact, a scam. Aren’t you pleased to know that this is actually a real horse and he really is standing at stud? From Lori:
Screenshot via Equine Now
Can you say Tipple Crown? This is Empire of d’Nile , He is the “PATERNAL” { same Dad} 1/2 brother to the Grand Slam Winner &, Haskell Winner, American Pharaoh.
Both sired by the amazing “Pioneer of the Nile’ who won 4 Graded stakes races in a row, Including the Santa Anita Derby.
WE all know he would have won the KY Derby but I guess they forgot that day to Mine that bird that day. Pioneer of the Nile Blood line continues to make winner after winner.
Readers, if you run across an “interesting” ad in your Internet wanderings, send it our way! Email the link to [email protected]. Who knows – maybe you’ll help connect a horse with a safe, loving home. Go Riding.
SpectraVET Performance of the Week: Kent Farrington Wins Inaugural Wellington Masters
The inaugural Wellington Masters, a leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League, took place on Sunday in Wellington, Florida, with Kent Farrington and Uceko capturing victory.
World Equestrian Brands Helmet Cam: Welly Eventing
The 2016 $75,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase wrapped up this weekend in Florida — for all of us trapped in much colder locations, Doug Payne brings us along XC via helmet cam.
15 #EquestrianProblems According to Twitter
140 characters, so much struggle.
Pass the Salt: What to Know About Sodium
Here’s the how and why.
Video: Jimmy the Clydesdale
While the 2016 Budweiser commercial didn’t have nearly enough Clydesdale, here’s a fun alternative.
Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Centre of Bradford, Ontario produced its third Super Bowl “commercial” in 2016, starring Jimmy the Clydesdale. Says Dreamwinds: “While Dreamwinds’ Jimmy still awaits a call to appear in a real Budweiser Superbowl commercial, he finds Zoey a worthwhile distraction. With dreams of being together, their buddy Benson the donkey is on the job to be sure love finds a way. All you need is love.”
According to Dreamwinds, Jimmy is the official “spokeshorse” for the Stomp Out Cancer fundraising campaign.
Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Centre offers leadership training and team building through work with horses. Learn more about Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Centre by visiting the organization’s website or “liking” them on Facebook.
Go Jimmy, and go riding!
Tuesday Morning Video: Egghead
Why yes, this IS a video of a horse wearing a chicken as a hat.
Some animal friendships bridge the gap between species — like Rocky and his chicken. Watch Rocky stand so patiently while “his” chicken sits on his head, walks up and down his neck and back, and hangs out on his feeder.
(Note: must be logged in to Facebook to view.)
I went out to check horses and this is what I find. I can say with certainty that this horse is one broke dude. Thank you Lord I needed this today…..Jason Thorne
Posted by Nancy Elwood on Sunday, February 7, 2016
Go Rocky. Go chicken. Go riding!
#horsenation ‘Grams of the Week
Follow @go_riding on Instagram for more!
Oprah Buys Horse Farm… But Not Horses
Oh, Oprah. You just spent $28 million on a horse farm that any equestrian would die for, and you don’t even want any horses.
Now, let’s get something straight right off the bat: Oprah is an inspiration who has touched untold thousands of lives through television and media as well as philanthropy. She’s been called one of the most influential women in the world and has donated over $400 million to educational causes. She clearly has worked very hard to be where she is today, and deserves to enjoy some of the finer things in life.
Which, apparently, does not included horses. Oprah recently paid a whopping $28 million for the Seamair Farm estate in Montecito, California, in a neighborhood including the likes of Jeff Bridges, Ellen Degeneres and Drew Barrymore. Check this place out — it’s complete with a picture-perfect barn, ample turnout, tons of privacy and a lovely home.
Unfortunately for equestrians everywhere who were hoping that Oprah was touching base with her horse-loving side, the icon has apparently decided not to use the property for equines. Sage Auctions reported in a press release that Oprah “does have an amazing vision for this property.”
Okay, we understand — Oprah has earned the right to do whatever she wants with her money, and who are we to stop her? On the other hand, as space for equestrians and horse-related activities is at a premium all over the country with farmland rapidly disappearing to developers, it’s a huge shame that this pristine farm won’t be used to house horses in the future.
Oprah, if you change your mind and want to buy a horse or two, you’ll have Horse Nation rooting for you every step of the way.
Go riding!
[Oprah Winfrey Buys $28 Million Horse Farm at Auction; See Inside the Picturesque 23-Acre Estate]
‘Oh Crap’ Monday
Here’s our latest reader-submitted photo!
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!
KickyBrand.com is an online horse lovers site currently selling clothing, greeting cards and stickers. It also routinely publishes a cartoon strip by Kellie Lewis that has a little bit of kick to it.
SmartPak Monday Morning Feed: Ask a Non-Rider, Grazing Muzzle Edition
Our new favorite series from SmartPak asks the non-riders in the SP office to identify common barn items and describe their purpose. Today, the SmartPakers take on the grazing muzzle.
Relive the Magic of Every Budweiser Clydesdale Super Bowl Commercial Since 2002
Still reeling over the disturbing lack of adorable tear-jerking Clydesdale action in the 2016 Budweiser commercial? We’ve got the perfect fix. (more…)
The Nickerdoodles Super Bowl Collection
Are you confused by football terminology on the big game day? Melanie Eberhardt and Nickerdoodles are here to help.
Courtesy of Nickerdoodles
Courtesy of Nickerdoodles
Courtesy of Nickerdoodles
Courtesy of Nickerdoodles
Can’t get enough? Check out more Nickerdoodles football definitions here!
About Melanie: I am an artist in Atlanta. When I’m not painting, I’m riding horses. I started NickerDoodles to document the horsey antics that abound within my world. I hope everyone enjoys NickerDoodles. Please visit nickerdoodlescartoons.com and follow Nickerdoodles on Facebook here.
