Kristen Kovatch
Friday Standing Ovation, Presented by Ovation Riding: Full Circle
This week’s honoree: the American Quarter Horse Association’s Full Circle program, designed to help facilitate the retirement or rehoming of American Quarter Horses by the people who love them.
7 Things That Always Come Home in Your Pockets
It’s like a scavenger hunt when you hang up your barn coat or take off your breeches at home — what did you accidentally bring back this time? (more…)
How to Break in a Western Saddle
When breaking in a new western saddle, what’s your favorite method? We’ve got some suggestions outlined here. (more…)
3 Reader-Submitted Horses Who Got Spoiled On Valentine’s Day
Because nothing says “I love you!” like homemade horse treats.
This Barn Filmed Its Own Version of the Budweiser ‘Lost Puppy’ Super Bowl Commercial
…and it’s amazing. We spoke with Jessica Polednak of Birchtown Stables to get the details on her video ‘Lost Goat.’ (more…)
‘Unbranded’: 3,000 Miles and 16 Mustangs
This new documentary follows four friends packing 16 mustangs from Mexico to Canada. We caught up with project mastermind Ben Masters to learn more. (more…)
Equestrians Anonymous: This Week’s Top 5 from the Forums
We’ll bring you the five best conversations from our forums each week. Check out Equestrians Anonymous and let your voice be heard! (more…)
Weekly Instagram Round-Up
This week: how many of these moments do YOU recognize from this crazy equestrian life? #horsenation (more…)
Can This Rematch Bring Horse Racing Back to the Mainstream?
California Chrome faces off against rival Shared Belief on Saturday–but is the rematch enough to people excited about horse racing again? (more…)
20 Reader-Submitted Horses Who Haven’t Noticed It’s Snowing
For this week’s 24-hour photo challenge, we wanted to see how your horses felt about six more weeks of winter. Turns out, they haven’t even noticed. (more…)
How to Be a Professional Cowgirl: Part II
In Part I, we met Kathleen McConkey, who grew up and decided to be a cowgirl. In Part II, we get a closer look at Kathleen’s day-to-day life at Twodot Land and Livestock. (more…)
Equestrians Anonymous: This Week’s Top 5 From the Forums
We’ll bring you the five best conversations from our forums each week. Check out Equestrians Anonymous and let your voice be heard!
If you haven’t been a regular on Horse Nation’s forum board Equestrians Anonymous, then you’re really missing out. Picture the tack room or the barn aisle at the end of the day: You’re hanging out with your barn buddies, speaking that magical language of equestrian that no one at home will ever understand, and it hits you that you are among your people. That’s what Equestrians Anonymous is like, and here are the top five conversations going on right now:
1. “Help with shedding??” (Horse Health)
User ponyyprincess asks if there’s a good way to stimulate shedding in a horse that doesn’t want to let go of that winter coat…even though all of his barn mates are shedding like crazy. Leave your thoughts and suggestions on the thread to help a pony princess out!
2. “What do you drive to haul?” (The Unstable Life)
Kristen Kovatch recently broadened her trailer-driving horizons when she hauled a heavy load with a single-rear-wheel truck as opposed to the dually she was used to driving. She wants to know what everyone else is driving, and the merits of each.
3. “Question on colt color” (Ask Anything)
User abolt just adopted a colt from a wild horse sanctuary! And it’s got some pretty unique markings. Take a look at the photo and join the debate on just what that colt’s color ACTUALLY is.
4. “HELP! Horse drops his head after jumps!” (Hunter/Jumper)
User MOAR LEG! is taking lessons over fences on “a grizzled ol’ OTTB gelding” who has begun dropping his head on the landing and ditching his rider. Seeking advice! This is an older thread but has a lot of good ideas–add your own thoughts, or browse for ideas for yourself.
5. “Public opinion on blanketing…” (Ask Anything)
Another oldie but goodie with relevant information: JamieJennings asks us all for our thoughts on if/when to blanket. As usual, there’s a wide array of answers, ranging from no blankets at all to blankets over clips at 50 degrees, the SmartPak Blanketing App makes a guest appearance and everyone goes home happy. It’s not too late to weigh in on this one!
So what are you waiting for? Join any of these conversations, or start your own–we’re all crazy horse people here.
How To Be a Professional Cowgirl: Part I
Meet Kathleen McConkey, whose life has taken her from the New Jersey suburbs to a working Montana cattle ranch. (more…)
No Indoor, No Problem: Riding in the Snow
Sure, those folks in Wellington might be warm, but they’re missing out on the joys of the snow riding. Here are a few considerations before you saddle up. (more…)
Yay or Neigh: An Analysis of When ‘Gossip Girl’ Went Equestrian
In which my guiltiest binge-watching pleasure collides headlong with my equestrian lifestyle. You don’t even have to be a fan to appreciate what happens next. (more…)
Weekly Instagram Round-Up
This week: baby foals, baby puppies and more from the land of Horse Nation. (more…)
Some Jobs Still Require Horsepower
Kristen Kovatch eplores the art of horse-drawn logging.
AQHA Horseback Riding Program: Get Free Stuff Just For Riding
At last, someone is willing to reward us for doing what we love. (more…)
Paso Fino vs. Peruvian Paso: What’s the Difference?
They’re both gaited, they’re both descended from Spanish stock, and they’re both said to be totally awesome. But yes, there’s a vast difference between the breeds. (more…)
Tough Sunday: Last in the Cal Cup Derby, First in Our Hearts
Yeah, Tough Sunday may been a spectacular loser in Saturday’s California Cup Derby, but considering he was born blind and deaf he’s really doing alright.
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Weekly Instagram Round-Up
In which dogs, cats and donkeys all try to get in on the HN fun. (more…)
New Hampshire Horse Rescued From Trough
Subtitle: “Another way horses try to kill themselves daily.” (more…)
15 Reader-Submitted Winter Riding Getups
Cue the quarter-sheets, Carhartts and the ever-present “base layer.” Cozy up, Horse Nation, and take look at your fellow freezing equestrians. (more…)
