The New York Times reports that the latest performance-enhancing potion to hit racetrack backsides is a substance called dermorphin, found in the skin of South American tree frogs. (more…)
Leslie Wylie
The Secret Life of McKenna & Dorito: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s code for: McKenna Oxenden and the wonderpony Dorito have officially completed their first training level event. McKenna recaps her breakthrough weekend. (more…)
Horse Haiku
“Kramer,” a handsome boy.
At his best in the show ring,
Can bring me pure joy!
By Debbie Prest (more…)
Thursday Morning Feed from Fleeceworks
Welcome to Thursday, Horse Nation! Time sure flies when you’re having fun. (more…)
EN Today: FEI publishes nominated list for Olympics
Who might be going to the Olympics? Check out everybody’s nominees.
Olympic Trivia: How do you ship a horse to London?
Answer: You FedEx it. (Not in a FedEx box, silly photo editor bunnies. On a FedEx flight.)
Wednesday Book Review
Bless her little bookworm heart, Erin McCabe has been reviewing one book a week for us since HN first emerged from its virtual womb. And yet, she’s hardly made a dent in her to-read list. Can anyone help her whittle the thing down? (more…)
Lesson rider? Don’t look like one
It is possible to advance as a rider even if your in-the-saddle time is limited to lessons on borrowed horses. Chelsea Alexander explains how to make the most of your situation. (more…)
Video du Jour: Before there was Colbert, there was Conan
Stephen Colbert isn’t the first comedian to take aim at the equestrian lifestyle. Check out this video of Martha Stewart giving Conan O’Brien a tour of her New York farm. (more…)
The Idea of Order: A horse comic
How much making-fun-of-dressage can you handle in one day? A little more, we hope. Take it away, Louis (a.k.a. “Idea of Order” illustrator Morgane’s unhorsey boyfriend). (more…)
Let’s Discuss: How hot is too hot to ride?
At what point does riding in the heat and humidity go from merely miserable to dangerous for horse, rider or both? Do you have a set temperature above which you won’t ride? (more…)
Fit to Ride: Head in the game
Fitness isn’t only about sweaty, “Eye of the Tiger”-themed training montages (or whatever the equivalent of that is for you and your horse). Being mentally fit is important, too. Biz Stamm explains. (more…)
‘Competitive Horse Prancing’: Colbert is not done with us, yet
Stephen Colbert issued this response to the USEF’s response to his declaration of dressage as America’s new national pastime. Follow? (more…)
Horse Haiku
Beautiful new boots
Too stiff to bend knees
How will I ride horse
By Debby Keys (more…)
Wednesday Morning Feed from World Equestrian Brands
Good Wednesday morning to you, Horse Nation! As always we’re here to help pull you through your hump day. (more…)
Hello, my name is _________ and I’m going to the Olympics
Between now and the Olympic games, we’ll be hooking you up with the stats on all of your favorite equine athletes. Today’s featured Olympian: the U.S.’s #1 seed showjumper, Flexible. (more…)
EN: Win a Massage Pad from World Equestrian Brands
But wait! There’s more! Enter now, and we’ll throw in the tall, dark, handsome dude in the photo… FREE!! Operators are standing by. (more…)
As the Hotwalker Turns: A state-of-the-union address
Columnist/eventer Katy Groesbeck has been too busy winning everything in sight to write for us lately (just teasing, Katy–keep doing what you’re doing!). Today she catches us up. (more…)
Let’s Discuss: Disappearing $$$
Pretty much everything about horses is expensive, but some checks just seem more painful to write than others. What’s your LEAST favorite equestrian expense? (more…)
In My Boots: Another four years
Could reining ever be an Olympic sport? Horse Nation’s all-things-western guru Kristen Kovatch makes a convincing case for “yes.”
Horse Haiku
Late for dressage test
Squeeze into tight, white breeches
Panty line emerges!
By Megan Rust (more…)
Tuesday Morning Feed from Dubarry
Good morning Horse Nation! You’re looking bright-eyed an bushy-tailed as usual. Not! (more…)
Product Review: Bradley Full Seat Breeches by SmartPak
Wylie-tested and bunny-approved, we’re a big fan of the new house-brand breeches from SmartPak. Here’s the full report: (more…)
Let’s Discuss: Do you show solo or with a trainer?
Some riders don’t mind going it alone. Others feel better walking courses with a trainer, and still others feel naked without their coach ringside. Where do you fall on the spectrum? (more…)
Presenting the U.S. Olympic Showjumping Team
The selection trials have concluded, and the USEF has spoken: Here’s who they believe to be the best show-jumpers in the land. (more…)