“No philosophers so thoroughly comprehend us as dogs and horses.” –Herman Melville
Leslie Wylie
SmartPak: Dog & Pony Show – Is your pup prepared?
Should you take your dog to the horse show or leave him home? Canine trainer Jenifer Vickery offers some smart advice on the SmartPak blog. (more…)
EN Today: To bubble wrap, or not to bubble wrap?
When it comes to managing competition horses, is it too risky to “let horses be horses”? Advanced-level eventer Kate Samuels weighs in. (more…)
Adoptable Horse of the Week: ‘Bubba’
This week’s featured adoptable horse is a Thoroughbred ex-racer named Bubba who lives at our May featured rescue, Run for Home Haven, located in Mount Shasta, California. (more…)
Let’s Discuss: Krazy barn kittehs
No barn is complete without a feline mascot. Introduce us to your barn’s #1 mouser–and post a pic to our FB page if you like!
Product Review: Equilibrium Stretch & Flex Wraps
The verdict is in–I’m a fool for these sporty, high-performance wraps from World Equestrian Brands.
Fit to Ride: Yoga for lawn darts
Whether you actually hit the deck or just got tossed around a bit, an “Oh $h!t” moment can be heck on a rider’s body. Fitness guru Biz Stamm demonstrates how a few simple yoga poses can speed recovery. (more…)
The Aiding & Abetting Amateur: The horse show blues
Our eye on the hunter/jumper scene, a shadowy figure we know as the Aiding & Abetting Amateur, is in the throes of horse show withdrawal. How she’s coping… (more…)
The Idea of Order: A horse comic
Cartoonist Morgane Schmidt pays tribute to an underrepresented, under-appreciated and misunderstood cross section of equine society, “The Disgruntled Lesson Horse.” (more…)
Wednesday Book Review: ‘Pidgy’s Surprise’
Seeking relief from serious, wordy, grown-up books, Erin McCabe finds exactly what she’s looking for in this fun, fast, middle-grade read. (more…)
Deep Thoughts by Horse Nation
“They say princes learn no art truly but the art of horsemanship. The reason is the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a prince as soon as his groom.” ~Ben Jonson (more…)
Wednesday Morning Feed by World Equestrian Brands
Good morning, Horse Nation! Brace yourself: we’ve got an amazing roster of stories lined up for you today, so keep it tuned here. (more…)
EN Today: Mark Todd at Saumur CCI***
Easy like Sunday morning… that’s just how the New Zealand eventing legend makes ALL his rides look. EN found this video of Toddy & Grass Valley doing their thang last weekend. (more…)
ESPN: I’ll Have Another has ‘20,000-1 shot’ at winning Belmont
Race writer Bill Finley did some fancy math and came up with this dismal number. So why doesn’t he think our Derby/Preakness winner stands a chance? (more…)
Dubarry Contest: What do you do in yours?
The entries are rolling in for Dubarry’s contest–and they’re awesome. Check out the competition then enter your own photo for a chance to win a super-sweet “toe-to-head” getup! (more…)
Video du Jour: Fancy bottoms
From national flags and music notes to lightning bolts and hearts, creative quarter marks are a fun way to jazz up your horse’s hindquarters. British dressage rider Gemma Green shares her secrets with HorseHero.com. (more…)
Let’s Discuss: Youth organizations
Were you, or (for our junior readers) are you still, a member of Pony Club? 4-H? Young Riders? What organizations have played a role in your riding education, and how? (more…)
The Long Road: Gearing up
Maegan Gossett packs up her horse, Elle, and their AQHA World Championship dreams and heads to boot camp at the trainer’s before their first qualifying show. (more…)
In My Boots: Western you’ve never heard of, part II
In her second installation of this three part series, Kristen Kovatch shines a light on the little-known sport of “Indoor Mountain Trail.” (more…)
Deep Thoughts
“Even an E-type Jaguar looks merely flash beside a really smart pony and trap.” ~Marion C. Garretty
Do you have a Deep Thought you’d like to share? Email it to [email protected]. (more…)
SmartPak Webinars: Edumacation for horse owners
The latest installation of SmartPak’s series of webinars hit the street last week, addressing the topic of Equine Muscular Disorders. (more…)
Your Turn: Wherever you are (is where you are)
Caitrin O’Shea is a Wisconsin event rider who’s doing the best she can with the geographic hand she’s been dealt. She offers this bit of advice. (more…)
EN Today: Chris McCarron’s NARA at High Hope
Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron came of out retirement briefly to show the upstarts how it’s done. Samantha Clark reporting. (more…)
Horses in History: The X factor
Horse Nation’s in-house historian Lorraine Jackson explores the science behind a genetic mutation that results in a larger-than-average heart–a huge advantage for racehorses. (more…)