Much of being a horsewoman is hard work, dedication and learning from your mistakes. I have a remarkable mare who has allowed me to grow and go on to be successful with other horses. She deserves more recognition than I give her.
“The realization that I handled the entire horse responsibility on my own with no missteps was joyous and revelatory. The what-to-do-with-a-horse instinct was firm within me. I did it all – even while carrying sorrow. I was going to be okay, no, I was okay.” (more…)
A beloved, quirky racehorse named “The Player” makes a comeback from what could have been a life-ending injury to a new life because of his determination, the love and dedication of those around him and the expert care at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. (more…)
“Everyone has a story. A story of the one horse that saved them, that taught them how to ride, or was just perfect in every way. This is my story of my perfect horse. The twist in the plot is that I never once sat on him.” (more…)
“My childhood wasn’t always easy. We didn’t have lots of ‘things.’ We didn’t have fashionable clothing or the leading brand names. We always had horses though. We always had a full life of adventure.”
“Horseback riding is a relationship and … should be pleasant for all parties involved. There should be mutual give and take and if the relationship turns toxic, you should have the opportunity to step away without being ostracized by other people in our community.”
“My COVID apprehension melted after having time in open space and having safe-distance time around people who nurture my healthy soul.” Barn closures vary from state to state and barn to barn. Here’s a brief look at what some barns are doing and how it affects riders. (more…)
“Despite all the turmoil and anxiety and restlessness and Facebook overshares, I have been so completely and utterly surprised by the good I see people doing… For every person looking to profit from the woes of the world, I see so many more who are working to do genuine good.” (more…)
I spent 11 months waiting in anticipation for the birth of my mare’s foal. Now reality has reared its ugly head. This foal is the reason prayer chains get sent around in your social media PMs. Quite frankly, I think she may need an exorcism.
“I could not comprehend that I had been awake, had had previous conversations about this with my mother and husband and had lost several days worth of time and memories.” In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Ashley shares her account of how a major concussion affected her life. (more…)
“These tapes were mostly of my high school rodeos — they were the long-lost and forgotten videos of my first ‘real’ barrel racing horse. The one to whom really I attribute everything.” Most of us can look back at the horse that taught us the most and turned us into the horse people we are today. Casey French talks about hers. (more…)
Sometimes we look back on our riding season and can’t help but admit that it could have gone better. Reader Judith Wilson does just that with her 2019/2020 hunt season. Thankfully, she has a sense of humor. Take it away, Judith… (more…)
“More than once I recalled feeling great sadness in learning that someone I knew, even a casual acquaintance, chose to hang up their spurs.” Horse Nation reader Mary Lynne Carpenter reflects on what happens when a friend stops riding. (more…)
Despite the feelings of camaraderie that develops among riders, horseback riding can still be a very isolating sport. And working through those feelings is hard. (more…)
“… when fed and ridden well, horses become remarkable… They become the magnificent beasts that we picture in our minds and ogle over when we see them — even the ones that aren’t naturally so. Their beauty becomes apparent to all who behold them…” (more…)
Increased heart rate. Rapid breathing. Furrowed brow. Stomachache. These are symptoms of a universal condition that plagues owners: waiting to find out what’s wrong with our horse when it comes up lame.
“These senior horses know who they are, they know what they like, and they’re comfortable with themselves. I don’t believe this is anthropomorphic to say: There’s a lot we could learn from the senior horse.”
