#LOL

Infographic: Superhero Name or Race Horse Name?

Who knew that it would be so difficult to tell!

The creative minds at Derbycraze.com put together a survey to poll over 3,000 respondents, asking them whether particular names belonged to race horses … or Marvel comic book characters and superheros. As it turns out, even the most diehard sports fans can’t tell the difference some of the time. Check out the results in two different infographics below!

Courtesy of Derbycraze.com

Courtesy of Derbycraze.com

Courtesy of Derbycraze.com

Courtesy of Derbycraze.com

The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner — we’ll bring you a preview of the field next week!

Go riding!

 

Watch This: ‘Roller Derby’

The Grand National this is not.

The Japanese game show Takeshi’s Castle has become a cult favorite all around the world; some countries have held their own versions while many have spoofed the show relentlessly (in the US, you might be more familiar with Takeshi’s Castle as Most Extreme Elimination Challenge or MXC). The premise of the show requires volunteer teams to compete over a variety of physical challenges and obstacles to reach a character named Takeshi in his castle. The challenges are often pretty creative and a little wacky — such as the Roller Derby.

Contestants wear roller skates and an enormous foam horse and jockey suit, and then race over small obstacles. The result … well, we’ll let the video speak for itself.

The Grand National, this is not. But it may be equally if not more entertaining.

Thanks, Leslie Threlkeld, for the tip!

Go riding!

Daily Dose of Hilarious: Draft Horse Sled Rescue

The draft horse rescuing the broken-down snowmobile is pretty cool … but watch all the way to the end, because then it gets hilarious.

While there are many uses for draft horses — farm work, carriage livery, riding, maximum snuggliness and more — perhaps one of their greatest applications is their ability to aid stranded motorists in the winter. This video is a variation on that theme, when this draft horse is hitched up to a broken-down snowmobile in the woods to haul it home.

That in and of itself would be reason enough for a fun video, but watch all the way to the end, because boys will be boys and can’t resist an opportunity to goof off. Good thing karma has a way of getting in the last laugh.

(Note: must be logged in to Facebook to view.)

When the sled breaks down… Frank to the rescue… with some unexpected entertainment.

Posted by Mark Leslie Hamilton on Saturday, February 20, 2016

Oops. I’m sure it will come out in the wash.

Go draft horses! Go riding!

Riding Lessons From Barbie

Candace Wade takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the newest Barbie equestrian toy to hit the market.

Barbie is back in the saddle.

Still a fashion icon in her slithery “dominatrix” schooling tights and matching pink helmet, Barbie is proof that diet, exercise and being plastic will keep you on a horse well into your maturity. At 56, Barbie shows how to perform a standing reverse-flip right into the saddle. She does caution that there is a “choking hazard” — I know I would choke if I attempted that move. Let’s see that one again:

Barbie Saddle 'N Ride Horse from Mattel

However, is Barbie a good role model for mature riders just learning to sit a horse? Evaluate that straight leg position. She doesn’t appear to have a deep seat, vital when riding without stirrups and reins (let along vaulting into the saddle). At least she did opt to wear a helmet, which she’ll certainly need if she’s going to keep riding like this:

Barbie Saddle 'n Ride Horse Toy Unboxing & Review New for 2015 *See Barbie ride on the Beach!

There are also some serious debates about whether or not her mount is a reliable beginner-friendly partner, or a dangerous steed who will try to buck his rider off:

Barbie Saddle 'n Ride Horse Toy Unboxing & Review New for 2015 *See Barbie ride on the Beach!

And his penchant for rolling in water is also a little worrying:

Barbie Saddle 'n Ride Horse Toy Unboxing & Review New for 2015 *See Barbie ride on the Beach!

Barbie, I learn a lot about staying youthful from you, but I will take my riding instructions from Julie Goodnight.

Go riding. Just maybe not like Barbie.

Why Your Horse Is Better Than Your SO

Boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, partners … let’s be real, your true significant other is your horse.
Flickr/Steve Jurvetson/CC

Flickr/Steve Jurvetson/CC

Yes, we love our human companions who allow us to spend every waking moment with another living creature, and then tolerate us when we come home smelling like the farm. But there are also a few tongue-in-cheek reasons that the horse is truly a superior creature, no matter how much you love your SO.

  • If your horse “drops” or does the “squat and squirt” in public, no one will care. The police will not be involved. Your kids will not be placed in foster care.
  • If your horse isn’t the one for you, no one will bat an eye when you list him or her on Craigslist.
  • The horse doesn’t protest getting dragged out during Sunday playoffs or the season finale of The Big Bang Theory.
  • Your horse doesn’t care if it eats the same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner … every day of the year.
  • If, God forbid, your horse is a dangerous monster and you ship him to that one particular auction barn, people will eventually forgive you and move on (after you’re bashed over the internet for awhile).
  • You can dress your horse up in any color or pattern with no protest. You can even go out in public totally matching.
  • If it’s just not working out, there’s no alimony, child support or dividing of assets.
  • Gelding is totally acceptable.
  • You can have multiple horses and not feel unfaithful.
  • You can always trade your horse for a younger, better-looking one.

Go riding!

#EquestrianProblems Video: Stuck in the Mud

Look, we’re allowed to laugh at this video, because we all know that we’ve all been there at least once in our lives.

Poor Sara Coull — this is probably not how she pictured getting famous, but she’s just become the poster child for every equestrian’s winter struggles all over the world. Thanks to her daughter Georgia Holliss sharing this video to Facebook, Sara getting stuck in a muddy paddock has been shared over 21,000 times with close to two million views.

Note: you must be logged in to Facebook to view this video. We also recommend headphones if you’re at work, as you don’t want to miss the audio… but the strong language makes this one not safe for your speakers. (We can’t say that we blame her, really.)

My poor mum stuck in the mud then falling ??? sorry mum but it’s so funSara Coullull

Posted by Georgia Holliss on Sunday, January 10, 2016

 

Sara Coull, we can commiserate. We give you the Horse Nation Salute of Solidarity, from equestrians all over the world.

Go riding!