Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many groups struggled to host competitive equestrian events that yielded a profit large enough to be considered “successful” and provide the opportunity for future shows to grow. A best practice for planning the financial success of a horse show requires that the revenue generated from stalls should pay for the rental of the facility. Most clubs start with a working budget from the profits made off the previous year’s show. This money covers the upfront costs associated with the show, such as the hiring of judges, show staff, and for the purchase of awards. If a group is fortunate enough to gather sponsorship money, that has a significant impact on the ability for them to “profit” from hosting the event.
Continue reading …Before we delve too deeply, let’s review the mechanics of the four, basic gaits. The walk, the slowest of course, is a four-beat, lateral gait. Each hoof will touch down independently, giving the four “beats.” The term “lateral” indicates that both left side legs will move and then both right (or vice versa). This is in contrast to some other animals, such as salamanders, which move at a “walk” with diagonally paired leg movements.
Continue reading …Many of you know my story; some don’t. Over the past five years, I had many curves to follow, but I made it. Through a divorce, my mother’s passing, cancer scare, broken back from being thrown by my show horse, which brought on a battle of anxiety… I’m still here. I’m so blessed to have the support from my dear family, my beloved HPH family, and my most awesomest friends.
Continue reading …The idea of imprint training is to, in a single session, introduce as many new objects and sensations as possible within the first 24 hours after birth. This might include brushes, halters, clippers, other equipment, and touching of the face, body, legs, and hooves.
Continue reading …Silver Dollar Circuit “The horse show that could” wraps its final day of happy exhibitors. The feel of the show was more laid back, but the enthusiasm was at an all time high. The classes were full of competent competitors and the challenge for circuits and High Points required a valiant effort. The pace allowed […]
Continue reading …After a year like 2020, it’s refreshing to hear that there were some positives that came out of it. When we left Las Vegas last year, the world shut down. Getting back to “normal” will take some more time still and, until then, we have returned to a show, and a world, that is a […]
Continue reading …Perspective has been acquired, and a newfound love for the solace that our partnership with horses affords us can be acknowledged. What was once taken for granted is no longer. The 47th year at the Silver Dollar Circuit shows a sign of strength, resilience, and fortitude.
Continue reading …In general, there are three main reasons people might choose to wrap the legs of their horses: external protection, simply for looks, or prevention of tendon injuries. While certainly able to protect from cuts and scrapes or add some flashiness to your look in the Dressage ring, boots and wraps do not provide sufficient support against the forces experienced by an equine limb during exercise.
Continue reading …The Snooty Fox passed away peacefully the morning after my now husband, Jordan, and I got married. Although there is never a good time to lose an animal, I personally felt the timing couldn’t have been more heartbreaking. From the high to the low, it was the most emotional 24 hours of my life. As I have tried to process it all, I can’t help but feel maybe Snooty knew all along.
Continue reading …Somewhere along the way, we start caring about what other people think. We start playing by “the rules.” We start losing sight of what brings us the most happiness.
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