I can still remember my first open show at age 7. I slept in my show clothes because I was so afraid, I would not wake up in time, only to not sleep a single minute that night from sheer excitement. My mom French braided my hair so tight, that it hurt to think and […]
Continue reading …By Wendy Brown This ridiculously expensive, time sucking hobby is NOT for the faint of heart. It will take a toll on your skin and bones. It will damage your bank account and potentially take you away from family who may begin to wonder if you love your horse more than them. It will test […]
Continue reading …As an amateur and long-time showman, I personally prefer a pattern that has at least enough difficulty that I feel I’m able to exhibit the hard work that has gone into training and preparing my horse, and that I can get my monies worth. By showing at breed shows, I expect a higher level of challenge than I would see at an open show. I don’t believe I’m alone in this. Horsemanship patterns should ask for more than what a Western Pleasure class asks for on the rail. Equitation should ask for more than a Hunter Under Saddle class. Showmanship should have at least one pivot. I don’t believe that novice classes should exhibit on the exact same patterns, or almost identical, to an amateur or older youth. In my humble opinion, there should be some additional challenge to the patterns in an amateur or older youth class. An amateur pattern shouldn’t look like a walk-trot pattern with a lope portion added.
Continue reading …The last award he received was two days before he passed away. It’s one of the highest awards a Pinto can receive- the Pinto Supreme Championship award. He will be missed and will always have a special place in our hearts.
Continue reading …If you buy into this industry, it’s an investment. The horse is most often the cheapest part of the equation. It leads to a barn or board, a truck, a trailer, a property, and a lot of life choices to make it work in between- especially having family and friends who support your personal goals. Again, in realizing this, I reiterate. Do what you can afford to do.
Continue reading …The lessons learned with horses offer great value to developing children. They learn about success, failure, starting over, building something, dealing with fear, learning empathy, pushing through difficult things, hard work, and delayed gratification.
Continue reading …If you give a kid a pony, they will need a saddle to go with it. You’ll buy them the best saddle you can afford, and then they will probably want a bridle, and a saddle pad, and some boots too…
Continue reading …In Love With Louie, the Lesson Horse By: Julie Timperley In the fall of 2020, we were still in the middle of a pandemic and my 12-year-old daughter, Kate, was doing education online. Kate is a bright student and very dedicated to her lesson plans and homework, but she needed more. She often logged on […]
Continue reading …By: Jo Christensen Temperatures inside horse trailers are a concern to most endurance riders I know. We tend to haul very long distances, both in the heat and in the cold. I had to do some winter hauling one day, and before I left I installed a temperature monitor inside my horse trailer. What I […]
Continue reading …At every Michigan Quarter Horse Association show but one, either Morgan or Delaney have taken home the Rookie Amateur All Around title. Currently, Delaney is leading the Rookie Amateur All Around race in Michigan, but the title has exchanged hands between she and Morgan several times throughout the season.
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