The horse world lost a bright light on November 20, 2020 when professional horseman, Douglas ‘Doug’ John Carpenter, succumbed to COVID-19 at the age of 64. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Rhode Island, Doug was drawn to horses at a young age. When he was only 13, he hitchhiked from Rhode Island to Columbus, Ohio, to see the 1970 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Little did he know at that time, that in just a few years, he would not only be back at the Congress as a participant, but that he would win his first big title at the event.
Continue reading …There is an old saying, “How do you make a million dollars in the horse world? Start with two million.” Anyone who is active in the equine industry can definitely vouch for this statement. But why is this statement true? Why is the equine industry notorious for high-effort, low-profit?
Continue reading …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 …The Arizona Sun Circuit is ON and planning for an even BIGGER equine extravaganza than ever before! There are classes and awards for every level of exhibitor. Sun Circuit offers eight AQHA shows, large class sizes, and NSBA, NRCHA, NRHA approvals all in a premium facility with great weather. You can amass points, show your best, and enjoy a fun break with your family and friends in Scottsdale, Arizona- February 27- March 7th, 2021.
Continue reading …Every year, riders are plagued with limb injuries to their equine partners. Sometimes, this is a small blip in the training schedule. Other times, it spells the end of a competitive season.
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 …When you were a kid, there was nothing better than a snow day. Remember back to your childhood. You’d wake up early in the morning, prepared to get ready for school, only to look out your bedroom window and discover that the world had turned into a winter wonderland over night!
Continue reading …“So, we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary in the 21st year, hence 2021,” Susan says. “It’s sort of ironic in a way.”
Continue reading …A cat in a hat. What could be better? Perhaps a cat in a hat, on a horse, of course!
Continue reading …