When Amy and I moved to Marion County, Florida nearly 30 years ago, it was much more rural in nature (US Hwy 27 was two lanes) and the population was half of what it is today.
Everyone has the fire, but the champions know when to ignite the spark.” ~ Dr. Amit Ray.
Continue reading …The choice of bits for English classes can be overwhelming with a seemingly infinite combination of mouthpieces and cheek designs. English bits are commonly considered to be either direct rein or snaffle bits. However, some have shanks, use leverage, and are regarded as curb bits.
Continue reading …“Does it worry you to be alone? Are you sad because you’re on your own?” The Beatles may not have been singing about horses in their 1967 hit song, With a Little Help from My Friends, but for anyone who has ever dealt with a herd-bound horse, the sentiment certainly rings true.
Continue reading …The search for the right bit is an ancient one. Archeologists now speculate that humans probably became equestrians at least 6,000 years ago, and riders have spent the intervening millennia trying to figure out how best to communicate with their horses. Early bits were made of vastly diverse materials, such as animal horn, bone, wood, sinew, rawhide, and rope. The appearance of metal bits coincides with the Bronze and Iron Ages, roughly the time between the 8th and 14th centuries BC.
Continue reading …In a world where countless foals are born each year and thou-sands are registered with the American Quarter Horse As-sociation, the largest equine breed registry in the world, genetic diseases are a sig-nificant concern for breeders and owners alike. However, when a disease has affected at least 12 foals in the past four years, it’s understood that this is an inherited condition that can and should be prevented. Addressing this rare disease is crucial to safeguarding future generations of horses.
Continue reading …Trust in your horse. Many competitors probably hear their trainer utter these words before entering the arena. But when Ava Hathaway and her mare, I Will Be A Good RV, jog into the show pen, the teen from Bronson, Michigan, knows her beloved mare will be there for her every step of the way.
Continue reading …Let’s face it: life is hard, and sometimes you just need a break! Opportunities to rest and relax are not just a need–they are a necessity. A vacation can offer a chance to escape to a new or exotic location, or it can simply provide some quiet, rest, and relaxation away from the stress of ev-eryday life.
Continue reading …Focusing on the future means channeling both mental and physical energy into long-term goals. For those in the horse industry, especially with an eye on futurities, it’s about developing young talent and pushing them to excel in one discipline while preparing them for success in another. You don’t aim for average, you strive to be the best.
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