Equine Chronicle | Author Archives

The Horseman Photographer: Jeff Kirkbride

March 15, 2025 Comments Off

It’s often been said that when one door closes another one opens. But in order to take advantage of the opportunity, you must be willing to change course and step confidently into the future, even if you don’t know what’s on the other side.

Farley McLendon – Legacy Horseman And Trainer Of Champions

March 13, 2025 Comments Off

Farley McLendon, owner of Farley McLendon Show Horses, is carrying on an honorable family legacy in the horse world.

Lip Chains And Safety Leads And Lip Cords, Oh My!

March 11, 2025 Comments Off

Every year, questions abound about the use of the “lip chain” and its modern counterparts. The confusion is understandable. There are several different versions of the device and different rules regarding its use in various breeds.

Rei[g]ning Women

March 9, 2025 Comments Off

Three leading ladies at the 2024 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby dominated the arena and came out with accolades to prove it. These women showcased different styles, flair, and skillsets, but all three shared one common thread in their back pockets–their roots run deep in the all-around arena.

Bob Avila: The Loss of A Legend

March 7, 2025 Comments Off

Bob Avila touched every corner of the equine industry. A trainer’s trainer, an endorsee extraordinaire, a mentor and teacher – the many ways he’s been described since his sudden death November 9th barely scratch the surface of the impact he had on all things horses and horsemanship. Whether by watching one of his instructional videos, learning from him or one of the many trainers he mentored who carry on his philosophies, participating in a discipline he helped transform, purchasing tack he endorsed, listening to his commentary at events or watching him on Yellowstone, we’ve all been touched in some way by his horsemanship and stewardship of the industry.

Clothing The Queen In Cowgirl Couture

March 5, 2025 Comments Off

Western fashion is having a moment. Boots, fringe, and cowboy hats are in, baby. Call it the Yellowstone effect. Call it a western renaissance. The world is calling it cool. Classic cowboy styles that long lived most comfortably in western arenas are now gracing high fashion runways, red carpets, and some of the biggest stages in entertainment.

From The Publisher – 15 Minutes

March 3, 2025 Comments Off

Spring is just around the corner and you know what that means…longer days, warmer breezes, greener pastures. Spring is probably my favorite of the four seasons, fall being next in line. I like the Spring season because it’s a harbinger of life. It’s like someone turns a switch shifting us from the dead of winter to the birth of Spring. The flowers bloom, the grass greens, the birds chirp, and the frozen streams and ponds jump to life.

On The Cover – TB Mr Hollywood

March 1, 2025 Comments Off

You were born to be a star; all you need to do is keep shining,” once wrote Poet Gift Gugu Mona. When a striking red roan colt with chrome was born in 2022 at Terry Bradshaw Quarter Horses, the star in the making was so fancy, Tammy Bradshaw immediately named him “Hollywood.”

Full Circle: A Horse, A Trainer, And The Mentor Who Taught Them Both

January 12, 2025 Comments Off

It’s good to remember that when we achieve success in life, it’s due, at least in part, to those who have come before us.

Super Select Rodger Call

January 10, 2025 Comments Off

When Super Select Competitor Rodger Call was interviewed on camera by The Equine Chronicle after winning the L3 Select Pleasure Driving at the 2024 AQHA World Championship Show with Unforgettable to Me, he said modestly, “We had one of our very good drives today.” This humble competitor put in a stellar performance and when asked what he likes about Pleasure Driving, he joked, “After I turned 82, my daughter said, ‘No more jumping for you, but you can at least do the pleasure driving,’ so that’s what I’m doing!”