Ranch Horse Riding Fundamentals – Part 1
June 25, 2015 Comments Off on Ranch Horse Riding Fundamentals – Part 1
At Paint and Quarter Horse shows across the country, it’s hard to miss the fact that Ranch Riding classes, formerly known as Ranch Horse Pleasure, are drawing huge numbers. During its initial rollout, the class was disparaged by some as being “a water-downed version of Reining.” Others saw it as an injection of renewed vitality. Clearly, the explosive growth is fueled by one simple fact: exhibitors find it fun. Yet, there are still numerous misconceptions about Ranch Riding, leaving many exhibitors wondering how the class can be incorporated into their show schedule. To find out the what’s, why’s and how’s, The Equine Chronicle sought out a professional who’s right in the middle of all the excitement.
Continue reading …Fossil Gate Farms – Gary and Linda Gordon’s Pursuit of Perfection
June 24, 2015 Comments Off on Fossil Gate Farms – Gary and Linda Gordon’s Pursuit of Perfection
Linda and Gary Gordon, owners of Fossil Gate Farms, have been developing World Champion Halter horses for over 30 years on their magnificent 150-acre spread in Argyle, Texas. Specializing in Quarter Horses and Paints, the couple has amassed one of the most impressive stallion lineups in the country. They recently added some additional firepower to their breeding program with the purchase of mares from the Crundwell sale. In addition to a thriving breeding program that produced 36 foals this year, they offer show quality horses of all ages among the 100-120 horses available on the farm at all times.
Continue reading …From The Publisher – Lip Chains are Gone… Are Spurs Next?
June 23, 2015 Comments Off on From The Publisher – Lip Chains are Gone… Are Spurs Next?
The recent decision by AQHA to ban lip chain use in the halter pen has created a firestorm of protest from those within the halter horse community. Many breeders, owners and exhibitors concerns are expressed in the article The Great Lip Chain Debate on page 194 of this issue. The people interviewed in this article have decades of experience and their complaints about this ruling are not only thoughtful, but justified.
Continue reading …On The Cover – Livvie & All But Sudden
June 23, 2015 Comments Off on On The Cover – Livvie & All But Sudden
AQHA youth competitor Livvie and All But Sudden, aka “Stevie,” have proven they’re a force to be reckoned with in the all-around arena. During their career, the pair has accumulated multiple Congress and NSBA World Champion titles, Youth World Show top ten finishes, and Congress All-Around Champion and Reserve Champion accolades. Already in 2015, they’ve won circuit championships and High Point Youth 14-18 All Around titles at the Redbud Spectacular and Las Vegas Silver Dollar Circuit.
Continue reading …Open Mouth, Insert Hoof – How to Avoid Social Media Blunders
May 23, 2015 Comments Off on Open Mouth, Insert Hoof – How to Avoid Social Media Blunders
It wasn’t too long ago that most horse trainers didn’t even have a website, let alone an entire social media strategy. When we went riding in that bygone era, we could count on a few hours of being unplugged and unreachable, focused solely on our horse and our community at the barn. Alas, the age of instantaneous, worldwide information sharing has even overtaken the horse industry. The smoke from the social media genie has been let out and infiltrated every stall, tack box, trailer and arena, never to be stuffed back into the bottle again.
Continue reading …Behind the Scenes at Cavalia’s Odysseo
May 22, 2015 Comments Off on Behind the Scenes at Cavalia’s Odysseo
Through a seamless blending of equestrian arts, theatrical splendor, and technological ingenuity, Cavalia’s Odysseo creates a transformative experience that takes the audience on a journey through the arid desert of the African Savannah, beneath the swirling illumination of the Northern Lights, and across the panoramic vistas of Easter Island.
Continue reading …How Much is Too Much? The Dangers of Over-Supplementation
May 21, 2015 Comments Off on How Much is Too Much? The Dangers of Over-Supplementation
If there were a supplement that claimed it could help your horse win a World Champion title, would you add it to your horse’s daily rations? In your mind, you’re probably thinking, “Well, as long as it doesn’t hurt my horse, it can only help him, right?”
Continue reading …The Silver Dollar Circuit Hits the Jackpot With Over 10,000 Entries!
May 20, 2015 Comments Off on The Silver Dollar Circuit Hits the Jackpot With Over 10,000 Entries!
If you were to try to count everything exhibitors have come to love about the Silver Dollar Circuit in Las Vegas, you might have to use all your fingers and toes, especially after the success of this year’s event. Not only did stall reservations increase by 32%, exhibitors showed their approval with over 10,000 entries during the 39th annual circuit which took place March 17-22, 2015, at the newly-expanded South Point Equestrian Center.
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You know them in the horse show arena, but you can find these kids competing with other four-legged friends.
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The discipline of Western Pleasure has arguably been the most debated subject in the horse show world in the last decade– on social media, in the stands at any given horse show, and in the meetings where rule changes are discussed, proposed, and put into effect.
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