Owners and trainers of older, finished all-around horses have made incredible investments of time, effort, money and more into making their equine partners reliable and accomplished show mounts. Maintaining those seasoned horses to keep them sound, in shape, and ready to show well into their teens and beyond may seem like a daunting–perhaps even impossible–task, but it is possible with teamwork and thoughtful planning.
Continue reading …Horses are in the blood of twenty-nine-year-old Cody Conover. This champion grew up on his parents’ ranch, Conover Quarter Horses, in Anthon, Iowa. Together with his parents, Kelly and Traci, and his brother Drew, he showed the family’s horses on weekends throughout the greater Iowa region. Conover racked up show miles and titles starting in Leadline before moving on to a pony named Roani, and then on to Quarter Horses.
Continue reading …Horse shows are like a home away from home for many competitors. Trailers and RVs are packed to the hilt with all the necessities for both horse and rider and, upon arrival, it all gets shuffled out. But where does all that equipment and those supplies go? Back at home there is ample space for the feed, tack, and grooming supplies, but at a horse show, those items often have to be condensed to one or two tack stalls. The tack stall needs to be arranged in a way that is effective, organized, and efficient in order to ensure things continue to operate smoothly.
Continue reading …The equine industry is ever-growing and evolving. As time goes on, industry professionals have become more knowledgeable, and the level of competition continues to elevate. In the last few years, there has been a growing interest in three-year-old futurity classes and three-year-and-over Maiden and Novice horse classes by many professionals, exhibitors, and show management teams.
Continue reading …The Performance Halter classes are by far the largest halter classes at most shows. The popularity of this class has steadily increased over the past several years, and many all-around exhibitors find themselves presenting their horses as a requirement for high point awards, or at the very least as a way to gain additional points toward the high point standings.
Continue reading …On the day we conducted this interview with Showmanship superstar, Collin Froman, it was his birthday. He’d just turned 15 years old. It’s certainly an exciting time in any teenager’s life, but more notable because of the immense success he has already achieved at such a young age.
Continue reading …It is said that marriage is the hardest thing two people will ever do. Despite the unknown challenges that await two people in love, partners willingly pledge a troth to one another time and time again. Much like business partners, it is what those two people do in the face of their relationship challenges that has the biggest impact upon the success of the marriage.
Continue reading …Winning Trail runs look fluid and effortless: the horse and rider seem in sync; obstacles are navigated with style and ease; and the quiet concentration of both horse and rider permeate the air.
Continue reading …The Congress stall fronts are a beloved aspect of the show. Elaborate construction of virtual homes, ranches, front porches, and cantinas sprout from many of the stall blocks. From grandiose to rustic, contemporary elegance to outdoorsy retreat, each reflects the nature of the farm that constructed it.
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