Have you ever considered that the majority of horse trainers in the horse industry are male, while the majority of competitors in the youth and amateur ranks are female? Furthermore, why is it that NCEA programs seem to be solely made up of female riders? Are they?
Continue reading …It began as a hitch in the gelding’s get-along, so to speak. The nagging short step in his hind end persisted. Then, when he was put on a longe line in a circle, he demonstrated what horsemen describe as being “dead lame.” But when the 2007 AQHA gelding, Lopin For Hours, aka “Chevy,” straightened out, he would appear to be sound…
Continue reading …Throughout the centuries, spurs have been intertwined with humans and their unique relationship with horses. They have been buried with their owners or given as offerings to the gods. They have been bestowed as a high honor, and they have been the symbol of triumph. Even today, they continue to be a representation of status, culture, and achievement. Yet, every time a horseman straps on a pair of spurs, there is a fine line between effective communication tool and unintentional weapon.
Continue reading …Patty Vatterott knows horses. This hard-working professional horsewoman and owner of Sea Ridge Farms in Wellington, Florida, grew up on horseback, following her father’s footsteps into the Quarter Horse world. Rising through the youth, amateur, and professional ranks, Vatterott developed a keen eye for quality.
Continue reading …As a young woman, Susan Albertson was busy competing on the high school and amateur rodeo circuits in southern Colorado. If someone had told her then that her future family would someday be the owners and operators of one of the most well-known breeding and equine facilities in Texas, you’d probably have knocked her boots right off. But that’s exactly where her life would lead.
Continue reading …We all dream of that moment in the spotlight when all of the long nights, early mornings, miles traveled, and hours spent at the barn lead to being the last one standing in the arena. It’s a moment that keeps many of us going when we want to quit. In those tough moments, that dream is enough to push us to work a little bit longer, sleep a little bit less, and continue to put in the hours necessary to achieve victory. We imagine our horse having a neck ribbon fastened tight and the feeling of taking a victory lap in front of a cheering crowd.
Continue reading …“When my youth career was coming to an end, I didn’t know if horses would ever be in my future.
Continue reading …The Super Sires Western Pleasure program has a mission to foster Non-Pro riders of all skill levels and support the breeding of quality bloodlines. The program is living out its mission in 2019 with the presentation of significant cash and prizes in three Super Sires Western Pleasure classes that were held at this year’s Tom Powers Triple Challenge Futurity.
Continue reading …Many people come into our lives through horses, but only a few stay in our hearts forever. Stanley Ryan was a special soul, who made life sweeter for everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. An immense talent in the horse show world, a loving father, and devoted friend, Stanley was known for his beautiful smile and attention to detail. His daughters, Courtney and Chelsea, were his pride and joy, and he was blessed with a grandson he adored. He went home to see his mama and sisters every chance he could, and he was a friend that could be relied on when needed. Stanley lived life to the fullest, and he was always there to build up others with a kind word and his ever-present grin.
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