When John F. Kennedy challenged society to do its part to contribute for the betterment of the world as a whole at his inaugural address in 1961, he did so by uttering the famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
Continue reading …Some horses just have star quality. It’s that unique charisma that goes above and beyond their already desirable traits. It’s not something that can be described with words; rather, it’s something that must be felt with the heart.
Continue reading …For experienced exhibitors, it’s understood that there are extra expenditures associated with showing horses. The additional
costs for clients begin with those expenses like hotels, meals, and rental cars. With trainers, it’s the same scenario. Being on the road suddenly increases overhead a great deal, and it, starts the moment a truck and trailer pulls out of the driveway. Just plain wear and tear on a trainer’s rig is a start.
Renting show clothing? You bet, say more companies than ever. It’s part of a recent upswing in the show clothing rental business. What began as a remote possibility of success is now emerging as a viable option, after much speculation about how the practice might really work.
Continue reading …Tests, quizzes, and grades are just a few of the many worries that youth competitors have to juggle while competing at horse shows throughout the school year. As much as I wish I could say that these worries disappear the second you move away to college and “become your own person,” they don’t.
Continue reading …From an eastern Ontario dairy farm to the historic village of Oosterwolde in the Netherlands, Carrie Ann Berkenbosch’s life could be straight out of a Hallmark movie. It’s a story of hard work, drive, dedication to her craft, love for her animals, and a touch of magic that eventually brought a special man into her life. Horses have always been a central figure in Carrie Ann’s family history.
Continue reading …Some passions are hardwired into our very being. This is most certainly the case for Pamela Switzer and her identical twin sister, Patricia Jolivette. From the day the twins could walk and talk, they ate, slept, and breathed horses. “The word, ‘Horse,’ was pretty much the first thing out of our mouths,” Pam jokes.
Continue reading …It makes perfect sense that Brian & Angela Stanhope and Kaylee Swanigan are Clemson Tiger fans. College football fans are passionate, loyal, and enthusiastic; and tigers are fierce and courageous. It stands to reason that those qualities would pay off in the show ring. They certainly have for all three family members.
Continue reading …After waiting 11 months, the day has finally arrived. A beautiful, bright-eyed, wobbly-legged baby has joined your herd. Even though he’s only one day old, he has already accrued quite the list of expenses – from the stud fee to the cost of feed and vet care for the expectant mare, and more.
Continue reading …Unfortunately, splits between a trainer and client in the horse industry can be as messy as a bad divorce. To make matters more challenging, you likely run in the same circles and will frequently encounter each other at horse shows.
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