Equine Chronicle | Archive | Editorial

The Super Man Behind the Superhorse – Chuck Briggs and Dancin N The Dirt

March 16, 2021 Comments Off

To say that Dancin N The Dirt is no stranger to the winner’s circle is like saying Tom Brady is a mere acquaintance at the Super Bowl. The horse wins and he wins big.

Scoring a Top Apprenticeship

March 13, 2021 Comments Off

Those of us who have served in the role of apprentice know you can depend on one thing: you’re going to work hard and learn a lot. As an apprentice, young horsemen have the chance to get a foot in the door in a competitive industry while learning from seasoned professionals. The hours are long, the work is frequently of the grunt variety, and compensation isn’t always lucrative, but the knowledge and experience gained as an apprentice are invaluable in the long run.

20 Years in the Making – Dressage Comes to the Forefront in AQHA

March 10, 2021 Comments Off

It’s a long way from Greece in 400 BC to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2020, but the sport of Dressage has arrived in AQHA World Show competition, much to the delight of horsemen of all ages and abilities. Classical Dressage traces its roots to the Greek military, as recorded by the legendary Greek Military Commander, philosopher, and writer, Xenophon, who led the battalion of mercenaries known as the ‘Ten Thousand’ in 400 BC. His treatise, “On Horsemanship” is still considered a primary document in the art of horse training today.

NSBA is On Course to Grow Opportunities for Hunter/Jumper Exhibitors

March 7, 2021 Comments Off

Close your eyes and tap into the most horse-crazy part of your brain. What would it look and feel like to be at a Disney World for equestrians?

Turning Heads – Perfecting the Headset in the Hunter Under Saddle Horse

March 4, 2021 Comments Off

When done right, there is nothing more beautiful to watch than a Hunter Under Saddle horse’s long flowing stride as it trots down the rail with its lengthy neck stretched out evenly from the withers and ears pricked forward as if it’s the most natural and easy thing in the world. But achieving that effortless appearance is anything but easy, as trainers and exhibitors will attest.

Remembering Doug Carpenter

March 1, 2021 Comments Off

The horse world lost a bright light on November 20, 2020 when professional horseman, Douglas ‘Doug’ John Carpenter, succumbed to COVID-19 at the age of 64. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Rhode Island, Doug was drawn to horses at a young age. When he was only 13, he hitchhiked from Rhode Island to Columbus, Ohio, to see the 1970 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Little did he know at that time, that in just a few years, he would not only be back at the Congress as a participant, but that he would win his first big title at the event.

The West Twins – Same, but Different

January 21, 2021 Comments Off

When Christine West discovered that she and her husband, Jeff, were having twins, she went to work researching how to raise twin girls with a sense of individuality. She learned tricks like letting each girl have her own birthday cake and allowing them to develop their own style. This way, Katherine and Elizabeth had common traits, but different personalities.

Discussions With An Equine Sports Psychologist – Getting over the 2020 covid-19 Blues

January 19, 2021 Comments Off

This has been a tough year for everyone. Some exhibitors are continuing on in the face of adversity while others have had to stop showing due to event cancellations, postponements, job loss, shutdowns, and other financial and health considerations. Horse people worldwide are still struggling with the loss of time, income, and lack of memories of a 2020 show and training season and, most importunately, the loss of life that the COVID-19 virus has taken.

Stallion Swag

January 17, 2021 Comments Off

Each year, stallion owners invest thousands of dollars into marketing their studs. A good chunk of that budget is set aside for promotional materials that are given out as freebies, often including handy items such as hats, cups, coozies, towels, and sunglasses–or items practical for the horse owner specifically, such as tail brushes or hoof picks. More unique items like phone-charging stations, temporary tattoos, candles, phone covers, notepads, and nail files have all made their debut as marketing tools in the equine world, as well.

Amateur Profile – Maria Salazar

January 15, 2021 Comments Off

Coming off an impressive win at the 2020 AQHA World Show, Maria Salazar is gracious and humble when describing the route that took her to her second World Champion title in Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation on her talented gelding, Moonlightin, also known as “Harley.”