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 …Day Fees Demystified – Straight Talk on What Day Fees Encompass
March 14, 2019 Comments Off on Day Fees Demystified – Straight Talk on What Day Fees Encompass
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.
Something Borrowed – The Latest on the Show Clothing Rental
March 12, 2019 Comments Off on Something Borrowed – The Latest on the Show Clothing Rental
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 …NCEA – Balancing Collegiate Competition With Breed Show Aspirations
March 11, 2019 Comments Off on NCEA – Balancing Collegiate Competition With Breed Show Aspirations
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 …Life Across the Pond – Carrie Ann Berkenbosch
March 8, 2019 Comments Off on Life Across the Pond – Carrie Ann Berkenbosch
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 …EC Amateur Spotlight – Pamela Switzer – Horse Crazy from Birth
March 6, 2019 Comments Off on EC Amateur Spotlight – Pamela Switzer – Horse Crazy from Birth
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’s a Family Affair – Brian & Angela Stanhope and Kaylee Swanigan
January 25, 2019 Comments Off on It’s a Family Affair – Brian & Angela Stanhope and Kaylee Swanigan
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 …Pricing Foals – One Part Art, One Part Science, but Mostly a Gamble
January 22, 2019 Comments Off on Pricing Foals – One Part Art, One Part Science, but Mostly a Gamble
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 …Don’t Worry, Be Happy! – Civility Between Former Clients & Trainers
January 18, 2019 Comments Off on Don’t Worry, Be Happy! – Civility Between Former Clients & Trainers
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.
Continue reading …Protect Your Assets – What You Need to Know About Insurance
January 17, 2019 Comments Off on Protect Your Assets – What You Need to Know About Insurance
On July 30, 2018, AQHA Professional Horseman and judge Nancy Renfro hooked up her truck and trailer and started off on what should’ve been a routine three-day drive to the AQHA Youth World and NSBA World Show. Along for the ride were Renfro’s two girls, three dogs, and six horses loaded in the trailer.
Continue reading …