On The Cover – Kirsten Thomsen and Elis A Sleepin
October 31, 2014 Comments Off on On The Cover – Kirsten Thomsen and Elis A Sleepin
Nancy Alto-Renfro fondly remembers the day that a timid, 13-year-old girl walked into her barn in Finley, California hoping to break out of the novice youth division. Fast-forward nine years later and Kirsten Thomsen, now 22, has blossomed into a confident, young woman and competitor who can hold her own with some of the top amateur exhibitors in the country.
Continue reading …An Expert’s Guide to Streamlining Pattern Transitions
October 23, 2014 Comments Off on An Expert’s Guide to Streamlining Pattern Transitions
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” But conquering a tough pattern with difficult transitions is quite a different matter, especially if a particular maneuver is causing difficulties. Getting ready for the upper echelon of horse show pattern work doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing, but it might require some extra practice or a change of approach, whether your horse is green or broke.
Continue reading …For Sale! – It’s Time to Go Horse Shopping
October 22, 2014 Comments Off on For Sale! – It’s Time to Go Horse Shopping
With major sales like the Congress Super Sale and AQHA World Show Sale marking the end of one show season and the start of another, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the fever of horse shopping. But where do you go and how do you get started?
Continue reading …The 2014 Breeders’ Halter Futurity – The Future Has Arrived
October 21, 2014 Comments Off on The 2014 Breeders’ Halter Futurity – The Future Has Arrived
Sometimes in the midst of adversity and uncertainty comes a point of light shining brightly – a glow that illuminates the pathway to follow. The beacon that has been steadily growing more vibrant for the halter horse industry is the Breeders’ Halter Futurity in Des Moines, Iowa, an event that began in 2011 as the brainchild of a group of ten stallion owners. The owners wanted to create more interest in the halter industry by bringing back the middle market with a focus on the amateur competitor.
Continue reading …August Recap – NSBA World Show and Reichert Celebration
October 20, 2014 Comments Off on August Recap – NSBA World Show and Reichert Celebration
The National Snaffle Bit Association’s 9th annual World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity took place August 9-17 offering 46 classes and more than $500,000 in cash and prizes for those making the trek to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Multiple title winners included Greg Wheat with On The Front Row in the BCF 3 to 6 Year-Old Color Open Western Pleasure.
Continue reading …Keeping Horses Part Of Your College Kid’s Lifestyle
October 19, 2014 Comments Off on Keeping Horses Part Of Your College Kid’s Lifestyle
We are all crazy when we become parents because we focus all our energy, time and love on the development of a person who is destined to leave us. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. We give all we can to our children with the end goal that they will grow apart from us and not need us anymore. Therein lies the rub, we yearn to be needed and wanted, but the idea is that we raise our children to be independent of us.
Continue reading …March To The Arch – Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2015!
October 18, 2014 Comments Off on March To The Arch – Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2015!
The annual March To The Arch horse show will continue “Loping and Leading For a Cure” during the show’s 10th anniversary in 2015. As one of the largest and most widely attended 100% charity events in the horse show industry, the MTTA, founded by Doug Landon in 2006, has featured over 40,000 entries since its launch. Of course, the MTTA show is unique when compared to other events, because its sole purpose is to raise funds for charities that support cancer research and advances in new treatment.
Continue reading …Sharing Knowledge Between Generations – Part 1
October 17, 2014 Comments Off on Sharing Knowledge Between Generations – Part 1
For millennium, the art and science of horse training has been carefully passed from master to apprentice. Each generation of horse trainers has contributed to the mix and sent their experiences forward in time. Beliefs, rituals, and traditions of the horse training process certainly diversified throughout centuries and have been colored by culture, politics, societies, and economies.
Continue reading …Not My Day Job – Josh & Kaleena Weakly
October 16, 2014 Comments Off on Not My Day Job – Josh & Kaleena Weakly
Whether in the halter pen or the riding arena, it’s a pretty good guess that you’ve heard the last name “Weakly” being announced towards the top of the standings. What started out as a little crush at a horse show in Gordyville has blossomed into one powerful couple in AQHA and NSBA show circles.
Continue reading …A Guide To Purchasing A Show Saddle
October 15, 2014 Comments Off on A Guide To Purchasing A Show Saddle
You’ve purchased your dream horse, and your show clothing is impeccable. You’re ready to hit the ring! Not so fast… what about that saddle? Have you ever stopped to consider all of the important factors that come into play when purchasing a saddle? These include not only your budget, but also current trends, sizing for the rider and horse, and resale potential. Some might say that a show saddle is the second most important purchase, next to your partner in the ring.
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