If you still believe that “Western” and “dressage” don’t belong in the same sentence, you’re in a dwindling minority. Over the years, the training of horses has evolved, leaving behind the rough, one-method-fits-all “breaking” of young horses and the heavy use of bit and spur in developing performance horses. Trainers in all disciplines now recognize the value of patient and humane interaction with each horse as an individual and potential partner.
Continue reading …If you don’t do so already, a good New Year’s Resolution is to start wiping down and inspecting your equipment after every ride. The leather experts at Harris Leather and Silverworks suggest using a compressed air or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from their saddles after every show.
Continue reading …Longe Line classes can be a great way to show your yearling and have fun introducing him to the world, but it can also lead to burnout and dismal under saddle performance. With futurities and incentives luring exhibitors with big payouts, more and more young horses are being campaigned. The popularity of these classes increases while some are cautioning restraint. Are we pushing too hard on young minds and bodies? Three highly successful Longe Line exhibitors share their insight about how they train, show, and win without ruining a young horse’s prospects for a long show career.
Continue reading …“I know she would be so proud of him, and we hope to continue making her proud.”
Continue reading …Claiming the No. 1 spot is a coveted position in the horse show world, whether it’s class-by-class, show-by-show, or even more sought after, a win in Year-End All-Around standings or High Point categories. The race for the title each year is a long and competitive one that kicks off in January and continues until the last class of the last show in December.
Continue reading …The competition began on Day 1, December 27th, with AQHA Hunter and Trail classes as well as a fabulous tropical-themed Exhibitors’ Welcome Party in the Equine Chronicle Hospitality Pavilion.
Continue reading …After twenty long years of making trips to Columbus, Ohio, the venerable Dempze family achieved a lifetime goal of winning a Championship at the 2014 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Trainer Gil Gaylean presented Rewind And Repeat, aka “Rerun,” to the highest favor of the judges in Junior Western Pleasure. Following that success, Jenna Dempze took the reins, rewound the tape, and repeated the performance to take top honors in Amateur Western Pleasure.
Continue reading …This is my 13th “On The Fence” article and yes, I’m still concerned with all the unattended problems of our Association that still exist to this point. I believe I have thoroughly explained the relatively simple and affordable enjoyment we were initially privileged to be a part of years ago. We had no desire to change anything. Occasionally we found some concerns that were disturbing but it seemed most of them were easily addressed and acted on. Our officers and leadership appeared to be in proper control of everything, and our membership was steadily growing.
Continue reading …It’s an hour or two before dawn and the brisk winter air is nature’s alarm clock as it stings your face on the way to the barn. The stalls are eerily silent as you enter an aisle that is dark except for a faint light at the far end. You are greeted by sleepy nickers from the other residents as you pass them on the way to the illuminated stall. They all know why you are there and as you peer through the bars you know the eleven month journey was was worth every minute. There, before you, is your newborn foal.
Continue reading …“I’ve had studs for 30 years, and Kruzer is an exceptional horse. I really expect him to be the very best all-around sire for years to come.” That’s quite high praise coming from stallion manager Mike Hay considering The Krymsun Kruzer’s breeding career is still in its relative infancy. At the age of ten, the striking bay stallion, by One Hot Krymsun and out of Pure N Passion, has three foal crops on the ground, and Hot Shot Hit, Gracious N Fabulous, and Her Irons Are Hot are just a few of the great mares expecting foals in 2015.
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