Back in February of this year, I lost a dear friend and mentor. As the anniversary of her death approaches I am reminded of an unintentional yet valuable lesson that she taught me. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Opportunities
My Horse has a Love Interest and Other Important Truths that can Totally Wreck a Horse Show Performance
I’ve had some less than optimal horse show performances before but this one takes the prize.
We had been schooling since last show season. I had spent the better part of the week getting ready. By day I had worked my full-time job. By night, after a long day’s work and a training session with my horse, I cleaned tack. I packed. I clipped my horse and on the day before our departure I bathed her. The hotel reservations made, I journeyed off with my friend and horse show partner the evening before the show to get settled and to prepare for the early start ahead. Continue reading
Pasture Management 101: Renovating Horse Fields
So many times I see horse facilities that have pastures in need of renovation. There’s a lot of reasons behind it and, for the most part, the property owners or managers truly want to do something to improve their pastures but they just aren’t sure what. That why, I really enjoyed writing this weekly, mini series of blog posts for TheHorse.com. In this week’s series installment I talk about how to evaluate your current pasture situation and what to do if you deem them lacking. Continue reading
Why register?
If I’ve owned a horse that was eligible for registration I’ve always registered it. Though I know many people who don’t, I’ve never understood why. Yes, it costs money but the benefits have always seemed to well outweigh any disadvantages. With the number of registered horses declining for most breed registries, let’s look at why I consider registration to be advantageous for you and your horse. Continue reading
The Importance of Mentors
Following a great training session, I bent down to remove the splint boots from my horse’s legs. As I loosened the fasteners I thought to myself, “I need to call Joanne. She would really love to hear about this.” Thirty years of doing something becomes a habit. I had forgotten for a brief moment, as I sometimes do, that back in May I had lost my longtime friend and mentor. I stopped when the realization hit me. Oh. Grief is sneaky like that. Even if you are well past the initial shock and feel as if you have made peace with it, it can come upon you at the most unexpected of moments.
Jump Rehab 101
Although I’m late to the party, I recently added a tagline to my blog. After a year of contemplation it finally hit me what my blog was really and truly about. I’m a DIY, budget conscious equestrian and many of my blog posts strongly follow this theme. That’s why this week’s blog post is especially fitting. Continue reading
Another reason to ride
In my latest EQUUS magazine article to publish on line I talk about why I choose to participate in an incentive riding program and why I think you should too. Continue reading
Saddle Up for Scottsdale 2017: American Horse Publications Equine Media Seminar
The 2017 American Horse Publications Equine Media Seminar with its theme, Saddle Up for Scottsdale, lived up to all of my expectations and more. I attended sessions moderated and led by industry professionals on re-charging and re-inventing my freelance business, think tanks on topics ranging from re-purposing content to technology innovations, and even one on improving the business side of my blog. The sponsors were generous. I shipped home from Scottsdale a 33 lb box full of AHP swag. The silent auction was amazing.
But perhaps most importantly, I established a network with authors, recognized and beginners alike, along with editors, photographers, and other equine industry professionals. These individuals not only welcomed me with open arms but have been willing to share me their tips for success as they have firmly established themselves in this one of a kind industry. In this week’s blog post I thought to share with you all about my amazing journey. Continue reading
Rootin’ Tootin’ Cowboy Mounted Shooting for Greenhorns and Rank Beginners
Earlier this year, as I waffled back and forth trying to decide whether or not to attend the American Horse Publication’s Equine Media Seminar in Scottsdale, AZ, I received an email about a surprise pre-conference activity. Not long afterward, I learned just how special this surprise really was as an opportunity had presented itself to participate in an actual Cowboy Mounted Shooting Clinic. Right then and there I waffled no more. The decision was made. I. was. going. Continue reading
Trail Riding Adventures at the Milky Way Farm
My love for trail riding the Milky Way Farm has grown each of the past three years that I have done it. It never fails to be chocked full of delightful surprises. My respect for the sheer magnitude and beauty of the farm is unrivaled.
This year my friend and I started planning for our trip well in advance. We deepened our historical research of the farm. We reviewed maps. We came up with a plan to see the ruins of the famous Crooked Sheep Barn and to locate what remained of the 5/8’s mile Show Horse Track. We were not disappointed. Come along with me on a pictorial guide of our ride. Continue reading