New riders being enthused about getting a horse isn't a new thing. When someone takes up riding, the all-consuming question on their mind is, "When should I get a horse?" If they are at all familiar with horses, they probably have some idea of what kind of horse they want. Maybe it's a pure white An[...]
With a foot of snow dropping in Virginia, it's official. It's winter, my least favorite time of year. I don't like being cold, I don't like the wind, and I hate emerging from my carefully crafted nest (I'm part hamster.) I do like cute winter clothes though, so I guess there is a positive. Wint[...]
I haven't been able to ride much over the past few years. It's been sporadic at best. This is the life of a parent though, kids take a lot of attention that may otherwise be used for riding. Now that my kids are old enough to function and do their own taxes, I decided I'm going to make riding w[...]
The Olympics is in fully swing, with a busy equestrian schedule. This year it's in the incredible Palace of Versailles. As a long time fan of the giant building, I'm also a fan of riding next to it. I'm never going to the Olympics but I can still dream of riding there, maybe there's a trail ride.[...]
Nosebands are well known. The bridle often doesn't look complete without it. Even non horse people draw nosebands on the horse's head, usually in a very cartoonish way, sometimes adding 2 or 3 of them. They're aware something goes there, even if they aren't sure why or how many. Why are nosebands[...]
Over 10 years after I bought a pony to teach my future children how to ride, he is finally teaching my first child. To be fair to him, I bought him as a yearling, and he was in no way ready to be ridden by children. He needed years to grow up, go through training, put on his big pony pan[...]
I enjoyed Upperville so much that I went back for round 2: Loudoun Benefit. This show is held on the exact same show grounds the week following Upperville, which means another opportunity for pretty pictures underneath the oaks. But I actually photographed on the other side of the road[...]
I was asked the other day when I was going to start showing Stu. Showing hasn't been on my mind in a long time. There's the first problem, which is that Stu and I are in no way ready to go to a show, with our inconsistent rides. But there's also a significant lack of interest in showing. I don't[...]
With the warming weather and the promise of beautiful, memory making rides, comes another memory you'll wish you could forget about: The Ticks. Speaking from personal experience: the the ticks are bad this year. I've been dealing with ticks for many years, but never have I seen so many so early i[...]
Having the perfect bit can feel like a dream. As if you had put magic in your horse's mouth, suddenly they are responding with eagerness, turning your ride into a complete dream. But having the wrong bit can feel like a nightmare - your horse can refuse to listen, throw its head, and act out. Choos[...]