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. Something much more low key. But if you[...]
The horse world was shocked when Charlotte Dujardin withdrew from the Olympics, 3 days prior to the start of the games. But even more shocking, the former golden girl was withdrawing because of a video of her abusing a horse. The Charlotte Dujardin?? Of Charlotte and Valegro?? The video was released yesterday, and sure enough, it's Charl[...]
There are about 2,500 Przewalski horses left in the world, making them an endangered species. At one point, there were only 12 horses left, but thanks to captive breeding programs their numbers have increased. Due to their endangered status, they are heavily monitored, and kept only in zoos or their specific areas of reintroduction. [...]
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 on bridles? There's a few reasons. T[...]
Reg patted the horse gently. "Easy, easy," he murmured, trying to calm him. The horse had only been in the mines for three weeks, and was not adjusting well. His hooves clattered on the rock ground, as he stepped nervously to one side, bumping against the wall of the shaft. There was very little room to move, and the horse was taking up[...]
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 pants, and be a respectable equine citizen.[...]
If you had the time and freedom to take a year long journey, would you spend it riding across the United States of America? Modern life no longer considers the horse as a primary mode of transportation. It has mostly become an animal of leisure sports, done primarily for the entertainment of the rider. If one simply wanted to cross the[...]
When I find a great horse activity for my whole family, I'm going to jump on it. I have three kids, and it's not easy finding an event that's both for adults, but kid friendly. Turns out, it does exist, and I really believe this magical event is Sunset Polo, at Great Meadow. Sunset Polo is held weekly throughout the summer, and I ca[...]
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, the Salem show grounds. Not because I[...]
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 have a competitive nature. I don't care[...]