Memphis Hunter/Jumper Industry Becoming Too Elitist? My Opinion is Yes.

Is it just me, or is the local hunter/jumper industry becoming even more "elitist?" I remember a time in this area when there were plenty of affordable, fun, family horse activities that didn't break the bank. There were plenty of quality boarding barns to choose from, a plethora of well attended horse shows- rated and schooling, a nice variety of quality horses of all different breeds, riding lessons that didn't cost what you'd expect to pay for an "Olympic level" clinician. We do have several schooling show options in the area now- although it appears attendance at these is dwindling? Seems like many trainers boycott all but the A shows. From their business standpoint, I understand that there is more money in those for them. Seasoned trainers, who've "paid their dues" so to speak, surely deserve to be selective! But it worries me when I notice newer trainers following this trend. It worries me because I see this type of mentality hurting our local horse industry!

Not too terribly long ago in this area, finding a safe, sound, well-trained, quality hunter/jumper was not hard. Plenty to choose from. Plenty of trainers who worked hard, got down to the nitty-gritty and "trained" horses. Cranked out quality green horses year after year that they "TRAINED"- didn't just compete against other trainers on already trained horses- my personal pet peeve!!!

What has happened to the horse industry here? Since when did monthly board on a single horse jump to over a grand a month? Since when did the price of a single riding lesson skyrocket to the price of three/four? Since when did the only horse that can move and jump well become a warmblood costing close to $100 grand? (By the way, not knocking wb's I own one.... in addition to my TB's!)


I don't like this elitist trend in the horse industry here one bit! If the majority of equine professionals start taking this stance, and hiking up prices just b/c "so and so does...I'm as good as they are," pretty soon, we're going to see this industry dwindle and interest fizzle.


So, I guess "short-term," if you hike up fees to the extent that only the extremely wealthy can afford, you can do less work for more money? You can have less clients for awhile and just charge them more? But I've never been a "short-term" thinker, so here's the problem I foresee with this scenario- in the "long- term." What happens when these clients move along? Most clients aren't life-long clients. Will there be enough interest from newbies to replenish the natural cycle of clients? Enough interest in the horse industry locally to fuel horse shows?


Maybe I'm naive, maybe I just like rooting for the underdog?( I must admit to always having a bit of a stubborn streak and being a bit rebellious- and thick skinned) Here's what I'd like to see from the hunter/jumper horse industry in Memphis:

...I'd like to see a little more variety back. More variety in people, incomes.... more variety in horses, breeds.

...I'd like to see more trainers and shows offer affordable options to kids and adults who'd like to compete.

...I'd like to see "MORE" people get involved in the horse industry in this area!

...I'd like to see the number of entries increase at local horse shows!

We have good quality here. But there's always room for improvement! Let's work on beefing up the quantity; and sit back and watch the quality improve! There are plenty of fabulous horses in need of owners. Plenty of potential owners who'd offer fabulous homes to horses if horse-ownership is reasonably affordable! Plenty of FABULOUSLY talented and gifted riders out there who can hold there own against current top competitors if the playing field was leveled- so to speak- and the industry costs kept realistic.


Now I know this will ruffle a few feathers, but come on trainers, let's come back down to planet earth! Let's not all get in a competition of who can command the highest prices, who's clients can spend the most money on a horse that could be found at a fraction of the cost in someone's back yard, and with a little effort, time, and key word here: GOOD OLE FASHION TRAINING- could be every bit as successful as that horse shipped here from overseas!


I also want to say Thank You to all those trainers out there- and we are lucky to have many in this area- who are offering affordable horsemanship options, and who are not being "tempted" by the "over-the-top" greedy, horse-show only mentality. All those out there promoting horsemanship to families, kids, & adults.

Thanks to all those out there working to promote fun and affordable horse events, schooling shows, clinics, etc. that promote good horsemanship, and sportsmanship! We need more of that! Maybe we are lacking in this area honest to goodness"horse trainers." We used to have a great supply of hunter/jumper professionals who could train and instruct. Perhaps what we have here now are actually "Riding Instructors?" For all those "trainers" out there...and I must admit to having some darn good ones at my barn of the teenage kind...I have a challenge for you which will really help out our local horse industry:

....Please start training more horses and reintroducing safe, affordable, and sound, hunter prospects in our local market. We need more variety and not every horse that you sell has to be a $$$ warmblood.

....Not every horse you sell has to have a $$$ A-rated tag!

Where are the affordable thoroughbred prospects that trainers used to pump into our area? I know there are out there! Go out of town to an eventing show and its a trip back in time to what local hunter shows used to look like: thoroughbreds, quarter horses, appendix horses, warmbloods--- all types of horses competing. You see talented young riders on these horses who can RIDE! Most have had to train their own and bring them up through the levels. Too bad we don't have more trainers willing to retrain and resell these affordable prospects! They'd make a killing in this market!!!

....Since I keep bringing up the word "Affordable" let me clarify what affordable is. Affordable is not 50k, Affordable is not 30k, not 20k!!! I am so over the "myth" that in order to get a good "Prospect" you have to fork out at something close to 15-20k. That is pure BS!

... An Affordable Hunter/Jumper sound pleasure prospect can be found for under $10k.... under $5k.... under $3500! Trainers know they can find good prospects for almost give-away prices and with a little work and time flip them and make a profit. I know this can be done, can prove this can be done. I've been there done that. So, I'm happy to dispel this myth.

....Where are the quarter horses that make such wonderful novice horses for kids and adults? What the heck happened to the appendix horses that we used to see compete and hold their own?

If we could reintroduce more affordable horses along with more reasonable rates: board, instruction, and show fees, I predict we'd see an explosion of new interest and new riders in the area! More riders, more horses, more clients for trainers, more demand for new trainers, more competitions, more competitive competition....We need a reality check in the Memphis Hunter/Jumper industry. We also need to bring back the fun in horses!!!

Horse Blanketing Tips

Horse Blanket Fit Basics

Follow this five-step check list to make sure your horse's blanket properly fits him. From the editors of EQUUS Magazine When bundling up your horse this winter, take a minute to check the fit of his blanket. Patterns and cuts from different manufacturers can make supposedly same-sized blankets fit quite differently. And changes in your horse's body condition can cause a cover that fit perfectly last year to be painfully ill-suited for his present profile. The following five-point blanket check will make sure your horse is both warm and comfortable this winter: 1. Can you slip your hand easily between the blanket and his withers? Continual pressure in this area can produce discomfort or even lasting injury. 2. Is there room to slide a hand up into his shoulder area? Too tight a fit here will rub off hair and cause painful friction injuries. 3. Is the neck cut so your horse can graze without pain? Place a tempting treat at floor level and watch for pressure from the front buckles as he reaches for it. 4. Does the tail flap lift easily when your horse passes manure? An ill-designed or too-heavy tail cover will get in the way of falling manure and become a crusted mess. 5. Does the surcingle have to be adjusted tightly to keep the blanket in place? A blanket cut for your horse's body shape will stay in place without a tight, uncomfortable surcingle. A "yes" to one or more of these questions means that your horse and his blanket are a poor match. Simple alterations and creative use of fleece can fix some minor fit problems but the best solution may be to replace the blanket altogether. Measure your horse before you go shopping and consult with the sellers about the right cuts and styles for his particular body shape and size. Try each purchase on your horse over a bed sheet; if you have to make a return because of poor fit, it will be clean and hair-free. SOURCE: EQUUS Magazine and Equine.com

National Equine Rescue Group News

With so many equine rescue groups out there, picking a reputable one can seem daunting. Luckily, there are movements underway to offer "national accreditation" for reputable horse rescue groups that will also offer rescue group's much needed financial support. Click here to read an interesting article about this horse rescue national accreditation movement!

SOURCE: TheHorse.com

Memphis Driving My Buggy Junior CDE Clinic at Kimberlin Farms- January 12th, 2-4pm

Carriage driving is a fabulous equine sport for people and horses of all ages, sizes, and shapes. Children, grandparents, or even entire families can enjoy this sport. In my opinion, this is one of the best multi-breed horse sports available! Having the right temperament, horses of all ages, breeds, and sizes can enjoy the exciting sport of carriage driving!

On Saturday, January 12th from 1-3 p.m. Kimberlin Farms is offering a Driving My Buggy Junior Driving CDE (Combined Driving Event) clinic. Joanna Wilburn of Rollingwoods Farm, will be teaching this clinic with many of Kimberlin Farm's "more experienced" juniors assisting as navigators. This should be lots of fun and a great opportunity for junior drivers to learn more about CDE's- combined driving events. Interested? For more information about this fantastic local driving clinic send an email to the following address: Info@KimberlinFarms.com

Holiday Greeting Cards That Help Animals!

Want to order a "Horsey" Holiday Greeting Card that will actually help horses? Consider these holiday cards from the ASPCA.

I've spotted a "potential" card for myself here. I was going to be "cheap" and create my own, but how can I resist saving myself some time and donating to a worthy cause instead!

Want to Learn about Carriage Driving in Memphis, TN?

Located near Memphis, TN and interested in learning about carriage driving? Check out the following website: KimberlinFarms.com.This farm located near Memphis, TN, hosts many carriage driving educational opportunities including:

• Carriage Driving Clinics
• Carriage Driving Camps
• Carriage Driving Events: Drives & Fun-Shows.
  

Currently in the Memphis, TN area, there is the Nashoba Carriage Club, which organizes numerous carriage driving opportunities in the area, such as the annual Nashoba Carriage Classic.

KimberlinFarms will offer more driving events in 2008, in an effort to help promote the sport of carriage driving in the Memphis area! If you're near Memphis, and are interested in learning more about carriage driving, be sure to bookmark the "Driving My Buggy" section of the Kimberlin Farms' site to keep up with Memphis Carriage Driving educational opportunities and events!

How Can Stickers Help Protect Thoroughbreds?

Did you know that there is a sticker service available which can help address the situation of unwanted thoroughbred horses? Rerun, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping find homes for unwanted thoroughbred horses, offers a "sticker" program whereby stickers can be placed on a horse's papers indicating to contact a previous owner/breeder should a horse become unwanted. Stickers are available for FREE from Rerun!

I think this is a fantastic idea, and a way for previous owners and breeders to literally be "Guardian Angels" to those unfortunate horses who need a second chance! This great concept could potentially save many lives. Click here to read more!

Source: ReRun

Get Ready for Germantown Charity Horse Show

School is out for the summer- can you believe it? With summertime, comes the excitement of a fantastic summertime horse show tradition in the Memphis area- the Germantown Charity Horse Show. A great multi-breed horse show rich in tradition and memories for the Germantown and Memphis community.


The show will be held June 12-16. Lots of fun! Of course this show hosts hunter/jumpers, saddlebreds, and walking horses, but one of the events I'm most excited about this year is the Carriage Driving classes! Single horse driving & a separate single pony driving class will take place on Tuesday evening! My sister and I will be showing against each other in the single pony class. She's planning on showing me up... we'll see. (Yes, we've got a little family rivalry brewing)


A special Junior driving carriage class open to junior drivers driving either ponies or miniature horses will take place on Wednesday evening this year! Can't wait for this. There are many juniors from our barn, Kimberlin Farms which will be competing. Should be great fun!

Click here to find out more about the Germantown Charity Horse Show.

My Springtime Horse Evaluation Ritual

Ahhhh, daylight savings is here along with spring-like temps. Pear trees, red buds, daffodils, soon azalea blooms, and finally some green grass starting to grow. Already I have spring fever! I just want to be outside enjoying this awesome time of year.

I like to take this time of year- along with any seasonal change to assess my horses and get organized! April fools day is my yearly animal health care check up day. Time to have my vet do routine health checks including vaccinations, worming schedule assessments, teeth, and overall nutritional and body condition assessment.

It's important to monitor body condition and nutritional requirements year-round, but with spring comes the challenge of introducing your horses to rich, spring grasses. In my personal opinion, you just can't beat quality grass for nutritional value and weight gain for horses! But it's important to monitor horses going out on freshly growing grass closely to make sure not to "overdo" a good thing!

Horses out 24/7 can usually adjust well to the growing grass; however,during this time of year especially, horses prone to founder or overweight horses need to be carefully monitored on rich grass. If pastures are good and horses are able to get lots of good daily turnout and grazing time, it may be necessary to adjust your feeding regimen-grain/pellets, winter fed hay, winter supplements, cushings meds, etc. to prevent too much weight gain for horses on good spring grass. Monitor your horses condition closely, and always get your Vet's healthcare and nutritional advice!

For tips on determining your horse's best weight, click here to read an Equisearch article with photos to help distinguish between an overweight, too skinny, and just right horse.

Carriage Driving Basics- the nitty gritty stuff

So, I've taken up carriage driving. I am by no means "literate" about all of the different types of carriages, their parts, or harness. I can hook up a mini- with the cart and harness that I'm used to using, but that doesn't mean I can quote the parts or hook up another horse to another cart!

I'm a work in progress and will eventually get around to learning more of the nitty gritty. Right now, it's just fun to hook up and drive!

But back to the nitty gritty of carriage driving, I have run across some useful informtion that I'll pass along about driving. First let me simplify the types of carriages for fellow "simple-minded k.i.s.s. folk" like myself, here's a nice way to break down horse vehicles:

Cart - Two Wheeled vehicle
Buggy - Basic 4 wheel vehicle
Carriage - fancier 4 wheel vehicle
Wagon - Farm type vehicle - Pick Up truck of the day.

Now we're going to be really ambitious and tackle the parts of a vehicle. The most basic parts of any cart are as follows:

Shafts- the two metal or wooden poles that go along the sides of the horse.

Singletree (also called swingletree or whiffletree)- that wooden piece that sits above the shafts and has a pivot point in the middle of it. You attach the traces to these and the horse pulls from it.

Floor- the place where you put your feet

Dash- the section of the floor that curves upward toward the shafts.

Seat- do you really need an explanation of this one?

Wheels- again, you got it.

That's about it for your truly basic cart parts. Anything beyond that probably won't show up on anything but a championship level knowledge bowl.Now, for those of you who like pictures, don't think I'm going to leave you out. Here are some diagrams and links to various vehicle and harness parts!

Horse Show Results

Want to keep up with the latest midsouth area hunter/jumper horse show results? Then check out Horse Shows Online website for the latest show updates in the area.

Springtime Events for Memphis Horses

I can't wait... Spring is almost here and with it, lots of fun-filled horse activities start back up- Yippee!!!

Here's some fun-filled events and activities to look out for:

Nashoba Carriage Club:
Hosts weekly spring drives. Next meeting for members and those interested in joining is March 13th at 6:30pm. Leave comment if interested in contact information or for weekly drive updates.

Alderwood Horse Shows:
Schooling show at Germantown Charity Horse Show Grounds:
Saturday, March 2nd
Saturday, March 24th- benefit WTHJA
Saturday, April 7th
Saturday, May 5th
More information available at http://alderwoodshows.com

West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Shows: WTHJA (A rated):
Springtime in Dixie, April 11-15
Springtime Encore, April 18-22
Memphis in May, May10-13
More information at http://www.wthja.com

Germantown Charity Horse Show Ball:
Friday, March 9th Woodland Hills Country Club

Hunter Schooling shows- Oakview/Shady Creek farm circuit:
Saturday, April 21
Saturday, May 26
More information at: http://www.oakviewstables.net

Delta Dressage Association Horse Shows:
Saturday, March 24th (unrated)
Saturday, May 5th Memphis in Springtime I- rated (Tunica, MS)
Sunday, May 6th Memphis in Springtime II- rated (Tunica, MS)
More information: http://www.deltadressage.com

MySpace for Horses

Do you have a MySpace page created for your horse in the Memphis area? Calling all MySpace addicts.... Why not join me in creating a MySpace page for your horse? It's fun, it's entertaining, and we get to know local Memphis area horses better. Click here to take a look at my sister's page for her horse, Gage This. Gage will tell you all about himself, and his relatives, and would love some new "horsy" friends. Add Gage as a friend and be sure to leave me a link to your horse's page in comments!

Develop Confidence and Rythm with this Jumping Exercise

I'm always on the lookout for riding exercises to help build rhythm and confidence for both horse and rider. Here's a great article with some easy jumping exercises to help. This article is written by well-respected hunter equitation trainer, Holly Hugo-Vidal. Memphians may remember her being a successful hunter trainer in the Memphis area several years back. This is an excerpt from her latest book:Build Confidence Over Fences

Source: Holly Hugo Vidal- Book Excerpt : Jump Single Fences Fear Free and Equisearch.com

Bucky is here! Check out my new man

My New horse, Buck on the Go

My new horse is en route to Memphis today from Lexington, KY. He should be here this afternoon. I'm so excited I can't stand it! His name is "Buck on the Go" Many thanks to Dr. Jennifer Smallwood, DVM and her husband, Jeremy for helping me find "Bucky!!!" Many pictures to come soon!!!

New Horse for ME

I am so excited to be getting a new horse from Lexington, KY very soon! My new little buddy is a 3 1/2 yr old Unraced TB Gelding! I went up and meet him this past Monday, and vetted him out in 17 degree, snowy, weather. He was so well-behaved and Mr. Personality Plus. All I can say, is tooooo cute!!!


He should be delivered sometime within the next 7-10 days. I'm counting down! Pic's and name to come soon.

Thank you Barbaro

Here's a touching article from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation about Barbaro that I wanted to share on my blog:

Barbaro: Thanks For All You Did Barbaro's death has deeply saddened not only those of us at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, but, it seems, everyone. The support the public has shown this horse throughout his heroic battle has been a central part of the Barbaro story. People have cheered on the days when the news was good and wept on the days when the news was bad. Grief was everywhere Jan. 29, the day he was euthanized.

We thank Barbaro, and not just for what he did on the racetrack or for the memories, but for how he brought out the horse lover in so many of us. After this gripping story, never again can it be said that people don't care about the welfare of horses, be they famous Thoroughbreds or just an anonymous horse out in a field somewhere.

True to form, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the remarkable couple that owned this horse, wanted to stress the positives Monday when addressing the media after it was announced that Barbaro had been put down. Horse lovers themselves, they understood that much good can come from the Barbaro story.

"Certainly, grief is the price we all pay for love," Gretchen Jackson said. "I am sure there are a lot of grieving people out there. A lot of them have contacted me and I am so very appreciative of that. I hope we can turn our love into an energy that supports horses throughout the world. Not just in our own country and not just the thoroughbred we love so dearly, but all horses. Each of us might find a certain path that interests us. Whatever it is, I just pray that you will follow that path in support of the horse."

Said Roy Jackson: "An awful lot of positives came out of this. Veterinary medicine has learned a great deal by this and the general public has been educated about veterinary medicine. There have been a whole host of subjects that have come to light because of this, like the anti-slaughter bill and helping people on the backstretch. Our hope is that some of these issues won't die and will continue be brought up and acted upon in a positive way."

We share those sentiments. As an organization that has worked tirelessly for more than 20 years on behalf of retired race horses and has saved thousands from going to slaughter, we have always known how much people care about horses, but have sometimes been frustrated by how the problem of caring for retired thoroughbreds has not gotten the attention we feel it deserves.

We ask now that people who are saddened by Barbaro's death do just what Gretchen Jackson suggested and do something on behalf of these beautiful creatures. That can include a donation to our organization. We need your help to care for the more than 1,300 horses living at our numerous farms and satellite facilities and to rescue even more horses from slaughter. But it doesn't have to be a donation to the TRF. Please pick any equine related charity. They all need help. Or adopt a retired Thoroughbred. Many make excellent show horses or just great pets. Or just write a letter to Dr. Dean Richardson at the New Bolton hospital and thank him for his heroic efforts to save Barbaro.

Our condolences go out to everyone involved with Barbaro at this sad time and we thank them for their efforts on his behalf and, quite simply, for how much they cared. We will do our small part Feb. 2 in Wellington, Florida. We had previously planned a fundraiser for that night in which Barbaro was to be honored along with his trainer, Michael Matz. The event will still go on as planned. For more information about the TRF or the party, you can contact us in our Saratoga offices at 518-226-0028.

Source: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation- TRF

Carriage Driving Update

Carriage Driving is one of the activities I plan to focus lots of my own attention on this year. Even though I still enjoy riding, I don't have any desire to compete. Guess I've been there done that. But, I've been "bit" by the comptetitive driving bug! I plan on competing again this year at some local and out of town rated driving shows/events.

It's pretty cold out now and my little mini driving buddy, Domino is so furry, he looks more like a grizzly bear than a horse! The weather has been so wet and cold, that we haven't been driving often. He's enjoying a winter "siesta!" Never fear little buddy, as soon as spring rolls around, it's back to mini boot camp- poor fella.

Actually, Dimo has a new fancy Zilco harness along with a super sweet and fancy pleasure gig- one seater just for me! I hooked him up to the new gig the other evening and it fit him like a glove. What an awesome ride- Dimo was "strutting his stuff" It's lighter than the cart he's been driving, and it sits up higher- so it's a new feel. It's really smooth and makes no noise- kind of like moving up from a buick to a cadillac. Can't wait to use it in the cones and dressage driving tests this year!

Anyway, I'm trying to get more familarized with ADS forms, handbooks, and basic dressage driving tests. Here's a helpful link to a variety of ADS forms and tests for interested driving enthusiasts.

For those interested in learning more about driving in the Memphis, TN area, The Nashoba Carriage Club is a great local driving club. Unfortunately, there's no website currently. Leave a comment if interested in more info about the club and I'll pass on contact info.

American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act Reintroduced in Congress

Legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for foreign dinner plates was introduced right out of the gate in the 110th Congress.

In the Senate, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, S. 311, was launched Jan. 17 by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and John Ensign, R-Nev., with 11 original cosponsors. In the House, Reps. Janice Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., John Spratt, D-S.C., and Nick Rahall, D-W.V., introduced a companion bill, H.R. 503, the same day with 61 original cosponsors. The measure received tremendous bipartisan support in the 109th Congress, winning a vote of 263 to 146 in the House. It stalled in the Senate in late 2006, however, and was not brought up for a vote before Congress adjourned, even though a similar effort had been overwhelmingly approved by the Senate in 2005.


Help Save Horses Right Out of the Gate!
Contact your lawmakers in Washington today, and ask them to put an end to the slaughter of American horses for human consumption overseas. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100,800 American horses were slaughtered in three foreign-owned slaughter houses in 2006. Opponents of the slaughter ban argue that the practice constitutes a humane way to kill old animals, but investigations by The HSUS show cruelty and abuse throughout the process. Horses are sometimes transported for days without food, water or rest, and once on the killing floor they can be subjected to multiple blows by a bolt gun to the brain before being rendered unconscious. The HSUS also recently documented barbaric treatment of American horses at a slaughter plant in Juarez, Mexico, where the animals were stabbed with short knives, leaving them paralyzed and unable to breathe but still sensible to pain as they were hoisted up by a chain to have their throats slit.


At least 33,400 horses were exported to Mexico, Canada and Japan for slaughter in 2006, according to the USDA. In addition to banning the slaughter of horses for human consumption, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act would ban the export of horses for slaughter in other countries.

SOURCE:

http://hsus.org

Too Blanket or Not to Blanket... How to Decide

Okay, there are those who whip out the blanket arsenal at the first sight of cooler weather, some who only blanket when really cold, and some who swear by never blanketing a horse. So when and how do you decide to blanket a horse? Click here to read an interesting article with tips about when to blanket horses in Winter.

Source: EquiSearch.com

Goodbye 2006, Hello 2007! A Personal Look Back

I can't believe 2006 has come and gone. This was quite an exciting and busy year for me. It began with a new horse, Gage, for my baby sister Lauren. We have both had a BLAST with our big baby. Geez, we've come a long way in his and our training since this time last year! All three of us began Dressage training- something that I've never "officially" done in all of my years of riding. What an eye-opening experience this has been! With Gage being so green, and with Lauren and myself learning Dressage for the first time, I've realized how much there will always be to learn with horses no matter how long you've been riding! Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks... I'm the proof!

Lauren and I are looking forward to our continued training with Gage and are super excited to begin his jump training soon. Hopefully by this time next year, we'll all be able to canter around jumper type courses with ease. We both plan to continue our Dressage training, and perhaps this year you'll catch a glimpse of us at our first Dressage/Event/Jumper shows in the Memphis area with Gage!


I also began another new horse venture this year- something I've always wanted to do, Driving. What fun this has been! I went to my very first rated carriage shows with my buddy, Domino, a 38" macho miniature! We did well and had great fun at the shows we attended (The Cannon Classic in Woodbury, TN and Nashoba Classic in Germantown, TN) placing out of the Novice divisions. I look forward to continuing my driving adventures with Domino this year and hope to focus our efforts onto the CDE realm of driving- can't wait! I feel the need for speed!!!



This year also helped me to realize one of my life dreams and goals with horses. I want to one day have my own horse rescue farm- dedicated to OTTB's. This year, it really hit home with me how many horses there are out there that need good, caring, loving homes and kind-hearted owners. My eyes were open to horse neglect and the attrocities of slaugter, and it has changed my life forever. I am passionately dedicated towards making a difference for all those beloved horses out there who've been forgotten and discarded. I've been truly blessed in my lifetime to have encountered and learned invaluable life lessons from so many special horses. Starting with my first horse, Sam, a discarded OTTB who truly blessed my life for seventeen years. Looking back, I now realize that his time with me is the driving motivation behind my passion to help horses like himself, who deserve a second chance to shine. Hopefully by this time next year, I'll be a little closer to making my dream of helping horses in need a reality.

In summary of this past year: I got a new green horse, started two new disciplines- dressage and driving, attended my first driving shows, made some fabulous new "horsey" friends, rode some walking horses for the first time, became an Aunt for the first time, and bought myself my first home. Whew, it's been a busy year. Looking forward to 2007!

Happy One Year Anniversary Gage and Lauren!

Happy One Year Anniversary Gage and Lauren!

This year has flown by, and it's hard to believe that on January 2, 2006, I officially bought Gage for my youngest sister Lauren. I delivered on my promise to buy her an AWESOME horse one day.... now she's got to deliver on buying me my dream horse farm estate ;)

Big baby will officially turn a whopping 6 on January 12. Lauren and Gage have come a long way this year together and we will begin hard core jump training soon.

EVH-1 Outbreak Update: Scary times for Horse Owners in South Florida

These are scary times for the horse community due to confirmed outbreaks of the deadly and highly contagious equine herpes virus at prestigious shows in Wellington, FL- cancelling major shows. All are waiting on pins and needles hoping for the best: a major horse health crisis hopefully avoided. Health officials are "optimistic" that since this virus was detected early with quarantine procedures quickly enforced that the worst has been avoided despite the loss of several beloved horses and at least 15 confirmed cases displaying neurological symptoms.

State Veterinarians held an informational press conference last weekend outlining the facts of this outbreak, and discussed biosecurity precautions for those in the affected areas of Wellington, FL. Officials asked that people NOT ship horses to or from Wellington for seven days.

The rumormill is in overdrive. One rumor circulating is that an infected horse was present at a recent St. Louis Hunter Jumper Show. Several horses at this show were voluntarily quarantined on the show grounds in an isolated barn on the complex- far away from other barns. Luckily, this proved to be a false alarm and thus far, no horses at this show according to show officials and St. Louis Veterinarian's were exposed to EVH-1 or at risk of developing it.

A farm near Knoxville, TN; however, is under voluntary quarantine. A horse from a New York quarantine facility tested positive for EVH-1 and died on it's way to California. This horse had a lay-over at the Knoxville facility on it's way to California. Reports are unclear as to if the California horse died en route to California or at a facility in California. Unfortunatley, there has been no official statement as to any California location quarantines. Ther has been no outbreak of EVH-1 thankfully at the Knoxville, TN farm.

The racing community is now holding it's breath too. A racehorse in Ocala, FL has EVH-1. It was in contact with an infected horse at a Veterinary clinic in Wellington prior to shipping to Ocala, where it became ill. This racehorse belongs to Tuxedo Farms. The farm is under quarantine, and the horse is in isolation. Tracks in and around Ocala, as well as the Tampa area are taking action to prevent more cases. Many are not allowing incoming horses into track facilities currently. For the latest updates and news feeds regarding this viral outbreak, please visit: http://www.topix.net

Wellington, FL EHV-1 Outbreak Alert

An outbreak of EHV- Equine Herpes Virus has shut down major horse shows in Wellington, FL for the next several weeks. Two horses have reportedly died. One of which being Debbie Stephen's Cosequin's CEO.

Three farms in Wellington's Grand Prix Village are in lockdown, and many surrounding stables have elected a self-imposed quarantine to help prevent the spread of this deadly and highly contagious airborn virus, which can cause abortion, respitory disease, and paralysis. This disease can survive 14-15 days in the environment and is spread via the respitory tract, aborted fetuses, membranes, and fluid.

This disease is reported to have orginated fom infected horses imported from Europe that went through a New York facility. One of the horses is recovering in Wellington, another; however, traveled to California and died. Veterinarians are awaiting test results to confirm that the California horse perished from EHV-1. It is quite possible that this virus may have infected horses from Florida to California.

Due to health concerns, the AGA National Championship and the Christmas Festival of Horses have been cancelled.

See below links for the latest information regarding this outbreak:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0612/054.shtml
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0612/054.shtml
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/Announcements/20061214EquineVirus1.shtml
http://horsesdaily.com/news/health/2006/eav/index.html

Check Out a Memphis Equestrian Superstar in the Making!

First Things First:

Yet another "girl" to add to the long list of horse addicts in my family!

Who says this 9 month old needs to walk before learning to ride? Introducing our newest family equestrian in the making: Miss Taylor Ann- She's a natural.... I'm envisioning short stirrup extraordinare , Pony Finals Champion, Mclay celebrity, Olympic Superstar.... Okay, so maybe I'm getting a bit carried away. We will actually have to get her walking first, and teach her not to "chew" on the reins...



Rest assured, Great Aunt Ashlee is working hard to ensure that her first word is "PONEEEEE!" Her poor Daddy will be broke!

Do Horses get Jealous? What do You Think?

So here I go, humanizing horses again. But what I witnessed a few days ago really got me to thinking. Do horses get jealous, or am I just over humanizing them once again?

There is an old mare at the barn where I ride that is spoiled silly everyday by a teenage girl. I swear this old mare loves this girl. She has more patience than Jobe with the kid and will absolutely do anything for her. A few days ago this kid had her mare in the wash rack going through her usual daily spa treatment routine. My sister and I were playing with another new horse in the barn aisle. Riding her up and down the barn aisle by the kid's mare. It wasn’t long before this teenager wanted “in on the action”. As soon as she hopped onto the new horse, her trusty, ole friend had a temper tantrum! She pinned her ears back, flared her nostrils, and stomped her feet repeatedly. She couldn't have cared less while my sister and I were messing around with the new horse. But as soon as HER TEENAGER jumped in- she was livid.

Now, I personally think that I witnessed something kind of special. It was an Ahhhh moment that really emphasized to me the special bond that horses can have with people. I truly think that I witnessed a case of horse jealousy. I told my mom- a life-long horse person- about it, and she told me about a pony that she used to have growing up who took a fancy to her and would also have temper fits when she rode something else. He too was an otherwise quiet, well-mannered pony, but he would would rear, buck, kick, and run around his stall squealing if he saw her paying any other horse attention. Hum, got me thinking… Do we have horses, or do horses have us? I’m kind of inclined to think that horses may very well “choose” us and some may even get jealous?

Horse Bling is in for the Holidays!

Apparantly, "Horse Bling" is HOT this Holiday season. Okay, I'm certainly not giving fashion advice. Heck, I'm the one who's usually a season or two behind the latest fads, but I'm up for some bling! It's gaudy, it's obnoxious, and I love it!!!

Here's an article compliments of horse tack review about the latest Horsey Holiday Bling craze!

SOURCE: Horse Tack Review

Don't Forget: Today is National Call In Day for Horses!

Want to help put an end to Horse Slaughter in the United States? Then help out by calling your Senator TODAY, and letting them know you are against horse slaughter!

Urge your Senators to cosponsor S. 1915 and get it to the senate floor for a vote! Please, Please make the call, and urge everyone you know to call their Senators on Dec. 5

If you're not sure what to say here's a tip from the Humane Society:
"I am a constituent and I am calling to ask that the Senator immediately protect our horses from slaughter and cosponsor S. 1915, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I am very concerned about American horses and I don't want them slaughtered."


Click here to locate your Senator's contact information and make the call!

Brrrr... Cold Weather Tips for Your Horse

In typical Memphis fashion, the weather has turned from warm and balmy to bone-chilling cold in a matter of days! I don't know about you, but it takes me awhile to get acclimated to colder weather. And about the time I start to get used to it, It warms back up!

Here are some cold weather tips for your horse:

• Feed more good, quality, hay to help add some extra "Fuel" for your horse during cold weather. Horses bodies work hard during cold weather burning up more energy to keep warm. Extra food in the form of hay helps tremendously!
• To keep water troughs from freezing, place a plastic ball or football in the trough. Of course, your ponies will want to play with the new toy!
• Place a mineral or salt block in your horses feed tub. Not only will this slow down fast eaters, but it will provide extra salt encouraging thirst so that your horse will continue to drink enough water when cold. Many get picky in cold weather and don't like to drink frigid water.... Think BRAINFREEZE...
• Keep aware of the ground conditions when riding. Freezing conditions can make the ground REALLY hard on your horses toes!
• Warm yourself and your horse up slowly, and do lots of stretching. It's easy to pull and strain muscles in cold weather. When we're colder, we tense up. Make sure to take your time and warm up and down those muscles. So that the next morning both you and your horses aren't sore!

End Slaughter- Make the Call Dec. 5 for Horses!

HELP END HORSE SLAUGHTER!

Please support the Humane Society of the United States in an effort to end Horse Slaughter in our country. With the U.S. Senate back in session efforts are being made to ensure the Senate takes action on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act before adjoining for the year.

The next National Call-In Day for horses is this Tuesday, Dec. 5th. Please make a call to your Senator and urge them cosponsor S. 1915 and get it to the senate floor for a vote! Please, Please make the call, and urge everyone you know to call their Senators on Dec. 5

If your not sure what to say here's a tip from the Humane Society:

"I am a constituent and I am calling to ask that the Senator immediately protect our horses from slaughter and cosponsor S. 1915, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I am very concerned about American horses and I don't want them slaughtered."

Tennesseans, please call Bill Frist (202)224-3344 and Lamar Alexander at (202)224-4944 or call the congressional switchboard at (202)224-3121.


Click here to locate your Senator's contact information and make the call!

Click here for more information

SOURCE: Humane Society of the United States

Memphis Horses- Using Horse Shoe Studs

Could your horse use some extra traction? Horse shoe studs, when used correctly, can be very beneficial! Click here to learn more about how to effectively use shoe studs.


SOURCE: EquiSearch.com
Article by: Wash Bishop

Memphis Horses- What Can You Do About Horse Slaughter?

"So much that is good, that is decent has come out of Barbaro's tragic accident. Although the good will never place him back in the starting gate it will give rise to the awareness that we must be more responsible for our horses. Not only because veterinary medicine has progressed but also to stand up to cruelty towards them and to the untimely, brutal death awaiting them in slaughter houses."

- Gretchen Jackson, owner/breeder of BARBARO, winner of the 2006 Kentucky Derby

How can any true horse lover advocate the atrocoties of slaughter? Is it a humane end... ABSOLUTELY NOT! I'll spare the gory details (including transport horrors), but I refuse to believe that good-hearted, ethical, humane, animal-loving individuals believe horse slaughter is necessary. Regardless of opinion differences re: horse slaughter, I don't see how ANYONE can condone the way it occurs. CHANGE IS NEEDED! It continues because people don't know what happens; because people aren't educated about it. The best way to derail horse slaughter is to EDUCATE Horse and animal-lover's about this issue!

If the concept of Horse Slaughter makes your stomach churn, and gets you all fired up like me, there is a lot that YOU can do about it. You can make a difference! As I see it, this whole debate boils down to money and greed. Those who truly love horses, will be opposed to slaughter. Those who are greedy and place more value on Money than ideals and ethics will be pro-slaughter.

Please Take Action!

Please write, email, call or fax your Representative and Senators and urge her or him to cosponsor this important legislation. To find your member click here.

U.S. House of Representatives

• H.R. 503, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA)
  To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.
• UPDATE: On September 7, 2006, the House of Representatives voted 263 to 146 in favor of H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, to end the slaughter of horses for human consumption.

U.S. Senate

• S. 1915, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA)
  To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping,transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing,selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

You can make a difference!

• Many of the horses sold into slaughter have been abused and neglected.Be sure to report all instances of cruelty and neglect to your local animal control office and law enforcement office.

• Please report stolen horses to local and state authorities. The Internet has numerous websites for reporting and looking for stolen horses. These sites allow individuals around the country to share information and photos.

• Do not sell your horse at an auction; many of the horses at auctions are bought by killer-buyers.

Consider the following options:

• Donate your horse to an equine rescue organization; making arrangements with a retirement farm- make sure you have proper references and an agreement that the horse will never be neglected, or sold to slaughter!

• Donate, sell or lease your horse to a therapeutic riding program!

• Sell the horse privately to an individual with proper references and a detailed agreement that the horse will never be sold to slaughter.

• As a last resort, even humane euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian is preferable to cruel transport and slaughter!
  

Please write the Secretary of Interior opposing the Bureau of Land Management’s overzealous wild horse round-up policy. Thousands of wild horses continue to be removed from their traditional range, and now many of them will be slated for slaughter. Write to:

Secretary of the Interior
US Department of Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240

SOURCE: Society for Animal Protective Legislation

Memphis Horses- Urgent Help Needed for PMU babies

Winter has come early in Alberta—and that’s bad news for the mares and foals living on PMU ranches there. No longer needed for the production of hormone replacement therapy drugs, these equines need a place to go, and fast.
Because there is not enough grass to leave the animals on pasture, several of the PMU ranchers have decided to wean their foals at the end of the month. Any foals who have not been adopted by November 30, 2006, will be sent to auction—and an uncertain fate.

The California-based Animali Farm is working hard to find good adoptive homes for the more than 100 foals and mares facing the November 30 deadline. If you can give one of these equines a second chance, or if you would like additional information, please visit Animali Farm online or email animali@aol.com. You can also call them directly at (805) 938-0174.

If you cannot adopt a horse, please forward this email to all of your horse friends. The only way to get these babies adopted is to get the word out to enough people, and we need your help to do it.
Thank you so much for caring.
Forward this email to a friend

View the list of adoptable foals



SOURCE: ASPCA

Memphis Horses- Another Racing Tragedy- Tribute to Pine Island

Another highly publicized tragedy for Thoroughbred Racing occured this past Saturday. Pine Island broke down and had to be put down. To read more, click here.

Click here to watch a moving tribute to this great filly.

Memphis Horses- Tips for Escape Artists!

Have you ever dealt with a horse simply "too smart" for their own good? One that seems to always find their way out of the pasture? If so, you may enjoy reading this informative article with some useful advice for dealing with Equine Escape Artists!

Source: EquiSearch

Memphis Horses- Get Grounded!

It's the time of year I dread. The time has changed, which means less daylight to spend enjoying horse activities during the week, for those of us with the 9-5 routine. Now, I'm forced by mother nature to scale back my riding endeavors because of lack of daylight. You know what I mean, go to work in the dark, and come home when dark- blah! Does this mean it's time for a horse siesta for awhile until more daylight? Yeah Right!

Okay, so my riding will be scaled back, but now, I am have time to brush up on ground work- which can be done even in the barn aisle! My horse needs a ground manner "refresher" course, and this is the perfect time of year to "get back to basics." A better behaved, more attentive horse on the ground, usually means a better behaved riding horse. Does ground work mean simply longeing- no! There's a lot more to ground work than the around the ring longeing routine that many hunter/jumper folks are accustomed to. I'm talking about ground exercises used by many Western folks- such as Parelli, Clinton Anderson, John Lyons... Why not apply it to ALL disciplines hunter/jumper folks?

Well I will. Here's an interesting link I found with some creative groundwork exercises for helping teach balance. I'll definitely give it a go! I'd love to hear some groundwork suggestions and comments from you!

SOURCE: http://www.HorseShoes.com

Memphis Horses- Think Horses need Shoes; Think Again

Do you put shoes on your horse thinking that you are "helping" protect his/her feet. According to the concept of "natural balance" shoeing, you may actually be causing more harm to your horse's feet than aid. Think about horses in the wild for a moment. Ever wonder how they get by without having shoes, trims, pampering? Mustangs, have some of the strongest, toughest feet of any breed horse, and they've never met a farrier!

Welcome to the concept of Natural Balance. Natural Balance is a trimming and shoeing protocol developed by Gene Ovnicek. Most simply put, Natural Balance uses Mother Nature’s design as a model for what is correct in the equine foot.

Naturall Balance trimming helps to prevent and correct common "toe first landings." For optimum hoof and leg health, horses should land heel first. Preventing toe first landings can be the first key to preventing undsoundess issues in horses.

Click here to read more about Natural Balance concepts.

Source: http://www.hopeforsoundness.com

Memphis Horses- 411 on leg and shoewear

Are you in a quandry about what if any protective legwear to use with your horse? So many choices: polo wraps, splint boots, ankle boots, wolf boots, sports medicine boots.

Did you know that many vets agree that using sports medicine boots on a dressage horse's hind legs may help improve or eliminate hock injuries?

Read this fantastic article about protective legwear

SOURCE:
Horse Illustrated.com by Jennifer Warner

Memphis Horses- Upcoming Fall events

Fall is here, the weather is cooler, take advantage of some of the upcoming Fall equestrian events in the Memphis area. Here are some to consider coming to:

Nashoba Carriage Club :"Halloween Hustle" on Saturday, October 28th starting at 2pm at Kimberlin Farms in Olive Branch, MS. All interested in learning more about the sport of carriage driving, regardless of currently having a horse to drive, are invited. Fun driving activities, costume classes, scavenger hunts, and great food and friends are all on the agenda.

Alderwood Schooling Shows: Germatown Charity Horse Show Grounds, Germantown, TN. Oct. 20-21, Nov. 3-4, Dec. 1-2. For info call 901-573-1065 or e-mail jblakealder@aol.com.

WEST TN JUMPER ASSOC: The Hospitality Circuit, USEF Shows. Nov. 9-12 Harvest Time. For info call 901-573-1065 or e-mail jblakealder@aol.com

West Tenn. Miniature Horse Assoc: 2ND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH: Meeting. Must call for place and time. For info. (731) 787-6249.

Mid-South Quarter Horse Breeders Futurity & AQHA Show:OCTOBER 20-22, Agri-center Show Place, Cordova, TN, 8 a m daily. Visit www.midsouthqhbreeders.com"target="_blank" or e-mail:midsouthbreeders@bigriver.net

Birdsong Trail Ride, Camden, TN OCTOBER 23-28: - 731-584-9206, email: birdsong@cs.com"target="_blank" www.birdsongtrailride.com

Memphis Horses- Help Slaughter Bound Horses injured in MO wreck

URGENT HELP NEEDED!

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Disaster Rescue Team aided the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Franklin County Sheriff's office in the aftermath of the semi-trailer accident on I-44 involving 42 horses headed for slaughter in DeKalb, IL. Twenty-five horses and one hinny survived the accident. Seventeen horses and the henny are currently in the care of several regional equine hospitals. The remaining eight horses are being cared for at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

The animals sustained numerous serious injuries including head trauma and neck, body and leg lacerations and bruises. Some are suffering from colic and many are stiff and sore. At least one horse may be partially paralyzed from lying beneath other horses after the accident and one mare is pregnant.

Make a donation or sponsor an individual horse injured in the accident online or call 314-951-1542

More information can be found at http://www.hsmo.org/

Memphis Horses- Looking for a New Horse? Why Not a Rescue Horse?

Considering a new horse? Having trouble finding one? Think that you need to spend big $$$ just to get a nice, safe, sound prospect? NO WAY! This is the horse buying "myth" that many horse trainers will feed you. I am sick and tired of horse ownership being considered an "elitist" sport, that ONLY the WEALTHY can afford! This is simply NOT true!

Pardon me, because I'm about to step on some Trainer toes. SHAME on you trainers and professionals in the equine industry for proliferating an "elitist" view about horse ownership! Shame on you for telling your clients that in order for them to get a nice, safe, horse, having show potential, they'll have to spend at least $25k. Get off your laurels, and help your mid-income clients "train" prospects! You and I both know, there are plenty out there.

Gone to a Hunter/Jumper A show lately? Take a good look at the number of entries and the prominent breed. Gone are the days of the 20+ entries at the rated shows with a variety of breeds like the appendix, quarter horse, and TB. In with the warmblood! Every freakin horse you see on the A circuit these days are warmbloods. Wonder why? Because trainers make more commission off of these horses plain and simple! Does this mean they are better breed for Hunter/Jumper- No. So why are the warmbloods so popular. Think about it.... Sure trainers want to proliferate this breed. Where will they likely tell you to go for a good one? Overseas. And what do you think "import" means to a trainer's pocket book? I think you follow.. can we say Ca Ching!

Truth is, there are TONS of NICE Hunter/Jumper/Dressage/Event/Foxhunt/Pony Club/Pleasure horses available looking for nice, loving homes! Let me shed some light on a fantastic organization which is literally SAVING LIVES. The TRF. Throughbred Retirement Foundation. This organization takes TBs many OTTBs and offers them available for adoption. Most of these horses have POTENTIAL stamped all over them!!! They are NOT CRAP horses. Some have minor injuries limiting there use, but many are FANTASTIC competition prospects. Sure, they will need some work invested in them, which will require time and patience. They aren't the "quick and easy" solution horses that you get one day and the next take to a rated show, but aren't life's most rewarding, and valuable experiences the ones we have to invest a little time and effort into anyway?Are parent's who go out and buy expensive ready-made show horses for their kids each show season really teaching their kids good life lessons? Seems to me like this is teaching kids a lesson in how to be greedy. That it's okay to be impatient, and that horses are disposable.

In my opinion, a little hard work never hurt anyone. Good work ethic is something necessary for success in the "real world." Consider the sense of self accomplishment you'll have knowing that you rescued and trained a horse in need. A horse that without the TRF and your help may meet a horrible end. I find it grotesquely ironic that while the latest craze is importing overseas warmbloods, over 90,000 of our own American TBs and Quarter Horses- yearly- end up overseas too, but on dinner plates!

Please Consider an OTTB! Check out the TRF! The TRF promotes RESPONSIBLE horsemanship and focuses on permanant, good homes. This is not the place to go looking for potential money-making "resale" prospects.

Click here for more information about the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation "TRF"

Click here to see a list of GREAT horses available for adoption!

Memphis Horses- Check out this cool horse!

Check out this "Cool" horse:

Memphis Horses- Latest Driving Show

Woohoo for my little buddy Domino!!! We competed last weekend at the Nashoba Carriage Classic in Germantown, TN. Had a great time and got some great ribbons. I can't help but boast about Dimo's Dressage skills... He won his training level dressage test, and got the highest score out of ponies, and horses! You go little mini!!!

He's getting quite full of himself... thinks he's an official "show pony" now :)

Click here and here for awards.

Memphis Horses- House passes HR. 503 to end Horse Slaughter!

A huge victory in the house of rep's yesterday that will hopefully help put an end to Horse Slaughter- for human consumption in the USA! H.R. 503 to end Horse Slaughter passed by vote of 263-146, this will now move on to the Senate. If you haven't been aware of this important issue, NOW is the time to educate yourself. Help Stop Inhumane Horse Slaughter in our country! Visit the ASPCA site for details or click here for more information on how you can help stop this autrocity!

Take action NOW!

Memphis Horses- My First Driving Show

by ashleep14


by ashleep14


by ashleep14

by ashleep14
Here are some pictures from my very first Carriage Driving Show, the Cannon Carriage Classic held at beautiful Valhalla Farms in Woodbury, TN. What great fun! The mini I drove, Domino was a good boy. We'll be competing next at the Nashoba Carriage Classic in Germantown, TN next weekend. Wish us luck!

Memphis Horses-Save a Nurse-Mare Baby!

Memphis Horses cont...
Have you heard of Nurse-Mare babies? They are primarily a product of the racing industry. Many end up orphan babies needing special care and loving homes. Read this article to learn more about them and what you can do to help!

I suspect that my sister's pony, Sketch was either an Orphan foal or Twin. At any rate, he may have been a nurse mare baby. He's been the best now for over 20 years for my family!



SOURCE: EZINEarticles.com article by Jackie Harris

Chico The Wonder Dog

I know this post is supposed to be about horses, but I can't resist showing off my dog Chico in his "pony blanket."

Doesn't he look emabarrased! :)

Improve your Life Skills with a little help from a Horse!

Memphis Horses cont....


Horses are A++ teachers of basic life lessons for people... especially kids. Horses can teach us so much, not to mention patience, respect, and discipline. It's a special gift to learn how to "listen" and communicate with a horse without the use of the spoken word. If we pay attention to their lessons, horses teach people to become "horse whisperer's." Horses not only teach us their "language" but they also teach us how to better communicate with people!

There is no better way to learn that hard work, determination, and patience can reap big rewards than to work with horses... and I mean get your hands dirty kind of work (no turning your horse over to a groom!) Horses and people develop special bonds over time, but the key here is that this takes time and varies with each horse and rider. Once a horse learns to respect you, they will learn to trust you, and once that is achieved, I truly believe a horse learns to LOVE you. Once they love you, they will try their heart out for you!!! (shhh... don't tell your trainer I gave away their secret...for FREE!)

Horses are great esteem builders. To read a great article about how horses are helping kids learn life skills here

SOURCE: Horsetalkhttp://www.horsetalk.co.nz

Finally, Rain for Memphis Horses

Memphis Horses cont....

Finally we see rain here in Memphis! Hope to see more soon! Our horses enjoyed rolling in the mud... a luxury they haven't had for months! Hay cuttings will be down , and I predict hard to come across locally later in the season. Time to pray to the rain gods and whip out some serious rain dancin!

Need some advice about choosing good quality hay? Read this article for some tips!

Source: Eclectic Horseman