Horses Thriving In Middle TN Horse Neglect Case

Initial Day of Rescue:


Horses Rescued from Cannon County, Tenn., Farm Thriving at Emergency Shelter

BRADYVILLE, Tenn. — Eighty-four horses rescued Tuesday by The Humane Society of the United States and the Cannon County Sheriff's Department are gaining strength at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.

"The Humane Society of the United States is extremely grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support that has allowed us to successfully rescue and care for these 84 neglected horses," said Leighann McCollum, Tennessee state director for The HSUS. "We are especially appreciative of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and Tractor Supply Company, which has generously donated a $5,000 gift certificate to The HSUS to purchase supplies needed to care for the horses."

During a press conference Tuesday morning, Rep. Janis Sontany announced that she plans to draft a bill designed to include starvation of any animal in the felony penalty statutes. Currently only dogs and cats are included in the felony statute for starvation.

Along with the horses, The HSUS led the rescue of eight dogs, two goats and 14 chickens from the property — animals who have since been transferred to rescue groups.

Following massive amounts of local interest in this rescue, The HSUS has posted the following Q&A on their Web site to provide critical information to those interested in assisting with this rescue.

Q: Do you need donations?

A: The outpouring of support we have received from the community during this rescue has been incredible. We are grateful for this generosity. We have nearly run out of storage space and are in need of only a few specific items. At this time monetary donations are preferred, as costs for veterinary and farrier services for these horses will be extremely high. Please click here to donate directly to this rescue mission.

Q: Is there a need for volunteers?

A: Because of the outpouring of support we have received, it is necessary for us to schedule volunteer assistance. If you would like to volunteer or are a veterinarian, veterinary technician or farrier and would like to assist with the care of these horses, please email your contact information and availability to tnhorserescue@humanesociety.org.

Q: Are the horses available to be adopted?

A: Because of their poor health, the horses will need to gain strength at the emergency shelter before they are placed with rescue groups. We will place the horses with several responsible, appropriate equine rescue groups. These groups will then adopt the horses out to members of the public. We will make a list of rescue groups taking in horses available as soon as it is finalized. If you are interested in being added to the waiting list of interested adopters, please email: tnhorserescue@humanesociety.org.

Q: Which agencies, corporations, etc. have helped make this effort possible?

A: This rescue would not have been possible without the generous local support we have received. As the lead animal welfare agency in this rescue The HSUS asked several groups for assistance. We would especially like to thank the Cannon County Sheriff's Department, Tractor Supply Company, the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Whole Foods, Franklin Equine Hospital, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Equine Veterinary Service, Volunteer Equine Advocates, United Animal Nations, A Place to Bark, Purina, Farmer's Co-Op, PF Chang's, Garden Café, The Yellow Porch, Blackstone and Music City Horseshoer's Association.

SOURCE: HumaneSociety.org

Favorite Horse Quotes

Not surprisingly perhaps, I'm a sucker for a good quote. When its about horses....you guessed it, I'm gonna love it. I recently came across some great horse quotes that I wanted to share with my horse friends. I think you'll appreciate them...For some horse fun with words, click on this article I wrote for the Memphis Horse Examiner and please share your quotes too by leaving a comment!

Cold Weather Tips for Horses

Brrrr...... its cold, dark, and rainy= nasty weather! It's cold now, but it'll be colder soon! Seems like a perfect day for some cold weather tips for horses. Click here for some practical ideas about how to keep your "Cool" horse toasty this winter- or at least comfortable!

Memphis Horses Examiner

I Got to Ride Zenyatta

So, I just got to ride Zenyatta! Didn't you know I'm her new exercise jockey? Even though I've never, ever, ridden a racehorse on the track, I have been bestowed this honor. Didn't even break a sweat either- was going too fast! Now this is riding! Okay, okay don't be jealous because I got to ride the coolest horse of our time at FULL THROTTLE, because you can too :) How? Well, watch this video made by her exercise rider and get ready for the thrill of your life!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv49V2RzgHw

Zenyatta is a SuperStar

If you missed the Breeder's cup or want to see it again, you must watch this unbelievable race! Zenyatta is still an undefeated Super horse-You go girl!

Watch race here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud_XPH6Eix4

Time To Take It All Off?

Finally, cooler riding weather! I love it and my horse does too! But, my trusty steed has turned into a woolly mammoth overnight it seems! I can't ride without him sweating like crazy. It takes me FOREVER to cool him out. Sound familiar?

Read my article from the Memphis Horse Examiner for some tips on whether to "take it all off or not."


Photo Source: www.NewRider.com

If Horses were Software

My new favorite facebook page is Knot-A-Tail- look them up on facebook and join, because the posts are hilarious! Here's another post from them that made me chuckle out load! Being a tech support professional, I find this absolutely hillarious. Enjoy and be sure to check out Knot-A-Tail on facebook! Thanks Knot-A-Tail!

If Horses Were Software.... A Letter to Tech Support

Dear Tech Support,

Recently I purchased and installed Horse 1.0. I soon noticed that this program appears to have numerous glitches. For instance, every time my computer boots up, I have to run Feed 5.3 and Water 7.1. Many times I've been in the middle of writing an important document, and a window will flash telling me to run Clean Stall 2.0.

This program also contained applications I did not wish to install, such as Manure 8.5, however they auto-installed with Horse 1.0. Applications such as Vacation 2.7 and Free Time 10.1 can no longer run, crashing whenever selected. Possibly the worst is that Horse 1.0 has attached itself to programs like Finance Manager and MS Money, with folders added such as "Monthly Shoeing" and "Winter Blanket".

Periodically, I'll get a reminder telling me to send a check to the manufacturer of Horse 1.0 for the aforementioned items. I have tried to uninstall Horse 1.0 numerous times, but when I try to run the uninstall program, I get warning messages telling me that a deadly virus known as "Withdrawal" will infect my system. Please Help!!!!!

THE REPLY:

Dear User,

Your complaint is not unusual. A common misconception among users is that Horse 1.0 is a mere "utilities and entertainment program." It is not - it is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its' creator to run everything! A warning will soon be imprinted on the box.

Since you have already installed Horse 1.0, here are a few tips on how to make it run better. If you are annoyed by the applications Feed 5.3 and Water 7.1, you may run C: \HIRE HELP, however this will cause another folder to be added to financial applications, labeled "Staff". Failure to send payment to "Staff" will result in Feed 5.3 and Water 7.1 being run again on startup. A note of caution: NOT booting up your computer for several days isn't the solution to avoiding Feed 5.3 and Water 7.1.

You will find that, when you boot up your computer again, a nasty virus called "Colic 4.2" will have attached itself to important documents and the only way to rid your computer of Colic 4.2 is by purchasing and installing "Vet 10.1", which we admit is extremely expensive, but crucial. Otherwise, Colic 4.2 will cause irreversible damage to the operating system.

Finally, it is important that you run C:\Carrots and C:\Scratch Ears on a fairly regular basis to keep the application running smoothly. If you have any more questions, please call our toll free number.

Sincerely, Tech Support

SOURCE: Knot-A-Tail

Important Traits for Riding Instructors

A forum I'm a member of posted the following question recently and here's how I responded: What Traits are important for Good Riding Instructors?

My Comment:
Since every student learns differently, what makes a good riding instructor is solid horse behavior knowledge, enthusiasm, patience, good communication skills, adaptability, and someone who genuinely "cares" about their student's and horses and wants to see both reach their goals. A riding instructor or any teacher or any employee for that matter, will be successful if they genuinely "like" their job. If this is the case, their enthusiasm will be infectious and motivate their students. A good riding instructor is not the "same" instructor with every student. They are adaptable, and can recognize each individual's learning style and adapt their teaching to this. They will have different instructions and exercises for each student/horse combination based on their ability to recognize the skills each needs to work on. Some student's need an assertive, no-nonsense teaching style, some need reassurance, some need praise, some need detailed explanation, some need respect and trust....and usually, student's will need a combination of all of these traits. It's up to the instructor to have the insight and the ability to "read" their student's psyche and figure out what teaching tips to pull out of the hat and when!

In order do this, I believe an instructor has to have lots of personal riding experience with many different levels of horses to draw from. I think it's important for instructor's to be "active riders" as well in order to keep their skills sharp and remain "relatable" to their students' riding experiences. It's also good for instructor's to ride the horses they teach riders on. Sometimes this alone will help give them better insight into why a student may be experiencing difficulty that may be tricky to spot on the ground. It's also helpful for students to "see" their instructor in action explaining the lessons they are trying to teach. Sometimes when lessons aren't really "sinking" in, watching instruction in action does!

What traits are important to you in a Riding Instructor? Do you have one in the Memphis area you'd like to give "snaps" to. Leave a comment mentioning them and why they are a good instructor.

Horse Stimulus package

Here's a post from a Facebook connection that gave me a good laugh, so I wanted to share it on my blog~ enjoy! Ashlee


"Why if every American owned a horse, we would not be in the economic mess that we are in.

Everyone needs a horse

Mr. President, it has come to my attention that you're having some
challenges with the economy.

If I understand things correctly, we're in a
recession, consumer confidence and spending is down, credit is tight,
investors are spooked, we need renewable energy, and health care costs are
through the roof.

Trillions of dollars, not to mention our future, are at
stake. Mr. President, I'm just a regular citizen, but I think I have a
solution.

My proposal may not make sense to you at first, but let me give you a little
background.

First of all, horses in the U.S. are a multi-billion dollar ndustry, and that's just at my house. I suggest you have your economic advisers do a little research on the spending around horse ownership.

You'd be surprised, Mr. President.

Start by visiting the tack and clothing retailers like State Line or Dover . Look at the variety of goods available there. Now take into account that every horse owner, especially if it's a woman, is buying not just one or two, but tons of these items.. Believe me.

So my thinking is that if you give every American a horse, starting when they reach the horse-receptive age of 10, you're going to do two things: boost consumer confidence and boost spending. Immediately.

Horses make us feel good, and once Americans all own horses (at the government's expense, of course), they will all logically fall into the pattern that every horse owner succumbs to: accessorizing.

For starters, we need horse-care implements like buckets and muck rakes, hoof picks and curry combs. And we need at least basic tack, halter, lead line, saddle, saddle pad, bridle and bit.

But then the fun begins.

*Zebra print** leg wraps
Neon bright fly masks.

An assortment of sheets and blankets for all seasons; you've got your cooler, your lightweight blanket, your medium blanket, your heavy blanket. Then there's your stable sheet and your pasture sheet.

Also your hoodie, and tail wrap items.*

And that's just the clothing for the horse. Don't get me started on the clothing for the rider, even if he or she doesn't show.

Since most Americans don't have a basic riding wardrobe, the stores would be swamped for jeans, boots, breeches, t-shirts, dozens of pairs of cute boot socks, helmets, and SO MUCH MORE!!

Tell the retailers to get ready. It'll be Christmas all year long!

Now let's talk about support industries.

In addition to the usual veterinarian and farrier expenditures, people also give their horses chiropractic, massage and acupuncture, not to mention buying more beauty
products for their horses than they do for themselves.

All those professions and industries will benefit. And of course there will be a big spike in hay and grain demand, so the farmers will be happy too.

Never underestimate the power of Manure
You see, that's the secret to jump-starting consumer spending through my stimulus package. People will spend money on their horses when they won't spend money on anything else.

But, your advisers might say, there's a catch.

Aren't we paying the price, in global warming, of the large number of livestock animals we currently have?

They produce all that methane!

Ah, Mr. President, here's the real beauty of this idea. When you introduce the Methane-Assisted Natural Unrefined Renewable Energy plan (M.A.N.U.R.E.),.

You'll be a hero for coming up with an alternative, renewable, home-grown source of clean energy.

Methane-Assisted Natural Unrefined Renewable Energy plan (M.A.N.U.R.E.),
Leave it to the horses to save the economy

Just challenge the energy gurus to come up with a methane gas collection system that can harness all the natural resources produced by all those horses to power our cities. Talk about shovel ready-projects:

And you keep stressing how we need new industries for investment; well, under the M.A.N.U.R.E. plan you can sell Petroleum Offset Opportunity units to investors.

By buying these units, investors can help us gradually convert from a petroleum-based economy to one based on horse P.O.O.

Health care costs will go down, too, as everyone cares for their horses. You can give tax credits based on the amount of time people spend working, riding and hanging out with their horses, which will automatically make them healthier. (Don't tell the docs, but most horse owners already get their own basic health care from their vet.)

One more thing: everyone is annoyed by these corporate CEOs and their big bonuses in a down economy. So give the executives, say, one horse for every $100,000 of bonus money they've received. Those bonuses will be plowed back into the economy in no time.

Finally, because you, Mrs. O, and the girls are such role models, you can encourage us all by getting a pony for Sasha and Malia. It will teach them responsibility, help the First Lady plow the garden, and as a bonus: free fertilizer for the Rose Garden.

If you don't believe me that horse ownership stimulates spending, go ahead,
Mr. President. Buy that pony for your girls. You'll see.

M.A.N.U.R.E. fits the bill!
Save the economy with a load of Horse Shi___

Health care costs will go down, too, as everyone cares for their horses. You can give tax credits based on the amount of time people spend working, riding and hanging out with their horses, which will automatically make them healthier.

(Don't tell the docs, but most horse owners already get their own basic health care from their vet.)

One more thing: everyone is annoyed by these corporate CEOs and their big bonuses in a down economy. So give the executives, say, one horse for every $100,000 of bonus money they've received. Those bonuses will be plowed back into the economy in no time.

Finally, because you, Mrs. O, and the girls are such role models, you can encourage us all by getting a pony for Sasha and Malia. It will teach them responsibility, help the First Lady plow the garden, and as a bonus:

free fertilizer for the Rose Garden.

If you don't believe me that horse ownership stimulates spending, go ahead, Mr. President.

Buy that pony for your girls. You'll see."Originally Posted by Knot-A-Tail

SOURCE: Knot-A-Tail

Tips for Successfully Catching Horses

Wow, natural horsemanship sure has come along way. It sure does seem like there are more horse behavior tips available these days then when I was starting out with horses. I can remember being a kid and being told to go catch horses notorious for being "hard to catch" and the advice always being- "take some food out, that one's hard to catch." Silly me used to march right up to the notorious "bad" one, determined I was going to catch that horse. Yeah, well, where do you think that bossy attitude got me? You bet ya, with me chasing the horse/pony around the pasture while the horses laughed at me- I'm still convinced horses laugh at us....horses have a sense of humor too... but that's for another day another post.

Now that I'm older, wiser, and have been exposed to more of this natural horsemanship "mambo jambo," I "get it" This stuff really works. Kid's these days being started off learning horse behavior abc's will be really awesome horseman/women when they're twenty something like me.....okay busted, thirty something :)

Read this awesome very practical article compliments of America's Horse Daily about how to read the "signs" horses give you when approaching them for a successful "catch" every time....without having to run around the pasture giving the horses a good laugh the way I used to!

Source: America's Horse Daily

From Memphis Horses- A Blog All About Horses in Memphis & Beyond

Carrige Driving is FUN

Carriage Driving is FUN! Check this out:


My friends, Nora Land and Joanna Wilburn driving "Berry" in preparation for the Nashoba Carriage Classic. Can you see that big smile on Nora's face? Speaks for itself!


SOURCE: Lauren Pigford- The Commercial Appeal

From Memphis Horses- A Blog All About Horses in Memphis & Beyond

Video Penny Chenery Owner of Secretariat

Check out this video about the new Secretariat film being made by Disney. Can't wait for this one, will be great! Even though I'm still miffed that my sister's boy, Gage, wasn't one of the horses chosen for the role of Secretariat. That's okay, Gage is still a "Hollywood Hottty" in my eyes!

Secretariat Video

SOURCE: TheHorse.com

From Memphis Horses- A Blog All About Horses in Memphis & Beyond

Fun Fall Memphis Horse Events

So many opportunities for Fun with Horses this Fall in Memphis! I love Fall because of all the horsey activities available in our local area!

If you're looking for some fun, filled horse activities, take a look at this article I wrote for the Memphis Horses Examiner for all kinds of ideas!

From Memphis Horses- A Blog All About Horses in Memphis & Beyond

Are You Listening To Your Horse?

True horsemen know their most important lessons in life have come from their best friends- horses of course! Horses teach us to listen, to observe, and patience. Without learning these skills, you won’t be successful with horses. They tell us how to listen to them on a level beyond just the surface and beyond what may seem the obvious. For example, one day while grooming a usually quiet natured, willing, and mild-mannered horse, he was acting quite peculiar from his normal behavior. He would simply not stand still as I brushed on him, squirming side to side, lunging forward on the cross ties. I’d had a busy day at work, was tired, irritable, and his behavior did not help my attitude! I reprimanded him several times for not standing still, until he lifted his back leg and kicked forward with it towards his belly. That was it, “this cantankerous behavior will not be tolerated,” I thought. So I smacked him in frustration, and then looked at him and his wild-eyed expression. Finally, the light-bulb went off with me! He’s got a tummy ache and is “trying” to tell me! I was not listening to him. I felt really badly once I realized he had good reason for his behavior. He was trying to tell me, his “trusted friend” how he was feeling and I was not listening because I was too wrapped up in myself and my busy day to recognize the obvious.


This is an example of horses teaching us to “listen” to “observe” and to “think.” Had I not known the typical behavior of this horse, I probably would not have recognized that this guy was hurting and that is why he was behaving so anxiously. But, I did know this horse, and once I looked beyond the surface, the answer was right in front of me because he was trying to “tell” me what the problem was. I guess he trusted me enough to know I’d eventually “get it” even though I was a bit slow! Point here, slow down and “listen” to your horse! They actually tell you quite a lot if you let them.

From Memphis Horses- A Blog All About Horses in Memphis & Beyond

The "Value" of a Horse

So can a horse choose a person? Those of us "horsey" folks undoubtedly know the answer is YES! How is it that when we are looking to buy a horse, we innately seem to know when we’ve found “the one?” I believe it’s because we somehow can sense when our horse has “chosen” us.

The bond between horse and human is a very powerful and unique relationship that only those who’ve experienced can truly appreciate and understand. It can, in fact, have a life-changing affect on someone. Many horsemen are familiar with the famous quote by Sir Winston Churchill, “there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” Now, my husband and other “non-horsey” folk would add to this, “and bad for the pocketbook” …sound familiar anyone? In their defense, it's hard to understand the value of the horse-human bond without ever experiencing it.

Despite the “expense” of a horse “hobby,” those of us lucky enough to experience this intense bond will become better people because of it. “Deep pockets” become a second thought and easily justified when realizing in the “grand scheme of things” the invaluable life lessons we learn from a horse we’ve grown close to. The value of this special relationship extends well beyond superficial logic. The value of this relationship can change the very soul of a person for the better! Horses have the power to teach us the value of teamwork, discipline, dedication, loyalty, selflessness, trust, work-ethic, pride in accomplishing goals, listening skills, communication skills, patience, respect, conquering fear, and most importantly humility and love!

Out of curiosity, I recently Google’d the value of a horse. What I found amazed me and inspired me to write this. I found the “non-horsey” definition…

” They can help with people riding the horse to get work done. They are also a good way of transportation, also very small ponies can be used as guide horses for the blind they also help with rehabilitating people who have been hurt. They used to help plow land, before they had tractors.” ….

Wow, how limited this is! Horses have so much more value than just what is on the surface. But then again, I guess the reason I’m able to recognize this is because I’ve been “taught” by horses to look beyond the surface. To find value in what others’ would discard as useless. I’ve been lucky enough to experience horse bonds with the type of horses that most wouldn’t give a second thought to and pass off as useless.

What I’ve discovered that I wish to share with others is that truly, it’s the most “useless” horses that can turn out to be the most priceless! The one’s which can have a lasting effect on one’s life and be the motivating force behind success. The inspiration to keep moving forward! The secret to “value” in a horse is the bond between horse and human. If you find a horse who likes you, who chooses you, then that horse will burst his heart and soul for you! This same horse may not be one tenth as talented with another person or rider, but is indeed, a horse of another color with the one he’s chosen!

I’d like to challenge all horse people to take the test. Take a closer look at the “value” of a horse next time you’re in a position to purchase one. Look beyond the surface, and take note of the horse’s reaction to you. Are you being chosen? If you feel this bond, take a chance on a horse that logic would otherwise cause you to walk away from. Give one in need a chance. Don’t walk away simply because one is “older” than you’d like, or is the shaggy, ugly duckling that’s been forgotten and turned out to pasture. Don’t just walk away because perfection is not in front of you. Here’s a secret, one of the most important "values" of a horse is the journey you take with a horse on the quest for perfection! This journey is far more rewarding than taking the “easy” way out and choosing a horse that’s already “perfect” by usual standards.

Now I’ve been riding horses all of my life and I will tell you from my own experience, that sometimes the ugly duckling may very well turn out to be the beautiful swan, and it's value worth far more than you’d ever imagined! I’ve had one such horse in my childhood which forever changed me for the better. I’ve also experienced another in adulthood which again emphasized to me the “value” of a horse bond. Ironically, this horse was a give-away- a handicapped horse, which had only one good eye. A scraggly, older, little guy that no one would have given a second thought to. This little angel, truly “chose” me. I can say without a doubt, that this horse loved me as much as is possible for a horse! He helped heal me when I was ill and showed me the way back to health. He gave me back my excitement and passion for life and for the future! I, in turn, helped “heal” him and bring him back into health and fitness. Due to our bond, he blossomed and he was able to experience the love from a human that he’d so obviously been searching for and craving.

Always aware of his loss of sight in one eye, I truly never noticed this while working with him. Never have I experienced such joy while riding as I did with this little blind-eyed horse! We could go out in the open fields and gallop with both of us enjoying and loving every single minute of it. This little guy truly “Doctored” my soul and will always hold a very special spot in my heart. No, I didn’t show him, I didn’t make money off of him, I didn’t really do anything with him other than enjoy the special time we spent together, I didn’t even own him! But, I did love him, and because of our bond and his “Choosing” me, my life’s focus has been forever changed. I will never forget this bond and its value, and I will be forever grateful for it. So you see, the value of even a give-away, handicapped, scraggly, “over the hill” horse can truly be priceless!

From Memphis Horses- A Blog All About Horses in Memphis & Beyond

Senior Citizen's Rule!!!

I have a special soft spot for old horses. I've been fortunate in my lifetime to be around many aged horses and my experience with them has been so rewarding and full of joy!

There was a time when "old" may have been a horse in his teens. Now, with advancements in veterinary care, and better horse care knowledge, a horse's prime is his "teens." A horse whom in preteen years may have been "spooky and spunky" mostly due to lack of experience exposure, may be a completely different horse in his 20's.

Aged horses make fantastic teachers for inexperienced riders. They've "been there done that" so to speak, and tend to be more patient and forgiving with beginners. They have "mental maturity" which can make them a pure pleasure to work with. This is not to say they are "dead heads" or "nags!" They can have plenty of pep in the step, but are the trusty steeds riders choose when they want to have "FUN!" For example, I have a very talented and fun young Thoroughbred gelding, whose extremely well-behaved for his age. But, when I want to go out on a leisurely ride, and just have FUN, I go for one of the "old geezers" at our farm! I know, I won't have to focus on a "training ride" and can just focus on riding for joy!

Old horses can learn new tricks too! They often have the demeanor to learn new disciplines, such as carriage driving. They often make excellent therapy horses and their loving, trusting, and quiet nature can have an emotionally healing affect on their subjects. Babysitters they are! Old horses often bestow their wisdom and have a great calming affect on younger, inexperienced horses. They make good role models and examples to both horse and human!

I for one, wish more humans would take note of the special lessons old horses can teach us. They deserve to be appreciated, loved, and well-cared for in their later years rather than forgotten, discarded, and mislabeled as useless. Look into the eyes of an old schoolmaster, and you will see the years of stories hidden beneath. The mystery of what was and what is now. Once you realize this as I have, your heart may be forever changed by the realization of what a special gift these horses are and have been for us humans. They spend their lifetime in servitude to us- willingly. Stop and think how miraculous it really is that a 1000 lb creature willingly allows us to be "master."

All horses deserve to be loved and well-cared for, but especially old horses due to their many years of dedication and service. They deserve this respect back from us, and I hope to see more and more humans taking responsibility for their old "angels on earth" and show them the dignity in life and care that they so deserve right down to the end of their days.

From Memphis Horses- A Blog All About Horses in Memphis & Beyond

No Way! Horse "Turd" Shopping? Check this out!

Okay, I can't resist sharing this! While my BFF's know the saying to the side is one of my favorites, I can't believe someone has actually incorporated this into a horse business! You simply must check out this website dedicated to the one true thing you can always depend on your beloved equine friend to bestow upon you- "poop" and lots of it! Check out this online store for at the very least a good laugh!

Is there something seriously wrong with me for seeing some items here I'd really like to have? I'm loving the coffee mug and night shirt. I dunno, I think the wall clock would look stellar in my house too, hum?

http://www.hoofprints.com/horsemanure.html

From Memphis Horses- A Blog All About Horses in Memphis & Beyond

Know how to take the TPR of your horse? Watch and Learn!

Find more videos like this on Barnmice

The Horse: Pastured Horses More Fit, Study Finds

The Horse: Pastured Horses More Fit, Study Finds

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Germantown Charity Horse Show Great Fun!

Alas, the Germantown Charity Horse Show has come and gone for another year. What great fun and a family tradition this horse festival is for many in the Memphis community! With the show being a week earlier this year than the traditional 2nd week of June, the show seems to have gotten a bit of a break from the scorching weather of years past. Despite a day of rain, and muddy tents, the weather was quite pleasant this year! With some even "chilly" evenings!

What a fabulous jumper turnout at this show! Many very talented junior riders and horses too! Surprisingly, the economy doesn't seem to have impacted the jumper entries. With classes like the the Welcome Jumper Stakes, the Pony Classic, the Junior/AO Classic, the 25,000 Grand Prix, as well as a great mix of Carriage Driving classes just to name a few favorites. The show was very entertaining. I must add that even my father, a non-horsey "horse-person" admitted that the Carriage Driving classes were for him the highlight of the show!

Of course, I enjoy the carriage driving too, but my personal favorite this year had nothing to do with horses at all! What? How can that be at a horse show, you say? Well, the "Team Ghost Riders" entertainment was absolutely something you'd have to see to believe and appreciate! What a hoot! This rodeo exhibition consisted of mokeys riding border collies while herding rams! I haven't laughed so hard in ages! Now I'm not sure that some animal activists would find this so entertaining, but from a fellow equestrian, I've gotta give those little primates snaps for their keen "riding skills." Those monkeys were quite the equestrians! What balance and agility! I'm sure none of this had to do with being tied down to their miniscule "monkey saddles!" Nah, cutting horse riders beware- you've got some new competition! Now, if I could only ride as well from my "core" my dressage trainer would be so pleased! Check out their website at http://www.teamghostriders.com/ for a laugh! I sure do hope to see them again at Germantown!