The next time you think about adding another horse to your herd, why not consider fostering or adopting a horse from a rescue center? I have both fostered and adopted. My experiences with both were largely rewarding. I also learned a lot about myself and my horsemanship skills, particularly where my strengths and weaknesses lie.… Continue reading Looking For Another Horse This Spring? Consider Fostering or Adopting Your Next Horse!

Thank you to the Savvyhorsewoman for posting my article to their blog over the weekend! The article is entitled "Do You Want to Be a Backyard Horse-Keeper? Five Questions To Ask Yourself". Use the following link if you'd like to read it! https://www.savvyhorsewoman.com/2020/02/do-you-want-to-be-a-backyard-horse-keeper.html

My horse, Bear, enjoying a bit of banana. He says thank you to my friend ,Sharron, for sharing. I have seen several great articles about using human products on horses. What I have not seen as much are articles about horse items appropriated for people, pet or household use. As a backyard horse-owner, having my… Continue reading What Do You Share With Your Horses?

In addition to writing this blog, I compose periodic freelance pieces. Today, the website Horse Nation kindly published my essay entitled "When Your Friend Stops Riding". I don't see this topic addressed very often in the horse world. It can certainly bring up strong emotions for those involved. I think that makes it all the… Continue reading “When Your Friend Stops Riding” Essay

After reading the above blog title, I am sure at least one reader wants to throw a virtual snow ball in my direction. But even Winter can't be ALL bad for the backyard horse keeper, right? I know, dealing with frozen latches, frozen water hoses and frozen fingers is no fun. I live in the… Continue reading The Beauty of Backyard Horse Keeping in the Snow

What is one of the biggest headaches in my horse life? It is trucks-trailers-loading. My experience with this trio has varied wildly. I have had no truck and no trailer (these things are expensive to buy and maintain on a modest income after all). I have had a truck and no trailer. I have had… Continue reading Trucks, Trailers and Loading- Oh My!

The Complete Equine Organizer I am one of those people that enjoys record keeping the old fashioned way using hard copies. I find gathering, sorting, labeling and filing to be very satisfying. Don't judge me. Of course, if the record keeping and organizing is horse-related? Even better! I divide my horse paperwork into four main… Continue reading Ideas For Record Keeping For The Backyard Horse Owner

Bucket list. This two-word phrase holds its origins in the 2007 movie The Bucket List. The title references the three-word phrase "kick the bucket". If someone asks what you want to do before you kick the bucket, they are asking what you want to accomplish or experience before you die. The idea of a bucket… Continue reading What Is On Your Equestrian Bucket List?

The number of riding and driving disciplines and breeds of horses is really astounding to me. I find it so interesting to read or hear about a group of people who are working with a type of horse that I had never heard of and in a way I had never considered. The beauty in… Continue reading The Equestrian World- A Wonderful Array of Breeds and Disciplines

I think most people assume that if you keep horses at home that you also ride them. You and I know this isn't necessarily the case. If your horse(s) are retired from riding due to age/injury/illness, you may very well keep horses at home and never sit on their backs. Others keep horses just for… Continue reading Keeping Horses at Home When You Don’t Ride Them

In my previous post, I mentioned some challenges of staying in the saddle as a backyard horse owner. Definitely among them is the issue of riding alone. While some prefer the experience of riding solo, I venture to guess that many more find it difficult.  If you want to ride at home, think about how you can either avoid… Continue reading Ten Ideas For Staying In The Saddle If You Struggle With Riding Alone

My horse, Bear, and I enjoying a nice canter during a lesson on a warm February day out West. Even though I also kept Bear at home while living in Colorado, we regularly trailered off the property for instruction. Every time I get on a horse, I have to refrain myself from squealing with delight!… Continue reading KEEPING YOURSELF IN THE SADDLE WHILE KEEPING HORSES AT HOME