Breed of the Day

The breed of the day is the dutch Warmblood! Dutch Warmbloods are some of the most successful horses developed in postwar Europe. They have been shifted from a riding horse to specialising in dressage and showjumping. Eventing is not a priority, but there have been a few Dutch Warmbloods in the international eventing scene.
Recent Dutch Warmblood Olympic medal winners include; Royal Kaliber, Montender, and Hickstead.

Happy Summer!

In the summer, you can spend all the time you want with your horse! You don't have to worry about school projects or making sure to get home early enough from the barn to get ready for class. Enjoy your sumner with your equine friends!

Breed of the Day

Clydesdale is the breed of the day. They are a breed of draught horse. They come from Clydesdale, Scotland and were named after the region. This breed was originally used for agriculture and haulage, they are still used as draught horses today. Some of the most famous of this breed are the Budweiser Clydesdale's. Other members of this breed are used in the British Household Cavalry as drum horses and others are used to create and improve other breeds of draught horses.
Distinguishing features of  the Clydesdale are that they are generally bay with significant white markings, and extensive feathering. They stand at about 16-18 hands high on average.

Breed of the Day

American Quarter Horses are today's breed. It is the most popular breed in the U.S having over five million registries, the quarter horse has the most registries in the world. They are used in rodeos, horse shows and for ranch work and are known for their ability to excel at sprints of short distances. Some examples of their capabilities are reining, cutting, barrel racing, calf roping, and driving.
Distinguishing features of the American Quarter Horse are a short refined head, a strong well muscled body with a broad chest and well rounded hindquarters. Common nicknames for this breed are "American Horse" and "Worlds Fastest Athlete."

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This quote shows the kind of connection that is developed between a horse and rider.

Breed Of The Day

Shetland ponies are the breed for today! The Shetland pony originated in the Shetland isles. Their height ranges from about 28 inches or 71 centimetres to 11 hands or 107 centimetres. Shetland ponies were influenced by the Celtic ponies. They were first used for pulling carts. During the industrial revolution thousands of Shetland ponies were shipped to Britain to be "pit ponies" to work underground in coal mines. They were also used in the United States for mining, the last mine using Shetland ponies in the United States closed in 1971.
Today, Shetland ponies are used as riding ponies for harness classes and for pleasure driving, and often seen at fairs and carnivals providing short rides for customers. They are also used in petting zoos, therapeutic riding,junior harness racing, and can also be trained as guide horses. (Taking the place of guide dogs.)
Distinguishing features of the Shetland pony are high intelligence, small in size, sturdy build, and a thick coat. These ponies are compact and strong. Today's American Shetland ponies are more refined with longer legs and a thinner coat.

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This is so true! Sometimes I think that I'm wasting time if I'm NOT in the saddle or with my horse.

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I think this quote is very inspiring.

Breed of the day

The breed of the day is Arabian! This breed originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. The Arabian horse is one of the oldest breeds, horses that resemble the modern Arabian dating back 4 500 years! They were spread around the world during war and and trade. They were used to improve breeds, adding speed, refinement, endurance and strong bone. Bloodlines from Arabians can be found in almost every breed of riding horses today. Arabians are very versatile breed. They have taken over the world of endurance riding along with other equestrian fields.
Distinguishing features of this breed are fine bone structure, concave profile, arched neck, comparatively level croup, and a high carried tail. Common colours are grey,sabino, and rabicano. Another name used for Arabians is Arab.

Techniques for success

Always remember the basics while riding. Keep your toes up and heels down. Do this by pushing your weight into your heels. This is important to help keep your balance. You also must always look where you're going. This will help you guide your horse to where you want to go and will ensure that you're staying focused. Thirdly, remember to keep your back straight and your elbows bent. This makes sure that you're using your back muscles rather then just your wrist/arm muscles to stay in control. Lastly, remember to have fun! If you're not enjoying your ride you can become easily frustrated with minor mistakes and you won't make much progress in your training. Toes up and heels down, look where you're going, back straight, elbows bent and enjoy the ride!

Breed of the Day

Today's breed is a mustang. Mustangs are feral horses of North America brought to the Americas by the Spanish. They were all decendants of horses that were once domesticated, so the proper term is feral horses rather then free roaming. In 1971, United States Congress recognized mustangs as "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people."
Distinguishing features are small, compact build with good bones and hardy body.

Yes, it is a sport.

Most people think riding is boring, needs little skill and they think it's not a sport. I don't think they can make that argument until they've climbed onto a horses back and tried to jump solid obsicles, raced through an open field trying to keep a horse under control or simple succesfully walk/trot/cantered in an arena. That's alot easier said then done. You need to be balanced in order to keep up with the horses movement and after only a few lessons, I've heard begginers complain about sore muscles. It also takes  I'd say riding is a sport that takes alot of time and practice to develop the skills, muscle and balance it requires.

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When people ask, "why do you ride?" I think this is the right answer.

Breed of the day

Thoroughbreds are one of the most well known breeds because of their history on the racetrack. They are known as "hot blooded" horses, refering to their speed, agility and spirit. The thoroughbred was created by crossbreeding native mares with oriental stallions which were of Arabian, Barb and Yurkoman breeding.
Distinguishing features of the Thoroughbred are a tall, slim, athletic build. Used for racing and other disciplins such as; show jumping, polo and fox hunting.
Common nicknames for this breed are TB and bloodhorse.
Some famous horses in this breed are Secretariat, Man O' War, Citation, Seabiscuit and Seattle Slew