Recently I’ve seen conversations cropping up more and more often about the benefits of barefoot trimming versus traditional shoeing. The natural hoof movement seems to be gaining ground slowly and surely, advocating the shock absorption and other benefits of an unshod hoof. Many horses with severe hoof issues have recovered and are now completely sound [...]

The death of Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles is just the highest-profile accident in a rash of incidents all across the equestrian industry bringing the safety of horses (and riders) to the forefront. I’ve talked a lot recently about the dangers of eventing. That’s been big news between Darren Chiacchia’s accident and several equine deaths [...]

A few weeks ago, I chaperoned a high school trip to New York City where I actually got to see some mounted police at work in Times Square. Mounted police horses have always intrigued me because they are so completely bomb proof and have a very different job compared to other horses. And I always [...]