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 [...]

Posted in Horse Care, Horse News, Horse Racing 3 Comments »

This hilarious article was featured in the New York Times Online yesterday: A Pampered Champion’s Finicky Taste. And I just had to share.
2002 Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem is apparently facing a little performance anxiety - or he’s just unusually picky - now that he’s started his second career as a stud. According the NY [...]

Posted in Horse News, Horse Racing 8 Comments »

The New York Times ran a well-written, well-researched article today on eventing and equestrian deaths spreading unease in the sport as one of their top stories. Former Olympian and top rider Darren Chiacchia’s recent accident on a cross-country course has really brought this discussion to the forefront. Ironically, Darren was chairman of a [...]

Posted in Horse News, Jackie's Thoughts, Riding and showing 15 Comments »

Recently I wrote about the importance of horseback riding safety following the serious accident of world-class eventer Darren Chiacchia. That was the first lesson we were reminded of by this unfortunate incident. But a second, encouraging lesson to take away is that we are part of a wonderful, caring community.
Darren’s horse misstepped at the [...]

Posted in Horse News, Jackie's Thoughts, Making a Difference 5 Comments »

The unfortunate accident that befell former Olympian and three day eventer Darren Chiacchia serves as a reminder that riding horses is a dangerous activity, no matter how experienced or talented you are–or how reliable your horse is.
This weekend, Darren was competing at the Red Hills Horse Trials three day event in northern Florida, when his [...]

Posted in Horse News, Jackie's Thoughts, Riding and showing 6 Comments »

A seven-year-old girl was killed the other day after being drug by a horse. And it was an unbearable tragedy that could have been avoided.
According to the article in the Roxboro Courier Times, Melanie was feeding horses in a pen near her grandparent’s house. She had tied a lead line around her waist. The horse [...]

Posted in Horse News, Jackie's Thoughts 2 Comments »

I came across a news item this morning that just sickened me: people training lions and tigers to ride on horses in China. It’s supposedly entertainment.
The article lead reads “the huge male lion clings on to the terrified horse – but this big cat is not about to devour his prey.” Right. Please tell me [...]

Posted in Horse News, Jackie's Thoughts 8 Comments »