There comes a point in every horsewoman’s life when she finds herself standing in the pasture, squinting at her horse from the side and thinking, Was that hollow behind his withers always there? In my case, the horse was Tino….
The Cooling Vest I Didn’t Know I Needed — Until I Wore One
There are certain horse-show purchases that feel a little extra… right up until the moment you use them and wonder how you ever survived without them. For me, that’s a cooling vest. And after dealing with hot summer horse shows, long…
Horse Showing Without a Trainer: Confidence, Chaos, or a Little of Both?
Since I started riding in the late 1970s, I have always shown under the guidance of a trainer. It was never even a question. You rode with a training barn, your trainer went to the show, and you showed under…
Buying Your First Riding Safety Vest (Without Feeling Like the Michelin Man)
There are a few moments every horse girl remembers forever. Your first pair of tall boots.Your first blue ribbon.Your first spectacular, dirt-eating dismount. Mine? Well…let’s just say I’ve become very familiar with arena footing over the years. If horses have…
Barn Flies Are Tiny Jerks (And Other Summer Truths)
How to Keep Your Barn Fly-Free Without Losing Your Mind There are two seasons at the barn. Horse season. And fly season. One day you’re happily grooming your horse, enjoying the smell of fresh shavings and sunshine, and the next…