A Play-by-Play of an Adult Amateur Winter Lesson
BY LAUREN MAULDIN
The adult amateur, regardless of geographical location, is typically skittish in the winter. Less sunlight, colder temperatures, and holiday stress make a trifecta that can result in some interesting behavior. While many...
Respecting The Rules: It’s The Little Things
BY April Bilodeau
For most horse owners, the barn is their happy place. The place they go to take a deep breath, spend some time with their horse, and catch up with their barn friends....
Sometimes it seems that the biggest lessons horses teach us have nothing to do...
BY PONYMOMAMMY
It’s easy to overlook how much we learn from horses every day. I’ve been riding my whole life, and still have a new takeaway from every lesson. While the mechanics and nuances are...
Ride the Perfect Course with Paul Jewell
“R” judge and renowned course designer Paul Jewell discusses how he got to the top, why he lives for the horse show, and what makes the perfect course
BY TROY ANNA SMITH
You may not know...
Barn Rats Over Mean Girls: Life Lessons from Growing Up in a Barn
BY PONYMOMAMMY
I feel like I am constantly trying to justify the expense of the horses to my husband. I get it. It’s not cheap, and it doesn’t ever end. My go-to defense of “bays...
Handling Barn Drama: Protecting Your Happy Place
BY TPH TEAM
Barn drama is as prominent as barns themselves. It happens everywhere… even if you’re the only boarder. “Did you hear what so-and-so did?” I say to my horses as they kick their...
Cynthia Hankins: Between Two Worlds – Part I
BY ANN JAMIESON
Cynthia Hankins has been a judge for 40 years, judging the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals five times, the WIHS Equitation Finals and ASPCA Maclay Finals once each, and the USEF Talent...
Standing Still and Moving On: When Horses Mirror Life
BY PONYMOMAMMY
A couple weeks ago, I had one of those days. I was an octopus on roller skates trying to fit in more than I realistically had time for. We were heading out of...
What I Do When the Panic Attack Halts My Ride
BY CAELIN KORDZIEL
The panic attack. Have you felt it before? Is it the long run oxer or Liverpool? The in and out that you’re just not convinced you can get in… and then out?
For...
4 Reasons Why Half-Leasing is a Great Option for Equestrians
BY BRITTANY FRADE
In the world of horses, ponies, showing and
ribbons there is no shortage of horse rider partnership/ownership options. Like
many other riders, I hit a stage in my riding where I wanted to become...
I Talked to My Trainer (and Lived)
Having productive conversations through tricky situations.
By Erin McGuire
In a time where we are so connected, why does communication seem so distant? Texts and emails leave intention up for interpretation. Phone calls are devoid of...
The Science to Support Cold Hosing
Our horses are not only our teammates, but our partners and friends. We want to make our horses comfortable as well as preserve their longevity so they can continue to be our teammates for...
Preparing for Perfect Portraits: Your Equestrian Photos Clothing and Grooming Guide
BY BRITT GILLIS
Having equestrian portraits made is a momentous occasion. It involves an investment of both time and money, and the results are sure to follow you for long after on both your Facebook...
Pam Baker’s Quest for Empathy in the Hunter/Jumper Sport
BY TPH Staff
Pam Baker’s name is familiar in the hunter/jumper world, and with good reason. She has spent a lifetime in the industry. A master of the craft, she has worked with horses and...
Hey Local Show Rider—You Matter
BY LAUREN MAULDIN
Hey there local show rider. It’s 4:25pm, and you’ve been
sitting in the hot dust waiting for the hack for an hour because someone told
you it was time to go, until it wasn’t....
It Matters Who You Horse Show With
BY CHLOE HARDGRAVE
I was tired. I wanted to go home. I was covered in sweat and tears from the round before. My horse had pushed me past the point of a bad show round....
Tack Rooms That May Be Nicer Than Your House
Tack rooms. It's where we throw our piles of tack and stacked up saddle pads that need washing. There's usually a barn cat or a corgi curled up by the window, and at least...
A Parent’s Guide for Having (and Modeling) Calm Confidence at the Horse Show
By Tonya Johnston, MA
From having peppermints in your pocket at crucial moments, to your job as iPad videographer, to helping organize healthy eating habits—your days as a horse show parent are packed. Perhaps you...
15 Motivational Quotes to Help You Through Tough Times
Things seem hard right now. We're all struggling together in so many different ways, and the future can seem confusing. When you're struggling or things feel bleak, take a little extra time for yourself....
LEASES & TRAINERS: More Than Meets the Eye
By Armand Leone
Leasing a horse is to accept the responsibilities of temporary ownership. You are buying the horse for a specific period with all the good and bad, hoped for, and unexpected along the...
20 Motivational Quotes to Use at the Barn
BY BLOG EDITOR LAUREN MAULDIN
As we start off in the new year looking forward to a fresh start, many people are setting out to tackle big goals and resolutions. When I'm facing what feels...
What They Don’t Tell You About Horseback Riding
BY TAYLOR SANTOSUOSSO
“Try horseback riding lessons,” they said.
“Horses keep you out of trouble,” they said.
Well, what they don’t tell you about horseback riding is that being a “horse girl” can be hard.
Anyone who claims...
