Barn Lounge

BY THE PLAID HORSE STAFF It's been a big year in the hunter/jumper world! Here at The Plaid Horse we've put a spotlight on amazing kids, top trainers, controversial opinions and big discussions.

BY LAUREN MAULDIN I'm in my mid-thirties, and there are two things that will, without fail, make me cry: the scene from Black Beauty when the kids have to sell Merrylegs,...

BY LAUREN MAULDIN Here are some things you can commonly hear come out of my trainer's mouth (often during my own lesson): Don't rock your hips like that. That's so ugly! Stop that! You're ruining my horse! Of...

BY ALLIE CARLSON My ideal weather is about 65-80. I am NOT really a cold weather, winter person. When my husband told me we were moving to Alaska, I was excited, but not exactly sure...

BY LAUREN MAULDIN Recently I was asked what inspired me to become an equestrian. I didn't have a great answer. Like most of us battered adult amateurs, I've loved horses since before I could remember....

BY EDITOR SISSY WICKES “We are building our dream farm here,” Heatherly Davis says enthusiastically. “Edelweiss Farms at Lavender Creek is the most beautiful facility I could imagine. It is the perfect combination of function and...

BY PONYMOMAMMY There is the house that love built, and then, there is the barn that necessity built. I had no aspirations of having a boarding barn. In fact, if memory serves, I recall saying...

BY RENNIE DYBALL After a rare disease claimed three of her limbs (and nearly her life), Jessica Thoma is back in the saddle with big goals. Jessica Thoma is a lifelong equestrian whose world got turned...

BY EDITOR SISSY WICKES Matchmaker, Ltd, in Barrington Hills, IL, is a twenty one acre farm dedicated to excellence in horsemanship and horse care. Mother and daughter team, Connie and Hannah Stevens, operate a family...

BY JESS CLAWSON For those of us who don’t have the budget to go to Florida or live somewhere warm and sunny year-round, winter can be tough on both our riding and psyche. It’s harder...