A Day in the Life of a Horse Show Dad
BY HAYLEY KASTRUP
Everyone knows the hype about pony moms, but nobody is talking about horse show dads. They’re a breed all their own, and deserve just as much recognition. They are dedicated and love...
Happy Father’s Day to the Horse Show Dads
BY KELSEY ALLEN
The one who never thought they’d ever call themselves a horse owner. The one who’s child asked for a pony as soon as they could talk. Who signed their child up for...
The Battles We Face for the Horses We Love
BY KRISTEN FRANZ
As you stand at the in gate, ready to ride through each technicality of the course, your mind focuses on the challenges that lay ahead. Every other person, thought, and worry is...
No Shame In Our Game: Horse Loving Signs
BY LAUREN MAULDIN
If there's one thing the internet is good for, it's a solid viral sensation. First, there was dog shaming. You know, those hilarious hand-written signs photographed next to an innocent looking dog......
The Heartbeat of Chicago Equestrian: Bull Run Equestrian Center
BY SISSY WICKES
Beautiful Bull Run Equestrian Center in Elburn, IL is steeped in the equestrian tradition of the Chicago area. Founded by the Vanderveen Family, the iconic facility is now owned by Bill and...
Community, Inclusion, and Summer Fun: Courtney Hayden-Fromm Leads the Next Generation of ”Wisconsin Strong”...
BY SISSY WICKES
Our inboxes and publications are filled with promises and testimony to opportunity in the equestrian world. Assurances abound that talented young riders of modest means can sniff out the trail, the pipeline,...
The Suicide Conversation We Should Be Having Before “They Will Be Missed”
BY BLOG EDITOR LAUREN MAULDIN
This week Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain became two of the over 30,000 Americans* that will die by suicide this year. In the aftermath of their loss, social media flooded...
Becky Warner and Morning Shadows Farm: A Jewel in the Arizona Desert
BY SISSY WICKES
Just outside of Phoenix, Arizona in the beautiful desert town of Cave Creek lies the bucolic Bellisima Ranch, home of Becky Warner’s Morning Shadows Farm. At Morning Shadows, horses and riders of...
How to Add Pizzazz to An Equestrian Themed Party (Without Breaking the Bank!)
BY JENNIFER WILE RUBIN
I recently hosted a party for my horse-crazy daughter. Before I really got started with party planning, it was important to me to settle on a theme. I always find that...
Not Just Another Treat
BY SISSY WICKES
Horse treats are a part of every rider’s shopping list. Shelves in the tack store are full of brightly colored boxes and jars like a candy aisle in the supermarket. Which to...
Adult Amateur Confessions: The Most Embarrassing Thing I Never Properly Learned To Do
BY RENNIE DYBALL
When I was first learning to ride as a kid, my lesson program was all about the basics. Before cantering, we had to be masterful at the trot. I’m talking months of trotting, even bareback...
Reflecting on the 15th Anniversary of The Plaid Horse: June 2018 Publisher’s Note
BY PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PH.D
As I sit down to reflect on the 15th Anniversary of The Plaid Horse, I think about how far we’ve come as a sport over the last fifteen years. We’re...
Accomplished Stallion Pablito Leaves a Legacy Behind
BY VYLA CARTER
In a heartfelt obituary, Edgar Schutte of Eurequine announced last week the passing of his beloved stallion, Pablito. Pablito was born in 1994 and died at the age of 24.
At a young...
The Ringmaster: The Quarterback of the Horse Show
BY IRENE ELISE POWLICK
If you’ve ever been to The Devon Horse Show or another major event, you have likely seen a man wearing a traditional-looking outfit, playing a large horn before the start of...
Body Image, Health and Wellness in Adolescent Equestrians – Reader Response
BY KIRBY L. WYCOFF, PSY.D., NCSP
The May 22, 2018 article by Rennie Dyball entitled “Riders, Body Image and ‘The Look” struck a chord with many in the equestrian world. Ms. Dyball bravely and candidly...
Val Renihan: Midwestern values in the modern world
BY SISSY WICKES
Val Renihan Impacts the Next Generation
What is the true measure of greatness? Is it trophies on the wall? Is it creating a legacy that will outlive you? Is it living a life...
Sponsorship Tips for Horse Show Managers
BY AVERILL PESSIN
Hunting down sponsorships for your horse show is a tough job. Your emails go ignored, and the companies that do reply often don't have a lot to offer. To help with this...
Riders, Body Image and “The Look”
BY RENNIE DYBALL
A couple weeks ago, I went to my local tack shop for spur straps and somehow found myself in the dressing room, mentally debating whether to buy a new show coat that...
That Time I Had a Temper Tantrum at the Horse Show as a Full...
BY PONYMOMAMMY
Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is. -Vince Lombardi
Here is the truth, I am competitive. Mostly with myself. I like to win. I mean, why else would I be willing to pay...
Ribbons in the Trash: Is There a Greener Award for Shows?
BY BLOG EDITOR LAUREN MAULDIN
I might be a thirty-three year old woman, but I love ribbons as much as any pony kid out there. I’ve kept every ribbon I’ve ever won, a feat possible...
Equine Entrepreneur Showcase: Kat Chrysostom of BeneFab by Sore-No-More
BY BLOG EDITOR LAUREN MAULDIN
Today's equine entrepreneur has an incredible story behind how she founded her company, Benefab® by Sore-No-More®. Not only that, but she's recently published her first book -- how's that for...
Celebrating the Round: Land Rover Kentucky 3 Day Event
BY BLOG EDITOR LAUREN MAULDIN
We should always remember to celebrate our accomplishments in this sport -- and that comes in all forms. Even if a round went terribly, it's important to acknowledge what it took...
