Category: Blog

The Best Beaches for Horseback Riding in the U.S.

Posted on by Katy

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Riding along a sandy beach and watching the waves dance ashore is a bucket list item that many have. Horseback riding along a beach is very popular and highly sought-after vacation must. Why? There is something magical about a horse on the beach. Perhaps it’s because many people love horses and many people love the beach – so you combine the two for an experience you won’t soon forget. For many, riding on a beach is special – maybe because they don’t live near the beach or maybe because they don’t own a horse. Luckily, there are some fantastic places to make this dream come true!  Here are some of the best beaches for horseback riding in the U.S.- listed in no particular order. Continue reading “The Best Beaches for Horseback Riding in the U.S.” →

Product Review – Trailer Aid for Your Horse Trailer

Posted on by Katy

Two Black and Brown HorsesWhether you own horses and have a horse trailer or even if you have other trailers you use, there are some items to keep on hand in case of a flat tire. Travel trailers, horse trailer, utility trailers and others can experience tire damage or a blowout. Trailering horses and experiencing a flat tire can be a chaotic and stressful occurrence. May people have to unload their horses in order to properly reach and change the tire which only adds more safety concerns.

Unloading your animals on the side of a road or near a highway can be dangerous. They may be frightened, or passersby may honk their horns or somehow unknowingly scare the animals. Checking your tire pressure and keeping it at the recommended volume can ensure you are towing properly. Continue reading “Product Review – Trailer Aid for Your Horse Trailer” →

The Ultimate Guide to Horse Show Etiquette

Posted on by Katy

Woman Riding White Black Horse on Green Lawn during Daytime

Competing in horseback events is one of the most thrilling athletic events an individual can accomplish.  Not only does the rider have to be knowledgeable and apply the principles of riding, but they have to convince an animal that weighs at least several hundred pounds to cooperate in a new and exciting setting. Horse competitions can be strenuous and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By following some basic horse show etiquette principles, horse events can run smoothly for all.  Coaches, parents, riders, and spectators should all uphold a certain code of conduct at horse shows. This not only improves the overall outlook of the equestrian sport, but it provides a safe and positive environment for all to enjoy. Horse show etiquette rules offer a good foundation to improve and establish not only a good horse show, but the equestrian sport overall.

Try your free Horse Show Checklist!! Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to Horse Show Etiquette” →

The Top Horse Books Every Equestrian and Horse Lover Must Read

Posted on by Katy

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The books on this list are tales crafted to suit the horse enthusiast both young and old. I grew up reading and re-reading many of these top horse books to the point of pages tearing or the bindings giving out. Later, as an adult, I and went back and purchased many of them to have in my equestrian collection. These horse stories hold a special place in my heart. As a young girl I breathed horses.

When I slept they appeared in my dreams, when I was awake they were all I thought about. These books helped my horse cravings and I could disappear into another world for a while where horses existed, making me one happy little girl, and now, as I re-read them all for the millionth time, one very happy adult!  Here are some of the top horse books of all time that all generations can enjoy, listed in no particular order. Continue reading “The Top Horse Books Every Equestrian and Horse Lover Must Read” →

Product Review – Pyranha Wipe N Spray – Horse Fly Spray

Posted on by Katy

[social_warfare buttons=””Facebook,Twitter,Instagram,Reddit,Total””][social_warfare buttons=”Facebook,Twitter,Instagram,Pinterest,Total”]This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my horse habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and I will have happy ponies and fly spray. It’s a win for everyone, really.

As the summer months commence the flies are as well. The flies have been particularly irritating this year due to a nice, wet monsoon season. Arizona has mild winters and hot summers and the bugs seem to thrive in the nice temperatures here.

The battle with bugs and flies has always been a hard one for horse owners. Luckily, a couple of years ago I decided to try a certain fly spray that has changed the game. It is the only type I use now and it WORKS. Continue reading “Product Review – Pyranha Wipe N Spray – Horse Fly Spray” →

How I Negotiated Lower Horse Board Rates

Posted on by Katy

I moved from a small town of oh, about 4,000 people located about two hours outside of Phoenix, to the grand, sun-filled city of Phoenix, Arizona, with my two horses. The small town in the middle of the desert no-where had limited horse-facilities. Horse board consisted of shade covers that were small and holey, dirt had washed away from monsoon rains to reveal clumps of concrete and hard rock, and the heavy metal bars had long-since eroded and had begun to come un-welded, hanging precariously from their posts. Continue reading “How I Negotiated Lower Horse Board Rates” →

Side Hustle – Braid Your Way to Extra Money

Posted on by Katy

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Horses and Finances 

Brown Horse

Financial freedom is a hard battle. I can’t speak for others, but for myself, covering my bills AND getting out of debt is not a quick win. Then you add horses on top of that?

Luckily for everyone there are some amazing side hustles available to help. Continue reading “Side Hustle – Braid Your Way to Extra Money” →

Should Riders Earn Their Stirrups?

Posted on by Katy

Are You Serious?

“Leg first, hands, second!”

I can still hear my riding instructor yelling across the arena as I battled with my pony Snoopy to control his flinging head. As a young and inexperienced rider, I had no idea what that meant. Applying leg means my pony will go faster, right? I did not want Snoopy to go any faster – we were already lapping the other students in our group session. The understanding of hands and leg when riding was a hard one to grasp and can still be a challenge even today, even with many years of riding experience under my belt.

As I matured, I outgrew Snoopy and moved on to much larger (and challenging) creatures. My instructor decided to try a new concept she had read about and incorporated some no stirrups exercises into our lessons. The first time I rode without stirrups I slid sideways off the lesson horse, landing feet first on the ground in disbelief and embarrassment. Why was this so hard? I had been riding for several years at that point and hadn’t fallen off in forever!  My instructor then asked if I was alright, and then we spent the rest of the lesson -to my horror- without stirrups. Continue reading “Should Riders Earn Their Stirrups?” →

Homemade Horse Treats with 4 Ingredients

Posted on by Katy

I’m always looking for ways to save money, especially when it comes to my expensive hobby (aka horses).

Horses are wonderful. As a young girl horses kept me out of trouble and busy after school and on weekends. They need care, love, direction, and instruction, all things I was eager to give as these 4-legged creatures held the center stage in my life.

The problem with anything equine, is that it costs money. Horse board, veterinarian bills, lessons, the riding and showing attire, the grooming tools, feed, etc. all add up, and quickly. Big animals cost big bucks, and over the years I have found ways to save a few bucks here and there. Continue reading “Homemade Horse Treats with 4 Ingredients” →