• Zen and the Art of Pasture Mowing

    Zen and the Art of Pasture Mowing

    Spring can be hard around the farm. In addition to the stress of your day job, you also have to think about combatting weeds, keeping grass mowed, fixing fences at an accelerated rate, and maintaining the equipment necessary to do it all. I just returned from supporting Elisa at the Kentucky Three Day Event. You…

  • Tuning Stress Away: How Music Can Calm Horses in Stressful Situations

    Tuning Stress Away: How Music Can Calm Horses in Stressful Situations

    In a recent ten-day study, researchers discovered that music significantly calms horses when faced with unexpected stimuli, consistently reducing stress behaviors and heart rates. This novel approach could revolutionize safety in human-horse interactions.

  • What is a ‘Showcation’?

    What is a ‘Showcation’?

    In the real world, the weight of responsibility for others is constantly on your shoulders.  At a horse show, your sole duty is to relax, be happy, and do what your told. There’s freedom in that.

  • Who makes the best horseman? Surprising results from a study in India

    Who makes the best horseman? Surprising results from a study in India

    Who is most likely to adopt a scientific approach to horse care and management? Findings from a recent study show that experience and social engagement significantly enhance knowledge, while factors like age, education, and herd size do not notably impact understanding.

  • White Coat Patterns in Horses: A Glimpse into Genetics and Health Implications

    White Coat Patterns in Horses: A Glimpse into Genetics and Health Implications

    White coat colors in horses may be beautiful, but they can also signal underlying health issues. Genetic research from Etalon and the University of Florida identifies mutations linked to traits like deafness or “Lethal White Overo” syndrome, guiding ethical breeding practices to prevent harmful conditions and ensure the welfare of future generations.

  • Surviving Your First Horse Show

    Surviving Your First Horse Show

    It’s a major step in your relationship with a horsewoman when she first invites you to one of her horse shows. In many cases, this will also mark the moment of your first fight…or even the end of your relationship all together. To avoid misunderstanding and ensure that your first horse show is not your…