New book! Bubba To The Rescue, by Jennifer Walker

By Eliza

Bubba To The Rescue is the second book in Jennifer Walker's Green Meadow Series, which kicked off with Bubba Goes National, the story of a teenager named Leslie and her horse, Lucky. (Bubba is the goofy nickname that Leslie's father gives Lucky.) Here, in the time-honored way of books like Black Beauty and The Black Stallion and Satan, a barn fire sets in motion a sequence of events from which the affected horse people must grapple.

Certified Journeyman Farrier exam

In exciting news today, my horse Sugar's (see image at left) farrier passed the American Farriers Association Certified Journeyman written exam with 95%. Becoming a CJF means recognition for the highest level of accomplishment the AFA offers. Huge honor--and symbol of lots of hard work--that not very many shoers achieve. Congratulations to the talented Michael O'Brien and check out his work at his evocatively named website: www.soundandsane.com

A Horse Of A Different Color

. . .and I am far from the only person using that phrase. But this is a fun story to follow: the almost white racehorse, Hansen, whose owner wanted to dye his mane and tail blue before a big race. Racing authorities said it would be too undignified. . .what do you think? Click here.

A Chat With Horse Photographer Sue Stickle

By Kitson

In this fantastic image, Sue catches gold-medal event rider Stuart Tinney at the World Equestrian Games in 2010

For years Sue Stickle’s fantastic photos have given a lot of wow-factor to articles I’ve written for horse magazines. Recently I blogged about my article in this month’s Dressage Today, which ended up as the February 2012 cover – I’m guessing  – largely because of Sue’s beautiful image of Tuny Page demonstrating a booming extended trot on her Grand Prix mare, Alina.

Miranda Lambert's Horses

I take quite a bit of ribbing from my friends about being a bit disconnected when it comes to popular culture. Here, however, I am, taking an interest in Miranda Lambert, of whom I am a fan. Of course, I admit that I am taking interest in her offstage life because it involves. . .horses.

She says she has three horses (one is named Zeus, a fact which propelled her even higher in my estimation), and is learning to barrel race. Click here for the story.

Dog Bites Man; or, Man Buys Horse At Car Auction

By Eliza

A New York man went to a car auction and came home with. . .a horse. I have been to plenty of horse auctions, and there can often be random tack or even trailers up for auction as well, but I have never heard of a horse at a car auction before. Peter Vitulli, who knows his Thoroughbreds, bought Sheza Heartbreaker for $16,000. Here is all I have seen of the story, but I might need to find out more. . .

Whip Rules

By Eliza

One of the toughest parts about inviting a novitiate to join you when watching horse racing in particular, but any horse sport in general, is the whips. "Why do you hit horses?" It's an excellent question, and it's something that Great Britain is beginning to regulate. Racing expert Ray Paulick wrote an in-depth and interesting piece about England's rules here.