Fun horse tack find
When Natasha Raina of Two Horse Tack approached me, I was intrigued by her claims about her custom tack. What I discovered was a wonderful story and products that have applications for just about any discipline, breed or even one’s imagination. What first intrigued me were the applications for the Registered Irish Draught horse community. […]
Horses can have many careers
Roman was a Thoroughbred yearling bought at auction. I can’t recall his registered name as the nickname stuck. People used to ask me if I chose the name as a regal designation. He was a big boy (17.1hh), nice-moving and a striking chestnut color. The truth is, he was Roman-nosed and pig-eyed. The former seemed […]
What’s in it for you at Horse Sense and Cents®?
We’re all about keeping the horse in the conversation. Whether this involves customized young horse training ideas designed to help you understand what your horse is trying to tell you (you can read tons of free blog posts to get you started) or finding new career ideas for you with horses in the mix (through […]
Inspiration from a challenged world equestrian competitor
It can be easy to get discouraged when dealing with personal challenges. We tend to make all kinds of excuses for not going to the barn, rushing through chores, abdicating horse care to another or depriving ourselves of other moments to enjoy our horse. Our daily grind can get in the way of what fuels […]
Will your horse drink the water you give him?
Horse owners tend to be most concerned about water during the summer months. Some forget the importance of keeping it clean. Colic can become a big problem in the winter if a horse does not have constant access to water. Just because there’s no concern for algae, doesn’t mean your trough, bucket or automatic systems […]
Are you listening to what your alpha horse is trying to tell you?
Even with alpha fillies and mares, there’s usually a good reason for an animated objection to a request. It’s rarely because they’re being belligerent. Before you jump to correct a horse for bad behavior, consider what your alpha horse is trying to tell you. If it’s a fair response, let it go and move on. […]
Mean horses can surprise you in good ways
What makes me so fond of this guy (he’s not the overt endearing type) is his decision to fight what drives him, preferring a more engaging and fulfilling partnership approach to life. I don’t ever recall seeing a horse work so hard to stifle instinct drivers for a different reality.
Horses can surprise you with how they react to moving
It’s been interesting to witness how Remi (my canine mutt) has (or hasn’t) handled a temporary move to the suburbs. While I’m not a proponent of applying dog training techniques to horses, I did find some curious reactions from her that reminded me of odd horse behavior I’ve witness. Remi’s spent her life (from 11 […]
Sometimes young horses and mature riders are a good fit
Special young horse teaches trainer a new lesson It stands to reason that putting a young horse with a green rider – or a more mature tentative rider who harbours deep fears from prior injuries – is a recipe for disaster. This year, I was again reminded that there are no absolutes. Once in a […]
Horse business profits can come from strange places
Because Halcyon Acres® (which doubles as a horse farm – makes for great fertilizer) includes a small produce business, I’m aware of the value of good quality compost. In recent years, the demand for aged manure has escalated with a growing number of people starting small gardens at their homes. We plant and tend about […]