All it took was one post on Facebook from one of my good friends from college, and I knew I had to tell this story. In December and January, our news reels were full of images from the bushfires in Australia and the thousands of animals fleeing to survive. We were buried with cries to … Continue reading Surviving Downunder: The Drought in Australia
Questions Answered: Is a Clinic Right For You?
A little #FlashbackFriday for you... I wrote this piece for the August 15, 2016, issue of the Quarter Horse News, and while it's geared towards cutters, reiners and working cow horse riders, I feel like this could be a beneficial read for anyone who looks at clinics to improve something in their lives. For example, … Continue reading Questions Answered: Is a Clinic Right For You?
Judge’s Chair: Pre- and Post-Checks at the Arena
Anyone who's competed at an NRHA event can attest that the show management, judges and stewards take the rules seriously. Though procedures like pre- and post-checks, NRHA officials strive to keep every horse and rider legal and safe while they're competing. These checks at every reining show allow a carded equipment judge to check each … Continue reading Judge’s Chair: Pre- and Post-Checks at the Arena
Basic Horse Care is More than Basic
Do you rely too much on others to keep your horse healthy? (From the November/December 2019 Equine Chronicle) The road to the Congress and World Show is a long one, made only longer depending on how far you actually have to haul your horse to Ohio and Oklahoma. During the trip, you may make a … Continue reading Basic Horse Care is More than Basic
Bike Helmets are Not Suitable for Equestrian Sport
Many budget-friendly parents new to the horse world might think their child’s bicycle helmet can double as a riding helmet, instead of having to pay the additional cost for a certified equestrian helmet. But when it comes to the health and safety of your rider, it’s not a time to pinch pennies. The Safety Equipment … Continue reading Bike Helmets are Not Suitable for Equestrian Sport
Concussion Awareness For Equestrians
(Written as part of the campaign for Riders4Helmets' International Helmet Awareness Day) Would you know if someone was suffering from a concussion? Did you know that the average amount of traumatic brain injury-related deaths in equestrian sport is more than seven times that of traumatic brain injury-related deaths in contact sports (such as American football)? … Continue reading Concussion Awareness For Equestrians
The Loss of a Mentor: Carol Trimmer
While I was on my way to a Turf Publicists of America meeting in Lexington, Ky., I received word that Carol Trimmer, former editor of the NRHA Reiner magazine, had passed. it was like someone punched me in the stomach out of the blue. In a time when I felt lost after completing my internship … Continue reading The Loss of a Mentor: Carol Trimmer
Celebrating Equine Media as an AHP Finalist
Even after so many years in the equine media industry, I'm still humbled and flattered to be named as a Finalist for the American Horse Publications' Equine Media Awards. I believe this is the fourth or fifth year I have been named a Finalist as an individual member, and it never gets old. I entered … Continue reading Celebrating Equine Media as an AHP Finalist
Sandra Bentien: Alone at the Top
When I am able to cover events live, I love to hear everyone's stories. It's part of my job: to listen and share your story. I met Sandra Bentien at the NRHA Futurity a couple of years ago and fell in love with her stallion, Gotta Twist It Up. The pair ended up winning the … Continue reading Sandra Bentien: Alone at the Top
Andrea Fappani – Getting the Most From Your Horse
(From the January 2017 Reiner Magazine) The surprise wasn't really that Andrea Fappani had won the Lucas Oil NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity, but the surprise was what horse he won it on, and how he did it. Spooky Whiz joined the Fappani training barn at the end of his 2-year-old year after Fappani purchased … Continue reading Andrea Fappani – Getting the Most From Your Horse