While it’s hard to think about blankets and snowstorms now, cooler weather really is on its way! In a few short weeks it will be fall and for us New Englanders, that means that hot weather is officially over and…
Blog Archives
We Heart Our Helmets
When I first started taking lessons at age 10, my mom made me promise to always wear a helmet when I ride and other than one crazy double bareback ‘trail ride’ (breakneck gallop through the woods) at a friend’s house…
Behind The Scenes at Arlington International Racecourse
I’ve always been a sucker for the “ponies,” even before I purchased (for $1) my off-the-track Thoroughbred Distinct Leader or “Leader.” I watched, live on TV such as it was back then, the 1977 Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
Horse of a Lifetime
I know you’ve heard the phrase “horse of a lifetime” a time or two if you are part of the horse world. The truth is I have a few horses that qualify as the “horse of a lifetime”. Each of…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
#TBT – Junior Hunter Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park
This year the Junior Hunter Finals took place in Devon, PA back in July. It brought back memories of when I was still a Junior and got to compete in them. While I’m not really too far into my amateur…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
You Know You Own a Thoroughbred When…
I am the very proud owner of an oh so handsome Thoroughbred gelding. His name is Samurai (he will also answer to Sam, Sammy, Samwise the Brave, and Buttface). My Thoroughbred brings me so much joy and I am truly…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
I Survived a Mary Wanless Clinic
What’s a balloon got to do with dressage riding? If you’re Mary Wanless, internationally renowned rider biomechanics coach and author of the “Ride With Your Mind” books and DVDs, a lot! Thank goodness I had already read her books and…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
Keepin’ Cool This Summer: Horse Edition
Me during the Winter: “I AM FREEZING! I can’t wait for the summer and warm weather!” Me during the Summer: “I AM SOAKED! I can’t wait for the winter and cooler weather!” Sound familiar? I thought so. Don’t get me…
Posted in Lists, Stories & Adventures
My Top 5 Grooming Essentials
I started riding when I was nine years old. I can STILL remember my trainer at the time telling us to get tacked up for our group lesson and emphasizing a quick grooming session. More times than not, she would…
Posted in Lists, Stories & Adventures
#TBT: The Horses That Built Me
Over the years, I’ve learned that horses bring you more than blue ribbons – they bring you lessons that have turned you into the person that you are today. I’ve ridden quite a few different horses in the years that…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
Making a Comeback in the Show Ring: A How-To Guide for Success
It’s been a while since Woody and I have stepped foot in the show ring. Two years, to be exact! Though we’ve never been very active on the show circuit, I competed him in local hunter and jumper shows while…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
Bing’s Big Debut
In the latest adventures of Bing, my 5-year-old OTTB, we attended our very first show together at the end of May! Bing was fantastic. I’m talking blow my mind, I can’t believe he was that good, fantastic. This schooling show…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
Birthdays are Made for Cake
Recently, my horse Riker celebrated his 23rd birthday. Now I have to admit, in the nearly 20 years I’ve owned him, I’ve never made a huge deal about birthdays. In fact, I’ve occasionally forgotten to celebrate the day. This year,…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
Minimizing the Saddle Shopping Woes
Saddle shopping – to a novice it sounds like fun, but it puts fear into the hearts of all who have undertaken it before. Does it fit me? Does it fit my horse? Will my horse change shape? Does my…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
