Every stables has their own program on showing and how they utilize students/grooms/staff at a competition. So for all my new Stables parents, here is the 101 course on labor and learning Stables-style at competitions, both rated and non-rated!

Everyone wants to be safe around horses, even the daredevils. No one comes to the barn with the hope of falling off, getting stepped on, or any other injury happening, but still they do.

Getting use to the flow of a horse show takes some time, so plan to spend some extra hours at your first show. Moms, bring a book, and dads, bring a chair for a nap. Once your kid gets the show bug just prepare, you’re going to be here awhile.

Show season is gearing up, and with quite a few new-to-competition riders in our stables we are providing some insight in to what these up-and-comers need for clothing.

Dress for the ride you want, and you’ll get it.

What do you love about IEA? Hold on, don’t answer that yet! I want you to really think about it…

Truthfully, taking the time to talk about tack is tantamount to trailing after triumph. Or to skip the alliteration, it’s really important.

The rain is NEVER.ENDING. I’ve got a couple things I focus on when the weather and footing won’t hold up to full training rides.

We don’t need to be runway-ready every ride. But the right presentation and preparation will give you a better ride and make your trainer happy. Super important.

Make sure you have all the tools necessary to keep your horse in tip top form, although nothing beats elbow grease.

Today was the kind of day I should just plan to lunge the critters. But no, I decided to climb aboard with a wing and a prayer.

We can always learn from Yoda.

Knowing what the end destination, or final evolution, of a horse helps shape the road all the way back at the beginning of the training journey, and helps a trainer keep from getting lost along the way.

Horse people like to talk a lot. When we can’t do that we also like to write a lot. Case in point: me. There are so many books published on various theories and exercises its ridiculous. You’d think training a horse is rocket science.

COLIC: Every horse owner dreads the word.

Is Trailering for Dummies a real book? If so, we all need one.

The more I learned, the less I found that I knew.

Ok, that title might be a little extreme.

Summer has descended on the island, and with it the promise of all the riches and spoils of a fun summer job!  Or something like it.  

Parents, let your daughters grow up to be horse girls.