I’ve been blessed to have several great horses pass through my life over the years, but one will forever stand out in my mind as my “horse of a lifetime.” Tell us about your most special horse. (more…)

Have you ever had one you couldn’t wake up from, because it was real? Topic by request from our friends at Horses in the Morning. (more…)

I spent 15 minutes comparing fly-spray labels in the Tractor Supply yesterday and ended up just grabbing one at random in frustration. Fly spray endorsements, anyone? (more…)

Trail riding? Horse showing? Bush hogging? Pulling that mane you’ve been meaning to pull for weeks? Painting those jumps you’ve been meaning to paint for months? (more…)

Equestrian sport is blessed with its fair share of easy-on-the-eyes athletes. Confession time, Horse Nation: Who’s your favorite celebrity barn babe or horsey hunk? (more…)

At what point does riding in the heat and humidity go from merely miserable to dangerous for horse, rider or both? Do you have a set temperature above which you won’t ride? (more…)

Pretty much everything about horses is expensive, but some checks just seem more painful to write than others. What’s your LEAST favorite equestrian expense? (more…)

Some riders don’t mind going it alone. Others feel better walking courses with a trainer, and still others feel naked without their coach ringside. Where do you fall on the spectrum? (more…)

There’s nothing like a town where you can walk into the grocery story in your breeches and nobody looks at you funny. Aiken, Southern Pines, Tryon, Lexington, Ocala, Wellington, Middleburg… what’s your favorite hub of equestrian activity? (more…)

Is there a specific type of jump that makes you (or your horse) weak in the knees? Liverpools? Chevrons? Super-skinny-skinnies? Vent your phobia here. (more…)

Yesterday, the FEI announced that five cities, including two in North America, put in a bid to host the World Equestrian Games in 2018. Got an opinion? Vote in our poll! (more…)

Young people look up to their trainers and the top riders in their sport–so when those people choose not to wear helmets, it negatively impacts their view of helmets and their importance. Is your trainer setting a good example? (more…)

Boarding your horse is kind of like having roommates–it can be fun, but it can also drive you crazy. Uncoiled hoses, lunging while you’re trying to ride, fly spray bandits… what are your boarding barn pet peeves? (more…)

Knock on wood I’ve never had a problem, but I still suffer from a constant paranoia about tack room theft–it’s disconcerting to know that, should someone lift my $3,000 saddle that I saved up for forever, there’s no way I could afford to replace it.  Have you ever had a break-in? (more…)

Different barns have different minimum-age requirements for riding lessons. How old do YOU think a child should be before he or she starts lessons? (more…)

What did we do before iPods to keep us entertained during long trot sets? Whatever it was, I’m sure it was bo-ring. Do you listen to music while riding and, if so, what? (more…)

Driving my horse trailer yesterday, I couldn’t help but think about the horrific accident that claimed three equine lives last weekend. Have you ever had a horse trailer accident, or even a close call? Is there anything we can do to be safer on the road? (more…)

There are some places I just keep coming back to, whether on account of the facility, the ambiance or just the great memories I have of competing there. What about you? (more…)

I’ve known trainers who lived in them–wearing them every ride, every horse, and yelling at students who showed up without them. I’ve seen other trainers strap them “for special occasions” only. What’s your take? Do horses get dull to artificial aids? (more…)

On a smoldering summer day, what are your favorite tactics for beating the heat? Farm swimming hole? Popsicles in the tack room freezer? Riding at 6 a.m.? Share your strategies here. (more…)

I know juniors get stressed out at horse shows. But my pet peeve is when they take it out on the people who are enabling them to ride in the first place. At a recent show, I overheard multiple kids barking orders or snapping at their just-trying-to-be-helpful parents. Thoughts? (more…)

I’m wondering how much variance there is depending on where you live. Chime in, Horse Nation! (more…)

I’m teaching my annual horse camp in a couple weeks, and I always panic beforehand that I’m not going to have enough activities to keep the kids entertained. Any ideas.? (more…)

Were you, or (for our junior readers) are you still, a member of Pony Club? 4-H? Young Riders? What organizations have played a role in your riding education, and how? (more…)