Bernadette Kilcer’s friend really, really, really wants to go trotting proudly down the center line… on a mule. Bernadette tells her story. (more…)
#YOUR TURN
Jumping Past Cancer: A comeback story
If life is a jump course, cancer is the bogey fence that terrifies us all. Susan Corwin kicked her way through chemo and is preparing to tackle her first horse trial back this weekend. (more…)
Megan vs. Stuart plus Doug
We’ll get around to the full story of how Megan Kaiser fared at Stuart Horse Trials in a hot minute, but first, Megan wants to introduce us to her new celebrity eventing friend, Doug Payne. (more…)
Megan vs. Stuart, Part 3: The homestretch
Megan Kaiser has a goal: To compete at Beginner Novice at Stuart Horse Trials this weekend. For Megan, a working mom with a 21-y/o horse, it’s kind of a big deal. She’s letting HN tag along. (more…)
Megan vs. Stuart, Part 2: A comedy of errors
Megan Kaiser has a goal: To compete at Beginner Novice at Stuart Horse Trials next weekend. For Megan, a working mom with a 21-y/o horse, it’s kind of a big deal. She’s letting HN tag along. (more…)
Your Turn: Stuart Horse Trials, here we come!
Megan Kaiser has a goal: To compete at Beginner Novice at Stuart Horse Trials next month. For Megan, a working mom with a 21-y/o horse, it’s kind of a big deal. All we have to say is: Go Megan! (more…)
Your Turn: The plight of the perfectionist
Have you ever felt like nothing you did was good enough? Kelsea Brockmeier writes about her struggle to differentiate between “doing her best” and “being the best.” (more…)
Reflection: A very generous benefactor
Chelsea Alexander, a 20-year-old rider and student at Queen Mary University of London, sent us this wonderful essay about a random act of kindness that changed her life forever. (more…)
Your Turn: Going treeless
Does all the hype about treeless saddles have you curious? Kelsea Brockmeier shares her experience of trading in her traditional saddle for a tree-free alternative. (more…)
True Story: I spayed my mare
After ruling out Regumate and uterine implants, Amanda Moretz decided to have her “marish” mare, Gracie, spayed. Two years later Gracie is happy and pain-free, and they’ve never looked back since. (more…)
Your Turn: Wherever you are (is where you are)
Caitrin O’Shea is a Wisconsin event rider who’s doing the best she can with the geographic hand she’s been dealt. She offers this bit of advice. (more…)
Confessions of a Show Mom: It’s all about preparation
It’s still Mother’s Day week, right? We’re going to keep the maternal ball rolling with this piece submitted by horse show mom extraordinaire Barbara Hamilton. (more…)
Better Riding: The art of self directed learning
Luck doesn’t make you a good rider. Neither does money, or a fancy horse, or an expensive saddle. Katie Passerotti explores a concept that takes work, but does work. (more…)
Kentucky Bound?: A reader-submitted Rolex survival kit
How do you do Rolex? Earlier this week, we asked readers to submit tips for navigating the weekend in comfort and style. Here are a few of their suggestions: (more…)
In Case of Emergency: Do you have a plan?
Bernadette Kilcer contemplates the dilemma of the adult single rider who doesn’t have an automatic “go-to” person in the event of an accident. (more…)
Feedbag: DQ as First Lady?
Speaking of Ann Romney, Abby Gibbon’s post last week on Mrs. Romney’s “rich out-of-toucher” dressage hobby inspired Megan Kaiser to indulge in a little rant. Thanks for reading, Megan, and thanks for writing! (more…)
Your Turn: Bouncing back
A few Saturdays ago, Amanda Stapleton’s horse hit the eject button on her, resulting in a broken pelvis and a doctor-ordered grounding from the barn. That might discourage some people, but true horsepeople are a little… different. (more…)
Your Turn: Tarphobia
Caitrin O’Shea’s horse Zahra does NOT like tarps. Like, AT ALL. Caitrin recounts the story of how, with the help of a couple trainers, Zahrah overcame her irrational fear of horse-eating blue plastic. (more…)
Your Turn: A frank discussion of the ‘f’ word
Guest contributor Bernadette Kilcer speaks out on behalf of plus-sized riders and the challenges–both physical and emotional–they face. (more…)
Your Turn: Equestrian swingers
Even if you’re strictly monogamous when it comes to your horsey interpersonal relationships, sometimes it can behoove your riding to sit on a different horse. Katie Passerotti recounts her recent one-ride stand. (more…)
No Brainer: Wear your freaking helmet
Hey you–yeah you, the idiot who couldn’t spare three seconds to strap on a helmet before you got on your horse. Megan Kaiser has something she wants you to hear. (more…)
Your Turn: Spring flings
After being stuck in the indoor for a long Minnesota winter, 16-year-old Emily Kelly’s first “outside” ride of the spring is always rather exciting. At least she lived to tell about it. (more…)
Tales from a City Slicker: Part I
Whoop-ee-ti-yi-o, get along little doggies! (Or whatever it is that cowboys say.) HN contributor Megan Kaiser trades in her day job for a temporary home on the range. (more…)
Your Turn: On teaching teaching
Knowing how to ride and knowing how to teach are two completely different skill sets. Caitrin O’Shea got thrown in the deep end and resurfaced with these tips. (more…)