Horse Care – Bits And Bays

February 11, 2020

Perfection Is For Quitters

By Lead Bay Betsy Kelley

Whether you have grand prix goals or just want to become the best version of yourself as a rider, it all takes time and patience. We are naturally inclined to be creatures who seek instant gratification, and the uphill struggle and inevitable plateaus that come along with learning a high-level skill set can be daunting. Personally, I thrive on those moments where you finally nail something that has been eluding you; but trust me, I spend my fair share of time in the dredges.

February 4, 2020February 4, 2020

A Trainer’s Perspective

By Guest Bay Nina Arroyo-Lopez

What is the right way to be a trainer? That is not a question with just one correct answer. It all comes back to, what kind of client you are working with. Is my client confident and brave? What are their goals? Is my client struggling with self confidence? So many factors are playing a big role, and rarely are two clients needs exactly the same.

January 27, 2020January 27, 2020

How to Stay Motivated for Winter Riding (or, how to not cry every day of winter)

By Guest Bay Maggie DeVerter

Some of us live in states with weather that makes it very hard to stay motivated to ride during the winter. Here in the Pacific Northwest it can rain, and then rain, and then rain some more. Occasionally it will pretend to snow and turn back to rain. It gets dark (I mean really, really dark) before 5:00 PM for several months. Our pastures become slop holes of despair, and our horses are regularly covered in muddy clay from hoof to ear. Thrush, abscesses, rain rot and other bacterial and fungal infections are a very common nuisance for many of us. Through all that, we can manage to keep ourselves motivated to ride with a little extra help.

March 2, 2019March 2, 2019

The Joy of Horsemanship

I’m a dedicated, hard working Adult Amateur who loves my horses, and enjoys showing a little more than my budget realistically allows. My animals come before my ambitions. This is why my 30 year old retired show horse has a forever home in my barn. I know that I will never show at the highest levels of the sport, because, even if I had the money, that’s not where my ambitions lie and that’s okay.

February 11, 2019February 11, 2019

Easy Valentines Gifts For Equestrians

Typical Valentines Day gifts are cute (flowers, stuffed animals, cutesy mugs, all things heart shaped) but I already have lots of cute “stuff” – and would way rather receive a functional item. I know I’m not the only Equestrian who feels this way. My husband knows this, and set a tough precedent a few years ago with the best Valentines gift ever: a hot pink Dura-Fork and matching hot pink mud boots. Flowers would have been long dead, chocolates long gone, but every morning I walk in to the barn and smile when I see that pitchfork.