New pony Thursday! Photo by Kate Samuels
Having an empty stall in your barn is downright criminally dangerous, especially if you’re a chronic animal collector such as myself. Not only that, but I have a long-time friend who happens to be a racehorse owner/trainer/exerciser and she happens to know my proclivity for big booty bay boys. So, with all that said, welcome to the family, Balistico! This handsome guy race for seven consecutive years, and is about as cool as they come. He’s a professional, but also a goofy lad who loves all snacks and lives for snuggles and grooming sessions. RRP 2024, maybe?
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News From Around the Globe:
What makes a five-star horse? The answer isn’t always the prettiest or most talented horse, or eve the horse with a previously winning record. Five-star horses aren’t always brilliant in shorter format competitions, or fun to ride at home. COTH asked Boyd Martin, Jennie Saville, and Phillip Dutton what they have learned to look for in prospects for the top of the sport. [What Makes a Five Star Horse?]
December is basically here, so you’re all caught up on your holiday shopping, right? Okay, okay, me neither if we’re being honest. Don’t worry about the equestrians on your list, however, because here we have one of many horsey shopping guides. [2023 Equestrian Gift Guide]
At the very least, most of us are advised not to buy a lame horse. Paige Emerson broke all the rules, purchasing a mare on DreamHorse who was recovering from, of all things, a broken leg. Despite her complicated medial history, Simi and Paige came through it together with the help of veterinarians and farriers, and enjoy a career together in dressage. [Back from the Brink]
Did you grow up reading Black Beauty repeatedly…or was that just me? Anna Sewell’s timeless novel is something every generation can enjoy. To fall in love with each horse, and cry at their ill-fated fortunes, and sob with happiness when they find safety and happiness is something we can all bond over, and now there is a new animated short film drawn directly from the book. [Black Beauty Animation]
One summer job outside with horses was enough to convince Dr David Ramey, DVM, that the equestrian lifestyle was for him. He promptly left law school, stunned his parents, and decided to be a veterinarian. Forty years later, he is one of the most sought-after voices of reason and science online for the equestrian community. His directness, paired with a bit of wisdom and wit (“God made horses, but only we can make geldings”), has made him a popular voice on horse care and a resource for tens of thousands of readers.[David Ramey Treats Horse with Respect]
