As I’m currently unwillingly without horse, I’ve taken to attempting to manifest myself an equine friend by thinking like a horse girl.
The other morning, I had to wait for my laziest hen to deem it a suitable hour to emerge from her bed so I could ‘muck out’ my chicken coop (see what I did there?). I stood in the pouring rain, facing the barrage of icy droplets, grimacing as they dripped off my eyelashes and from the end of my nose.
In terms of common sense, I’m pretty sure the advice would be to have your back to the rain. But, oh no, not me. Because I was thinking like a horse girl and keeping my butt dry to ensure a more comfortable seat in the saddle on my (imaginary) ride afterwards.
If you’re a through and through horse person who’s totally licked your horse’s salt block, Heels Down Mag has the survey for you. From barn snacking to sheath cleaning, they’re celebrating horse freaks for what they are… freaking awesome (and perhaps a tad strange… in all the best ways).
Complete the survey here and remember, nothing is too gross to admit to!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Full Gallop Farm February I H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Wednesday News and Reading
Because who wouldn’t listen to Ingrid Klimke when it comes to all things horse? Ultimate horsewoman Ingrid Klimke gives some useful tips for warming up your horse. [Getting Ready to Work]
Once we’ve warmed up and done the work, it’s time to cool down. Here’s some helpful advice for how to cool down correctly after a ride. [And Streeeetch]
Something a bit meaty, and satisfyingly geeky (there are tables and graphs). Equine Ethologist (behavior specialist), Renate Larssen, sums up a recent study of leadership in domestic horses and finds that it’s not dominance that’s key to being a good leader, but reliability. What’s more, leadership is a shared responsibility within the herd. [Horses Follow Reliable Leaders]
A lovely poem saying thank you to Thomas, the therapy horse. It’s @_place2be’s #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek and British Equestrian has shared a poem written by a young person who has attended sessions at @strengthandlearningthruhorses. [Thank You To Thomas, The Therapy Horse]
Did you know it’s International Networking Week and long-time groom for Jessica Springsteen, Josie Eliasson, has launched an equine industry job-listing website? Read about Josie’s work, both in the barn and at the computer, and her thinking behind her new venture. [Find Your Perfect Match on Yehaww.com]
As someone who once sent a Valentine’s card to my pony, I’m totally into a soppy Hallmark-movie-esque love affair with an equine companion. USEA wants you to share your love story with your horse. [Hopelessly Devoted to My Horse]
Sponsor Corner
Have you sent your Carolina International entry yet? Entries close on February 28, but it makes your event organizer much happier to send yours in earlier. View the omnibus listing here.
Video Break
With Valentine’s Day coming up next week, here’s some puppy love to get you in the mood.
