Every competitor has experienced that dreaded moment when the pressure is on and, for some unknown reason, their mind takes a holiday. What pattern? Extend the trot where? What are logs doing here? Which side of the cone am I supposed to be on? In the past, show nerves were exacerbated by the pressure of having to memorize patterns with little prep time before an event. Trainers and competitors juggling the excitement and energy of time crunch at the horse show found it difficult to do their best under those circumstances when only given a few minutes to learn a complicated series of maneuvers.

There’s an old saying that there are no problem horses, only problem riders. Nevertheless, having a mount that rears, bites, and kicks isn’t ideal, regardless of how it came to have those behavioral issues.
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By Paige Cerulli: I grew up horse crazy in a family that couldn’t afford horses. Or, for years, riding lessons. So, I clung to horses in the ways that I could, taking out armfuls of horse books from the library and studying State Line Tack catalogs – those thick, glossy volumes gave me a look […]
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By Delores Kuhlwein “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” ― Lucius Annaeus Seneca. When trainer Sara Simons picked out Gimme Ur Best Stuff at the Voge’s NSBA sale preview as a prospect for her sister, Jana Simons, they thought the gelding by RL Best Of Sudden and out of This Version Glows, […]
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You likely know the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” We regularly see shining examples living this motto in our lives, and today, we’re adding a family name you’re familiar with to the list. The Stopperich family, including Lauren Stopperich, her daughters Paige and Jillian, as well as Shannon Cairone, Lauren’s […]
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We think every day is the National Day of the Horse, but since it’s officially observed each year on December 13th, we’ll reshare one of our favorite blogs in honor of our favorite animal. By EC Writer Elizabeth Arnold: When was the last time you rode your horse just for the pure joy […]
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Legendary, late halter sire Obvious Conclusion, 1981-2005, is home to stay. By Delores Kuhlwein “Pull a thread here and you’ll find it’s attached to the rest of the world.”— Nadeem Aslam. It’s a small world indeed, especially for horsemen, so when social media –with all its minuses — magically and quite beautifully reminds us of […]
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Last week, Katie Jo Jones and Robin Frid Show Horses announced the sale of the decorated AQHA mare, Im ExtremelySchmancy, by Extremely Hot Chips and out of Im Fancy Schmancy (by Batt Man). Today, we are honored to tell the story of Sassy’s new owner, who has overcome odds with incredible determination and a wonderful […]
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Last week, one of our readers asked us to post this question for our “EC Question of the Week:” Trainers, what gifts do you like best for Christmas from your clients? In between some great laughs, readers also found some great answers for all those trainers who go above and beyond! Find them below: […]
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Finding someone who understands your lifestyle as a horseman and reflects that connection suitably in your home or barn is a tall order, that is, until Vandalay Designs came to fruition in 2002. The team of Misty Elenburg and Loretta Elenburg specializes in all aspects of home design and construction, including new builds, remodeling, and interior […]
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