Assistant Trainer Spotlight – Taylor Thayer
It’s about 1,400 miles from Troy, Maine to Somerville, Tennessee; but, in all actuality, it’s a world away from the tiny midcoastal town to one of the premier Quarter Horse breeding and training farms in the country. Taylor Thayer’s journey from her hometown in Maine to Masterson Farms in the hills of Tennessee is a story of hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of good fortune.
The horse show industry is just now returning to competition after a cascade of show cancellations up-ended the well-planned itineraries of trainers, owners and exhibitors in 2020. Approximately 40% of shows were cancelled or rescheduled this spring due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. As one show cancelled, exhibitors sought out other opportunities, only to see those new plans evaporate. The cancellation of the All American Quarter Horse Congress was a blow to the collective psyche not only of Quarter Horse folks but Paint and Appaloosa enthusiasts as well. However, there are many shows that are moving forward in the fall of 2020 with the hope of salvaging a productive show year. With several high-profile shows still scheduled to proceed, show management, trainers, and exhibitors are cautiously optimistic. Many of these surviving shows are anticipating greater than normal turnout as a result of the cancellations earlier in the year. Here is a rundown of what’s still to come in 2020.
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Coming across a news story about a trailer wreck evokes a horse owner’s worst nightmare. Even though accidents can happen for countless reasons, we would do anything to avoid this scenario from happening in our own lives.
Continue reading …It’s All About the Legs – Proper Strides for Hunter Under Saddle
October 5, 2020 Comments Off on It’s All About the Legs – Proper Strides for Hunter Under Saddle
The minute a Hunter Under Saddle horse trots down the center line, your eye should be drawn to a soft, elastic step that floats above the ground. You could set a beat to the sweeping stride that seems to cover a lot of ground, but in elegant, slow motion. The ideal Hunter Under Saddle horse moves effortlessly and appears to almost hover above the ground instead of touching it. But what makes up this elusive stride and how can you identify and develop these qualities in your own horse? We spoke with three leading trainers to gain perspective on how to identify, develop, and maintain correct strides for Hunter Under Saddle. Read on for an in-depth look at the all-important legs that create a winning Hunter Under Saddle performance.
Continue reading …Youth Profile – Isabella D’onofrio
October 3, 2020 Comments Off on Youth Profile – Isabella D’onofrio
It’s amazing how a horse can become the golden thread that intertwines generations of a family. Jennifer Griffith D’Onofrio grew up riding and competing with her horse, Teddy. The pair had a career highlight of taking third at the APHA World Show in 13 & Under Trail in 1988. A little over fifteen years ago, Jennifer placed her three-month-old daughter, Isabella, on his back. The connection was instant, igniting what would become a shared passion and family legacy of success in the show pen.
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Gone are the days of the horse that did ten different classes before lunchtime. Over the past decade, the trend has undoubtedly shifted towards even more specialization with riders often having multiple horses: a rail horse that specializes in movement, a pattern horse with athletic maneuvering skills, and perhaps even a fun horse for ranch-type classes.
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Here’s the story of a man named Bradshaw. Surrounded by four, very lovely girls. All of them had hair of gold, and teeth so white. E! said, “Let’s film a show.” He said, “Give it a whirl!”
Here’s the story of a man named Bradshaw. Breeding Quarter Horses on his farm. Once a quarterback for the Steelers. Now it’s family BBQs and grandchildren on his arm.
Kardashians, you’d better watch out. Here comes the Bradshaw Bunch!
Hold Your Horses, and Sign This Waiver
September 27, 2020 Comments Off on Hold Your Horses, and Sign This Waiver
Click here to read the complete article 44 – October, 2020 By Kimbrell Hines Anyone who has spent time around animals and horses, in particular, knows that they can be unpredictable. Even with gentle and well-trained horses, accidents and injuries occur. A person harmed by a horse may suffer serious injuries that require expensive medical […]
Continue reading …Chris and Melissa Jones – A Lifelong Passion for Horses
September 25, 2020 Comments Off on Chris and Melissa Jones – A Lifelong Passion for Horses
Chris Jones was just seven years old when a horse first entered his life thanks to his older sister’s insistent pestering of their parents. A couple of years later, after getting enough of a taste of horses to spark a flame inside his own heart, Chris received a two-year-old Quarter Horse named Joe Leo’s Babe to call his own. The family participated in local open and 4-H shows, and the hobby occupied most of their summers.
Continue reading …Foal Preschool • Early Education For Show Babies
August 27, 2020 Comments Off on Foal Preschool • Early Education For Show Babies
With all those babies filling up the pastures, it’s time to take a look at how breeders and trainers shape young minds to prepare them for their future in the show pen. Like any aspect of training, there are numerous theories and differing practices regarding the raising of foals. The paths to success may differ, but the commonality is being horseman enough to recognize the needs of their individual horses and develop a program that is right for them.
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