NCEA – Follow Your Passion
It’s no secret that life as a collegiate student-athlete is a balancing act. Between school, practice, and competition, it can be difficult to remain focused on the big picture: life after college. While many of us wish that college would never end, the reality is that we will all have to grow up, move on, and begin working towards our career-oriented goals.
Does the Mane Matter? – The Trend of Long Manes in Pattern Classes
May 27, 2020 Comments Off on Does the Mane Matter? – The Trend of Long Manes in Pattern Classes
A horse’s long, flowing mane is the stuff dreams are made of. There was a time, not so long ago, when a long mane would never have been found in the all-around pen – particularly not in a pattern class like Horsemanship or Trail. As short, banded manes gained in popularity for their ability to show off a horse’s neck and reflect a precise, polished look, they became a standard in most all-around classes.
Continue reading …The Dark Horse: Up-and-Coming Trainer Travis Duit
May 24, 2020 Comments Off on The Dark Horse: Up-and-Coming Trainer Travis Duit
Travis Duit’s first experience in the horse industry was breaking colts for a neighbor who was in the business of “dealing ponies.” At the time, he was a teenage bull rider. Apparently, to both him and his then employer, if he could stay on a bull, then he should be able to break a colt as well. Though the logic may have been flawed, the experience was Duit’s stepping off point into an industry in which he has since made great leaps and bounds.
Continue reading …New Partners in Life and Business – Rastall Show Horses
May 21, 2020 Comments Off on New Partners in Life and Business – Rastall Show Horses
After ten years of dating, Brian and Ashley (Frappier) Rastall married this past September. Both are well-known and well-loved former assistant trainers at barns such as Pine Meadow Quarter Horses, Masterson Farms, and Starnes Quarter Horses; but now, the two have struck out on their own as Rastall Show Horses. Their commitment to each other, their clients, and their horses has made for a successful start to their partnerships in both business and married life. The key to both, they say, is communication.
Continue reading …Legacy – Three Generations of Ladies Dominate the Halter Pen
May 18, 2020 Comments Off on Legacy – Three Generations of Ladies Dominate the Halter Pen
It’s often been said that family is the backbone of society and, in essence, what really matters in the world. Young equestrian McKenna Gibson has already learned the value of family due, in part, to the gift of the love of Halter horses from her grandmother, Carolyn Stewart, who she lovingly calls “Mamaw,” and from her mom, Cara McMillian-Gibson.
Continue reading …A Match Made In Heaven – Kathy Tobin & VS Code Blue
May 15, 2020 Comments Off on A Match Made In Heaven – Kathy Tobin & VS Code Blue
Every so often, fate smiles upon us to produce a natural specimen so exceptional that it’s in a class of its own. VS Code Blue is one such rarity. Combining the merits of careful breeding, devoted nurturing, and a little bit of DNA kismet, the little, roan colt has grown into a strapping mega-star gifted with exceptional conformation, lyrical movement, and natural charisma.
Continue reading …Importance of Strong, Healthy Soles
March 23, 2020 Comments Off on Importance of Strong, Healthy Soles
Your horse stepped on a rock and has been gimpy for several days. Your farrier examined the foot and said it looks like a mild stone bruise and mentioned that your horse has thin soles. Is there some way to help the horse develop a thicker, stronger sole?
Continue reading …Dummies Guide to Leasing Your Horse
March 21, 2020 Comments Off on Dummies Guide to Leasing Your Horse
Leasing a horse can be a viable option for an owner who doesn’t want to part with their beloved animal and for a rider who’s not ready to purchase a horse of his or her own. A well-matched lease can benefit all sides of the equation: the horse, the owner, and the lessee. Everyone gets what he or she needs. However, there are some key considerations on both sides to make it a winning ride.
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Maintaining a stable sense of self-confidence in the show pen is like balancing a tray of crystal glasses while walking across a busy dance floor. One misstep or one poorly timed bump from a passerby can send the whole thing crashing down. What happens when this proverbial tray falls in a world where judgment is the name of the game? How do we pick ourselves up and regain our self-confidence?
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Angela Fox’s love of horses is inexplicable. Ever since she was a little girl, her yearning came on strong and has never wavered. Angela’s mother, Sheila, grew up in a horse family on the East Coast. Her family bred and raised racehorses and Reining horses, and Sheila showed as a child. When Angela was born, Sheila’s days of riding horses were behind her and all that remained were photos and prizes from her past.
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