horse
Explore the transformative role of horses throughout human history; equines were instrumental in the spread of agriculture, language, culture, technology and more.
A Journey of Intention Discovered through Horses - Part 8
“Do your best until you know better. Then. when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou It’s mid-January, and I’m chomping at the bit to ride my horses again. It’s been months, I think! The forecast teased me saying around 30F degree temps, but changed it to colder two days later. It turned out to be mid-20’s and windy. Not my thing. I stayed in the house. And now it’s supposed to get even colder again-like single digits and negatives. So, I don’t ride. I stay antsy indoors and I think too much. My physical limitations keep me basically housebound when there’s too much snow or ice or cold.
By Archived User5 years ago in Petlife
Taking on a Chance
As I sit here watching the leaves blow in the wind, the smell of manure potent flowing through the air catching my every breathe. Trying to bring myself to carry on working but I’m so exhausted, exhausted from the heavy lifting, exhausted from the constant battering my body has to take every day, exhausted from frequent weather changes from the bright sun light on a frosty morning to the hail beating down on my back as I’m walking through the fields in what feels like a 500 miles away. Am I just feeling sorry for myself. I don’t know. All these thoughts crashing through my mind wave after wave, why do I feel like this? Is it just this place? Am I actually fine? god I’m getting worked up, calm down, calm down.
By Robyn Giles5 years ago in Petlife
Simple Ways to Improve Your Horsemanship
As an equine behaviour consultant, I encounter many people who are desperate to improve their relationship with their horse. Most equine behavioural problems are complex, with many differential factors at play. The horse may have a medical condition, a specific phobia, or restrictive management, but on top of this, there are often problems with a person's horsemanship.
By Corinne McCafferty5 years ago in Petlife
Turning an Eye Loss…
When I found out my Quarter Horse Rolo had Uveitis, glaucoma and a cataract that meant his left eye was going to go completely blind, necessitating a removal of it, I was stunned, even though the eye’s constricted pupil and unnatural lightening had been going on for several months. I winced in sympathy when Dr. Nunnery, the Equine Eye Specialist, told me that in addition to the loss of sight, Rolo was also probably in pain. I stroked his soft eyebrow ridge, and kissed him. I nodded bravely to her and shrugged when we decided the best course of action would be an enucleation. Once she had left, however, I walked Rolo back to his paddock, removed his halter, and then sagged against the barn wall, clutching his lead rope, sobbing.
By Cat Needham5 years ago in Petlife
Royal Robes
Behold the regalness of her Ladyship, Dame Paintbrush! No seriously, she may be under three feet tall at the shoulder but this little gal was large and in charge out at the farm. She ruled her domain well and fairly (though she could always be bribed with some good food), so when it came time provide her Ladyship with new robes nothing short of befitting royalty would do.
By A. Yvonne Magnuson5 years ago in Petlife
Ruby
My name is Ruby; I am 26 in human years, 9.2 hands. For most of my life I lived with my mum and her family on the outskirts of a beautiful village. Ours were knitted into a patchwork of fields, all fronted by an army of ancient woodland. Twisting chestnuts, regal oaks, shining birch, inhabiting our perimeters. My friend and I spent our days grazing the pasture, shaking off the flies and taking cover from the rain. We would run, play, we were well looked after and happy. When he passed away I moved. I stepped into the box and that was it. My familiar surroundings never returned. A new home, this one was at a farm; a far busier environment than I had existed in before. My new fieldmate was a mare, Vita. There were sheep in the field next to mine, they were noisy and messy but I didn’t object to the company. Life remained simple, I had no obligations. In the wetter months I’d still get mud stuck to my fetlocks and my coat still split into darts, In the summer the flies still bugged me. I had enough attention paid to me; haircuts and pamper sessions to keep me comfortable, an occasional visit from a dentist or blacksmith. I couldn’t complain about the life I lived. I had my share of carrots, apples, pats and strokes. I especially liked being scratched on my chest between my front legs. Simple suited me just fine.
By Florence Graham5 years ago in Petlife
Robbie
If you’ve never been up at dawn, and walked a curving road through old-growth forest, and looked up to see distant mountain peaks, perhaps encountering on your path a small frog, or a massive mule deer, or a thrush with a voice like a whistle, then I want to say that I highly recommend the experience, and that it is enhanced if it ends by encountering a small, soft, elderly roan horse, looking for breakfast.
By Sarah Dendy5 years ago in Petlife
