On July 4, 2016, law student Leah McKeever went to the barn for a special project. She and her mom, Georgiann DAniello, dipped brushes in red, white and blue paint. Their canvas? McKeevers blue roan horse, Rosie Blue Music Box (aka Rosie).That day combined three things that I enjoy: horses, painting and spending time with my mom, McKeever recalls.When they finished decorating Rosie, McKeever saddled up and DAniello snapped a photo to document the moment. The picture became a tangible example of something horses bring to McKeevers life: the ability to live in the present.Leah McKeever celebrated the 4th of July with her mom by creating a washable painting on Rosie to help take her mind off of law school. Photo by Georgiann DAnielloLaw and HorsesMcKeevers love of horses began at a young age. Inspired by her moms love for the animals, she spent her childhood days playing with plastic horses, watching western films and poring over horse-themed books. As she grew up, DAniello and McKeever enjoyed guided trail rides together.I have always loved horses ever since I can remember, McKeever says.Just like her love for horses, McKeevers interest in the law started early on. DAniello recalls her daughter boldly declaring her intent to pursue a career in law at just 8 years old.Who was I to discourage that? DAniello says.Many years later, McKeever completed her undergraduate education and prepared to start law school at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in her hometown of Tucson, Ariz.Close to that time, DAniello was taking riding lessons. Shed purchased a package of lessons but found that due to time constraints, she wasnt able to finish them. DAniello offered the remaining sessions to McKeever, who accepted. That decision led McKeever to something that would help her navigate the next four years of her life: Rosie.DAniello remembers being concerned about the expense a horse would pose to McKeever, but also being supportive of her daughter pursuing a healthy outlet. Regardless of her feelings, DAniello saw her daughter was determined to purchase Rosie.When Leah makes up her mind, Leah makes up her mind, she says. You cant talk her out of anything.McKeever knew keeping Rosie in her life during law school would pose financial challenges, but she couldnt see herself moving forward any other way. She worked out a plan using her savings to budget for Rosie during school.If I have something that I love and something that Im passionate about, I dont think of excuses or having to get rid of anything, McKeever explains. I try and think of how Im going to make it work.Finding the PresentMcKeever remembers every minute of her time being claimed during law school. She constantly felt guilty if she wasnt reading or studying.You always have this pressure on you to get a bunch of readings done, McKeever recalls. Sometimes the amount of readings are just not plausible to get through.To escape school stress, McKeever turned to two of her passions: working out and riding Rosie. The first helped her stay physically healthy but didnt keep her mind from thoughts of schoolwork. The latter, however, completely captured her attention.Going and spending time with Rosie was the only time that I didnt think about school, McKeever says.Riding Rosie forced McKeevers brain to remain in the present. If her attention drifted, Rosie brought her back to the current moment. The horse would break gait or even shy at an object if she felt McKeever wasnt focused on her.I maintained a good mental health in law school, and I attribute that to having my horse, says McKeever. (See Mental Health Benefits of Horses, below.)McKeever worked with Rosie four to five times a week throughout law school. In 2017, she successfully graduated from her program.McKeever attributes having good mental health during law school to her time with Rosie. Photo by Andrea OBert PhotographyNo RegretsSeveral years have passed since McKeevers time in law school, but the Fourth of July she spent with Rosie and her mother remains seared in her memory.DAniello witnessed how horses impact McKeever first hand, and doesnt see her daughter ever giving them up.For Leah, Rosie is her great escape, and therefore her happy place, says DAniello.Now a practicing lawyer, McKeever spends her days in the courtroom, seeking justice for the people she represents. Beyond a reasonable doubt, she believes its Rosie that helped her get there.She helped me through many tough things, law school being one of them, and Im eternally grateful to her for that, she says.If given the chance to do law school again, McKeever wouldnt hesitate to bring Rosie along for the ride.Thats one decision in my life that Ill never regret.Mental Health Benefits of HorsesLesli Figueiredo, MA, LPC, owns and operates Freedom Reigns Counseling in Burleson, Texas. She entered the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (counseling) in 2008 as a horse specialist and has been practicing as a licensed counselor since 2014.Through her practice, she regularly works with college-age students who experience stress and anxiety from school. Figueiredo describes numerous ways horses can help humans in a counseling or therapeutic setting, but she also testifies that recreational work with horses can improve mental health.The huge benefit of horses is that they provide rhythmic, repetitive, predictable movement when were riding, she says.For example, the walk is four beats, the trot is two beats, the canter is three beats, and so on. Figueiredo explains we can count on those patterns to exist, and their rhythmic movement can calm your nervous system and brain.Figueiredo also points out that horses are prey animals and must live in the present to survive. When a person works with them, they must live in the present toosomething Leah McKeever experienced firsthand.This article about Leah McKeever appeared in the September 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post How Horses Helped a Law Student appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Bram Chardon (NED) winner of the FEI Driving World Cup™ Final 2023/24 - Bordeaux (FRA)  Copyright © FEI/Łukasz Kowalsk Ten top four-in-hand drivers plus a few wild cards will thrill audiences between November and February at some of Europe’s most prestigious indoor shows.  The eight qualifying legs start in Lyon (FRA) this week and end in Leipzig (GER), leading to...

Key Aspect Details Willinga Park's Decision Announced cancellation of "YRS Triple Crown" dressage event set for March 2025 due to concerns about event integrity, business ethics, and brand protection. Event Background Organized by Alicia Dickinson, marketed as a chance for non-professional riders with a prize fund of AUD $620,000, raising skepticism regarding prize authenticity. Misrepresentation of Brand Event promotional materials misrepresented Willinga Park's brand, leading to negative inquiries and potential reputation damage. Lack of Sanctioning Not listed on the Equestrian Australia calendar, casting doubts on authenticity and risking standings of FEI-registered riders. Community Pushback Concerns over prize pool and business intentions led by figures like Berni Saunders suggesting exploitation of inexperienced participants. Implications for Equestrian Community Emphasizes brand integrity, regulatory compliance, ethical practices, and careful event validation. Rider Impact Disappointment from event cancellation balanced by relief, highlighting the need for thorough event research and readiness validation. Willinga Park's Decision to Cancel 'YRS Triple Crown' Event: Implications for the Equestrian Community Last year, on August 23, 2024, Willinga Park, a top-tier equestrian venue nestled in New South Wales, Australia, shook the equestrian world by announcing the cancellation of its anticipated "YRS Triple Crown" dressage event, initially set for March 2025. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the community and raised pressing questions about **event integrity**, **business ethics**, and **brand protection** in equestrian sports. Background of the Event The "YRS Triple Crown," brainchild of Alicia Dickinson (or Alicia Fielmich), was organized under the banners of Dressage Institute and Your Riding Success (YRS). Brimming with promise, the event was marketed as an unprecedented chance for budding non-professional riders to experience a professional-level competition. However, curiosity soon turned into skepticism around the notably staggering prize fund of AUD $620,000. These prizes were mostly "in kind," offering "$40,000 training holidays" overseas and "$10,000 memberships" to Dickinson's own institute, leading to

Is your horse accident-prone? Our sources share how to manage these Bubble-Wrap-worthy equids and the best ways to avoid problems in the first place. The post The Accident-Prone Horse appeared first on The Horse.

Heres how you and your veterinarian can work together to reduce your horses risk of developing joint disease in his early years.The post Proactive Equine Joint Care Strategies appeared first on The Horse.

Key Points Details Track System Livery A method mimicking the natural ecosystems of wild horses to encourage movement and social interaction while providing health benefits and challenges. Benefits Encourages Movement: Promotes continuous physical activity. Weight Management: Limits grass intake, aiding horses with conditions like laminitis and EMS. Environmental Enrichment: Introduces varied terrains and obstacles to prevent boredom. Challenges Cost: Initial setup and maintenance can be expensive. Land Management: Requires regular upkeep and grass rotation. Safety: Preventing overcrowding and ensuring safe track design. Forage Provision: Increased costs for alternative forage during shortages. Making it Affordable Starting Small: Use existing features and temporary fencing to reduce costs. Expansion: Incorporate natural obstacles and consider climate with turnout rugs. Conclusion Despite the challenges, track system livery offers significant benefits for low-doer horses with proper planning and consultation. Discover the World of Track System Livery for Horses: Is It the Perfect Solution for Your Equine Friend? The concept of track system livery, also known as "Paddock Paradise," has emerged as a revolutionary approach in equine living. Designed to mimic the natural ecosystems that wild horses thrive in, it offers remarkable horse health benefits but doesn't come without its challenges. Let's explore if track system livery could be the perfect fit for your low-doer equine. The Magic Behind Track System Livery Track system livery supports horses in a way that encourages continuous movement while promoting mental stimulation and social interaction. However, understanding the intricate details is vital before deciding to implement this system. Unleashing the Benefits 1. Encouragement for Movement and Exercise Physical activity is of paramount importance for horses' health. In track systems, strategic placement of resources like hay and water encourages the horses to move, mimicking the natural behavior of wild counterparts. Studies reveal that horses in track systems walk substantially more than those kept in traditional fields. 2. Handy for Managing Weight Managing the dietary needs of horses with conditions like laminitis or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) can be challenging. Track systems limit grass intake, encouraging weight control while providing ample high-fiber hay to maintain your horse's health. 3. Environmental Enrichment like No Other To fight the monotony, track systems introduce a range of enriching elements such as varied terrains and obstacles. This enhancement not only aids in physical development but enriches horses' environments to prevent boredom. A Few Hiccups 1. Costly Initial Investments The initial setup, including features like electric fencing and diverse surfaces, can be heavy on the pocket. Starting small and gradually scaling up is advisable to cushion the impact on your finances. 2. Managing Land and Grass With heavy wear on grass, maintaining a sustainable track can be tough. Regular management and rotating the track can help mitigate potential degradation. 3. Ensuring Safe Capacities Safety within the track is essential. Avoid overcrowding to prevent stress and ensure all horses have ample space and resources, especially avoiding narrow areas and corners. 4. Alternative Forage Provision When grass becomes scarce, relying on alternative forage like hay, although beneficial, can increase costs, particularly during challenging seasons like droughts. Planning ahead for forage provision is crucial. Making Track Systems Affordable 1. Starting with a Grass Track Begin with basic structures using existing features like natural hedgerows and use temporary fencing to manage costs. 2. Gradual Expansion and Innovation Incorporate not only turnout rugs for climate considerations but also expand your track with fun, naturally-sourced obstacles. Reflecting on Your Horse's Needs The Importance of Custom Consultation Consulting resources like Jaime Jackson's "Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding" offers an expansive understanding, helping horse owners navigate the track system nuances effectively. The Final Gallop Conclusion Track system livery opens up a multitude of possibilities, offering physical health improvements, mental enrichment, and social interaction. Despite the challenges, with patience and suitable planning, track systems can become a rewarding part of equine care. Immensely suited for low-doer horses, it may require extra resources, but the benefits outweigh the challenges once fully realized. For more equipment and protection solutions, visit Just Horse Riders.

On October 29, a 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Graves County, Kentucky, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The horse, who is unvaccinated, developed clinical signs on October 20, including stumbling and muscle fasciculations. He is currently affected and alive. This is Kentuckys 10thconfirmed equine WNV case this year. EDCC Health Watch is an []The post Kentucky Horse Tests Positive for WNV appeared first on The Horse.

The horse lives in Marion County. The post Selle Franais Gelding Tests Positive for WNV in Florida appeared first on The Horse.