Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Eemas Escape!Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse RescueAdoptable Horse: Eemas Escape, a 30-year-old, 15.1hh American Quarter Horse mareOrganization: Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, Md.Get to Know Adoptable Horse Eemas EscapeEemas Escape is a gentle 30-year-old palomino mare with a heart of gold and a story to match. She earned her name after being found abandoned in a state park, but her journey has led her to safety, care, and nowhopefullyto a loving retirement home.Eema is part of DEFHRs Guardian Program, which means all expenses related to her care are tax-deductible. While her riding days are behind her, she still has so much to offer as a sweet and steady companion.This super senior is the definition of calm and kind. Shes perfect for beginner handlers and absolutely wonderful with kids. Eema enjoys slow walks, quiet moments, and affectionate attention. She would thrive in a peaceful pasture setting where she can be spoiled and loved the way she deserves.Give this golden girl the soft landing shes been waiting forEema is ready to escape into your heart.Contact Days End Farm Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Eemas Escape!Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse RescueASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Eemas Escape appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Table of ContentsTogglePlanning a Beach Trip with Your HorseThe First VisitKeep It Fun & Safe Galloping along a sandy shore with the sound of hoofbeats and foamy waves crashing on the surf is a dream for most equestrians. While there are many opportunities to ride rental horses at tropical vacation destinations, riding your own horse on the beach is a memory youll always cherish.Raquel Lynn and her Paint mare Fira both love the beach. Photo by Elena GaetaPlanning a Beach Trip with Your HorseBefore you load up your horse and head to the nearest beach, do your research. Not all beaches allow horses, and some have limited or seasonal hours.Ashley Hall of Winter Park, Fla., has access to several beautiful equestrian friendly beaches within trailering distance. Her list includes Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Fort Pierce and Canaveral National Seashore. Hurricane season can impact accessibility and close beaches due to storm damage, however.Ashley Hall and her friends ride on the beach in Florida, where they are close to several horse-friendly beaches. Photo courtesy Ashley HallOnce weather is considered, look up your local beachs hours and rules for bringing horses. Hall has ridden at Canaveral National Seashore, which keeps a strict set of rules for equestrians. Horses arent allowed to visit from April 15th to October 31st due to turtle nesting season, and you must make reservations beforehand. They only allow six horses at a time on the sand. A permit costs $75 and grants you a four-hour time slot in the morning or afternoon. Skip the beach during popular holidays to avoid crowds, and always consider your parking situation beforehand. Haul with friends or bring a smaller horse trailer (if possible) when the parking lot is tight.I reside in Los Angeles, Calif., with two riding beaches nearby. Both are primarily enjoyed by families in highly populated city areas, making winter or spring a better time to visit. At Loon Point Beach in Carpinteria, horse trailer parking is parallel to the street in one direction. I saddle up on a sidewalk to avoid the road with active traffic. This busy situation works for my easygoing mare, but not all horses are familiar with an urban environment.The second beach at Rincon Point has a spacious parking lot, but I always pull in and immediately turn around and face outward to avoid potentially being blocked in by cars. These simple details facilitate a smooth and stress-free arrival and departure.The First Visit Trailering your own horse is a much different experience than riding a seasoned rental horse that rides down the beach daily. When horses see and hear the ocean for the first time, it can be overwhelming to even the most levelheaded horse.Britt Sabbah of Agoura Hills, Calif., enjoys frequent beach trips with her three horses, including one 4-year-old. She understands a first trip to the water can be intimidating.I think the sound of the tide coming in and out and the waves crashing can be a little bit spooky for them, says Sabbah. They dont really know what to do with that and it probably feels like the whole earth is going to just drop out beneath them.Britt Sabbah has an experienced beach horse, who will ride bridleless in the waves. Photo by Kristin Lee PhotographyIf youre worried about your horse being jumpy or want to take away some stimuli, bring earplugs to help dull the roaring sound of waves. I think for some horses, earplugs or a soundproof bonnet helps because then theyre not listening to the sound of the waves crashing and getting spooked by the noise, says Sabbah. Horses are flight animals. Its a natural reaction to try and flee when they see a large wave approaching them. The time of year, weather, and low or high tide can impact the size of the waves. For this reason, Sabbah likes to always check local tide charts before planning her trip. She advises first-time beach riders to consider this when planning a visit.I think its much easier on them for the first time (at the beach) to go at low tide, says Sabbah. Theres a lot more beach, and the waves arent crashing as much and coming as close to them.Britt Sabbah now has an experienced beach horse and can enjoy taking some jumps out to the sand! Photo by Kristin Lee PhotographyRiding at high tide also means youll be going through deeper sand. Your horse will be more susceptible to pulling a tendon or getting sore for a few days if hes out of shape.Splashing through the waves can be an enjoyable experience for horse and rider once you get acclimated. On my first beach trip with my mare, Fira, she wasnt confident enough to go in the water on her own.Raquel and her friend Isabelle let their horses get used to the sights and sounds of the waves in California. Photo by Susan FriedlandI dismounted, soaking my old boots and leading her into the waves. Once she realized it was safe, she began happily splashing. Ive trailered to the beach five times, and each trip, we walk into the water with more confidence.Sabbahs first experience with her pony, Louie, was a fun experience, but she didnt put pressure on him, making the trip a positive outing for both of them.I couldnt get him in the water the first time, but he had a lot of fun trotting along the beach, she says. I didnt have any idea what to expect that first time, and didnt push him in any way [to get in the water].Halls trusty mount, Cowboy, handles his beach trips like a pro, but the first view of the ocean takes a lot of horses by surprise.You never know when youre taking a horse for the first time how theyre going to be, says Hall. When they see the ocean, their head goes straight up in the air and theyre a little freaked out.If you have a set of older tack, consider bringing it, because you might just get soaked. I like to bring a dry pair of tennis shoes to drive home in because my jeans and boots usually get soaked.Britt Sabbahs horse is a seasoned beach-goer. Photo by Kristin Lee PhotographyKeep It Fun & Safe It can be tempting to toss a bareback pad in the trailer and consider yourself packed. After all, bareback on the beach is the ultimate dream, right? Hall thought about bringing her bareback pad for her first trip with Cowboy, but opted to ride in her English saddle. She felt much safer and secure with a set of stirrups underneath her. Horseback riding is always better with friends, and its great to bring along some dependable, calm equine role models. Halls trusty mount, Cowboy, handles his beach trips like a pro. For Halls first ride with Cowboy, her group had a mix of horses who had been before and first-timers.Raquel and Fira love meeting friends for a beach ride, choosing off times and seasons to visit Southern California beaches. Photo by Elena GaetaI think it definitely helps to go with a buddy who has a horse that is good about the water, because they really like to follow each other, says Hall. If theyre able to follow another horse thats really confident into the water, that really helps them.Halls group of friends and horses spent their day taking photos, cantering alongside each other on the beach, and capturing those special horse-girl memories while everyone checked off an epic bucket list ride.This article about riding your horse on the beach appeared in the July 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Riding Your Horse on the Beach appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 32, hosts Susan Friedlandand Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with David OConnor, Olympic gold medalist and US Equestrian Chief of Sport.To end the episode, Susan and Holly chat with HAPI Trails Horse Rescue about Rawhide, this months ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse.Click here to listen on mobile.David OConnor, Olympic Gold Medalist & US Equestrian Chief of SportBarn Banter episode 32 guest David OConnor.David OConnor represented the USA for 20 years as an athlete, earning individual gold and team bronze medals in eventing at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics and a team silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. OConnor joined the US Equestrian Federation team in his current role as Chief of Sport in October 2022.With US Equestrian, OConnor is responsible for working with the executive team on the overall international and national sport support of the Strategic Plan initiatives including sport integrity, education, and equine and human safety and welfare. Additionally, he provides oversight of the international and national sport operations, ensuring that the sport departments short-term and long-term strategic plans align with US Equestrians priorities. He also focuses on strengthening relationships with stakeholder groups, such as the USOPC, FEI, and USEFs Recognized Affiliates.Adoptable Horse of the Month, RawhidePhoto courtesy HAPI Trails Horse RescueMeet this stunning Paint Horse mare (registered with the American Paint Horse Association) from HAPI Trails Horse Rescue in Driggs, Idaho. Rawhide is as unique as they come! With one striking blue eye, one brown, and a gorgeous cat track chestnut-and-white Paint coat, shes nothing short of magical.Though arthritis in her knee makes her a companion horse, Rawhide is a companion like no other. Imagine being greeted by her every daytalk about a mood booster!Rawhides history might be a mystery, but HAPI Trails knows this girl is a delight to be around. Once caught she leads well, and genuinely enjoys your company when youre in her space.If youre looking for a breathtaking pasture buddy with a personality to match, this dragon of a mare is ready to bring a little enchantment to your life!Learn more about Rawhide here.In addition to Barn Banter episode 32, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrateds podcasts here.The post Barn Banter Episode 32 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Junebug!Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Easy R Equine RescueAdoptable Horse: Junebug, an 18-year-old, 15.1hh Tennessee Walking Horse mareOrganization: Easy R Equine Rescue, Lubbock, TexasGet to Know Adoptable Horse JunebugJunebug was seized by the Lubbock County Sheriffs Department from an owner who wasnt providing her proper nutrition and care. Easy R doesnt have her papers but she is a registered Tennessee Walking Horse.Shortly after coming to Easy R, Junebug started showing neurological symptoms and was diagnosed with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). She was treated with two different medications over the course of a year. She still shows signs of residual neurological damage from the disease, but she has not had an acute flareup in a few years.Junebug is at a wonderful foster home grazing on several acres with her good friend, Gabe (another Easy R rescue horse). She is a beautiful horse without a mean bone in her body. She can be a little difficult to catch when she is out on a large pasture, but once she is haltered, she is well-behaved. She is a bit anxious about new things and environments, and gets nervous when separated from her friend Gabe. Easy R calls her quirky, but in a good way. Because of the EPM, it would not be safe for her to be ridden. But she would make a great companion horse. Because of her strong bond with Gabe (Easy R calls them the odd couple), they are really hoping they can adopt them out together to a home where they can be beautiful pasture ornaments.Contact Easy R Equine Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Junebug!Photo courtesy Easy R Equine RescueASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Junebug appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by NaletovaAdobe StockI had just flopped onto my couch, remote in hand. Sunny, one of my teenage daughters, breezed through the front door, phone against her ear, and gave the door a careless slam. The windows rattled, and I raised my head.I think one of my teenagers must have just walked in, I said to my daughters back as she disappeared down the hall. The door to her room slammed shut.Hi, Sunny! I said to no one, then started my movie.I was happily munching my popcorn when my daughter reappeared and flopped onto the couch next to me. She was now wearing her favorite huge pajamas and hoodie, and she snatched a handful of my popcorn.Whatcha watching, Mom?InterruptedI started to answer, but my phone rang. It was one of my good friends, but I wanted to watch my movie, and debated letting it go to voicemail. My daughter snatched the phone from my hand and gave me an evil smile.Hey, Annie. Yes, shes right herehold on!I sighed and took the phone, but the panic in my friends voice got me off the couch, fast. I was half dressed before shed finished telling me what was going on, and my daughter watched me run back and forth, grabbing my muck boots, coat, hat, headlamp, and vet bag.Mom, whats going on?Annies watching Libbys horses, and one is down. Ive got to go help her. Libby was also a good friend, and shed given my daughters riding lessons since they were small.To my surprise, Sunny leaped off the couch and pulled on her muck boots and Carhartt coat. Im going with you!This was nice. Sunny didnt come on calls with me very often, and I pointed at her pajamas, bagging over the tops of her boots.You might want your coveralls, kiddo. Sunny shrugged, and followed me out to the truck, and we roared out of the driveway, headlights slicing into the dark night.Down for the CountWe scanned the field as we pulled up to Libbys place, and a dark figure waved a flashlight at us frantically. I parked as close as I could, and we ducked through the wire fence and hurried over to a small group of people huddled around a dark shape on the ground.It was Libbys favorite mare, Annabelle, and her head moved weakly as I approached. Her eyes were wide as she struggled desperately for a minute, then lay still.I rapidly checked her vitals and gum color and listened to her belly, but everything seemed normal. I noticed some bloody tissue under her tail when I took her temperature, and the muddy ground was torn up around her.We were on a gently sloping hill, and Annabelles body lay slightly downhill from her legs. I suspected that she was cast (unable to get to her feet). When a horse is in the same position for too long, the weight of their body can injure muscles and they can become paralyzed in one or more limbs.There was no way to know how long the mare had been stuck like this, but the blood under her tail told me that the magpies had been pecking at her, so it had probably been quite a while. Would we even be able to get her back up?Annie and the others had brought several long ropes, and I tied slip knots around both of the mares down legs. Sunny was darting around us, anxious to help, and she held the light for me as I secured the ropes.Now Sunny, I want you to stay far away from Annabelle when we flip her over! I said sternly. She may thrash and struggle, and I dont want you getting hurt.Sunny nodded and I chuckled at her billowing pajamas and tall boots.You look like a pirate, I told her. She grinned at me and saluted, then ducked out of the way as I called to the others holding the ropes. We stood in a line just downhill of Annabelle. One! Two! And THREE!A Big ScareWe all heaved as hard as we could. Annabelle slowly rocked onto her back, then rolled completely over. We scrambled back as she lunged to her feet, staggered, began to fall, and briefly caught herself, shaking the ropes free.Annabelle rocked violently in place, then tumbled forward, lurching rapidly down a steeper section of the hill. To my dismay, Sunny was directly below her, running for dear life in her flapping pajamas and coat, knees almost to her chest as the mare plunged and scrambled and staggered barely 3 inches behind her. The scene seemed to go on forever. Annie and I watched helplessly as the figures careened wildly down the hill.Sunny finally had the presence of mind to duck behind a thick bush, and mercifully Annabelle came to a stop above her. The mare wobbled in place but stayed on her feet. I made sure Sunny was OK, then haltered the mare and coaxed her up the hill. Annie coaxed a shaken Sunny along behind us.Annabelle and Sunny both recovered quickly, and the mare took some hay from my daughters hands after drinking half a bucket of water. Sunny helped rub Annabelle down with a thick, soft towel.Sweet ReliefOn the drive home, I kept picturing Sunny fleeing through the dark in her huge pajamas with the horse right behind her, and I laughed until my sides cramped.Nice, Mom, Sunny said indignantly. I almost die, and youre laughing about it?I gave her a one-armed hug. Im very glad youre OK, sweetie. Maybe next time, run across the hill, not down it?She glared at me.Maybe next time, tell me that before the horse gets up! This edition of Vet Adventures appeared in the March 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Vet Adventures: A Night of Terror appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Learn about a unique training program helping medical students learn bedside manner using horses as the ultimate teachers.Remember, a horse doesnt speak English.The professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) was instructing students. The class is designed to teach how horses non-verbal communication can improve the doctor-patient relationship. Both horse and patient respondsimilarly toa quiet, focused, peaceful approach.Studying how a horse responds tothe manner, tone, touch, and eye contact of a humanhelps future doctors become sensitized to what contributes to rapport. The approach to the patient can improve their willingness to provide information, confidence in the doctor, patient satisfaction, and even their health outcome.All of those factors are important for patient-centered care.Barnyard to BedsideThe course connecting the medical student to the horse fornon-verbalskills was originally called From Barnyard to Bedside Manner, and began with Allan Hamilton, M.D., at the University of Arizona in 2000.The unique courses incorporating equine training to help medical students learn better bedside manner have expanded across the country. Photo courtesy Rutgers UniversityThe inspirationstruckduring a medical round. Hamilton, a horse trainer, neurosurgeon, and professor at the University of Arizona had medical residents following him at thehospital whenthey rushed into apatientsroom following a series of stressful emergencyconditionsthat had put them behind schedule.The patient bolted out of her chair and shrieked. The atmosphere calmed with a smile from students and a handshake.But what if this had been a horse in a stall and we had stormed in without warning, like we had just done with this poor woman? says Hamilton. That horse would probably have kicked someone.Adaptations of thistraining have also been used at Stanford University and other healthcare colleges in the United States.Hamilton considered what a horse needs when youre approaching him to gain confidence and reduce fear; this issimilar towhat the patient needs. A human may be polite, but a horse will show you exactly how you affect his environmental sphere.A horseneedsto gain confidence and reduce fear when youre approaching him; this is similar towhat a patient needs. Photo courtesy Rutgers UniversityBeverley Kane, M.D., program director for Stanford University, expanded the Barnyard course foundation into training called Medicine and Horsemanship, an equine-assisted course for doctor-patient relationship. Its dual purpose is teaching a physician how to approach and communicate with a patient while also preserving the medical students well-being, since the stress of medical education with its long hours, urgent demands, and time pressures can affect patient care and the physician-patient relationship.Part of the training is to set aside concerns anddistractions before approaching the patient, the same state of mind needed to work with a horse.Hands-On HorsesMaria Katsamanis, Psy.D., is a horse trainer, psychologist, scientist, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at RWJMS. She suggested a program similar to Hamiltons to the department.Rutgers formed a credit elective version of the Barnyard course in 2011, called HorsesforHealers: Improving Bedside Manners. A new dimension wasadded,integrating psychiatry so medical students could hone theirnon-verbalskills, including gestures, touch, empathy, tone, attitude, and eye contact.Psychiatry principles and horses help med students hone theirnon-verbalskills, including gestures, touch, empathy, tone, attitude, and eye contact. Photo courtesy Rutgers UniversityThe two-week experiential course takes place at Spring Reins of Hope & Growth, an equine-assisted therapy program in Three Bridges, N.J. The lecture (didactic) section was eventually removed from thetwo-weekcourse and more in-person equine education was added, a change based on student course evaluations requesting morehands-ontime with the horses.Katsamanis collected data to measure non-verbal skill for medical education both before and after instructive exercise in the course. On the value of non-verbal communication, shesays, Withoutit, understanding is like an iceberg floating onwater. You only see the surface ofit;you are only getting 10 percent of the information.Taking a PauseA course exercise called Meet Your Patient is basedon meetingyour patient where they are.At a session, athird-yearmedical surgery student approached a horse with what is called false confidence: braced, not breathing naturally,and with an assertive energy. The horse walked away. A psychiatry student, who was already well versed in clinicalexperience, went up to the horse, and the horse started following him. The third-year studentobserved others having success. He asked the psychiatry student, How did you do that? He learned that he should tryit a different way. Horses sense pressure and give feedback,and they can pullback and resist.Students are encouraged to be introspective, to ask: Did I really get there faster by pulling or pushing the horse? They learn how to gently encourage the horse forward.Students learn how to gently encourage a horse, taking a pause if needed to use a softer approach. Photo courtesy Rutgers UniversityPart of the method is learning to take a pause, a concept Hamilton promoted as a horsetrainer. The third-year student mentioned above took two or three minutes with the horse, in a softer approach, explaining to him, Heres what well do.Imgoing to be withyou. Themethod was the opposite of We need to get here and do this. Not An Intellectual ExerciseThe state of mind for gainingtrust inthe course applies to horse training as well. There is discussion about not approaching the horsethe patientas an intellectual exercise.Katsamanisexplains that doctors are taught a mindset of I am supposed to know everything. Psychologicalself-disclosureis encouraged in the way doctors are trained.Witnessingstudents successful solutions to working with horses and asking fellow students, How did that work? if they dontknow, is an important teaching tool in both the barnyard and the hospital environment.Trustworthy CommunicationThe stress isnt going to go away, Katsamanis says. But the students learn how to practice methods of reducing pressure. One way is called adaptive breathing behavior. Katsamanis instructs students to breathe like a horse. She asks them to whuffle, much like a horse when relaxed.Breath isa very importantnon-verbal biomarker because its the one that animals recognize, saysKatsamanis. The breath, like heartrate (another biomarker),signals to animals about danger or any shifts within the herd. Interestingly, patients at bedside act similarly to prey animals. They are less likely to believe your words. Breath will convey what emotion is truly occurring. Breathing also influences heart rate. Breath is the one variable that all mammals share as a common denominator when it comes to non-verbal communication. We teach students how to be aware of the influence of [breath] and other biomarkers so that what they say truly lines up with their body language. Doing so will help align their communication.In an exercise called billiards, a horse enters the arena from his stall, moving freely. The student in the center goes to connect with the horse, approaching slowly, with a gentle voice, as they would need to do for a human patient.During billiards, a group of students guide horses into makeshift chutes. Photo courtesy Rutgers UniversityThen he or she guides the horse towards the pocket, setup with a pole on the fence on one side and cones on the other side of the makeshift chute. There are groups of students that coordinate for this exercise, illustrating the team effect in a hospitalsetting. Forexample,if thereceptionist, anurse, or part of medical staffisnthelpful, the patient experience and satisfaction with their doctor is further affected. The exercise is analogous to contending with hospital-patient challenges. If somethingdoesntwork with a horse (patient) ora horse is nervous,the doctor can trydifferent or lesspressuring methods next time.The HorsesThe horses used for the medical program include aLipizzan, an Appaloosa, a former reining champion Quarter Horse, a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse, and a gray mule. The equines all live in a herd and are only used for emotional therapywork,notriding.Insights into personal relationships aredrawn; for instance, the Quarter Horse may try to resist the direction of the student. The teacher says, Where else in your life do you get pushed around? and You need to set boundaries.Authentic ResponseIn order toset up this kind of academic training, a college must have a person who is knowledgeable about horses and medical education. A psychology background is also important, and the school needs to have access to a horse herd for therapeutic education.Experiential training with the horse can provide sensitivity to an animal who is direct in his response andnotfiltering through a polite manner. Since medical students practice with patients who are actors, they may not get torealizethe breadth ofnecessary non-verbalskills. Future physicians learning from an authentic response discover how to respond both to humans and to the horse.This article about horses helping in the training of medical students appeared in the June 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Horses Helping in the Training of Medical Students appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

While the purebred Arabian has been around for thousands of years, specific breeding of Half-Arabians eligible for recording in studbooks is much more recent. According to the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), in 1951, the International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA) acquired the official studbooks for the Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses from the American Remount Association.Photo by Bob LangrishThe Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian Horse Registry were subsequently established by IAHA for the purpose of registering, transferring, and maintaining the official registration records concerning Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses. The Half- and Anglo-Arabians are treated as different breeds within the registry.The Anglo-Arabian is a cross between a purebred AHA or Canadian Arabian Horse Registry (CAHR) Arabian and a Thoroughbred registered with the Jockey Club or other approved foreign source, or two registered Anglo-Arabians. They cannot be more than 75 percent Arabian blood or less than 25 percent. Those over 75 percent can be registered as a Half-Arabian.JAG Royal Knight, a half-Arabian/half-Welsh Pony. Knight is a half-sibling to JAG Kalico Kid (below), and he helped greet hundreds of families each day at BreyerFest. Photo by Jessica Ann DesignsA Half-Arabian is a cross between an AHA- or CAHR-registered Arabian and another breed of horse. The number before the A in the registration number indicates the percentage of Arabian blood in the horse. The AHA says the two most popular Half-Arabian crosses are American Quarters Horses (for western and working western disciplines) and American Saddlebreds (for English, country English, park and saddle seat equitation).JAG Kalico Kid, a half-Arabian/half-Saddlebred, ridden by Kathy Gilker at a demo at BreyerFest in Lexington, Ky. According to the AHA, on of the most popular Half-Arabian crosses is with the American Saddlebred. Photo by Photography by KRaeCurrent registration numbers as of 2023 are 357,119 Half-Arabians and 10,096 Anglo-Arabians.All-Around Half-ArabiansAmy Pike had always ridden purebred Arabians and says she didnt make the switch to Half-Arabians consciously. A trainer offered her a Half-Arabian gelding (75 percent Arabian and 25 percent Saddlebred), Megas Four Onthefloor+++/ (aka Four), after the tragic loss of a young purebred Arabian she owned.Id ridden some wonderful Half-Arabians previous to Four and had great experiences, she shares. I had ridden and shown a National Show Horse (Saddlebred cross) named Rohara Marc Twain for a few years in the mid-2000s and loved him. After Marc, I was open to a nice horse to ride and show, whether purebred or half. These days, though, I find I really love my Half-Arabians, and theyre very special.Pike also owns a 3-year-old 50-50 Arabian/Quarter Horse Half-Arabian named Johnny Paycheck+ (aka Whalen), and is part owner of Uncle Buck Dunit, a 16-year-old 50-50 Arabian/Quarter Horse Half-Arabian. With her Half-Arabians, Pike has done a bit of everything, including showing in reining, dressage, western dressage, hunter, western, ranch horse, cow sorting, trail, backwoods trail riding, and camping.I even packed out an elk from a hunting trip with Four, she says. Four has several national titles in dressage and sport horse in hand.Amy Pike and Four, who is 75% Arabian and 25% Saddlebred. While she competes him in several disciplines, he once packed an elk out during a hunting trip, showcasing incredible versatility. Photo by Ella ChedsterBut I think the most special thing about him is his love of people, Pike adds. He went to the Oregon State Fair and carried a young lady to several placings in her State FFA Horse competitions this last summer. She lost her horse just weeks prior to fair, and Four was able to step in and carry her. They practiced three times before hitting the show arena.Drill TeamMarlene Manuel was looking for a purebred Arabian that would be a smooth ride for her bad back when she saw Joe Fabulous G, a 50-50 Arabian/Quarter Horse Half-Arabian, at a drill clinic. I fell in love with his way of moving, she says. Although he was big and had a Quarter Horse build, he moved like a graceful Arabian.Marlene Manuel acquired Joe Fabulous G, a 50-50 Arabian/Quarter Horse Half-Arabian, for her drill team riding. She loves his combination of quick acceleration, stamina, and hardiness. Photo by Spirit of a Cowboy ImagesBeing a drill team member herself, Manuel needed a horse with a lot of athleticism and stamina.His athleticism allows him to easily accelerate, decelerate, and quickly change direction, all very smoothly, she says. This has not changed over the years, and you would never know he is 18. Hes got that hardy Arabian blood, yet is sturdy and strong, like a Quarter Horse.Reining In WinsMelissa Shaver, DVM, grew up showing purebred Arabians, but now she competes in reining with her Half-Arabians. Why did she make the switch?Having always been drawn to the working western events, especially reining, the Half-Arabian and Quarter Horse cross is perfect, she says. They are pretty, strong, and athletic, and we can show in the open reining shows as well as the rated Arabian shows and be competitive in both.Melissa Shaver, DVM, loves the Arabian/Quarter Horse cross, and has shown her mares Bee My Bucks (pictured) and Megas Dunnit in Gold to National Reserve Champions in reining and multiple regional titles. Photo by Howard SchatzbergHer mares, Bee My Bucks+/ and Megas Dunnit in Gold, have both been shown to National Reserve Champions in reining and multiple regional titles.This article about appeared in the June 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Breed Portrait: The Half-Arabian appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Equine charity the Horse and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) and their ecommerce charity horse shop HAPPA Direct has announcedthey will host their first Festival of the Horse open day at their base in Burnley on Saturday 16 August.The event will welcome local equestrian professionals and service providers to give demonstrations, displays and talks, stalls will sell equestrian goodies and a horse-themed tombola will take place.There will be plenty for equine enthusiasts to see and do and many of the charitys residents will also be available to meet.Highlights of the day will include a dressage demonstration by Sam Gorman and Porridge, a rescue gypsy cob who is trained to Grand Prix level, gymkhana games from Pendle Forest and Craven Hunt Pony Club and a driving display by Rhiann Donnelly and her coloured cob Bentley.For children there will be pony crafts, a Western-themed trail around the farm and a play area. Authors Susannah and Peter Winfield-Weston will be on site to read and sign copies of their childrens book, Percy the Piebald Pony.A day of celebrationWhether you own, loan, ride, or just love being around horses, this ones for you, said Amanda Flowers from HAPPA Direct.The day is a real celebration of horses, people, and the bond we share, all in support of equine welfare. Come with friends, family, or your riding buddies and enjoy a brilliant day out.Shores Hey Farm will come alive with stall holders, a horse art competition by the brilliant Clive Mayor, a horse themed tombola and cocktails by Poison Ivy Cocktails and thats not all, the charitys caf will be serving food and refreshments for the day and the resident rescue horses cant wait to meet you.HAPPAs Festival of the Horse will take place at Shores Hey Farm, Blackhouse Lane, Briercliffe, Burnley, BB10 3QU on Saturday 16th August from 11am until 4pm.Tickets are required and all proceeds go to HAPPA.Image HAPPA.Related contentHow to tell if a horse is happyFrom tragedy to love Romeo and Juliet rescued (separately) in time for Valentines DayDover 26 horses rescued from being smuggled last year are seeking new homesUK bans live export of horses for slaughterPublic attitudes towards horse sport on the right track but there is still more to doThe post Bumper line up of activities at equine charity open day appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Balancing Passion and Partnership: A Horse Lover's Dilemma at Sixty Maintaining passion for horses while embracing life's changes in the sixties. Understanding the Demographics of Horse Ownership 41% of horse owners are over 45; understanding health and management needs is crucial. Senior Horses in Competition 10% of senior horses compete; Quarter Horses excel in competition. Balancing Riding and Health Prioritize health and physical abilities; benefits of the bond between rider and horse. Maintaining the Partnership Transition to lighter activities; importance of healthcare and community support. Conclusion Balance passion and partnership with horses for well-being and joy after sixty. Balancing Passion and Partnership: A Horse Lover's Dilemma at Sixty As we gallop into our sixties, many of us find that our passions and priorities have aged like a fine wine. For horse enthusiasts, this enduring love affair with equestrian life brings joy and fulfillment. Yet, as in any long-term relationship, navigating the challenges of time can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Today, we'll explore how maintaining your passion for horses can harmonize with embracing life's changes. Understanding the Demographics of Horse Ownership The realm of horse ownership is an eclectic landscape, with nearly half of all owners being over the age of 45. Recent surveys shine a light on this demographic, revealing that 41% of horse owners proudly belong to this age bracket. This statistic underscores a significant insight: the enduring flame of horse passion doesn't fade with years. It's pivotal, therefore, to grasp the health and management necessities required for both the horse and their maturing riders. Senior Horses in Competition For seasoned riders who revel in competition, knowing the capabilities and special needs of senior horses becomes invaluable. A noteworthy U.S. survey points out that 10% of senior horses, defined as those over 15 years, actively compete, predominantly in the 15-20 age range. Age and Performance It's fascinating to note that only 27% of horses older than 20 remain in competition. This statistic likely correlates with declining exercise capacity, illustrating the necessity to assess a horses health while moderating workload effectively. Breed and Discipline Among the marvels of the equine community, Quarter Horses still hold the crown in competitive arenas, especially in the U.S. Their popularity parallels their robust performance and adaptability. Balancing Riding and Health With the grace of age, riders are urged to consider their health and physical abilities as central to their pursuits. Much like horses, riders can face health-related decisions regarding retirement, typically between ages 15 and 24 for horses [source]. Physical Considerations By engaging in regular exercise and embracing a vibrant lifestyle, aging riders can suavely tackle these challenges. Balance is crucial; the safety and health of both the rider and horse shouldn't be sacrificed for the sake of passion. Mental Health Benefits Beyond physical well-being, the bond between rider and horse promises a plethora of mental health boonsfrom reducing stress levels to enhancing an overall sense of happiness. This extraordinary partnership can invigorate ones zest for life, extending involvement in equestrian pursuits. Maintaining the Partnership For horse devotees, the bond with a trusty steed is profoundly personal, illustrating the true essence of friendship. As the sands of time shift, so too might this partnership, focusing more on camaraderie and lighter activities. Adjusting Roles Thoughtfully transitioning from competitive endeavors to pleasure riding or engaging in activities like horse grooming provides ample room to cultivate this cherished relationship. Discover the joys of riding apparel that provides comfort for leisurely rides. Healthcare and Management Ensuring both you and your horse attend regular health check-ups is pivotal. These appointments can reveal potential issues before they develop into significant concerns. Access premium supplements for a health boost. Community Support Immersing oneself in equestrian communities opens the doors to support and resources for gracefully managing the symphony of aging while cherishing the joy of horses. Let the camaraderie and shared knowledge within these groups enhance your lifelong equine journey! Conclusion In conclusion, skillfully balancing ones passion and partnership with horses after sixty calls for a thoughtful approach to personal health, lifestyle, and the shifting needs of both rider and horse. By delving into the demographics, capabilities of senior horses, and the nuances of sustaining a healthy partnership, equestrian lovers can savor their passion in a manner that ensures well-being for both themselves and their equine companions. Whether through buzzing competitive events, peaceful pleasure rides, or simply basking in the companionshipone's bond with horses endures, providing unfathomable joy across time. ```html```

Section Key Points Prevalence of Lameness - 33% of British Dressage horses experienced lameness at some point. - 24% were lame in the last two years. - Grand Prix dressage horses show a 27% lameness rate. Impact on Performance - Lameness affects precise dressage movements. - Can lead to decreased performance in demanding movements like piaffe. Risk Factors - Age and height of horse increase lameness risk. - Arena types: deeper or sand-based arenas increase risk. - Specific training and environmental practices. Identifying Lameness - Conducted by trained observers and vets. - Utilize diagnostic tools like examinations and imaging. Addressing Lameness - Early detection is critical. - Adjust training regimens. - Collaborate with veterinarians. - Maintain safe and suitable arenas. Training Adjustments - Prevent aggravation through gentle exercises. - Cross-train with low-impact activities. Veterinary Care - Tailored treatment plans. - Regular check-ups and diagnostics. Navigating the Challenges of Identifying and Addressing Lameness in Dressage Competitions Lameness in horses is a significant concern in equestrian sports, particularly in dressage competitions where precision and fluid movement are paramount. The prevalence of lameness can vary, impacting performance and the well-being of the horses. This blog explores the challenges of identifying and addressing lameness in dressage, providing insights into its prevalence, risk factors, and the impact on competition performance. Prevalence of Lameness in Dressage Horses Lameness is a common issue in dressage horses, with studies indicating that a substantial percentage of these animals experience lameness at some point in their careers. A study involving British Dressage horses found that 33% of horses had been lame at some point, with 24% experiencing lameness in the previous two years. In competitions, the prevalence of lameness can be significant, with Grand Prix dressage horses showing a lameness rate of 27%. Impact on Performance The presence of lameness can affect a horse's performance in dressage competitions. While show jumpers with mild lameness may perform slightly better due to adapting their technique, dressage horses typically do not fare as well. In dressage, precise movements like piaffe and half-pass are biomechanically demanding and can exacerbate lameness, leading to decreased performance. Risk Factors for Lameness Several factors contribute to the risk of lameness in dressage horses, including age, height, types of arenas, and specific training methods. For instance, using horse-walkers and lunging can be protective, while arenas that become deeper in wet conditions or sand-based arenas can increase the risk. Considering Age and Height Similar to how humans might feel the aches and pains of an aging body, older horses are more susceptible to lameness. Moreover, the size of the horse is also a factor: larger horses tend to experience more strain on their joints and ligaments during intricate movements. Arenas and Footing Concerns The stable environment is crucial for preventing lameness. Arenas with unsuitable footingsuch as those that become deep in wet conditionsmight contribute to a higher risk. It is important that arenas are maintained under optimal conditions to support the horse's well-being. Identifying Lameness Identifying lameness early is crucial for effective management. Trained observers can detect signs of lameness, such as uneven gait patterns or changes in behavior. Regular veterinary check-ups and the use of advanced diagnostic tools like lameness examinations and imaging can help identify lameness accurately. Addressing Lameness in Dressage Competitions Addressing lameness involves a multi-faceted approach: Early Detection: Regular monitoring and early detection of lameness are critical to prevent it from becoming a significant issue. Training Adjustments: Adjusting training regimens to accommodate horses with lameness can help reduce strain on affected areas. Veterinary Care: Working closely with veterinarians to treat lameness and prevent recurrence is essential. Arena Design: Ensuring arenas are safe and well-maintained can reduce the risk of lameness. Training Regimens and Adjustments Training routines should be adjusted to prevent aggravating a horse's condition. Focusing on gentle exercises and cross-training with activities like swimming can help maintain fitness without undue stress. Collaborative Veterinary Care Involving a veterinarian ensures that treatment plans are tailored to the specifics of each case of lameness. Regular check-ups and diagnostics further support maintaining a horse's health for competition readiness. Conclusion Lameness is a significant challenge in dressage competitions, affecting both the performance and welfare of horses. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of lameness is essential for developing effective strategies to address it. By combining early detection, training adjustments, veterinary care, and safe arena design, riders and trainers can minimize the effects of lameness and ensure a healthier and more successful competition experience for their horses. Further Reading and References Prevalence of Lameness in FEI Horses: Insights into how lameness affects show jumpers and dressage horses. Pain and Lameness in Competition Horses: Discusses the prevalence and types of lameness. ```html```