About.com Horses

Horse Photo of the Week - Dakota James

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:44:51 +0000

The picture of James and Old Joe on James' gallery page really is too cute. James' family may have some disputes as to whose pet James' actually is.� Find out why James' favorite color is purple when you read his gallery page.

Photo minilover2, About.com Member

Enjoy more horse pictures on the Horses Gallery and don't forget to send a picture of your own favorite horse, pony, donkey or mule.

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Horse Photo of the Week - Dakota James originally appeared on About.com Horses on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 05:44:51.

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Horse Quiz of the Week: Horse Breeds Quiz

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:09:39 +0000

Photo 2006 K. Blocksdorf

Here is a picture of Thor and his mom, a Clydesdale mare. Thor is no longer the tiny bundle of energy you see in this photo, but almost full grown, weighing over 1000 lbs (545 kg). He has many characteristics of the Clydesdale, including heavy bones and a very sensible temperament. His father was a Thoroughbred, named "Matt". Matt also is very sensible, which endears him that much more to his owner. The Clydesdale and the Thoroughbred are only two of many breeds the world over.

Do you know about the common horse breeds? Try the horse breeds quiz to test your knowledge. Here's a hint; if you want to get 100% read through Horse and Pony Breeds. Have fun! Want to test your horse knowledge on other subjects? Here are a few more quizzes:

Did you know you can get horse quizzes delivered to your email inbox? Sign up now for the Test Your Horse Savvy quiz series.

Horse Quiz of the Week: Horse Breeds Quiz originally appeared on About.com Horses on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 05:09:39.

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Opossums and EPM in Horses

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:48:18 +0000

Over that last few weeks I've been seeing more of an animal species I had only heard about; opossums. Possums are not indigenous to this area, but with the warmer winters we've been having they've adapted well. As a horse owner I can't say I am happy to see their arrival. Opossums carry the EPM virus. Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis is thought to be a very common disease, but hard to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to many other neurological disorders.

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Opossums and EPM in Horses originally appeared on About.com Horses on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 05:48:18.

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Horses in the Winter Olympics

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:02:08 +0000

The countdown is on to the opening day of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Over the holidays, the Olympic Torch Relay went through several communities near me. It has almost reached its destination and the 2010 Winter Olympics start February 12, in Vancouver, British Columbia. For the horse lover, the Winter Olympics are not as exciting as the Summer Olympics that include show jumping, eventing and dressage. But in the past, there were horse sports amongst the Winter Olympic events.

I've added� pictures to the Olympic Action Image gallery of flat racing and skijoring. I used to skijoer behind horse and snowmobile when I was much younger. I'm not going to provide tips for skijoring because it's difficult to do safely. Suffice to say if you do try it, make sure you wear a helmet and use harness and driving lines in a way that won't entangle you if you fall.

Of course horses have taken a supporting role in the Winter Olympics over the years, pulling horse drawn vehicles or carrying dignitaries, but for a broader look at horse sports, we're going to have to wait for the upcoming WEG. Until then, here's a rundown of the events in Vancouver. (Let me know if you spot any horses.)

Horses in the Winter Olympics originally appeared on About.com Horses on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 10:02:08.

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Horse Photo of the Week - Cocoa

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:23:09 +0000

This is such a beautiful picture. I think it looks like something out of a magazine!

2007 Connie H.

Cocoa really loves that pond too! Read more about Cocoa on his gallery page.

Enjoy more horse pictures on the Horses Gallery and don't forget to� send a picture of your own favorite horse, pony, donkey or mule!

Horse Photo of the Week - Cocoa originally appeared on About.com Horses on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 05:23:09.

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Try This New Quiz - Are You Really Ready for Horse Ownership?

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:57:34 +0000

Deciding to buy a horse is a big step, and it's a big responsibility. Thankfully, there are lots of resources as you prepare to bring your new friend home. You've done all the reading, you're taking lessons and you feel ready to own your own horse. But is knowledge all there is to being ready to own a horse? Not really. Take this quiz and find out if you have the commitment it takes to care for a horse.

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Try This New Quiz - Are You Really Ready for Horse Ownership? originally appeared on About.com Horses on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 04:57:34.

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How to Research Your Off the Track Thoroughbred's Pedigree

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:49:03 +0000

A reader recently asked how they could research the pedigree of their off the track Thoroughbred.� You'll need three things to do this, the lip tattoo numbr, the horse's registered name and date of birth (year). If your horse hasn't been tattooed, you'll need to be sure of that name!� Make sure it is spelled correctly .

The first website it try is Thoroughbred Horse Pedigree. Here you simply enter your horse's name and if the horse is listed in the database you'll receive a five generation pedigree. There are paid subscriptions to this site, but you'll probably only need that kind of detailed information if you are buying a horse for the track, or for breeding.

You can also try researching at Bris.net. Most of the services here are provided for a small fee and most are aimed at breeders and bettors. But you can purchase a pedigree with race record for a few dollars.

If you have a lip tattoo number the Jockey Club free search might provide you with the pedigree you're looking for.

If you don't find your horse's pedigree online it is possible to contact the breeder's association. In the USA, you can contact the Jockey Club. In Canada the Canadian Thoroughbred Society may be able to help you out.

Thanks to Allison Parks of the Thoroughbred Owners And Breeders Association for the Jockey Club research information.

As for the reader who asked the question, she should be pleased with her gelding's prestigious ancestry that includes Nijinsky, Princequillo and Northern Dancer.

How to Research Your Off the Track Thoroughbred's Pedigree originally appeared on About.com Horses on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 05:49:03.

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Getting to Yes - Clicker Training for Improved Horsemanship

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:14:55 +0000

Getting to Yes - Clicker Training for Improved Horsemanship is a great book of you are interested in getting started in clicker training. This is almost a recipe book that will guide you through every step; from introducing you and your horse to the clicker to half-passes and halts. Sharon Foley is a dressage rider who uses clicker training to enhance her horse's performance. And although the slant is towards dressage, riders of any style will find the ground work and work under saddle useful. I really enjoyed this book, and plan on taking it with me when I head to the barn, along with my clicker and treat pouch.

Have you read this book? Add your review and rating to my review.

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Getting to Yes - Clicker Training for Improved Horsemanship originally appeared on About.com Horses on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 10:14:55.

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Saddle Fit Videos with Schleese Saddlery

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:56:39 +0000

Schleese Saddlery Service is run by Certified Master Saddler Jochen Schleese, his wife Sabine and partner Earl Rothery. Having sat in a few Schleese saddles, I can tell you that these are the Cadillac of English saddles. But rider comfort isn't the only consideration when buying a saddle. Schleese Saddlery focuses on constructing and fitting saddles for the optimum comfort of the horse. Saddle fit is important since horses can act out discomfort in many ways that may be mistakenly labeled 'bad behavior'.� I was impressed by Schleese's YouTube channel, that contains a dozen videos covering saddle fitting. Even if you can't afford to buy one of Schleese's custom saddles (I wish I could!) you'll learn a lot about choosing and fitting an English saddle for you and your horse.

Saddle Fit Videos with Schleese Saddlery originally appeared on About.com Horses on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 08:56:39.

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Horse Photo of the Week - Go Steady Defrost

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:44:56 +0000

Photo yowcah, About.com Guest.

"Teddy is known to be spoiled. I say he is smart. He has a great memory. He remembers where he as been, what he has done and to whom he has come in contact with." Hmmm...I wonder who does the spoiling? Read more about Teddy on his gallery page.

Enjoy more horse pictures on the Horses Gallery and don't forget to send a picture of your own favorite horse, pony, donkey or mule.

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Horse Photo of the Week - Go Steady Defrost originally appeared on About.com Horses on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 05:44:56.

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