About.com Horses

Should You Buy Your Child a Horse or Pony?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:55:14 +0000

I remember watching the Disney movie, Justin Morgan Had a Horse and deciding I must have a Morgan horse.

Photo 2005 K. Blocksdorf

My mother told me I could have one if I saved up $200 ( a lot of money way back then). I saved birthday money, collected bottles for exchange and searched the couch cushions until my back account reached the right amount. My mother then found a palomino Welsh pony mare in foal to a Morgan stallion. I didn't quite get a Morgan horse, but a Morgan-Welsh cross.

Of course, it helped that my mother's passion was horses and we lived on a farm already. There was no question of whether I was ready for a horse or not. This pony was in fact my third or fourth. But not every child who wants a horse can get one so easily. What do you do when your child is begging for a horse or pony? Read Should You Buy Your Child a Horse or Pony for tips that may help you make the right decisions.

More About Buying Kid's Ponies

Should You Buy Your Child a Horse or Pony? originally appeared on About.com Horses on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 06:55:14.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Why Does My Horse Stumble?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:07:17 +0000

Horses can get a bit fumble-footed just like the rest of us. But what if your horse is stumbling frequently? Sometimes the answer is as simple as having the blacksmith out to trim your horse's hooves. But sometimes the problem can be a bit more serious. Here are some possible reasons why a horse stumbles.

Read More About Common Riding Problems

Why Does My Horse Stumble? originally appeared on About.com Horses on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 05:07:17.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

How to Ask Santa (or Your Parents) For a Christmas Horse

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:31:23 +0000

A horse or pony may be on the top of your Christmas list this year. But horse ownership is a big responsibility, it can be expensive and safety is priority. So if you are in the position of asking your parents (or Santa) for a horse this Christmas here are a few tips that may help you out. Read How To Convince Your Parents to Buy You a Horse and get ready to go to work to prove a horse or pony is a good idea.

More About Buying Your First Horse

How to Ask Santa (or Your Parents) For a Christmas Horse originally appeared on About.com Horses on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 05:31:23.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

The Forgotten Army - Remembering the Horses

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:25:41 +0000

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the US. On this day we remember the brave men and women who fought in WW1, WW2 and the Korean war, and those who have been involved in more recent conflicts. Let's also remember the animals who unknowingly contributed to our freedom. Over 200,000 horses and mules were used during WW1. Many of these came to a undignified end when the war ended. The Forgotten Army describes the use and fate of horses on the battlefields during the "War to End all Wars."

The Forgotten Army - Remembering the Horses originally appeared on About.com Horses on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 04:25:41.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Take the Poll: How Many Years Have You Been Riding ?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:23:47 +0000

Have you just started riding, or do you have years of experience in the saddle? What's the most important thing you've learned so far? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

How Many Years Have You Been Riding?

Click here to view results and see other reader's responses.

Take the Poll: How Many Years Have You Been Riding ? originally appeared on About.com Horses on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 05:23:47.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Horse Quiz of the Week: Horse Breeds Quiz

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:09:39 +0000

Photo 2006 K. Blocksdorf

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, November 7th, 2009 at 05:09:39.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Take the Poll: Blanketing During the Winter Months

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:55:32 +0000

The weather is turning chilly, and I'm already grabbing a warm jacket before I head out the door. But does your horse need an extra layer for warmth as the days cool off? What do you think? Do you blanket your horses during the colder winter months?

Take the Poll: Blanketing During the Winter Months originally appeared on About.com Horses on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 10:55:32.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Horse Quiz of the Week: Points of the Horse Quiz

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:31:15 +0000

Here's a quiz for you to try! Do you know the parts of the horse? Take this quiz and find out. Just identify the points of the horse under the red letters. Need to refresh your memory on the parts of the horse? Check out the Parts of the Horse Clickable Image Map first. Did you know you can get horse quizzes delivered to your email inbox? Sign up now for the Test Your Horse Savvy quiz series.

More Quizzes

Horse Quiz of the Week: Points of the Horse Quiz originally appeared on About.com Horses on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 05:31:15.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Make Your Own Heated Riding Pants?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:10:52 +0000

One of my favorite non-horse website is Lifehacker.com, a blog that features tips and tricks to make your life easier. Today Lifehacker blogged about DIY heated clothing. I am constantly looking for ways to stay warm during the cold weather. I don't know how many times I've come in from riding with my fingers frozen around the reins and my legs feeling blocks of ice.

A friend of mine swears by his battery heated socks, and I've used battery heated mittens for skiing. But I have never seen riding pants made like those for motorcycling riding, with heating wire through them. They look like a great idea. I'm pretty handy with a sewing machine and I've seen a soldering iron. I think we actually own one. So, would it be worth trying to make heated riding pants? Anyone willing to give it a try? Would they be a fire hazard in the barn? It would certainly be a twist on the term 'electric butt' or 'hot seat', the situation when a rider inadvertently fires up even the laziest horse because they ride with a too active seat. If you do make a pair of heated riding pants, please send pictures and instructions!

Make Your Own Heated Riding Pants? originally appeared on About.com Horses on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 20:10:52.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Take the Poll: What Horse Training Methods Have You Tried?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:21:09 +0000

There are a lot of different ways to train a horse. Some horse owners only use Parelli, Lyons or other popular 'natural horsemanship' methods and some believe in using classical methods. Some people combine methods, and that's perfectly okay as long as you are consistent in the way you handle your horse. What methods do you use? Take the poll and leave your comments below.

Take the Poll: What Horse Training Methods Have You Tried? originally appeared on About.com Horses on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 05:21:09.

Permalink | Comment | Email this