1) The biggest equines in the world are the draft breeds. These horses were bred to pull or carry large loads. Included in the draft breeds are the Shire, Percheron, and Clydesdale horses. Before the use of trucks and tractors, draft horses pulled plows, wagons, streetcars, barges, and other farm implements and conveyances. They were…
An international dressage rider is fighting for life after sustaining a severe head injury while rescuing a stranger’s horses from a yard ravaged by bush fires. German rider Janina Kletke, who is based in Australia, responded to a phone call asking if she could collect four horses from a burnt-out property in Garfield North, Victoria….
You see plenty of cars, vans and the odd motorbike parked in McDonald’s car parks as drivers and riders pop in for a quick bite. But you don’t see many horses. So it was something of a surprise when traffic police officers on a night shift saw this chap park his horse and gig outside…
Horses are an all-consuming force of nature that alter every aspect of our lives, but maybe it’s time to fess up. Here are 10 true equestrian confessions. 10.If my horse has a small cut, temperature, or “just seems off” I rush him to the vet; however, I was unable to justify a trip to the…
“Somewhere…somewhere in time’s own space, there must be some sweet pastured place Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow, Some Paradise where horses go. For by the love that guides my pen I know great horses live again.” ~ Stanley Harrison “The earth would be nothing without the people, but the man would be…
1) You become a hoarder. Because gradually, bit by bit (no pun intended), your spare room becomes a storage space for bridles, saddles rugs, boots, show gear, normal gear, yard clothes, lesson clothes, spare saddlecloths and various other pieces of horsey equipment. It never gets thrown out or sold because you “might need it” sometime…
The American Saddlebred originated in the southern United States during the country’s early days, descended from the Narragansett Pacer and the Thoroughbred. It became a popular riding horse due to its intelligence and smooth gaits, therefore the main choice for many generals during the Civil War. The first breed registry was formed in 1891, and…
Paralympian Felicity Coulthard’s 2008 freestyle silver-medal winning partner Roffelaar has been put down at the age of 21 due to colic. The striking gelding also secured a bronze medal at the 2007 world championships and went on to a second Paralympic team slot at London 2012, loaned to a South African rider. Grade II rider…
An initiative aiming to “give a cob a job” will encourage better breeding of traditional gypsy cobs, while also benefiting individuals with mental health issues and learning difficulties. The Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA) is setting up an equine therapy center near Canterbury, as part of its welfare charitable arm Cob Care, which aims to…
A Welsh cob who was shot in the head two years ago – and who still carries the bullets – has bounced back to qualify for the SEIB Search for a Star (SFAS) final. Danielle Remblance was devastated to find her section D gelding Davada Billy The Kid (Terra) had been wounded in his field…