Twitching is a traditional method used to restrain horses during medical treatments, grooming, or other necessary procedures, especially when a horse becomes anxious or uncooperative. This technique involves applying pressure to a horse’s upper lip or, in some cases, the ear, using either hands or a tool called a twitch. A common twitch consists of…
Wallace the Great, an 11-year-old mule, made history by becoming the first of his kind to win a British Dressage competition. This was possible only after British Dressage changed its rules, which had previously banned mules from competing. Wallace, ridden by Christie Mclean from Stroud, Gloucestershire, took part in a British Dressage Quest Club competition…
Pit ponies were horses and ponies used in coal mines for centuries, working in darkness and carrying heavy loads underground. The first recorded use of ponies in British mines dates back to 1750 in the Durham coalfield. Their use increased after the Mines and Collieries Act of 1842, which banned women and children under ten…
During the production of Sleepy Hollow in 1999, Johnny Depp formed a strong bond with Goldeneye, the Andalusian horse who played Ichabod Crane’s companion, Gunpowder. Goldeneye had only one eye and was considered too old to be of further use after filming ended. The original plan was to have the horse euthanized once production was…
Tommy Woodcock and his horse Reckless shared a bond unlike any other in Australian horse racing history. Their relationship was captured in a now-iconic photograph taken by Bruce Postle on the eve of the 1977 Melbourne Cup. The image, which shows Woodcock lying beside Reckless in the stable, perfectly illustrates their deep connection. Without being…
Viggo Mortensen’s dedication to his role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings went far beyond acting. His deep connection with the horses on set became one of the most heartwarming stories from the production. During filming, Mortensen bonded so closely with the horse he rode, a chestnut stallion named Uraeus, that after the…
Bernice Ende, affectionately known as the “Lady Long Rider,” embarked on an extraordinary journey that defied societal norms and showcased the spirit of adventure. Born on November 16, 1954, in Minnesota, she was raised on a dairy farm, where her early years were filled with the rhythms of farm life. From a young age, Bernice…
Amanda Eckstein and Phillip Werner planned a heartfelt maternity photo shoot to celebrate their upcoming baby, but their horse, Buckshot, had other plans. Instead of quietly standing by, the 12-year-old horse turned the session into an unforgettable experience. As the couple posed in a peaceful pasture, Buckshot decided to steal the spotlight with his over-the-top…
The 1981 Grand National was more than just a horse race; it was a story of hope, resilience, and an unbreakable bond between a man and his horse. On that fateful day, Bob Champion and Aldaniti captured the hearts of millions with a victory that symbolized triumph over adversity. Their journey to the winner’s circle…
For nearly half a century, Atlantic City’s Steel Pier offered a breathtaking and controversial spectacle that left audiences amazed. The diving horse act, a unique blend of thrill and danger, became one of the most famous attractions of its time. Spectators gathered daily to witness a horse, ridden by a daring young woman, leaping from…