horse
Explore the transformative role of horses throughout human history; equines were instrumental in the spread of agriculture, language, culture, technology and more.
A Brilliant Jewel
A Brilliant Jewel Before the start of the auction, Darcy and her dad had scoped out the horses being offered in the sale. She merrily drowns in the overpowering scent of horses, and revels in the overwhelming sounds of conversation as people discussed horses and potential purchases. The father-daughter pair spoke to the owners of a few prospects, including the handler of an ornery, black filly, who showed them his horse by leading her gruffly from the stall. When he attempted to lay his hands on her to point out the mare’s excellent conformation, she struck out with a hind foot and squealed. She missed the man, but made her point. He spoke a few angry-toned words before standing insecurely by her head in his dirty sweatshirt and unkempt beard. He fumbled with the lead rope as he hesitantly answered their questions. They were skeptical of is honesty when they asked the mare’s age, training and temperament.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Petlife
A Journey of Intention Discovered through Horses - Part 8
“Do your best until you know better. Then. when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou It’s mid-January, and I’m chomping at the bit to ride my horses again. It’s been months, I think! The forecast teased me saying around 30F degree temps, but changed it to colder two days later. It turned out to be mid-20’s and windy. Not my thing. I stayed in the house. And now it’s supposed to get even colder again-like single digits and negatives. So, I don’t ride. I stay antsy indoors and I think too much. My physical limitations keep me basically housebound when there’s too much snow or ice or cold.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Petlife
Taking on a Chance
As I sit here watching the leaves blow in the wind, the smell of manure potent flowing through the air catching my every breathe. Trying to bring myself to carry on working but I’m so exhausted, exhausted from the heavy lifting, exhausted from the constant battering my body has to take every day, exhausted from frequent weather changes from the bright sun light on a frosty morning to the hail beating down on my back as I’m walking through the fields in what feels like a 500 miles away. Am I just feeling sorry for myself. I don’t know. All these thoughts crashing through my mind wave after wave, why do I feel like this? Is it just this place? Am I actually fine? god I’m getting worked up, calm down, calm down.
By Robyn Giles4 years ago in Petlife
Simple Ways to Improve Your Horsemanship
As an equine behaviour consultant, I encounter many people who are desperate to improve their relationship with their horse. Most equine behavioural problems are complex, with many differential factors at play. The horse may have a medical condition, a specific phobia, or restrictive management, but on top of this, there are often problems with a person's horsemanship.
By Corinne McCafferty4 years ago in Petlife
A Journey of Intention Discovered through Horses - Part 6
I don’ really have anything new or exciting to report with Blu this month, so I thought I would share an interesting perspective instead. Something I’ve come to appreciate more-and-more over time. I am grateful I had the opportunity to see the legendary horseman, Ray Hunt, in action while at University, but do regret that I didn’t know what a great opportunity it was, so I didn’t take advantage of it like I could have.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Petlife
Turning an Eye Loss…
When I found out my Quarter Horse Rolo had Uveitis, glaucoma and a cataract that meant his left eye was going to go completely blind, necessitating a removal of it, I was stunned, even though the eye’s constricted pupil and unnatural lightening had been going on for several months. I winced in sympathy when Dr. Nunnery, the Equine Eye Specialist, told me that in addition to the loss of sight, Rolo was also probably in pain. I stroked his soft eyebrow ridge, and kissed him. I nodded bravely to her and shrugged when we decided the best course of action would be an enucleation. Once she had left, however, I walked Rolo back to his paddock, removed his halter, and then sagged against the barn wall, clutching his lead rope, sobbing.
By Cat Needham4 years ago in Petlife
Royal Robes
Behold the regalness of her Ladyship, Dame Paintbrush! No seriously, she may be under three feet tall at the shoulder but this little gal was large and in charge out at the farm. She ruled her domain well and fairly (though she could always be bribed with some good food), so when it came time provide her Ladyship with new robes nothing short of befitting royalty would do.
By A. Yvonne Magnuson4 years ago in Petlife
