General horse information, from the history of the horse to a look at different breeds.
My neighbor is shopping for a barrel horse to give his daughter. He knows we own geldings, stallions, and mares, so he asked me whether male or female horses are better? There is no definitive answer to whether male or female horses are better. Some people prefer geldings or mares because they tend to be …
Appaloosa horses are a breed known for their unique spotted coat. They are prized as loyal companions and versatile athletes and are often used in trail riding, rodeos, and other forms of competition. But did you know that every Appaloosa horse has a unique pattern of colors and markings? Their coats can be found in …
Horses are beloved animals around the world, admired for their beauty, grace, and strength. Whether you’re horseback riding in an equestrian competition or simply enjoying their stunning physical presence from afar, horses evoke a sense of awe and wonder in all who see them. And yet, despite this admiration, we often know very little about …
My son is looking at some land to build a house and wants to ensure he has enough acreage to keep at least one horse. So, he did some research on the topic and also asked for my opinion. In general, most horses require at least one to two acres of land per horse. In …
While my grandson and I were visiting a horse farm recently, we started talking with one of their managers about prices, which quickly turned into a debate about the market. The conversation then shifted to the amount of money paid for the most expensive horses in the world. Some of the most expensive horses in …
When I told my friend about the five young horses we bought, he asked me what gender they were. When I told my friend that three of the horses were fillies, he then wondered why they’re called “filly” instead of “mare?” Young female horses less than four years old are called “fillies,” while their older …
Summertime means hot weather, and for horse owners, that often means dealing with a sweaty horse. Proper ventilation is key to keeping your horses healthy and comfortable, and fans can help circulate air throughout the barn to create a cooler environment. The best way to ventilate your horse barn is by making sure it has …
I recently led a trail ride on my gelding, and he walked so fast that some of the slower horses had to trot to keep up. When we stopped for a break, my grandson asked, “how fast does your horse walk?” Which began a long discussion about how fast horses travel in different gaits. Gait …
The Bureau of Land Management mustang sale was an interesting experience. They corraled the horses at the Lamar Dixon Center, which gave us a chance to check them out and speak with some volunteers. They emphasized the TIP-trained ones, which made me wonder what being a ‘TIP’ horse means. A TIP horse is a mustang …
When I go to horse auctions, the first thing that typically happens is I visit my potential purchases and ask their handler to take them out of their stall. My grandson asked me why I spend so much time staring at each of the horses? The answer was simple: conformation. Good conformation is essential for …