Yippee!

Today, the 29th of April, marks one month of owning my beautiful girl, Baylee! I love her so much and even though we have had some bumps in the road, I'm pretty confident that we will get through this hard time and have a long journey together. We've made some progress during this month but not as much as I would hope. I am getting some books and DVDs by clinton anderson, Stacy westfall, Chris cox, and John Lyons so hopefully once I study up on all their different methods, I will be able to further advance Baylee in her training. My plan is to practically restart her and teach her ground manners and do LOTS of ground work with her to gain her respect and trust so that when I feel it's time for me to get back on her, all that respect will transfer right into the saddle. Love you my baby girl <3

Homemade Horse Treats!

Today I thought it would be fun to make some homemade horse treats. These basically have oats, flour, and applesauce in them. I also sprinkled some cranberries and a little bit of sugar on top. Mya loved them!

Yum!!

~Alassea

Equine Birthdays: America's Horse Barbaro

 Hi everyone! The day is finally here that I reveal my special surprise. 11 years ago today,a famous well loved thoroughbred colt was born. I was celebrating the birth of my brother that day a well.Barbaro and my brother were only a day apart. My brother thought that was pretty cool. Barbaro was a beautiful bay colt whom all of America loved. He was a great racer but in 2006, the young horse twisted his ankle badly in a race. For a long year,he struggled against this handicap that held him back. But soon he developed laminitis in all four feet. Laminitis is a term that n horse owner EVER wants to hear. It is a awful,often fatal problem. In 2007 he was put down. All of America grieved for their beloved horse. A statue stands in his honor in Kentucky. There is also a Barbaro breyer model.

before the Preakness

The Kentucky Derby

I'm back! So the Kentucky Derby 2014 is coming up! It is happening on May 3, which is the first Saturday in May. Who are you wanting to win? I really don't have an opinion, but I'll be watching California Chrome and Candy Boy. California Chrome is a beautiful chestnut! Will you be watching the Kentucky Derby? It aires on Saturday, May 3, on NBC Sports. You can also probably see it online, too. You can get more information about the upcoming Kentucky Derby at Kentucky Derby 2014. How are you going to celebrate the Derby? I'm going to watch it and maybe go riding. So I'll try to keep you updated on what's happening at Churchill Downs! Bye! :))

- A.D.

Whoohoo!

I went to a horse show on Saturday with Morris and we placed 1st in one of our classes!!! It was an Easter egg race where we had to race down to one end of the arena, dismount, find an Easter egg with your number on it in a basket, and then mount and race back. We got 23.14 seconds and the next closet time was almost 25 seconds! It was so fun! Morris LOVES to go fast so that class was perfect for him. He would be a barrels and poles horse if it wasn't for the metal plate in his ankle. Here is a picture of us after our class. Morris doesn't look too amused. (Covered face for privacy reasons)

Hope y'all had a great easter weekend!

Riding Lesson

I had a riding lesson today. For my lessons I ride an Arabian mare named Night. I think she's Anglo Arabian or something like that. But I really like riding her. She is a sensitive and quick horse which I like. Night is also very sweet. Anyways we are preparing for a schooling show which is in a couple of weeks. I am pretty excited about it. This will only be the second show I have ever done and the first english show. The reason I am taking riding lessons is because I wanted to learn to ride english. You know posting, jumping, etc. I learned to ride on western horses. (which I like western too) I'm just an all around type person in general so I wanted to learn everything including english stuff. But anyways I'm loving learning it and I'm excited to be able to be in my first english show in a couple of weeks. I will be riding Night in the show and we are entering several classes. Just walk, trot, and pole work classes though. I have only been riding english since October and we haven't started jumping yet. Today in my lesson my instructor had me on a lunge line so we could focus on my balance and posture. We practiced two-point quite a bit. I really needed that. Doing it over poles was fun. I'm learning to find my balance, and then I can start jumping. (yay!) We also did some no stirrup work at the trot. That is always a good workout. All together it was I great lesson. I think I learned a lot. :)

~Alassea

Breed Bites:The Appaloosa

So hi guys! Ellie here- I have been thinking about what to post on here. I have something planned for the 29th,but you'll have to wait and see for that. :) So today I am going to do a "breed bite". A "breed bite" is kind of like a report. I did about 4 or 5 of them and picked the one that I liked best.  So today's "breed bite" is about the Appaloosa.
                                     Appaloosas have been in existence for thousands of years. In the past,Chinese emperors called them "celestial horses." They were prized by the European artistocracy and Native Americans of the United States. Especially the Nez Perce tribe. They were the one Native American tribe that bred the Appaloosas efficiently and selectively. The tribe was considered as experts on horses. They only bred the very best stallions and all the others were gelded.
                                                     The ones that weren't good enough to be bred were traded with other tribes. The horses were strong,long legged horses. They could be ridden on rough terrain. At first,the Nez Perce gave the breed the name "paulouse" after the Paulouse river where the horses grazed.
                                       After awhile,the Nez Perce were forced out of the United States,but surrendered before they even reached Montana. 50 years afterwards, the Appaloosa became a rare breed,but in 1938 the Appaloosa Horse Club was founded to rescue the spotted horse.
                                                    Appaloosas can be from 14.2 hands to 15.2 hands. For those of you who don't know,a hand is about 4 inches. They can be many different colors and patterns. Two of the patterns are snowflake and leopard. Snowflake is a dark body with white dusted on top. Like it snowed on top of the horse. Leopard is a white coat with dark spots scattered all over. Much like Kaitlyn's other horse Morris. Appaloosas are born with regular coloring and no spots or markings. Then as they age their original color fades and they then are spotted.Appaloosas can be used for just about everything.
this is a leopard pattern.

this is snowflake.
Hope you enjoyed today's Breed Bite.
~Ellie

Pictures and some more info!

I'm back! So I got some pictures that I'm going to show you guys. The first is of Skeeter, second Dixie, third Storm, and fourth Oreo. Skeeter is retired but she is the first horse that I got. Skeeter is in her thirties. I got Dixie a few years later. Her original name was Sunshine, but I changed it. She got in a barbed wire accident when she was young, and so she has faint scars on her legs. She is about twelve, almost thirteen. I ride her around on trail rides and for pleasure. I got Storm after Dixie, and his full name is Stormy Weather because he was born on a stormy day. Storm is about nineteen, and I ride him for pleasure, too. Then there is Oreo, and his original name was Reno. I am training him to jump, and he can drive, too. He is about sixteen, and he can be naughty! But he has a gift of winning almost anybody's heart. Now, for some pictures!

Another Introduction!

I'm bored, don't kill me.
Adding another equine member to out blog staff - Rosie the bay roan Appendix QH, aka Bluesdanceinpromotion (owned by Lydia, or RodeoRocker). Rosie is about 6 years old, and in training to become a barrel horse like Sev! But, like Sev, that's not all she does/will do - as you might guess from the picture, she's also a beautiful jumper! Also, I might get some new pictures this weekend, so if I do I'll be sure to post them here ;) Here's Rosie!

Hi!

Hi! In my last "post," by accident, I left a comment instead of an actual post. So, you can read that or you can read this. I'm Andalusian Dreamer on Young Rider, but you guys can call me A.D. for short. I own Skeeter, Dixie, Storm, and Oreo. Skeeter and Dixie are Quarter Horse mares, while Storm is a Thoroughbred gelding and Oreo is a Shetland Pony gelding. I love all of them! I will probably post pictures of them later. Bye! :)

- A.D.

Tack Haul!

Yep! My first ever tack haul! I'll name the product, price, and include a review. Let's begin!

-Cashel Crusader Flymask without ears

(^not my horse)

Price: $19.99

Review: I haven't used it yet but it seems really nice and durable and I have heard good things about these fly masks.

-DuMor Premium Black Pattern Halter 

Price: $19.99

Review: I love it! It is a really good quality at a really good price and the sizes are true. Definently worth getting it.

-Roma Ultimate Grooming Kit Blue

Price: $29.99

Review: so nice! Great quality brushes and tote and good colors. It includes a stiff brush, soft brush, rubber curry comb, 3-way hoof pick, sweat scraper, hoof oil container w/brush, black braiding bands, and a small braiding comb. I love this kit except that it doesn't come with a sponge or a nice mane and tail comb/brush. The braiding comb is nice but it doesn't handle manes and tails very well. But overall, this is a really nice kit and good for the first time horse owner.

-Decker Face Brush

Price: $3.99

Review: super good brush! Really soft and the bristles are sturdy and the horses seem to love this brush. I really recommend this.

-Slick 'N Easy Grooming Block

 Price: $4.99

 Review: this grooming block is a godsend! It works SUPER well to get all the hair off your horse during shedding season. And it really helps give your horse a nice shine! This product will save you hours.

-Mane 'N Tail Shampoo

Price: $6.99

Review: great shampoo for normal bathing. Not the best on the market but gets the job done. Can't beat it for the price

-Farnam Aloe Heal Cream

Price: $8.99

Review: miracle cream! This stuff is great for minor cuts and scrapes and helps scraps to form and hair to grow back. My barn uses this stuff all the time and it really works!

-Manna Pro Bite-size Nuggets Peppermint

Price: $2.99 (for 1lb)

Review: perfect treats for training and everyday use. These are the perfect size and don't crumble in your pocket. Every horse I've met have loved these treats. And they come in different flavors.

Hope you enjoyed this review/haul!

~Kaitlyn

News From the Horse World

How many of you have seen The Lord of the Rings? If you have, you may recognize this famous equine actor.

He commonly goes by Blanco. This beautiful 15.2hh white Andalusian gelding was sadly euthanized a few days ago. He had been struggling with severe complications to his liver and intestines. After a long battle the hard choice was made to euthanize him. This beautiful horse's legacy will live on. He had starred in many movies, tv shows, and commercials. R.I.P Blanco

~Kaitlyn

How Me and Shadow Met

I thought this would be a good idea to share how I met Shadow.

It all started out on my 12th Birthday, me and my best friend were eating cake and I then realized my parents didn't get me a present. I didn't think about it too much just thinking it would happen after the party like on my 10th birthday. My dad walks up to me and says, "Taylor, I know someone from work who will allow you to go ride and play with their horses. The horse you'll be riding is named Shadow and she's a Arabian. We are going to meet Shadow next Saturday." I was so excited. I knew my parents didn't have the money for a horse at the time so I really wanted to just work with other people's horses. Next Saturday comes along, I show up at the barn and I saw Shadow in the pasture eating. I started talking with Shadow's owner about her and if she is good behaved and stuff like that. I go in the pasture to go catch Shadow, she looked confused but was happy that I had a treat for her. I catched her and start grooming her. She was really sweet but she just didn't like her hoof being picked up. So that was one thing I was going to work on. After I got done grooming her, I tacked her up. I started out just walking and letting her get used to me. Shadow was chill and she was a bit lazy but she was good. I rode for like an hour at the walk. I un-tacked her and then I gave her a second groom. Me and Shadow's owner started talking about her again and her owner said Shadow was pregnant. I was like "omg really?!" Her owner said she is only 4 months pregnant. Then next year came and it's August. I wondered when Shadow would have the foal and then I realized, she would of already had the foal. So no foal from Shadow and I hadn't ridden her in like 8-9 months. Anyways, that's how me and Shadow met.

-Tay

Dover

Last week I ordered a couple of items from Dover Saddlery. And I'm so excited because they arrived today! I have been wanting a new bridle for Mya, and I wanted to get an english one. Well as they say third times a charm, right? Because thats how many english bridles I've ended up with. The first one was too small. It didn't fit my horse very well. The second one fit nicely but sadly the reins broke last week. (that one was a used bridle) I was concerned that the actual bridle part would break, so I figured I had better just buy a new one. I did some research and settled on the Suffolk Bridle from Dover Saddlery. It seemed to be the most well made bridle for a smaller price. After I opened my package today I was pleased with what I saw. The leather looked nice and it was supple. The noseband and browband were also padded which I liked. (and I think my horse will too!) The funny thing was that it came in several pieces which meant I had to put it together myself. It was a bit like a puzzle. I had never assembled a bridle before. But once I got it put together it looked great. I can't wait to be able to try it out on Mya tomorrow. I'll make sure to take a picture! The second thing that I ordered was a white english saddle pad. I needed a plain white one for showing this summer. This one was on sale so I thought I might as well go ahead and order it. I wanted to get a colored one as well for schooling (I wanted the Mint Green one), but they were out of stock. So I just got the white one. I like it, and I think it will work nicely. So anyways I'm happy that my package came today, and I can't wait to see how Mya likes the new bridle.


~Alassea

Professional's Choice Review

Now from what I understand this blog will have a lot of different things, like funny horse stories, DIYs, and product reviews. Well, I think I'll post the first, and if the others don't like it they can delete it.

---Dana's Product Review---

Item - Professional's Choice Elite SMB (Sports Medicine Boot)

Price - $115 - $140 for a full set

Review - I love my SMBs. I have been barrel racing for three years and I'm on my second set, but I only got new ones for a different color. Seven is a bit pigeon-toed (meaning his front feet are pointing at each other) so naturally, when I chose a high-speed, high-stress sport, I knew he'd need some extra support. After some research, I decided to save up and buy these - originally in butterfly!

I used these boots for two years, washing them in the washing machine and drying them in the dryer, easy as you please. They are sturdy, cute, and - well - the choice of professionals. I recommend these boots to any barrel racer who's getting serious about competing - if you're just cantering around them for fun or at a small show, save you money and buy some splint boots or polo wraps. This past Christmas I received a new set in purple, and I'm expecting these to last for many seasons as well.

Hola

I am going to introduce myself, I'm Taylor, but you can call me Tay if you want. I am also shadower on Young Rider. I ride a Shagya Arabian named Shadow. I have been riding for ten years. I ride western and English. I sadly don't own Shadow. I have been riding and working with Shadow since November 5th, 2012. Shadow is 5 but is turning 6 in the summer. Shadow loves being around people more then she does with other horses. She makes the cutest faces. She has a lot of personality and that's one of my favorite things about her. She always makes me happy and I make her happy, no matter what mood we are in. I hope to start showing her next summer. I already have a show name picked out, Little Miss Piggy.
- Tay


Hullo children!

What's up, I am Dana (or GirlOnFire on YR), I have been riding for a whole 10 years of my life, both English and western. I have two main horses I'll be posting about - L'Egance Golden Ghost ('Baby'), my Gypsy Sport Horse, and Seven-X ('Sev'), my Appendix QH. I ride and own a ton more horses, but I won't introduce them now c; I mainly compete in barrel racing and other speed events on Seven, with some other classes like trail mixed in at times. We are also on the local rodeo drill team! Baby is not quite two (his birthday - and our first year together! - is May twenty-second.) But when he's older, I think he'll do a little bit of everything.
Some pictures!
Baby

Seven

Hi!

Hi! My name is Alaina, or on young rider I am just one more day. I have been riding most of my life, but sadly I don't have a horse of my own. But a friend of mine has a pony of the Americas named Reba. I got to ride her for the first time on Saturday. She's wonderful under saddle, but her ground manners need work. I don't have any pictures of her right now but hopefully I will soon.
That's all I have for now! Bye!
~Alaina

Hello!

How about I introduce myself? I'm Kaitlyn and I'm known as iCspots on young rider. I have been riding 7 1/2 years and I ride both English and western. I just got my first horse, Baylee.

She is a 14.3-14.6HH 8 year old missouri foxtrotter. She is a beautiful palomino with a long mane and tail. She still needs training but we have been making progress. Sometimes I also ride and show an Appaloosa called Morris.

  So that's all for now! 

    ~Kaitlyn

Introduction

Hey! I figured I should say a little about myself. I will go as Alassea on here. And I own a lovely mare named Mya. She is mostly Quarter Horse but she does have some Arabian in her. I have owned her for two years now, and she is my first horse. Mya loves to run and she loves treats. (particularly apples) I am also taking english riding lessons at the moment on a little mare named Night. I want to learn to jump, and maybe eventually do eventing one day. But to some it all up I love horses!

Mya

~Alassea

Hi There!

Hi everyone! I am Ellie. Also known as PaintsPoas&MorgansOhMy on Young Rider. I figured I'd tell you a little about myself and the horse I ride. Robin is a 13 year old Paint mare. She is full of energy. She's a chestnut paint and I love her to death. She is the horse that I ride most often. Last summer,I went to work at the barn where I worked every Wednesday. After I worked, I rode a 25 year old POA gelding named M&M. He's a big ol' puppy. :D Then last summer I was going to lease a 24 year old Morgan gelding named Fred. He was a sweetheart,but the lease didn't work out. I don't ride him anymore. I'll get some pics up of them tomorrow. :) That's all for now!
~Ellie

Welcome

Welcome to Chronicles of the Equestrian! We are a collaborated horse blog. Stay tuned for more updates as we get started.

~The Chronicles of the Equestrian Team