Whether it’s balloons, tarps, sheep or tight spaces, I think horses have phobias just like us. So what do we do if desensitizing them doesn’t calm their fears? We had a hot air balloon festival in town recently, and I marveled at the ingenuity of the colorful contraptions. To float above Texas in springtime, to … Read more
When you’re a magnet for young, easily stressed, lonely horses, you learn to appreciate silence. There’s an old saying that states that “silence is golden.” I say “old” because I assume whoever coined the phrase lived in the times when horses were the main mode of transportation. And said wordsmith must have gone through a … Read more
Riding with other horsemen is a great opportunity to improve—as long as you set your mind to learning mode. Staying in a learning frame of mind is crucial to me. I am not someone to which everything comes naturally. I wasn’t born on a ranch. I didn’t grow up in a saddle with no other … Read more
If you’re looking for the absolute perfect horse—mythological or illogical—I’m afraid I can’t sell you your own “unicorn.” How about the horse market these days? If you haven’t kept up with what horses are being sold for—both privately and at auction—the demand for horseflesh seems to be high and the prices are strong. For sellers, … Read more
Ever wonder why horses with blue eyes sometimes get a bad rap? Most cowboys I know have funny hang-ups about things. Call them what you will, quirks, superstitions or personal preferences. But the fact is, there’s often not a lot of reasoning behind their little habits. A lot of folks won’t wear a yellow shirt … Read more
With a daughter who is learning to read, I’ve rediscovered my love for horse-related books and Western novels. When I was growing up, the Internet wasn’t really a thing. Kids either watched television, put on a movie or (some of the weird, nerdier kids) read books for entertainment. I happened to be one of the … Read more
Forget about balancing my life. I want to find balance when riding my horses. A short list of life goals: I strive to find balance. I’d love to be more even and confident, no matter which direction I travel. And I strive for more physical and mental flexibility in any sort of challenge thrown my … Read more
Even as a devoted Western horseman, swirling clouds of dust no longer appeal to me. We’ve all got our beat in life. I grew up in a household with diverse interests and talents. However, I’ve learned along the way that I belong with folks like you—horse people, cow people, gluttons for punishment who thrive on … Read more
Crossing paths with an ex-horse can stir fond memories, make you cringe or cause you to lament selling a diamond in the rough. It seems that quite often (whether intentionally or not) we’re exposed to what our exes are up to. By “exes” I’m not talking about the men and women who have filtered in … Read more