Last weekend history was made as American Pharoah galloped across the finish line of the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. This horse will forever be famous as one of the mere twelve that have achieved Triple Crown victories. I held my breath through the nearly the entire race. He was …
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Prayers for Texas
This morning I woke up yet again to the sound of rain and thunder with bright flashes of lightening illuminating my bedroom. I was immediately in a bad mood. Another day of no riding. Another day Chance and I fall behind. So much for the show I was planning to go to this weekend. As …
When It Rains
When the weather will not cooperate with riding plans, it is beyond frustrating. Texas is having its own monsoon season. So. Much. Rain. Yesterday, it cleared off in the afternoon so after a busy workday I was more than ready for a ride in the evening. I headed out to the barn, tacked Chance up, was …
Working Without Stirrups
Perfect practice makes perfect. - George Morris Working without stirrups is so incredibly beneficial for our riding. It may not be fun, but it strengthens our legs, stabilizes our position, and allows us to really feel the horse. I once had a trainer who made me flat without stirrups every time I rode for a …
Horse Show Rituals
We all have our own little routines that we complete before heading off to a horse show. We likely also all have little superstitions, or "good luck" things we do too! The first thing I do when getting ready for a show is groom my horse. Touch up clipping, bathing, mane trimming are all …
Moving Forward
I have not posted about the horse show I went to last weekend because, honestly, I have been trying to erase it from my mind. I do not want the fact that we completely bombed our jumping classes derail me in the show this weekend. I sometimes have the tendency to carry past experiences into …
Good Weather Please
Here is to hoping that the weather cooperates this weekend so that I can finally make it to a horse show! I was supposed to go to a local show last weekend; however, due to crazy storms it was moved to this coming weekend. We have attempted to go to a show almost every month this year …
Sitting Still
When my horses are lame or sore I immediately give them a few days off. If that does not help, the vet comes out. I am always very conscious about my horses' physical well-being. One horse I had got regular massages and chiropractic adjustments. And I always make sure that they have adequate time off. …
All Mine
There really is nothing quite like owning a horse. I got my first horse when I was fifteen. At twenty, I found myself without a horse and with no way to buy one. I started catch riding, and eventually got riding jobs. For a few years, I exercised and trained horses along with teaching riding lessons. …
Change is Subtle
The other day during my yoga practice, I realized that one of the standing asanas has become easier for me; I can lift my leg a little higher and hold it up a little longer. It was not a major change - I could not suddenly put my leg behind my head or hold a handstand for …
Laurel Ashton Equestrian 