Disappointments are a part of being an equestrian. Bleak, I know, but very true. Horses get sick, hurt, or even die. Or if they are perfectly healthy, perhaps they simply do not want to do what you want to do. Perhaps they end up being crazy. Or perhaps you have everything going for you horse-wise …
Tag: athlete
Late Night Rodeo
Those of you that follow me on Instagram (@laurelashtonw) saw that Chance and I had quite the adventure on Saturday night! My barn had a little party, after which we all rode under the brand new arena lights. The lights are amazing, it's like day time in the arena. However, outside the arena was still …
The Thoroughbred Difference
I am not by any means an expert on thoroughbreds, I have actually only owned one! However, owning a thoroughbred after primarily owning and riding warmbloods has shown me just how different these speed demons are from most other hunter jumper horses. I like to think of warmbloods as the "dumb jocks" of the equine world. That …
Attitude is Everything
It is easy to have a good attitude about riding (and life) when everything is going well. But our attitude when things are going wrong can really shape our riding careers, and our lives. Say you have a bad show. We have all been there. After all of your terrible rounds are finished, do you …
A Light Week
Chance got his injections last Friday, so this week was a light hack week - until today. We injected his hocks and navicular bursa. The navicular injection has seemed to really help him stay sound, and well most jumping horses need their hocks done at some point (in my opinion) as a preventative treatment, if …
Running for Equestrians
Have you ever been winded after a long course? Do you have a hard time in the heat? A running program can help! Particularly running outside. Running outside can help us to adjust to weather changes (i.e. the heat or cold), while also strengthening our oh-so-important leg muscles. Running can calm our nerves before a big …
Summer Solstice
Happy first day of summer everyone! Today is the longest day of the year, and it is a full moon tonight - a "strawberry moon" apparently! As we head into the summer months, we must remember to adjust our horses' care for the heat so that we can enjoy plenty of summer fun with them 🙂 …
My Horse Show Dad
With Father's Day this Sunday, I figured I would brag about my dad today! Most non-rider horse show dads act bored, confused, and oftentimes just plain uninterested at horse shows. Not mine. He can watch the hunter ring for hours, not only without a complaint, but with interest and knowledge of what is going on. He …
Reaction
Chance has been quiet as can be the past couple of weeks since summer kicked in. That changed a little bit today. It actually was not too terribly hot this morning, there was a nice breeze. I guess he got a little excited about it. He started out lazy on the flat, and over the …
Hello Summer
Summer has come to Texas in full force! I am one of those crazy people that loves summer. I thrive in the heat and humidity. As long as I stay hydrated, I can stay outside all day. I love the longer days, and sunshine. I even love to sweat! Luckily, Chance has always done fairly …
Laurel Ashton Equestrian 