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. …
Tag: equestrian
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 …
Update
Some of you have asked how Chance is doing since I posted a bit about his body soreness a while ago. He is doing great and fully back to work! It turned out that neither of my saddles fit him quite right. He never acted like his back was sore and it seemed to fit him …
Spring is in The Air
Some old fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat. - Laura Ingalls Wilder Spring finally arrived in Texas! It has been warm, humid, and sunny! After all the rain, the grass is so incredibly green. Wildflowers are popping up, birds are chirping, the earth is coming back to life. That is …
Advice Needed
Fellow horse lovers, I need some advice! I have been having some trouble with Chance lately... He has been developing soreness off and on. We are having trouble pinpointing the source - we suspect it is in his feet. We have injected them, which has helped. However, yesterday he acted pretty uncomfortable while tracking left. He …
Crazy Pets
Yesterday was a rather exciting day out at the barn. Due to miserably cold and wet weather, I hadn't ridden Chance for a few days. He started out pretty fresh and on edge. This is pretty typical for him on a cold day, but he usually settles after ten minutes or so. Yesterday, not so …
Horse Shopping
One of the most exciting times of an equestrian's life is horse shopping! Whether you are searching for a prospect, your next show champion, or a companion looking at and trying horses is so much fun. However, it can also be a rather intimidating and emotional experience. A horse is a huge commitment, and they …
Almost Time
Our show year should begin in a few weeks at a small schooling show near the farm, so long as the weather cooperates. I am looking forward to getting back in the ring. Chance has shown more and more potential each year. Our difficulties last year were because of me - my terrible nerves and anxiety at …
All You Need is Love
Horses are truly fascinating creatures. They have been used by humans for centuries in war, farming, transportation, and now in recreation. They are hard workers and lovable companions. They are beautiful and strong. Intelligent and spirited. I suppose these are some of the reasons why I have been fascinated with horses since I was a …
Bad Behavior
"He's going through this phase where he sometimes tries to run out of the arena when I'm riding him," I said to my friend the other day when she asked why I got off of Chance in the arena instead of walking back to the barn. He has not done it in a while, but I now …
Laurel Ashton Equestrian 