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This 180-acre center is designed to hold major equestrian events and includes paddocks, pastures and arenas for competitions, as well as two barns for the university's and student riders’ horses. Students may earn a B.A. in equestrian studies. The equestrian studies program focuses on practical knowledge and includes guest lectures by industry-leading professionals including trainers, judges, veterinarians and horse show managers. The equestrian team has a record of excellence, consistently earning American National Riding Commission titles.

It really doesn't get any better than a pretty farm wedding. Maybe I say that because I just got back from a weekend in farm country, but really, the fresh open air, rolling hills, and lots of cute li...

For a bit of whimsy and a focal point we have been creating these topiaries made from wire forms stuffed with sphagnum moss. The mane is Nasella and the body is…

Hello friends!! Thanks so much for your sweet comments last week! Kenzie had so much fun doing her guest post for me, after a whole b...

Life is better up there.

The back porch is a superb place to begin a vegetable garden. Gardening on the rear porch or within a little space must think about utilizing the space in the very best way possible. If you're renting a home, you probably have a backyard.

We reused a lot of lumber, painted everything a fresh coat of pink, and now I have a too-cute pink miniature horse and pony barn.

Howdy Friends, Horses love to move about. Jamie Jackson, after years of studying and observing wild hoses not only gained a vast understanding of the natural way of the horse, and their feet which he was instrumental in bringing to the horse world, but he also learned how horses move in the wild. He put his observations on horse movement, travels, health and habits into his book he titled, "Paddock Paradise," I highly recommend it. You can buy his book here on Amazon – in it he clearly explains his observations and details how anyone, anywhere, can create a track system for their horses. You can also make a lot of friends on the Paddock Paradise facebook page who have implemented this practice for their own horses. (Photos for this story provided by Paddock Paradise FB) One of the many things Jamie observed, noted and proved, was that horses left to their own choices in the wild, move in regular tracks. They have well established routes, or tracks, for grazing areas, watering, resting, foraging and even playing, and they don't graze in lush grass, they nibble and browse, while moving. It is these known facts that he incorporated into his idea of Paddock Paradise, and many folks have adopted. I believe it is the most natural and healthiest way to house and keep a horse. Great track system - notice how you can add fun little obstacles to keep them thinking. The track system goes hand in hand with maintaining a barefoot horse's feet, strong, beautiful, and healthy. Movement is a key ingredient to the barefoot paradigm, and nothing I have ever seen encourages movement like the track system. Lush grass, lazy grazing is as unnatural to a horse as couch potato sitting and gorging is to humans … but we lazy humans force it on our horses, and then wonder about a plethora of health issues. Stalls, barns and shoes are a human convenience, not a horse first philosophy. A simple example of a track system Many times folks say, "It looks too inconvenient or expensive to set up." To that I say, in the long run, and even the not so long run, it will be far less expensive than vet bills, injuries, and anguish – the person's and the horse's – and missed riding and competing dates due to injuries. Yes the track system works for shod as well as barefoot horses … and folks who know me know I believe every horse should be barefoot. One very wrong answer to the "too much grass" syndrome is to confine their horses in stalls, use frustrating grazing muzzles, small paddocks or "sacrifice" lots. Rubbish all. None of these things are either natural to a horse, or healthy to their bodies or minds. Let the horses roam at will, I say. Just roaming along, because we can. Paddock Paradise, or the track system, incorporates every aspect of a horse's natural and instinctive urge and desire to be on the move. Explained briefly, the track system is a track 10 to 20 feet wide inside your already existing big pasture, (which may have too much grass) with various footings such as dirt, pea gravel and rocks. Also incorporated within the track are wide places for play, sleeping and rolling, as well as various hay feeding stations and watering locations, and run ins, strategically placed to encourage movement. Many folks add mud holes, streams and bridges to help their horses overcome issues, or just for fun. Hay feeding stations and water should be scattered about to encourage movement. Your track can be any design that fits your land, plan, and budget. I once saw a terrific track on an acre and a half rocky, grassy hillside that offered long winding trails instead of just a useless hang out spot. Many folks, when they set up their first track, simply use step in posts with electric fence, easy and very affordable, and if the horses escape the track, they're still within the original pasture. Of course the original grass pasture can be opened for limited grazing with far less risk of over eating and all the health problems associated with the high sugar content of most pasture and field grasses. Here is a good example of a field that is conducive to creating all sorts of health problems, but can easily be turned into a Paddock Paradise by simply running a track system around the border full of entertaining obstacles, watering and feeding stations. Another common rejection to creating the track system is, "We have all this grass and we can't afford to not use it." Some folks then bale it or even graze a few cows on it. Sometimes it takes years for the symptoms of sugar related health issues to show up in horses, but don't be fooled, eventually symptoms are likely to occur – often not connected to the true cause of too much grass and not enough movement. Bottom of my mare, Kessy's, foot - She roams her Paddock Paradise all day and all night. The Paddock Paradise, and track system is the easiest, best choice for maintaining a healthy horse and healthy hooves. Combined with proper all forage diet, limited vaccinations and very limited chemical de-worming (I recommend fecal counts, have not wormed Kessy chemically for 3 years, I do use herbs though), the track system will create rock crushing hooves, and a happy healthy horse. Don't forget to make a wide soft place for napping. For the health and happiness of horses everywhere it is my hope many more people begin to see horse care from the horse's perspective. Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

Don't have a horse to practice on? We've put together 13 effective techniques to improve your riding skills without a horse. These tips will have you ready for the saddle in no time, all from the comfort of your home!

Horse Tire Swing: This is a great idea for your old tires . takes some time and strong hands as always have fun and re use what u can These are instructions for making a horse tire swing. This will require some artistic talent for drawing a basic horse shape and some…

Horse blog all about horses, horseback riding, horse care, horse ownership & more!

You could easily be forgiven for thinking that horses don’t do much during the day, especially if you’ve ever spent any time watching a herd…

It is very beneficial and I think it is important that BEFORE you start working with, riding or training horses you understand the horse’s basic psychology.

We are located in Turner Valley area, just 25 minutes south of Calgary. We offer board for the outdoor enthusiast. Pasture,Paddock or Stall available. We have a trailering service for you and your horses to the equestrian trails just 15 minutes west ; And also to Indoor Arena as requested. Our facility includes: outdoor arena, sand roundpen, tackhouse, feed barn, horse barn, foaling stall, 12x12 stalls, heated automatic waterers, shelters, trees, creek, pens, corrals. Small squares are f (...see link for full writeup)

Ever wondered how many horse-themed computer games are out there? Discover some hidden gems and favorites in our extensive list of 57 Horse Computer Games. Some you may know, others you may not! Start your digital equestrian journey now.

We all know that horses like the company of other horses but that doesn’t mean to say they won’t get on with other animals and…

I'm hoping that this post inspires you to create some of your own backyard trails and maybe add some colorful and fun trail signs.

Last week I was invited to a retreat in Santa Ynez to celebrate Jenni Kayne's new book Pacific Natural. Here is a look at the incredible few days.

Horse blog all about horses, horseback riding, horse care, horse ownership & more!

If you’re looking for DIY horse barn organization and DIY tack room ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Drowning in a sea of blankets and saddle pads is a common problem for horse owners,…

Here Bear (background), Shiloh (foreground) and I (photographer) practice a “non-ridden” activity in the form of pedestal work at liberty. While I do still ride Shiloh, Bear is retired.…

Horse blog all about horses, horseback riding, horse care, horse ownership & more!

Are you not sure if you can make homesteading work with the amount of land you have? Here are 28 farm layout design ideas to inspire you.

Small barns and stables can still have big impact and big design. Check out these beautiful spaces.

I took the above photo when four horses graced my backyard. From left to right is Pumpkin Spice, Bear, Fate and Blue. If you have been reading The Backyard Horse Blog, you may recognize that my twe…

If you're going to have donkeys, you'll need to have an adequate amount of land to keep them happy. So how much land does a donkey need?

It sparked a bit of an idea about beginner riders, especially children, and the benefits of being involved with horses.

Discover the two most common issues horse riders encounter when using opening reins. You might be surprised to find you're making these mistakes without even knowing it. Armed with this knowledge, you can improve your technique and become a more effective rider.