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Awesome Gal: A Story of Soring, Healing, and Hope
I’ll happily admit I’m an optimist. Ever the glass half full type of girl I find it hard watching the news or reading about the darker side of life. That’s not to say I have rose-colored glasses. I’m aware, but I don’t like to focus on the negative. As an avid animal lover, I find animal abuse to be the hardest. That’s why when Cameron Ring, the producer on the feature film in development about Awesome Gal, the Tennessee Walking Horse who had been “sored” only to be saved by a young girl abused herself- well, the story hit hard. I feel that it is my job…
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Creating a Bond with Your New Horse
Confession time: I have a new horse that I want to trust and respect me. How do I build a bond? We bought a pony! So now what? Just kidding. I’ve been dreaming of this for (ahem) 40 years. Which means, I’ve had quite a lot of time to learn and plan. Learning never ends, but I love having a plan to focus on even if I must deviate occasionally. After all, we’re working with living, breathing creatures. I have ideas. There are so many things that I’d like to do with Ferrous. I’m lucky that I bought him from my barn where we was a…
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The Honest Truth About Barn Time
Confession: Barn time is real and it sucks me in constantly. Those people who don’t spend time with horses may wonder, what in the world is barn time? Equestrians understand. Barn time is the magical and wondrous hours spent at the barn where time seems to stand still. Clocks don’t work and life outside you and your horse or horse friends do not matter. You are simply “being in the moment”. The Goal: Today I went to the barn intending to school Ferrous for about 30 minutes. We’ve been working on really stretching exercises, collecting and moving out in a frame, and then stretching again. It’s been…
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Vet Chat Episode 1 with Dr. Kendra Pope
Welcome to the first installment of the vlog series, Vet Chat. My friend and colleague, integrative veterinarian, Dr. Kendra Pope was gracious to take time out of her busy schedule and sit down with me to discuss her background and growing trends in veterinary medicine. Those of you who know me may be surprised that I am a nervous public speaker. I have a lot of confidence in certain things, but video makes me nervous. I’d rather be behind the camera or better yet, behind the computer/ pen writing about it. At nature I’m an observer. But I’ve never been one to let life pass me by.…
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When You Find a Unicorn
Confession: Sometimes you get exactly what you want even if it was too much to hope for. How many of you equestrians have seen ads looking for a unicorn? The quintessential perfect horse for your needs. You know, the one that doesn’t exist? Or does it? A unicorn has different meanings depending on individual need. To me, a unicorn is quiet, patient, trusting, forgiving, and full of personality. Plus, I always wanted a Hunter type, even and steady to the jumps as I still get nervous and would not do well with too forward a ride. You may know my love of Delight, the sassy…
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The Essential Oil Element: Melaleuca
Tea Tree Oil: A Natural Antiseptic and Insect Repellent Most of you interested in aromatherapy or holistic health will have heard of tea tree oil, or melaleuca. It can be found in natural cleaning products and beauty products. But what is it exactly and how may this essential oil be used with your horse or dog? What is Meleleuca? Melaleuca alternifolia is an Australian plant that has been widely used in Australia for 100 years. In the past several decades there have been studies revealing the health benefits of tea tree oil, especially as a natural antiseptic. Properties and Benefits of Tea Tree Oil This powerful…
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Thermal Imaging in Equine Massage Therapy
Alternative therapies have a multitude of health benefits, especially the sports massage which I use in my practice with horses and dogs. But sometimes prospective clients remain unconvinced. How do you convince someone that equine sports massage really can increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility? Seeing is believing. We love our clients and build amazing relationships with them over time. Often I am asked how often I’m kicked or bitten. The answer is never. Now that doesn’t mean an animal doesn’t react when we hit a sore spot but a good massage therapist, and someone who knows animals, will be able to block easily. Often the animal doesn’t want…
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3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Dog Fit and Fabulous
As our dogs age their metabolism slows and they can become increasingly heavier. Obesity in dogs causes unnecessary pressure on their joints, vertebrae, and contributes to additional health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. Give your dog the best possible chance to live a long and healthy life. Here are three easy ways to keep your dog fit and fabulous. Monitor Food Intake Exercise Regularly Regular Health Exams 1.Monitor Food Intake Seems like a no brainer, right? You’d be surprised at the number of dog owners that over feed their pets either with too large a portion or treats. Balancing proper nutrition and…
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Setting the Bar for 2018
It’s time to stop looking backward and concentrate on the year to come. After all, 2017 was the first full year of publication for Bridle & Bone. Even without setting goals I accomplished so much that I can be proud. So imagine what I can do if I actually get organized and set challenges for myself! As part of January’s Equestrian Blog Hop, hosted on this site, I wanted to really set forth and plan knowing everything I now know. After all, I’m a planner at heart. Of course, the best laid plans can change at any time thus, so let’s call them guidelines or even better, challenges!…
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BlogPaws Kansas City Here I Come!
This April pet bloggers from around the world will be attending the BlogPaws 10th Anniversary Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. My father and his family grew up in northeastern Kansas and we visited often through the years. I absolutely cannot wait to see my family, eat the best BBQ, and of course connect and learn from fellow bloggers! This pet blogger and social media conference is unlike any other….zero waste and 100% pet friendly. Dogs, cats, and rats oh my! You never know what’ll you find at BlogPaws. Last year, I attended as a “newbie”, and you can read all about how I prepared. This year, your truly…
Equestrian Author and Podcast Host
