• Canine Chronicle,  Dog Product Reviews,  Holistic Wellness

    Healthy Hemp for Hip Dysplasia

      HempMy Pet is the first certified organic, vertically-integrated hemp-oil production company, growing their hemp on their Colorado farm and having a hand in every aspect. I spoke with one of the co-founders and immediately knew this was a passion; passion for animals and wellness is something I can relate to! As an animal massage therapist, I strive for natural wellness for my dogs and horses whenever possible. My dog Gonzo has shown early signs of hip dysplasia. He’s been receiving regular massage and a few acupuncture sessions but I use a holistic approach. My goal is to have him on a natural anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and pain. My…

  • Confessions of a Timid Rider,  Equestrian Life

    Introducing The Timid Rider

    Welcome to the new home of Bridle & Bone, now known as The Timid Rider!   Many of you may ask why the rebrand? There were a lot of reasons. Bridle & Bone began as a blog for my partnership, Bridle & Bone Wellness, to address questions and concerns from our animal massage clients. Sadly that partnership ended earlier this year and I began working independently under my own name. So the question remained whether to keep the blog name or not.   After some intense deliberation, a consultation with my lawyer, and the misspelling and mispronunciation of my blog name at the recent BlogPaws conference I decided a rebrand…

  • Saddle Fitting
    Equestrian Life

    Saddle Fitting- Is It Important?

      We’ve all read and seen articles and videos on saddle fitting and its importance. But what do you really know about it? When I was training for the BHS exams I did a small bit on saddle fitting and would always remember the basics. I also went to an interesting demo on it by Alan Ward of Saoirse Saddlery. So I know a bit (emphasis on the bit though). It can be extremely complicated and it is getting more technologically advanced.   Types of Saddles Let’s talk about saddles. There are various different saddles out there, but here are the ones you’ll see most (bar Western, which I know…

  • Equestrian Life,  Travels

    The Gobi Desert Cup

    Imagine my surprise that I’m attending a 300-mile endurance horse race in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia! You read that correctly.  The Gobi Desert Cup is being held August 22-31st in Mongolia and will include riders from all over the world in this life-changing and immersive cultural experience. I’ll clarify something for all my readers who are going, wait…what? I am not trained for endurance riding and with less than two months before the challenge, I doubt I would be ready. Instead, I’m attending as the Media Contact for this race! I’ll still experience the nomadic culture of the Mongols but as the writer/ photographer and social media guru. Endurance Riding Endurance…

  • Confessions of a Timid Rider,  Equestrian Life

    Progressions in Riding Confidence

    Isn’t it funny how one day we have a “bad ride” and the next you are glowing because everything was perfect? Equestrian sports are a team effort. Yes, I can always tell when my pony is in a mood and I have to take a different approach, but if I have a tough ride I blame myself. Let’s be honest, it’s usually the rider that makes the difference day-to-day.     Since I’ve owned Ferrous (I still can’t believe it!), I have found a renewed sense of confidence in myself. A lot of this has to do with riding more frequently. Taking lessons once a week is not enough for…

  • Confessions of a Timid Rider,  Equestrian Life

    Five Tips to Beating Competition Nerves

    Compete Better! Are the rider that is completely fine riding at home? You ace your dressage test, and jump 1.20m without blinking. Those half-passes are perfect and you always see the distance to the fence. But when you wake up in the morning of a horse show that goes away. Cold feet, heart pounding, your appetite is gone, and the bathroom is your best friend. Anxiety or nerves on the day of competition is common. Many competitors experience this and it may affect their performance. You care about your result and that is the good news. If you didn’t care, you probably wouldn’t be nervous, either!     Many riders…

  • Canine Chronicle,  Interviews

    Make Your Community Dog Friendly with Wagtown’s Beth Miller

      Do you want more dog-friendly neighborhoods near you? So does, Beth Miller, the founder of Wagtown, a movement based in Dayton, Ohio to raise awareness, create pet-friendly legistlation, and more wagging tails throughout your communities. As a friend of mine and fellow female entrepreneur (aka womanpreneur), I convinced Beth she needed to grant me an interview here on Bridle & Bone. The timing is perfect as she was just the first recipient of the BlogPaws’s Founder’s Award. So with no further ado, please let me welcome Beth. Beth Miller, Wagtown 1.Give us a brief introduction to you and your furry friend, Rocky. Hello everyone! I am Beth Miller, founder…

  • Roeckl Riding Gloves
    Equestrian Life,  Product Spotlight

    The Madison: Summer Horse Riding Gloves from Roeckl You Need in Your Tack Box

      I decided recently to challenge myself by attempting a schooling show at my barn this spring. Most of you may wonder, why the big deal? For me, horse shows are a source of panic. It stems from low self-esteem in regards to my riding, anxiety about the unknown, and being judged by others. Ironically in life I could care less about how people view me for the most part. But in riding? I’m my own harshest critic.   Summer in New Jersey yields challenges of its own regarding humidity, sweltering heat, and bugs. So I need a horse riding glove for summer that will protect my hands, keep a…

  • Writing

    Babes, Brands, and Barks at BlogPaws

    The Social Media and Pet Blogging Conference Went to the Dogs (and Cats, Horses…)   Recently I attended my second BlogPaws pet blogging and social media conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Another year of blogging under my belt meant I had different goals and a different experience overall. Most of my friends and fellow attendees will agree this year was unique.     Attending last year I paid special attention to preparing for my first blogging conference. Connecting with fellow attendees in advance of the conference was by far the most helpful. Unlike many other large networks in social media and marketing, the BlogPaws network has a very tight community…

  • Confessions of a Timid Rider,  Equestrian Life

    Equipepper: Facing the Demons

    Most of you will have faced some riding demons at one stage in your riding career. If you haven’t, I’m sure you will face one or two in the years to come. Almost a year on from a particularly nasty fall last summer, I am starting to realise that I probably have a few demons hanging around from the incident. And it is about time I faced them! But before I get into this, I want to give you a quick introduction to me and my partner in crime, Scottie. As I think this will be important to the story I am going to tell you.   About Us  …