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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…
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#Horsebloggers Vlog Challenge
As part of Haynet’s equestrian and country blogger community, I joined their 5 question Vlog Challenge. As you may know, video is one of my goals for the coming year. So what better way to start off the year right? I was paired with Laura Szuca of Wannabe in the Ribbons, based in the UK. Laura sent me some great questions, which I answer on video. Hello, “vlog” challenge! So it’s a closely kept secret that I was on a regional television show as a teenager. It was a lot of fun, and definitely helped me on camera but I have always been a bit goofy. And that…
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Coconut Oil, a Natural Flea Remedy
It is just the unfortunate reality of a dog owner that at one time or another you’re going to have to combat the outbreak of a flea infestation. The good news is there are a number of effective ways for you to treat your pet for fleas and without reaching for the medicated shampoo. We’re sure you’re already familiar with coconut oil, but it is a little known fact that coconut oil is also an active treatment for fleas? We didn’t think so. How Does Coconut Oil Fight Off Fleas? Yes, coconut oil may be great for cooking but is it what you should be using to help your dog in their…
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10 Reasons to Own Your Own Horse
It’s true! After years of begging, pleading, and crying I am buying a horse. Those of you who have been following my Confessions of a Timid Rider series, you know that horse ownership has always been my goal. It’s easy to blame by husband or finances, but the truth is that I wasn’t ready before now between kids, building my business, and managing my time. But now it’s here! While I search for my unicorn, these are the 10 reasons why I’m excited to be a new horse owner. Can you relate to any? 10. Practice, Practice, Practice Riding once per week, occasionally twice,…
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The Essential Oil Element: Lavender
Lavender, The Best Essential Oil for Beginners In my first Essential Oil Element series on Bridle & Bone, I am focusing on lavender. Widely considered to be the most popular of all essential oils, it is often a person’s first foray into aromatherapy. The use of lavender has been documented for over 2500 years. The fragrant smell, mild effect, incredible medicinal benefits mean lavender is popular among many species and for many uses. As a result, lavender is one of the best essential oils for beginners. If you are interested in working with aromatherapy, this is a great place to start. What is Lavender? While lavender is the…
Equestrian Author and Podcast Host
