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Struggling with Motivation
Confessions of a Timid Rider: Some days I’m not Motivated to Ride Horses are my passion, but I tend to doubt my skill and often question myself. I don’t think I’m alone in that. But today I did not set myself up for success. In fact, I really made some poor decisions and as such struggled with motivation. Exhaustion I hadn’t ridden in two whole weeks! My barn has pony camp, which really reduces available riding time without a thousand kids running around screaming. Not that Delight cares. But I do. I ride for pleasure and for the thrill of spending time with my favorite boy, not to dodge children…
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Acupuncture for the Veterinary Cancer Patient
By Dr. Michelle Morges, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology); Dr. Kendra Pope, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), CVA, CVCH, CVFT, CVTP I was hesitant about acupuncture at first. As a veterinary oncologist I have seen the benefits of acupuncture. It was a goal of mine to get certified. I was not sure how much of a role there would be for acupuncture for a veterinarian like myself who treats only cancer patients. Then I started working with Dr. Kendra Pope. She ultimately inspired me to get certified in acupuncture. During introductions while at my certification course this past spring, one of the veterinarians taking the course reacted to hearing…
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Blogger Recognition Award, Pet Edition
Blogging has taken on a life of its own. While it started as a way to journal online, it has transformed into a way to market brands or products; or publicize important news. Ever heard of the Huffington Post? My blog is an amalgamation of all three. I’m incredibly proud of it. I received a lovely surprise recently! Bridle & Bone was nominated by For the Love of Paws for the Blogger Recognition Award- Pet Edition 2017. I am extremely humbled and honored. Thank you Shelby! What is the Blogger Recognition Award? The Blogger Recognition Award is awarded to bloggers by bloggers who appreciate the hard work, dedication, and vast amount…
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The Perils of Not Owning Your Own Horse
It’s confession time. My name is Heather and I have a problem. I’m obsessed with horses. My husband likes to point out all the perils of owning a horse. What if they get hurt, what if they get sick, what if we go on vacation, lose our jobs, etc. etc. etc. But what I would like to talk about is the perils of NOT owning your own horse.
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Welcoming Homemade Dog Food from NomNomNow
Like most pet owners, I want the best for my dogs. I want them to be healthy and happy. Of course, while there are some amazing benefits to a raw diet, this is not something I am able to do with small children in the house. So judge me if you want to, but this busy mom and business owner gives her dogs a combination of high-quality kibble and fresh cooked dog food. I wish I could say that I always have fresh food for my dogs. With two businesses and three children, however, life gets pretty busy. So I was very intrigued to learn more about NomNomNow.…
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The Ladies Take Over the Racetrack
Monmouth County, New Jersey is horse country. We have a rich history of equestrian sports, the most notable of which is horse racing. Whether you support thoroughbred racing or not, it’s hard not to run into someone that rides a thoroughbred, lives near a horse farm, or even owns a racehorse. The racetrack brings an interesting array of people from all over. People watching is almost as fun as the horse racing. On a cloudy, Saturday in July, the ladies take back the racetrack for Ladies Day at Monmouth Park, sponsored by Lilly Pulitzer. Now for those of you who know me well, I am the opposite of…
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My Daughter is My Equestrian Hero
Equestrian and Otherwise This was easy for me to write but extremely difficult to share. My daughter insisted it would help others and was determined that I share her story. After all, that’s the kind of person she is. Cameron is special, as all children are in their own way. She is sassy, confident, and intelligent. She also has cerebral palsy. We don’t know when she had the stroke, or “brain bleed” as she calls it, but she was diagnosed at 18 months old. She met every developmental milestone and can do anything. The only difference is she has to work harder than others. For those of you…
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The Perks and Pitfalls of Working with Horses in Summer
Summer is finally here. Although we had a mild winter here in New Jersey, many prayed for warm weather. And June has been unseasonably cold until the recent heat wave in July. The temperature soared from 65 degrees to 98 degrees in a matter of a day- and no one was ready. Especially my dogs, and the horses. It got me thinking, equestrians all wish for warm weather until we have it. So what are the perks and pitfalls of working with horses in summer? Perks Riding Outdoors Not all equestrians are lucky enough to have an indoor riding arena, it’s true. My barn has a Kentucky-style indoor with outside…
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Equestrian Excuses for Why You Can’t Ride
As equestrians we are united by our love of horses. Whether you own, lease, or borrow sometimes you don’t feel like riding and need an excuse. I had my own riding funk over the winter. Horse riding is my favorite way to spend a day. I’m pretty steadfast in my passion and will spend all my spare time at the barn, preferably a top a handsome equine named Delight. I remember coming to the barn in the middle of a snow storm to ride. The barn owner said, “Well I guess you aren’t a fair weather rider.”. I just laughed because it’s true. Even on my worst days…
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Building Trust in An Anxious Horse
Today was a great day. For the last several months I’ve been working with a high-strung horse providing massage. He has been a bit of a challenge, and has been hesitant to trust me. Sunny is a beautiful appendix palomino at our local therapeutic riding center. He works with veterans and kids with special needs, and takes great care of his riders. My daughter has ridden him! But Sunny is always thinking and internalizes it. As a result, he has incredible muscle tension. When I first began working with Sunny, he was extremely head shy and wary of me. My hand, placed inches from his body would result in him…
Equestrian Author and Podcast Host
