• Confessions of a Timid Rider,  Travels

    Icelandic Adventures: Horses, Northern Lights, and Iconic Landscapes

    Confession: I love to travel and going to Iceland to see the Northern Lights and ride the horses are on the top of my bucket list. My husband and I travel together for our wedding anniversary ever few years. Covid-19 and the pandemic put a little delay in those plans, but despite it all we were able to fulfill my dream of visiting Iceland. Some may think I’m a little crazy for going during the winter but if you’ve followed along at all you may realize by now that I don’t mind the cold as much as I do the heat. More importantly, I was determined to see the Northern…

  • Equestrienne Spotlight

    Equestrienne: Cathy Woods

    What is your experience with horses? As a lifelong yogi and long-time horsewoman, it was only natural that I applied yogic principles and practices to my horsemanship from ground to saddle. I’ve been teaching yoga for 31 years and approximately 12 years ago created a program called Body, Mind, Equine. This program teaches how to use the whole of authentic yoga (not just postures) to improve our horsemanship and our lives in a multitude of ways. I offer this program nationwide as clinics, demos, and retreats. In 2020 Horse and Rider Books/Trafalgar Square Books published my comprehensive book, Yoga for Riders. In 2021, WeHorse launched two of my courses: The…

  • Holistic Wellness,  Product Spotlight

    Probiotics for Horses: Do They Really Make a Difference?

    I have been dealing with health issues the last few years that took a long time to identify and I am still recovering. I believe in treating the body as a whole (yes, I am addicted to Coca-Cola) but reached out to an integrative doctor for help. The first thing she did after testing me was put me on an intense probiotic. The one I had been taking wasn’t sufficient. Immediately, I recognized a difference in my body. If probiotics are great for humans and health and our immune systems begin in the gut…then isn’t that even more true for our equine friends? Horses are sensitive and tend to colic…

  • Confessions of a Timid Rider,  Fitness and Conditioning

    Why Is The C- Word So Bad? Developing Confidence in the Canter.

    When I was young the canter was my favorite gait while riding. Something about the rocking motion and the big stride gave me a sense of freedom. I still prefer a balanced canter above all gaits today. Yet, when I returned to riding as an adult, I was incredibly nervous to ride it. I know I’m not alone. I have watched my daughters grow up at the barn and gain in confidence and skill on their own time. A few years ago Zoe , my timid rider, accidentally cantered when Ferrous came into the trot poles too fast and cantered away, true to his Hunter training. She clung to his…

  • Confessions of a Timid Rider

    Equestrienne: Rachel Smith, The Spiritual Cowgirl

    Rachel Smith is an Equestrian Mindset coach from Rimbey Alberta Canada. She is a rider, trainer, and equine sports therapist with a passion for holistic health for equines and riders on body, mind and soul levels. From the time she was three years old and first met horses, she felt their magic on a soul level. Born with horses in her blood, even though her family was from the city, her grandma introduced her to horses. From a young age she had a way with horses and was exceptionally talented with them. She started taking lessons and learning to train horses and working in the horse industry in many facets.…

  • Product Spotlight

    Redingote Equestrian: Women-Inspired.

    Living Up to the Hype and Beyond A few years ago (2018), I encountered an emerging fashion brand called Redingote Equestrian that I found incredibly intriguing. I’d been a working student through winters, pouring rain, and knew firsthand how uncomfortable it could be. In case you didn’t know, I’m kind’ embarrassed high maintenance and love anything that makes my life easier. More, the idea of two women starting a small business with a unique viewpoint- coveralls designed for women: flattering, functional, and comfortable in the saddle and out was unique. My interest was peaked and when I attended Jersey Fresh International to cover the event for the media, I stopped…

  • Product Spotlight

    Unboxing the Cavali Club Lifestyle Box

    Confession: I already have a tack and shopping problem, and I think it just got a little harder to resist. Recently, I won a Cavali Club Lifestyle Subscription box and $25 Corro gift card in a silent auction. Of course I’ve heard about the boxes and followed them on Instagram, so I was really interested to get one! When I received it, I set it to the side until I had some quality time to really enjoy opening it, like a present. Finally, I decided to make an unboxing video as I did so you can see it too! How is This Subscription Box Different? The Cavali Club Equestrian Lifestyle…

  • Confessions of a Timid Rider

    Let’s Talk About Mental Health, Yes Seriously.

    Confession: Depression, burn out, or severe anxiety…call it what you will but I’ve been experiencing it for months and it’s not pretty. I’ve been silently struggling lately. The demands I place on myself and by those around me have been so heavy. I’ve hidden away from friends, stopped writing, barely been to my sanctuary (the barn), and even stepped back from work. The truth is, I think I’m doing okay but then I realize that isn’t really true. All the things I use to cope with my ADHD and my anxiety, I’ve pushed to the side. Everything gets pushed to the side because it’s too overwhelming. It’s been a long…

  • Equestrienne Spotlight

    Equestrienne: Diana De Rosa, Equine Journalist

    Diana De Rosa is a veteran equestrian photo journalist, who has traveled the world and has recorded equestrian history for over 35 years. Her story and photography have taken her to over 30 countries. An accomplished rider herself, De Rosa understands the horse world from many different angles.