April 2020 – Draft Horses Keep the Past Alive
It’s history we take for granted—like the fact that we get on from the left side because soldiers of times-gone-by mounted that way in order to keep their swords (worn on the left hip) out of the way. Nowadays, the dashboard is where we look to see how fast we’re …
Which Leg is Lame? A Beginner’s Guide (part 2 of 3)
Recognizing lameness in the hindlimbs can be slightly trickier than in the front legs. Generally, there is more movement and some compensation going on throughout the horse’s body. This can cause other limbs to look “off” and confuses the evaluator. In this month’s article we will discuss hindlimb lameness and …
A Guide to Responsible Trail Use
If you’re new to trail riding, it’s easy to think it’s just a hillier extension of the arena. Not quite. Trail riding offers an escape to beautiful, wild places — but also brings with it a responsibility to keep those places pristine and to respect the experiences of other visitors. Here …
The Chief Joseph Trail Ride
It may be on your bucket list. If it isn’t, it should be. The Chief Joseph Trail Ride is one of the longest-running historic rides in the United States, having been hosted by the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) since 1965. It retraces the route taken by Chief Joseph and his …
Book Review: Riding for the Team
Many young athletes grow up with a goal of reaching the Olympics and the glories of their sport’s highest levels. It’s no different for equestrians, whether they ride English, Western, vault, or drive a carriage. From playing with plastic ponies and taking their first riding lessons to finding success in the arena, thousands of …
Teaching Timing
This month I want to talk to riding instructors — people who teach other people to ride from the middle of the ring — as opposed to trainers who teach the horse. Whether your client is horse or human, a key ingredient in training or riding is timing. The skilled, …
Equi-Spa® Saves Your Horse from Irritating Pests Without Chemicals
If you wouldn’t put it on your body, why put it on your horse? Chemical products can cause serious problems such as dizziness, disorientation, and in some extreme cases can trigger seizures. Studies have also shown that pests are developing tolerances to these chemicals and they can actually work to …
State Line Tack and 4-H Work Together to Inspire and Help Kids
State Line Tack is thrilled to support 4-H horse programs across the nation. 4-H provides young people with opportunities to improve sportsmanship, learn self-discipline, practice teamwork and develop self-confidence. At State Line Tack, we care about empowering youth and building a lifelong love of horses in a new generation. We …
Interesting Times in the Horse Industry
What a crazy turn of events for all of us. I hope by the time this issue comes out we will all be back at work and able to get out and connect again! As I write this on March 25, Governor Inslee has issued a statewide mandate to stay …