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Disagreeably Speaking

On Horses, Tack, and the Almighty Opinion by Catherine Madera     The above photo is the curb bit I used on my childhood horse, a spunky Arabian named Sunfire. As I recall, I rode Sunny two-handed much of the time in this humdinger of a leverage bit. I did …

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A Forward Style of Living

Never Stop Growing   I once read a quote from John Lyons where he said the most dangerous situations he’s been in with horses involved those that refused to go forward. I didn’t fully understand this statement until I started my first horse under saddle, a lovely Arabian gelding named …

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Finding Your Niche

Matching Equine Events to Your Personal Style by Catherine Madera   My husband and I are an interesting pair. He’s got what you might call a “big personality;” an outgoing, suck-the-marrow-from-life type of guy whose motto for living is pretty much “go big or go home.” He doesn’t do anything …

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Buying Local

Enjoying the Resources in My Own Backyard By Catherine Madera   I have a horse related dream: to take a castle tour in Ireland on horseback. With plenty of day-to-day horse expenses I’ve not saved up for this dream vacation, but it’s on my equestrian “Bucket List.” Recently I entered …

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Riding the Corners

Keep Your Focus, Achieve Your Goals by Catherine Madera   It’s February, how are you all doing with those New Year’s resolutions? I make a few every year but often discover I am off track by summertime. Why does this happen and how can it be avoided? The key, I …

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New Beginnings

The Journey of Friendship by Catherine Madera   My 19-year-old son recently returned from a year away at a technical college. The last two months with him have been delightful. My husband and I often say things like, “He is such a pleasure to be around,” or “I am so …

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Senior Moments

Cherishing Every Day by Catherine Madera   “I’m having a senior moment.” This is a common lament for those struggling with the aging process. Life is a journey of seasons. Instead of the good things that come with age—increased confidence, wisdom, and skill—it’s the negative that so often is our …

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Gift Horses

The Value of Experience by Catherine Madera   “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” is a familiar proverb. Since a horse’s approximate age—and thus their value in “using years”—can be determined by its teeth the verse is effectively saying, “When you receive a gift, don’t jump to conclusions …

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Is Your Horse Happy?

Wellness is a Mind/Body Connection by Catherine Madera   Is your horse happy? A hundred years ago no cowboy, or girl, would waste time pondering this question. Today, most horse owners I know are concerned about the mental state of their horse, specifically if it is “happy.” What does this …

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Cross Training

How to Stay Fit and Inspired by Catherine Madera   Outside of riding horses, I’ve never been very interested in sports. This is why my husband worked extra hard convincing me to join him on a 30-and-over soccer team last June. When the day of our first game rolled around—like, …

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