Thursday, November 17, 2011

Carriage Hill Farms Adopts a Family to Help Give Them a Thanksgiving Meal

Carriage Hill Farms offers riding lessons for adults and children in Delray Florida. They also rent out stalls to private owners. Their trainers are experienced riders and most have showing experience. To contact them or get more information go to Carriage Hill Farms.

I go to Carriage Hill Farms for my lessons and love the facility. You groom and tack the horse before the lesson and wash the horse after. You also are the one to get the horse and put the horse back into their stall. They have small ponies, large ponies, and full grown horses and they are well taken care of.

They have adopted a family of five, a single mother with four children. Her husband walked out on her and  she has a part time job at Taco Bell. Carriage Hill Farms wants to help them by collecting food products to give to them for their Thanksgiving.

This is the list of things needed:
- Corn meal
- 4 cans of turkey gravy
- Canned pie filling
- Pie crust mix or pie crusts
- 2 cans of green beans french cut
- 2 cans of french fried onions
- 2 cans of cranberry sauce
- 2 cans of evaporated milk
- 2 cans of pumpkin
- Napkins and plates
- Canned fruit
- 2 boxes of instant potatoes
- 1 bag of marshmallows
- 3 cans of sweet potatoes
- or any Publix gift cards

They will be collecting items until Monday Nov 21. If you want to contribute you can drop of the items at Carriage Hill Farms which is located at:

In Sunshine Meadows Equestrian Village
West side of State Road 7 aka Route 441
between Clint Moore Road and Atlantic Avenue

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Horse of The Month: Rebecca Eigen's Harley That Will do Anything for Food

Name: Harley
Birthday: June 3, 1989
Breed: Canadian Warmblood


Current Owner: Rebecca Eigen imported Harley from Canada a few years ago.

Funny/Cute Habits:
- Rebecca said, "his cutest and most annoying habit is pawing for treats. If he is offered food he will do anything."

- Harley is not a morning horse. When he gets up early he has this look on his face as though he is a little kid who doesn't want to go to school.

- When Rebecca is sitting on the saddle and Harley has had enough he turns his head to look up at her and blinks his eyes. It's like he is saying "please get off now mom."

-When Harley gets tired he lays down and will nuzzle his nose on her shirt. His mane in the front sweeps to one side and it looks like side bangs.

Saddle Bags Are Trendy For This Fall and Winter Here Are My Favorites

Equestrian saddle bags were originally attached to the saddle with straps and placed either on the front, back or side of the saddle. They are made of different materials but mainly leather. Saddle bags are used to store any equipment or posessions a rider might have.


Now saddle bags have become a fashion trend with designers especially for this fall. I like them because you can wear them across your shoulder and have your arms free. They're great for social events where you won't have to worry about holding a bag. Here are some of my favorites.
This saddle bag is pricey but I love the detail of the leather. This bag comes in three different sizes and in either black, brown, camel, and this cherry red. The cherry red is a unique color which makes a fashion statement. It would look elegant paired with dark skinny jeans and a blazer.
The saddle bag is by Marcello De Cartier and is priced at $1,500 you can also call (800) Cartier if interested.

Michael Kors is my favorite designer, I have three bags from him and one snake skin wallet. His products last a long time and are easy to spot clean. This saddle bag comes in a brown and metallic silver but this vanilla is fresh and brings out the gold accents. It is made of leather and the buckle is a magnetic snap closure.
This saddle bag was originally $178 but is on sale for $88.90 at Nordstrom.


The pale pink and quilted leather are my favorite and the half gold chain strap completes it. It is available in nude which would be more neutral.
The price tag is $675 and is available at Barneys New York.

Saddle bags can also be found at Target and Urban Outfitters.


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Equestrian Inspired Jewelry Great For Holiday Gifts

When I saw this jewelry I loved it and thought it would make cute holiday gifts. I would wear all of it but of course I have some favorites.

This is a sterling silver horseshoe pendant with cubic zirconia diamonds. It is priced at $39.99. I liked how it is a very delicate piece but stands out with diamonds and the price tag isn't bad.

These horseshoe stud earrings are sterling silver with cubic zirconia diamond and costs $33.50. I like these of course because they match the necklace above and would complete the look. Also these earrings could be worn by any age group.

This is my ultimate favorite piece because it incorporates the horse. It is sterling silver with cubic zirconia diamonds around the horseshoe and costs $59.99. The horse looks as though it is trotting through the horseshoe which makes the pendant.

If you like any of these favorites you can go to this website to buy them.


These dangling earrings of stirrups are unique yet simple. These are by far my favorite equestrian inspired earrings. The price tag is $90.


This ring of a stirrup is sterling silver but can be ordered in either gold or platinum. I like how it matched the earrings but I just love rings. The detail of the stirrup is what makes this one of my favorites, with the bottom of the stirrup looking rough. This ring costs $93.

Both of these pieces are by Loriece and there are plenty of other products other then jewelry on their website that is equestrian inspired.

An Online Equestrian Magazine Will Soon be Launched for Juniors and Young Riders

The magazine will be called Junior Equestrian Magazine and will be launched by Nov 20. The objective will be for young and junior riders to have a magazine dedicated to them. I like this idea since many equestrian magazines are dedicated to adult athletes.

Courtney Weinzimer is the Publisher for Junior Equestrian Magazine. She has been the publisher and editor of the Florida Equestrian Magazine and went to Florida Atlantic University. To read more about her see her Linkedin page.

Junior Equestrian Magazine will feature articles on college riding events and young rider events. It will incorporate all aspects of the sport from western to polo to english style riding. There has been some articles posted for the magazine to check these out see the magazine's website.

The magazine is looking for people to write articles about certain events and subjects as well as sending them pictures for the articles. Also if you want to get involved with the design or have feedback for the online magazine go to their Facebook page to see how to contact them and what they might need.

A Second Carriage Horse Collapsed in New York City


A carriage horse named Luke collapsed on West 60th Street near Broadway around 6 p.m. on Nov 4. This is the second incident with carriage horses in less then two weeks. Charlie collapsed and died on his way to Central Park, he had a stomach ulcer and a fractured tooth.

According to the Daily News Luke got back up 15 minutes later. The ASPCA will be investigating this incident and Luke will be suspended from working until an exam is done. Luke has been cleared to work and the examination showed nothing wrong with him.

The cause of the collapse was him getting entangled in his harness. This is the video of the incident that a witness took:


Animal activists and celebrities are favoring the ban against the horse drawn carriages in New York City. Pamela Anderson wrote "For the second time in less than two weeks, a carriage horse has collapsed on a Manhattan street. Horses do not belong in a congested, urban setting where they are constantly breathing exhaust and sharing the streets with cars, buses and taxis," on her Facebook page.

If you want to ban horse drawn carriages sign this petition and electric cars that look like vintage automobiles will replace them.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Affordable Equestrian Looks for Winter

This fall equestrian inspired clothing is becoming the new look. Of course a lot of the clothing is by designers but there are items that can make up a great equestrian outfit for less.


A classic blazer is great to make the outfit complete. Accents on the collar and pockets of the blazer can make it even more stylish. The RonHerman L'AGENCE  wool blazer on the left has a nice velvet collar with a thin belt and flap down pockets. This blazer has a high price tag of $624.

Nordstrom Rack has a nice grey Conrad C Collection jacket with black accents on both the collar and pockets. It is priced at $83.90 which sounds better and is on the right.


People never thought to wear their horse riding pants to casual and chic events but now the fashion world is incorporating them. The pair on the left can be bought at Bloomingdales and are from J Brand. They have nice velvet accents, such as, the inner thigh panels and smooth pockets on the back. I don't
know if they're as pretty as the price tag of $228. 

The pants on the right are from Vince Camuto and are equally as nice. They are more like a legging which is great for comfort and the contrast of the panels is a nice touch. The price tag of $79 isn't bad either.


The riding boots make an outfit elegant and can dress a casual inspired equestrian look into a chic one. The boot on the left can be bought at Barneys New York and are by Fendi with a huge price tag of $1,100.

The boot on the right are from Annie Shoes and have buckle accents on the top and bottom. The Annie Shoes boots cost as low as $59.46 which is a big difference from $1,100.

Even if you don't ride horses you can embrace the equestrian style in your everyday winter wear.

A Thoroughbred Mare was Found Butchered in Miami Dade County Florida

I wrote a previous blog post on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act which is a bill to stop the shipping, sale and consumption of horses. So it was shocking to read in a Miami Herald article that last month a six year old thoroughbred mare was butchered and left on the side of the road.

The mare's heart and legs were removed. The police believe the horse was stolen because she was in good health and good condition. Her mane seemed to have been recently groomed which is a sign she was probably stolen.

Richard Couto, has worked at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in South Florida, and  commented in the article about the horse having a tattoo on her upper lip with an identification number that determined she was a race horse.

She was left on the road north of Okeechobee Road and west of the Florida Turnpike. Richard Couto mentioned in the article that this area is known for being one of the biggest horse slaughter regions in the county. In 2009 police shut down 70 illegal slaughter houses in the county and 21 dead horses have been found as well in that year.

These horrific events in 2009 resulted in the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. The article interestingly discussed how horse meat is legal in the United States but it has to be labeled and done at a licensed facility. Most of the horses that are being slaughtered are done illegally and are usually stolen.

This situation was outrageous and I can not believe people are doing such cruel actions towards horses. To get involved sign this petition.

NYPD Horses Become Friends With City Dogs

A couple days ago the New York City local news played a video of a French Bulldog and a New York Police Department horse playing and showing each other attention. This happened by Wall Street and I thought it was the cutest video so I wanted to share it.


After I heard about this video I found another which is a NYPD horse showing love to an English Bulldog named Potato. This was even more cute then the first video.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Hickstead a Show Jumping Horse Dies During a Competition in Italy

After Hickstead, a 15 year old Dutch Warmblood, completed a round of 13 jumps at the highest level which is the grand prix, his legs gave out and he collapsed. The competition was the Rolex Federation Equestre Nationale World Cup in Verona, Italy. Eric Lamaze, the rider and owner, won a gold and silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing with Hickstead. Lamaze was considered the number one show jumper in the world by the Rolex rankings. This was the third time he was ranked number one. Hickstead was also considered the best jumping horse of his time. The New York Times covered this story, Hickstead, Star Show-Jumping Horse Dies During Competition.



According to the Federation Equestre Nationale Hickstead died from an aortic rupture which resulted in heart failure. This video shows Hickstead completing the course and the sudden death so if you think this will be disturbing to you, do not view.

A Carriage Horse Dies in New York City

Charlie a 15 year old carriage horse collapsed in Midtown on West 54 street on his way to Central Park on Sunday Oct. 23, 2011. He had only been working for 20 days prior to the incident. He had a stomach ulcer and a fractured tooth. Ever since this happened there has been great controversy between the carriage industry and animal activist groups.

I have grown up in Manhattan and it was shocking to hear about this. When I was little I would go to Central Park every Saturday with my dad and I remember giving one of the horses a carrot each time. The horse drawn carriages have been around for so long that I can not believe there has been actions of animal cruelty and no one has known about it.


The ASPCA and other organization want to ban the horse drawn carriages but Mayor Bloomberg is rejecting the idea. This is highlighted in a New York Times article called, After Carriage Horse Dies, Mayor Rejects Calls for Ban. Bloomberg expresses how the carriage industry is a part of New York City's history and that the horses are well taken care of. A bill was introduced last year with an alternative to the horse drawn carriages which would be electric cars that look like vintage automobiles. Mayor Bloomberg and the Horse and Carriage Association of New York do not support this ban or proposal.

New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets is the non-profit organization that is responsible for the proposal of electric automobiles. If you support this proposal then sign this petition.

Amos: A Horse That Can Play Basketball and Do Tricks

Amos is a 10 year old pony that lives in Boca Raton, Florida and is a part of the Palm Beach Pony Company. Amos is owned by Shelly Saidel who is responsible for teaching him all he knows. He can do puzzles, paint, play the xylophone, and play basketball. When I watched the news I could not believe this was so but when I saw the video it was impressive. This is the video from WPBF channel 25 news:


Amos volunteers with the non-profit organization, Personal Ponies of Florida, which is located in Coconut Creek. The organization works with children that have special needs by giving them a Shetland pony to take care of for free. Personal Ponies and Amos also go to hospitals, nursing homes, and veteran hospitals. They also conduct privates sessions at Sapphire Stables as well as visiting groups, such as, Gold Coast Down Syndrome Association. To donate or to read more about Personal Ponies visit their website.

He also will do birthdays or other special events. The Palm Beach Pony Company has plenty of party ideas, such as, pony rides, painting the horse, and cart rides. There are also things that adults can do with Amos during parties. Amos has his own website where you can read more about him as well as visiting and party ideas.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Equine Psychotherapy: The Talent Horses Have with Helping People with Emotional and Physical Problems

The New York Times has an article called Horse Therapy for the Troubled. It tells a story of a group of students from the Garfield Park Academy that have learning and emotional problems and how they attend the Reindancer Therapeutic Riding Center. It explains there first experiences with the horses and how the program is structured as well as the purpose. It includes insight from research and how equine therapy originated. Some researchers feel there needs to be more insight into how well equine therapy works while others feel it is very helpful.

The Reindancer Therapeutic Riding Center is located in New Ggypt, New Jersey. The supply different programs, such as, horseback riding, equine assisted psychotherapy, lessons for those that are capable, and horses for heroes. Horses for heroes is a program for military veterans that help them with any emotional of physical problems due to the military.

They are primarily funded by fundraising, grants, public funding, and donations.

Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida, Inc. is located in Coconut Creek, Florida. They are a non-profit organization and help children and adults with physical and emotional problems. This organization believes horses can help improve all five senses of children and adults with these problems as well as social skills. Their programs include therapeutic riding with certified instructors, interactive vaulting, and stable management. To read more about this organization go to their website.

This video will explain more about the organization and what they do.


Join their blog and get involved.

Characteristics that make a good therapy horse:
- Being familiar with wheelchairs, crutches, and other equipment.
- Calm in all weather situations.
- Has been handled by many different people and is comfortable with human contact.
- Not afraid of unsteady movements.


A Horse Costume Contest and Parade in Davie

Event:
Davieween Happenings

Location:
Pine Island Multipurpose Center
3801 S. Pine Island Road, Davie

Date:
Sunday, October 30, 2011

Time:
1-4 p.m. (costume contest at 3p.m.)

Admission:
Free

This event will include bounce houses, climbing wall, music with DJ Jeff, and a petting farm. The South Florida Trail Riders will be hosting the horse costume contest and parade.

They will also have a pumpkin patch where you can buy a pumpkin and decorate it there. There will be Halloween games throughout the event, such as, bowling for ghouls, feed the hungry pumpkin, and tic-tack goblin.

There will be face painting for a fee and food and drinks. The costume contest will include age groups 5 and under, 6 to 8 year olds, and 9 to 12 year olds.

Here is the flyer for this event print this.

To see other Halloween events in South Florida go to this Facebook page some include horses and petting farms.

Halloween Costumes for Your Horse

Halloween is coming, people buy costumes for their dogs, cats, so why not their horse. The cost of costumes are a concern but there are ways around it.
A winter horse blanket can be converted into a costume depending on the color. An orange blanket can be changed into a pumpkin costume. Just add black lines to the blanket and leaves through the horse's mane. If you have or want a black blanket you can use it as a witches costume.
Another interesting idea is to paint your horse. This women turned her horse into a zebra and won a Halloween costume parade.


Some of my favorite horse costumes are:

Harry Potter the horse. This cost $140 and includes a cloak, shirt, tie, head piece with glasses and scarf.

Scooby Doo where are you? This cost $145 and includes four hoof covers, entire body costume, and head and neck cover. 

To see other costumes that range from animal, movie and fairy tale costumes see The Horse Tailor.

Safety Tips for horse costumes: 
- Use non-toxic products when it comes to paint and glitter.
If the costume makes noise, such as, bells on the costume, make sure the horse is used to the sound.
- Always incorporate your helmet and stirrups into the costume.
- Practice riding with the horse and you wearing your costumes. 

To read more tips on safety see this article.

Have a great Halloween with your horses and stay safe. 


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Handbags Incorporate Equestrian Style

Rebecca Ray is a designer that works with an Amish community to design each handbag by hand. They make the handbags using traditional Treadle sewing machines. Rebecca Ray has been involved in the horse world and brought it into her handbag designs.

This is one of the handbags I love. The nice brown will match with anything and the horse head adds a unique look. It is elegant looking while expressing your interest with a fashion statement. This handbag is $275.
This handbag includes more detail with an entire scene. The white with grey and black make it an everyday bag. This handbag is $245.

Rebecca Ray also has home decor, jewelry, belts, dog wear, and key chains but the handbags are my favorite. To look at the rest of her designs go here or go to her facebook page.

Everyday Equestrian Fashion in Cosmopolitan Magazine

The english equestrian clothing for training and showing is attractive and the fashion is one thing that grabbed my attention for starting. Cosmopolitan did a section on how "english country and equestrian trends" are becoming popular for the fall. This way anyone can add the look into their wardrobe.

I love the button down shirt and tall black boots. It mimics the show boots very well. 

This look is one of my favorites. It gears more towards the western look but the vest makes the outfit.

Of course the horse is a nice touch. The tall boots again and high socks are a nice look. This outfit adds the feminine side to the equestrian lifestyle. 

This is my number one favorite because it highlights the english look perfectly. Tall boots, long sleeve white blouse, gloves and tan breeches (which are the pants).

In the first picture the button down shirt is from American Living for JCPenny and it cost $60. The vest in the second picture is Carolina Herrera with the under top being Michael Stars for $46. The dress in the third picture is Fire and cost $42 with Marni boots. 

My favorite look is a vest from Forever 21 for $22.80, a white blouse from Antonio Melani for $119, Converse by John Varvatos pants, and Gucci boots. 

American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

An article from the New York Times called Hungry for horse meat explains how France and other European countries consume horse meat in every day restaurants. They serve horse burgers and that it tastes very similar to beef. The author himself tried it and I don't think I could ever. Italians have become the highest consumers of horse meat. The article also compares the attitude towards horse meat and there is a huge difference in the two cultures. The United States has been against the consumption due to activist groups that feel it is animal cruelty.

Therefore, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act was introduced into the House on September 19, 2011 by Congressman Dan Burton. This will prohibit the shipping, sale and consumption of horses. There will be penalties up to $3,000 or one year in jail for the first offense and up to $5,000 and two years in jail for the second offense. Civil penalties can also be applied up to 2,000 per violation.

The American Horse Council is a non profit organization that is involved in protecting anything that has to do with equestrian life by working with the government. Their website, American Horse Council, is an informative site that will keep you updated with what is going on in the government regarding horses.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Horse of the Month: Ashley Bott's Water-Loving Diesel

Name: Diesel
Birthday: May 7, 1999
Breed: American Thoroughbred and his tattoo number is C22883



Family:
Brother: name is Real Quiet and won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in 1998.
Father: name is Quiet American and his bloodline is traced back to Seabiscuit and Man-O-War.

Career: won $14,563 in racing but was only decent in the racing world. Diesel was then converted into a show hunter after six years of training with show judge Chris Gilman. To view information on Chris Gilman read this.

Current Owner: Ashley Bott purchased him from Chris Gilman in July 2011.



Funny/Cute Habits:
- When Ashley brushes him on his shoulder and belly he warps his neck around her as though he is giving her a hug. He also nuzzles on her clothes until he is bored.

-Diesel loves water. When he is bathed after riding he pouts until Ashley let's the hose run on his face. When she continues washing the rest of him he stomps his hooves like a little kid until the hose is back on his face.

-After he drinks water he let's his tongue hang out.

-Ashley said, "when I rinse underneath his tail after riding, he will always turn around with his ears perked up looking at me like oh yeah."

Saturday, October 1, 2011

The Number of Thoroughbred Foals Decrease

An article called Florida thoroughbred foal numbers drop a steep 25.4% was very interesting. Thoroughbred horses are purebred and are known for being good race horses. They are also hot blooded which relates to their personalities, they are sensitive and energetic. These traits help with riding and that is why thoroughbred horses are best for english style riding.

The article mentions how florida has the greatest decrease in thoroughbred foal numbers which was shocking. Foals are young horses no older then a year old. I train at a farm that has about 81 horses so the idea that there is a decrease is not something that is in front of me.

The economy plays a huge role in why this is happening. The article mentions how small breeders are disappearing due to finances and that hits me. The families that depend on it as a living are being hurt.

I love the equestrian life because it is fun, the horses are great to be around, and I like to learn how to take care of them and ride english. If I depended upon this and was involved in financial problems I can not say I would know what to do.

Florida once was the second leading state when it came to foal numbers.

This is a mare and her foal. 

My Favorite Saddle Shop: Spectrum Saddle Shop

The Spectrum Saddle Shop is located on State Road 7, Coconut Creek Florida. Every time I have gone there the sales person can answer all of my questions and give great advice as to what brands are best.

I was there recently because I am looking for a riding helmet that I can also show in. They had me try on multiple ones already knowing about what size I would need. There were two helmets left that I had interest in and she was able to point out the differences and which she would recommend.

The sales person had competed herself in competitions and is always riding throughout the week. She also knew my trainer. I like having people advising me that are immersed in the equestrian life.

I bought these great riding gloves from Spectrum Saddle Shop...


They are Heritage Brand gloves and they come in different styles and with different designs.

I love the design, I won't be able to show in them since you can only wear all black, but for training they are nice. Before I had the gloves my hands would sweat and slip when holding the reins. I had my first lesson wearing them and it made such a difference. I could direct the horse so much better and not have to worry about my grip. Read about more benefits to riding gloves see this article. I recommend riding glove to riders, especially in the summer. The material on top that has the design is breathable as well which helps keep your hands cool.

The Spectrum Saddle Shop has all the name brands for riding and has great customer service. It is a good store to go to if you are a beginner rider because they have experience.

Speciality License Plate: Discover Florida's Horses

I see so many people with the license plate that protects the Panthers. I don't know if this is because people aren't aware that there is one for horses. I found the license plate "Discover Florida's Horses" which support the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority and was started on October 1, 2010.

The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority has been around since 2005 and is 500 acres. They have many events that are held there, such as,  Olympic level competitions and educational programs. For visitors they have an event called Farm Fall Tour where people can meet trainers and see show casings. To see more about what they offer see the horse park.



Of course the look of the license plate matters and I think it's cute with the elegant picture of the horse in the left hand side.

The license plate has an annual fee of $25 plus registration fees. To purchase the license plate you can go to your local DMV office or go here to purchase it online Order here it also will explain how the annual fee will be distributed. 

Celebraties Katie Price and Zara Phillips both Launch Equestrian Clothing Lines

Katie Price or Jordan previously known as an English glamour model and media personality launched her fourth collection of KP Equestrian, the line includes bright colors like pink and purple. The clothing line consists of velour sweatpants, sweaters, and shorts, as well as graphic shirts. This line is not just for the rider but also has items for the horses. Bridles, head collars, and rugs are some of those items.



She had her two youngest children Princess and Junior model the clothes on the website.

 Princess with her hands on her hips seems to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Jordan is like a diva modeling the jacket and polo.

Katie Price said "One of my favorite pieces is the narrow-striped hoodie; the bubble-gum pink velour is just amazing; and I reckon the I Love Horses tee is a summer must-have." She has been riding since she was 7 years old.

I love the colors but I was a little shocked once looking at the items offered. When it is called an equestrian clothing line I pictured practical things that could be worn while riding. The horses seem to have more practical choices like the bridles. For children it makes the equestrian life more colorful and fun but I wouldn't buy any of the products from the adult clothing line for myself.

If you want to buy any items go to the official website linked at the top of the page and order online.

Zara Phillips the daughter of Princess Anne took a day long photo shoot at the 12th century Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. She has been riding all her life and her clothing line shows what she knows about what riders would want.


It was impressive when she said " I tried and tested everything." The most expensive item is a fleece lined riding jacket at 200 euros. A hooded top and micro fleece is 60 euros.


Each item has her riding number which is 176 and her initials on it. Her clothing line is in partnership with Musto a leading name brand for sporting goods. She even admitted that she has been wearing Musto as long as she could remember. To buy any of her items go to the Musto website linked above.

I love her clothing line compared to Katie Price's because it is everything hers is not. Zara Phillips stated "It's less to do with mainstream fashion and more about practicality and engineering something that works in training, but which you wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen in, in public." That is exactly what Katie Price did not have practicality. Zara Phillips also has a children's equestrian clothing line and it is just has functional. I would buy one of the riding jackets when winter comes.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Controversial Roundups Of Wild Horses

Roundups are conducted in the Western states involving the wild horses that live there. The U.S. Department Of The Interior Bureau Of Land Management is responsible for the roundups. Roundups were supposed to be conducted only when horses were invading restricted areas of land and to help reduce the percentage of reproduction.
The way these roundups have been conducted has become a controversial issue amongst advocates for wild horses. Their main method of roundups are by helicopters. The horses are then kept in captivity or auctioned off, they are never put back into their wild habitats. They do have an adoption program and some are adopted out to private owners. There were about 2 million wild horses in the West and now less then 30,000 horses. 
Watch this video to see how roundups are conducted. 

I had never heard how roundups in the West are conducted and am shocked to see videos depicting horses suffering. Horses are forced into close quarters and some fall down from exhaustion trying to escape. Our tax dollars support the Bureau Of Land Management and it costs $2,500 for each horse they capture. I would expect better methods for the money they receive. 
The Cloud Foundation is a non-profit corporation that was started by Ginger Kathren. The foundation was named after a wild horse that Ginger Kathren named Cloud and has watched since birth. Her mission is to help protect Cloud's herd as well as other wild horses.Visit here for more information on the Cloud Foundation.
Things you can do to help:
-Contact your Congressional Representatives and Senators
-Spread the news about roundups
-Visit a BLM holding facility, attend a roundup (bring a camera)