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. 

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.

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."

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.