The Equinest archives

Quick Guide To Horse Leg Markings

Horse Leg

Image from Vince Garcia

It’s no secret that horse coat colors are a topic for passionate debate. Through selective breeding the domestic horse has come to be the most flamboyant & colorful member of the Equidae family.

Although the colors themselves are hotly debated, horse markings are a little more cut-and-dry in their definitions. Like fingerprints, no two horses will display the same white markings, lending even more unique character to your favorite horse. This week we’ll take a look at horse leg markings.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet covering leg markings. A fun way to learn for beginners & a quick brush-up for the old horse pros as well.

Read more →

Three Sites To Watch Horse Races Online

Thanks to writers over at Big Pond Sport for this guest post about watching the races online.

Online horse racing
Spending the day at the TAB may be fun but now you can watch horse races online as well. Here are three sites you might like to take a look at.

No Tracks Nearby?

Can’t get to the track or the telly for a big race? If you can get to a computer or have a mobile phone with Internet capability, you can still see the races.
Read more →

Thoroughbred Horses in Art

Charles XII the race horseThe Thoroughbred horse has held the fascination of artists since the breeds beginnings in the 17th & 18th century.

This high energy breed and racing itself began in England, but the trend of horse racing took hold worldwide and many different countries imported English animals to create their own Thoroughbred bloodlines.

Recently I’ve been doing some research through public domain art and was delighted to see so many artistic representations of this spirited breed.
Read more →

Black Hills Horse Expo 2010

2010 Black Hills Horse Expo

Attention: There has been a bit of speculation about this show, and I’ve confirmed that the Black Hills Horse Expo will NOT be held this year (2010). Sorry to all of those who enjoyed the event. If they decide to go for 2011 I’ll be sure to let everyone know. For now, why not check out the 2010 Events Calendar for another horsey event?

Initially created as a fundraiser for CASA, and to bring horse enthusiasts and professionals together.

Now the expo has become something to look forward to. Events and festivities include all breeds, disciplines and skill levels making it a great event for all types horse people.
Read more →

Horse Jobs at the Race Track

Jobs at the Race TrackWe’ve seen in the past few weeks a sample of the various jobs out there that involve working with horses. Horses are a global industry which provides horse lovers with a vast network of different jobs & careers to choose from.

This list is far from complete, but I thought they were important to share again. Starting next Monday we will visit more jobs at the track in detail and I’ll be adding them to this page for quick reference.

Exercise Rider | Jockey | Jockey Valet | Racing Driver | Track Trainer | Gate Crew | Track Judge | Track Vet | Track Manger

Looking for a job working with horses?
Try our job board for current listings!

Equestrian Warm Up

Click to see VideoNot many of us think about warming up before we ride, but really we should. Almost all athletes warm their bodies up before a workout – and anyone who says riding a horse isn’t working out has never ridden one!

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, here is a quick tutorial that provides some key stretches for equestrians. Stretching serves to warm up your muscles which can go a long way to helping prevent injury.
Read more →

All About Unicorns

Unicorn

Image from ishmagination

Perhaps my most popular post of all times was about the existence of the mythical unicorn. It’s got over 400 comments & they are really an entertaining read.

Since then I’ve written quite a few posts about this magnificent creature & I thought I’d put them all in one place for everyone to enjoy.

If you love unicorns, you’ve come to the right place. These posts cover the animal, its history, translations of the word unicorn & of course, plenty of unicorn art.

Does The Mythical Unicorn Exist | History of the Unicorn | Unicorn Horns | Was The Unicorn Mistaken Identity? | Unicorn Translated | Unicorn Art | Origami Unicorns | Unicorn Books

Chances are I’ll be adding to this page as I uncover more about the mythical unicorn and whether or not they actually exist.

AQHA Convention 2010

2010 AQHA ConventionThe convention discussions and meetings are held annually by the American Quarter Horse Association. This is a chance for breeders, trainers, owners and horse lovers to congregate and discuss issues affecting the industry & discuss proposed changes.

The registration fee is $100.00 for a name badge and admittance to meetings, social events and breakfast.

*The Awards Hall of Fame Banquet is not included in general admission cost.
Read more →

Strange Plants

Strange Plant

Image from Eduardo Debinu

Lately Fridays have been a fun vacation from horses, going interesting places and looking at macro images of Mother Nature’s creations. Today I thought we’d take a look at the stranger side of plants, I’ve done a bit of plant research (for the toxic plant section) and I’m still at a loss to name even one of them.

I thought my readers might enjoy checking out some plants you don’t see every day, if you know what some of them are – speak up in the comments & enlighten the rest of us!
Read more →