The Trough Category

Unusual Flower Macro Photography

Flower Macro

Image from Martin Heigan

Something a little different today. In my many searches for beautiful images I run across some that aren’t horse related but worth a share. Clearly I’m a collector and I stash them away until I have enough to show everyone.

I guess you could say I’m officially declaring today flower friday.

Here is a collection of amazing macro flower shots mostly taken by one photographer in particular. Martin takes some wicked photographs, enjoy.
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12 Reasons to Boycott the Circus

Circus Elephant

Image credit jonbruck

As an animal lover, it’s hard to know where to draw the line when it comes to animals in entertainment. Circuses have almost always been criticized for their treatment of animals & after doing research for this post, I’ll not visit another one.

Not A Good Message

Many of the animals used in this type of entertainment are facing extinction in the wild. What kind of message are we delivering to our youth if we continue to cage wild animals and force them to perform tricks for our amusement?
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Making Organic Liquid Castile Soap

Click to see Video

Castile soap originated in the Castile region of Spain and was made from local olive oil. The term has evolved to encompass soap made from vegetable-based oils.

Products made from Castile soap do not use animal products (ew, tallow) as a softening agent. This means they biodegrade faster and require less from Mother Earth to be made.
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Paw Prints

Paw Print

Image from wormwood

Most of the time paw prints are unwelcome, like when they are on clean pants, white sheets or freshly mopped floors.

Symbol of Joy

However a paw print in the dirt is also a symbol of life, a symbol of the happy-go-lucky spirit of the animal that left it. Or, if nothing else a clue as to which direction they headed when they escaped.

Feeling The Moment

However you feel about paw prints, the photographers below did a lovely job of capturing them and turning them into art. Providing us with a romantic view of what was through their lens.
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Interesting Facts About Unusual Dog Breeds

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Image from HannahKV

There is a long list of dog breeds out there (almost rivaling that of horse breeds). Each breed has their own unique characteristics and history, usually based on the conditions of their natural habitat.

You Don’t See That Dog Every Day

I’ve collected some of the more unusual dog breeds and decided to learn a little bit more about them.

Our Histories Merge

Dogs have had their place next to mankind for a very long time and it is interesting to see how some of the more unusual breeds have been shaped by humanity as well as Mother Nature.
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The Mighty Anubis

Anubis

Image from Steve.Maw

The ancient Egyptians believed that life was but a short part of existence, and that the afterworld was to be prepared for.

The gods of death and the afterworld were of supreme significance to Egyptian society throughout it’s entire existence.

A Little About Anubis

Anubis is the Egyptian patron of mummification and the leader of the dead on their path through the underworld.

Anubis is one of the more ancient gods and was the god of the dead before Osiris took that lofty title. At which point the jackal was appointed conductor of souls in the underworld.

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Amazing Wolf Pictures

Wolf

Image from SigmaEye

Being a lover of large land mammals it makes sense that my favorite members of the dog family would be the big ones. The wolves especially draw my attention.

The Last of The Wild Predators

So I did a little searching and found some breathtaking wolf images to share with my readers. Many of these breeds are masterful predators, however they one predator they can’t outsmart is…us.

Often considered a threat to precious livestock and partial to habitat rich in resources, they are persecuted by everyone from agribusiness to the small time farmer.
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World's 10 Most Endangered Canidae

Maned Wolf

Image from Noldentity

I’ve found conflicting information about most of these animals, and I’m not sure which of them have the fewest numbers. I guess once they are endangered they all become equal in a way, they are all equally at risk of becoming extinct.

Please Don’t Go…

Each one of these animals is such a beautiful specimen of the four legged predator, it would be a shame to see any of them disappear.

So this post is dedicated to some amazing animals and the photographers who have captured them beautifully.

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Flies Up Close

Fly Up Close

Image from Sabrina Campagna

Something a little different this week. I thought I’d show a whole new perspective of the horse world that we are all familiar with but perhaps none of us take the time to fully appreciate.

Professional Irritators

You all know them, they stick wherever they land, they are flies. Ok, maybe these images won’t make you like flies, but they may give you an appreciation for their diversity.
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Animal-Friendly Fabric Softener

Natural HorseRecently it has come to my attention that some popular fabric softeners are not very animal-friendly. In fact, many of them coat the fibers of your fabrics with rendered animal fat to make them soft. In short, fabric softener is part of the reason horses are being slaughtered in this country.

How Can I Look My Horse In The Eye?

The second I read this article about Downey I stopped using fabric softener and felt guilty that every bottle I’ve ever purchased contributed to the slaughter of horses.
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