The Equinest - Page 59 - Horse breeds and equine information

Horse Breeds From Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Flag Friday again and time to visit another exotic location and learn about the interesting horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is a fascinating ride, & today a peek at the breeds from Kazakhstan.

Ancient Strains

Most of the breeds from Kazakhstan have ancient origins, and have been traditionally bred by local people for thousands (& thousands) of years. The Adev, part of the Kazakh breed dates back to the 5th century BC. This area is known for horse culture and the people have always been dependent on the equine animal, for transport as well as nourishment. Harsh environments make for sturdier animals and the native animals are quite hardy and adaptable beasts.
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How to Tow a Horse Trailer

Today’s videos are all about trailers & how to make them work. Let’s face it, this isn’t something you can learn to do behind a computer, but at least it gives you an idea what to expect.

Getting Around

Some people have horses for their entire lives without putting wheels under them and other equines should get frequent flyer miles. However, knowing how to hitch up, prepare and the basics for towing trailers is always a good thing. So here goes, five videos with helpful trailer tips.
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Horse Coloring – Horsemanship for Women

Horsemanship for Women This weeks artsy horse post is a little different from the last few. While it still comes from the same book, these illustrations may be better used for information than coloring.

Interesting Nonetheless

These drawings come from a book titled Horsemanship for Women, published in 1887 by Theodore Hoe Mead & illustrated by Gray Parker. Although they may not be a budding artist’s dream, they are still helpful illustrations for some disciplines. If you want something with a little more horse to color, check out parts one, two, three & four.
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Tam o’ Shanter

Today’s poem is an epic written by Robert Burns in 1790. In it Burns paints an unforgettable picture of the drinking class in a Scotch town called Ayr.
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Curly Leafed Dock Sorrel – Toxic Plant of the Week

It’s Monday morning again but that means time to learn about another plant your horse can’t eat. Today we’ll take a closer look at a commonly found plant, the Curly Leafed Dock Sorrel.
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Horse Breeds From Japan

Japan Flag Another Friday and time to visit an exotic location and learn about the interesting horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is a fascinating ride, & today a peek at the breeds from Japan.

Island Ponies

Japan is an island nation and one with a variety of island geographies. These pockets of isolation make for relatively pure bloodlines in what are primarily small horse and pony breeds of Mongolian descent. Many of the pony breeds are revered and protected under Japanese law, continuing already incredibly pure bloodlines.
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Shergar – The Story of a Racing Legend

While I’m not a huge fan of racetracks, I do have a soft spot for the horses who run on them. Of all sports, racing has the worst reputation for animal abuse so it’s fun to look at the industry through the misty eyes of days past.

A Champ

Like most of the racing greats, Shergar had the heart it took to be a great racehorse. His claim to fame was winning the Epsom Derby by 10 lengths, (a distance that hadn’t been achieved in over 200 years of the event). After a successful career the Irish racehorse was retired, in 1981. Two years later he was stolen at gunpoint for ransom and never seen again by his owners.
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Horsemanship for Women Line Drawings

Recently I’ve dedicated Wednesdays to horse art of some type or another (with some colorful breeds thrown in) and today is another post in the Horsemanship for Women line drawing series.

Mounted Instruction

This series of illustrations were drawn by Gray Parker in the 1880’s for a book called Horsemanship for Women written by Theodore Hoe Mead. The series ranges from bridle types, to ground work to riding – today’s post is another mounted one. If you haven’t seen the rest of the series yet, be sure to check out parts one, two, & three
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Boot and Saddle

Today’s poetry was written by Robert Browning and was published in A Victorian Anthology, 1837-1895 in 1895.

Boot and Saddle

Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!
Rescue my Castle, before the hot day
Brightens the blue from its silvery grey,

(Chorus) “Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!”

Ride past the suburbs, asleep as you’d say;
Many’s the friend there, will listen and pray
“God’s luck to gallants that strike up the lay,

(Chorus) “Boot, saddle, to horse, and away!”
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Cuckoo Pint – Toxic Plant of the Week

It’s Monday morning again and time to learn about another plant your horse can’t eat. Today we’ll take a closer look at an incredibly common house plant, the Cuckoo Pint.
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Horse Breeds From Italy

Italy Flag It’s Friday again and a great day for visiting an exotic location and learning about the fabulous horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is an interesting ride, today a peek at the breeds from Italy.

Bred For War

It makes sense that many of today’s breeds came originally out of a need for sturdy war mounts and hardy mountain-type agricultural animals. Some of their breeds (like the Avelignese Horse & Bardigiano) are cousins to the well-loved Haflinger. All three of these breeds share common ancestors and come from the horses of invading Belgian Gauls.
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How To Fall Off

Although it may seem counterproductive, learning to fall is more important than learning to ride. Anyone who wants to ride a horse has to understand one thing perfectly clearly, you will fall off.

If You Haven’t Fallen…

We’ve all heard the saying if you haven’t fallen off you aren’t a real rider and it is actually very true. The more hours you log in the saddle the greater your chances of hitting the ground at some point. That’s why preparing yourself by knowing how to fall can be invaluable.
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Horse Care & Breeds

Horse Breeds

Ancient Strains

Getting Around

Interesting Nonetheless

Island Ponies

A Champ

Mounted Instruction

Boot and Saddle

Bred For War

If You Haven’t Fallen…