The Horses of Gustav Adolf Closs

Carl Gustav Adolf Closs was a German painter and illustrator during the late 19th and early 20th century. Born to an artistic family, Closs was the son of a wood engraver and studied art at a young age.

Not Just Painting

Initially Closs followed in his father’s footsteps and began illustrating books with wood engravings, however this was just a means to an end. His true passion was painting. He had no problem with scale and painted a variety murals (most of which were lost during the wars of the 20th century). Closs was also a history & heraldry buff and that passion is evident in much of his work. He was considered to be among the best heralds of his time.
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His Epitaph

Today’s horse poetry is another tragedy written in 1898 by Will H. Ogilvie, a Scottish narrative poet and horse lover.
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Burdock – Toxic Plant of the Week

Today is another Monday and I’ve officially designated it Toxic Plant Day (until I get through the alphabet, that is). Today a closer look at the strangely attractive (in a spiny, sharp sort of way) Burdock.
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Horse Breeds From Bulgaria

Bulgaria Flag We are visiting yet another nation of the world to discover the breeds native to its lands. I’ve researched a rather large list of horse breeds and it’s interesting to look at each one in the context of their origins. Today we take a look at the breeds of Bulgaria.

Interesting Fact

Bulgaria is home to a wide variety of different geography, the landscapes are primarily plains, hills and low mountains. The equine is native to this area and the sturdy Bulgarian Native Horse is probably the foundation for many of their breeds.
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How to Give Your Horse A Shot

Needles make me cringe, but sometimes they are a necessary evil when it comes to horses. While I don’t recommend everyone go around administering their own shots, it’s something every horse person should really know.

Ask Your Vet

The best person to learn from is your vet and chances are they have to give your horse shots from time to time. Get involved, ask questions and learn how to do it with qualified help. Chances are your vet will be glad you are responsible and teach you what they can.
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The Horses of Friedrich Eckenfelder Pt 2

Two Horses at the Plow

Last week I posted part one of Friedrich Eckenfelder’s work and this week it’s part two. Like I said last week, I couldn’t find much about him in English so I’m going to keep this short & sweet and let the art speak for itself.
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The Color of Ginger

Today is more of a play than a poem, but the words are poetic nonetheless. This is an excerpt from William Shakespeare, Henry V (Act III).
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Win A Custom Danielle Demers Giclee Print of Your Horse

Danielle's Work Have you ever wished you could have a custom painted portrait created of your beloved horse?

Now You Can

Equine artist Danielle Demers, owner of Designs by Dannie, is currently running a contest for her Facebook followers. The winner of the contest will receive an original watercolor and ink portrait of his or her horse. There will also be two runners up who will receive 8″x10″ archival giclee prints of the watercolor paintings Danielle will create of each of their horses.
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Buffalo Burr – Toxic Plant of the Week

It’s the start of the week – a fresh new Monday, and I’ve got yet another plant you have to keep your horse away from. Today I want to take a look at the Black Nightshade. Which is beautiful, in an angry, thorny, hostile sort of way.
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Horse Breeds From Brazil

Brazil Flag We are heading yet further around the world to discover breeds from each different county as we go. I’ve researched a rather large list of horse breeds and it’s interesting to look at each one in the context of their origins. Today we take a look at the breeds of Belgium.

Interesting Fact

Slightly different from many of the breeds found in South America, which are descendants of Spanish Breeds. The Brazilian horses come from a foundation of Portuguese breeds, many bloodlines derive from the Lusitano and the Alter Real instead of the Andalusian. This fact alone makes these breeds slightly different from those of neighboring (Spanish speaking) countries.
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Taking Your Horse’s Temperature

Ok, you’re not going to like this…but there is no other way. Seasoned horse people will chuckle over the reactions of novices until the end of time. Remember, there is a first time for everything and it’s pretty amazing what horse ownership can get you used to.

Never Loose One

Perhaps the best things my trainer ever gave me was a piece of colorful string and a clothespin. It’s a handy trick every horse owner should know. Tie one end of the string to the thermometer and the other end to the clothespin. When taking temperatures simply clip the clothespin onto the top of the tail to ensure your thermometer never goes missing.
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The Horses of Friedrich Eckenfelder

Friedrich Eckenfelder was a German Impressionist painter during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born to a shoemaker, his natural artistic talent was discovered in school as a child.

The Great Outdoors

I was unable to find much in English about this prolific artist, but he painted quite a lot so I’m sure that any German readers will recognize him. Clearly he enjoyed the outdoors and had an appreciation for those who worked the earth, and their owners. Quite masterful at capturing natural light on canvas, many of his works almost make you feel like you are there. I’ve got more than one post of his work (and not much more info to share about him) and I quite like the simplicity of his work.
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Horse Care & Breeds

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Not Just Painting

Interesting Fact

Ask Your Vet

Now You Can

Interesting Fact

Never Loose One

The Great Outdoors