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Taking Your Horse’s Temperature

Click to see VideoOk, 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 Breeds From Belgium

Belgium FlagWe 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

The Belgian Draft Horse is perhaps the draft breed that started it all. This breed is one of the strongest drafts, and the world record holder for tallest and largest horse is a Belgian Draft. Said to be the descendants of the ‘Great Horse’ of medieval times, the Belgian Draft’s ancestors carried knights into battle. Most modern draft breeds carry Belgian lineage in their bloodlines.
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Who Hasn’t Fallen Over A Fence?

Click to see VideoAlthough most of us will admit to falling over a fence or two in our equestrian careers, none of us will admit to doing it while standing on our own two feet. Perhaps that is what makes this quick video particularly funny.

Hurts Worse Somehow

Although when you fall off a horse over a fence you are falling from a much greater height, at a much greater speed and with the danger of your mount coming crashing down on top of you. However, I’m willing to bet that this jumper would give anything to have been mounted over this fence, falling and all.
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The Horses of Nils Kreuger

Nils Kreuger was a Swedish artist during the late 19th and early 20th century. He spent much of his artistic career in Paris where he immersed himself in the plein air style of painting.

Love of the Outdoors

Painting outdoors had to provide a sense of liberation and Kreuger indulged his painting urge whenever he felt it. He was particularly fond of landscapes and cityscapes during twilight or mist when the natural light was particularly soft. By the 1890’s he had moved on from Paris & plein air and found himself back in Sweden. He moved through a variety of different artistic styles over the length of his career, many of which are reflected in the paintings below.
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Horse Breeds From Belarus

Belarus FlagI’ve been enjoying my theoretical trip around the world to share the horse breeds of each country. I’ve researched a HUGE 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 Belarus.

Interesting Fact

There have been horses in Belarus for a long time – the Polesian Horse is a descendant of the Tarpan which has inhabited the area since the 2nd century BC. Evidence shows that this breed has been bred regionally since the 1st century AD.
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How to Make Balloon Horses

Click to see VideoWho doesn’t love a good balloon animal from time to time? Whether you want to make them for your horse crazed daughter’s birthday party or simply to amuse your horse pals, this is a fun trick to know.

Harder Than it Looks

I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m willing to bet it’s more difficult than it looks…there is more than one video involved. Each video teaches a step you need to follow to learn the process. I’m tempted to run out right now and buy a bag of balloons so I can start practicing!
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The Horses of Arturo Michelena

Arturo Michelena was a Venezuelan artist during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born to an artistic family, he began painting at an early age under the guidance of his father.

Venezuelan Hero

As a young man he helped his father to open an academy of art in his home town of Valencia. However it wasn’t until Michelena went to Paris that he began painting the finest work of his life. He favored historic scenes using his signature narrative style and his subjects are beautifully romanticized. I love the obvious Iberian influence of the horses in his work.
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