FINAL EXAM

While there are many popular places to dine in Starkville, MS, I consider Old Venice to be the BEST! Old Venice is located in downtown Starkville next to several cute shops and boutiques, which enables you to walk off that awesome meal and shop for some new clothes (The BEST of both worlds, right!). Old Venice is a wonderful Italian restaurant that won't cost you an arm and a leg. (Even for us poor college students)!

In my opinion, the worst place to eat in Starkville is McDonald's. With recent construction to the restaurant, it takes FOREVER to be served. (It's called FAST FOOD people... catch a hint!)

I REALLY wish an Olive Garden would open up in Starkville. That is my favorite place to eat ever! I can just taste the breadsticks and salad now...

-Mary Helen

The Clydesdale

The Clydesdale is a draft breed that was built for strength and power. These horses were originally bred and developed in Clydesdale, Scotland for the purpose of pulling carts and wagons loaded down with farming equipment and goods. Their strength and stamina made them the perfect animal for farmers. Often, they were hooked up to plows in order to break farmland for planting. Today, Clydesdales are still a favorite for pulling carriages in parades and are a perfect driving horse. People worldwide recognize the Clydesdale as being the famous "Budweiser horse". They are also commonly seen in the showring or on trail rides. Clydesdales are known to be "cold blooded", which means they are very calm and docile. Because of these traits, these horses are great with parades, children, and areas of high activity that would normally spook or agitate other breeds of horses.

An adult Clydesdale will stand between 16 and 18 hands and weigh around 1800 to 2000 pounds. They are one of the largest breeds we have discussed so far. They exhibit heavy muscling throughout their body which enables them to outpull and outwork many other breeds. They have strong, broad bone structure and large hooves (the size of dinner plates!). Clydesdales are commonly recognized to have coats of a bay color, but can also exhibit colors such as roan, chestnut, black, and gray. Many will have white markings, especially on their legs or around the face. Like the Friesian we discussed earlier, Clydesdales also have feathering around their legs (long hair). While Clydesdales are bulky, heavy creatures, they exhibit smooth gaits with lofty steps and proud head carriage.

For more information about this unique breed, visit www.clydesdaleusa.com

Happy trails,
Mary Helen

The Hanoverian

The Hanoverian Horse is originally from Germany and is one of the oldest (and most successful) Warmblood breeds. Originally a horse bred for pulling carts and carriages, a slight crossing with Thoroughbred blood resulted in an agile, athletic animal showcasing strength and endurance. Hanoverians are known to be extremely graceful and carry themselves with pride. They are spirited horses exhibiting a fine step and balanced stride. Hanoverians may stand between 15.3 and 17.2 hands tall, but most will fall in between 16 and 16.2. Colors such as chestnut, bay, brown, black, and gray are common. Certain rules prohibit colors such as buckskin, palomino, cremello, or horses with too much white from being registered.

Hanoverians are seen most often used for the English riding discipline and are top competitors in their area. In 2008, a group of 3 Hanoverian horses and their riders obtained the Gold Medal in the Dressage event at the Olympics in Beijing. Because of their athleticism and strong bones, Hanoverians are also successful as show jumpers and eventing mounts.

For more information about this unique breed, visit: http://www.hanoverian.org/.

The Morgan

Hi Readers!

This week's post is centered on the Morgan Horse- a beautiful animal named after the original breeder, Justin Morgan, who moved from Massachusetts to Vermont in 1788. This man purchased a young bay colt named Figure (born 1789) who grew into a stylish stallion with a graceful stride and defined muscular structure. He could outwalk, outrun, and outpull any other horse in the area. Pioneers liked the look and abilities of Figure and desired to have his offspring, so Justin Morgan provided stud services throughout much of the New England area. Not only was Figure a beautiful animal, but he also proved to pass on his unique features to his offspring. A few of his most famous include Sherman, Woodbury, and Bulrush, who all contributed a great deal to the making of this unique breed.

Most Morgan horses generally stand between 14.1 to 15.2 hands, with some individuals being under or over that mark. They are extremely willing, agile, and athletic animals with a proud step. Morgans showcase a defined head with large nostrils for taking in lots of air and large eyes set apart by a broad forehead that may be slightly dished. They have a sloping neck that leads into a short, strong back. The legs are long and well-refined with perfect amount of muscling.

Morgans are very versatile animals, but are perhaps most popular as a hunter/jumper mount. In addition, many Morgans are used for driving or harness work because of their endurance and calm attitude. Whether on the cross country course, in halter competitions, in the dressage ring, in the reining pen, or out on a trail ride, a Morgan is a willing horse that can excel in many areas.

To learn more about this amazing and unique breed, visit http://www.morganhorse.com/.

Until next week,
Happy Trails!
Mary Helen

The Appaloosa

Hi Readers!

This week we will discuss the Appaloosa horse. This breed is known mainly for it's unique coat coloring and patterns. Appaloosas will exhibit many different body types as a result of the influence of foundation horses. The weight of a typical adult App will generally range from 900-1250 pounds and they will stand between 14 and 16 hands high. Appaloosas are very popular in most Western disciplines such as reining, western pleasure, and rodeo sports, but can also be seen in the hunter/jumper circuit and throughout other English competitions.This breed is often used as a parade horse, as well, due to the unique leopard patterns and willing attitude. The Appaloosa is the official horse of Idaho, and is often associated with indians due to the fact that the Nez Perce indian tribe played a major role in developing the breed. Today, the Appaloosa and an indian rider serve as the mascot for the Florida State Seminoles.

There are many coloring patterns accepted by the Appaloosa Horse Registry. To learn more about this unique breed, visit http://www.appaloosa.com/ today!

The Paint Horse

Paint Horses are known for their dynamic splashes of intense color all over their body. Paints are very versatile and can be seen competing in events such as Western Pleasure to Reining to Dressage to Show Jumping. This breed is known to be level-headed and willing to please, which makes them a perfect choice for young riders. While exhibiting beautiful color patterns, Paints display well-defined features and strong bones with a perfect amount of muscling. Each Paint must have a mixture of white and some other color, such as sorrel, chestnut, black, or bay. Some less common, but acceptable, colors are palomino, buckskin, and gray. Paints generally stand between 14.2 and 16.1 hands tall, and muct exhibit a "stock horse" conformation to be accepted into registry with the American Paint Horse Association, the 2nd largest breed registry in the nation.

Many horse enthusiasts confuse the term "Paint" with the term "Pinto". While both terms are used to describe horses of unique coloring, a registered Paint Horse must have either Throughbred, American Quarter Horse, or American Paint Horse parents. While an American Paint Horse relies on its bloodlines for registry, a Pinto horse relies solely on coloring for registry. A Pinto may be any breed or a combination of breeds, as long as the coloring is correct. Therefore, all Paints may be registered as Pintos, but not all Pintos will qualify to be registered as Paints.

For more information about the American Paint Horse, visit: http://www.apha.com/

Happy trails!
Mary Helen

A Registered American Paint Horse

A Pinto Arabian Horse-- remember, Pintos can be of any breed!

The Friesian

Hi readers!

This week I would like to discuss the Friesian breed. Even though this breed is known to have the conformation of a light draft horse, they exhibit a fast, flashy trot and are exceptionally smooth. Standing between 14.2 and 17 hands, the Friesian breed is a large horse of black color. Rarely, a Friesian may showcase a chestnut coat, but this color is not recognized to be one of a "purebred" horse. All registered Friesians must be black in color with little to no white markings. They have long, flowing manes and tails with "feathering" on the legs and feet-- (purposely unclipped hair around lower legs). They are beautiful animals with a prideful appearance and distinct features. To learn more about this amazing breed, visit: http://www.fhana.com/

Until next week...

Happy trails,

Mary Helen

The Trakehner Breed

The Trakehner (Tre-cain-er) is a large type of Warmblood horse that is known for it's elegance and willing attitude. These horses stand between 15.1 and 18 hands tall while exhibiting strong bone and defined features. Trakehners are sturdy, hardy, and energetic and excel in most English disciplines, such as Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing. Their conformation and smooth gaits make them a favorite in the Dressage arena, where horses and riders are judged on executing different movements and patterns. To see a Trakehner in motion is the picture of elegance and collection. To learn more about this breed, check out http://www.americantrakehner.com.

To learn more about the history of the Trakehner and for some more information about Eventing, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAj4Dx_kj2g

Happy Trails!
Mary Helen

The Mustang

Hi readers!

This week I would like to spend some time discussing the Mustang breed. Mustangs are known as one of the first horses in America. Their breed developed when a small band of horses escaped from Spanish Conquistadors exploring America. They bred, multiplied, and eventually became known as the "Horse of the West". This breed is often termed "wild horses," but that statement is debatable. Because Mustangs out West are descendants of once-domesticated animals, they are actually "feral" horses.

Mustangs generally stand between 14 and 15.2 hands. They are a small, compact horse with strong bone and short back. They are known for being very hardy and level-headed. They have strong, tough hooves and many owners of domesticated Mustangs feel they are fine without being shod. They come in a variety of colors such as bay, buckskin, dun, sorrel, black, and grey. Pinto colors are acceptable, but less common.

In today's horseworld, Mustangs are shown in almost any western event. They are popular in timed events as well as reigning and cutting. Some Mustangs do well as an English mount, as well. They have been seen on the hunter/jumper circuit and even dressage. Mustangs are great for trail or endurance riding- they can handle rough terrain and distance with ease, just like their ancestors.

For more information, or to adopt a wild Mustang, visit the Midwest Mustang Association at www.midwestmustangassociation.com.

See y'all next week!

Happy trails,
Mary Helen

The Tennessee Walking Horse

Hello readers!

This week we will talk about another breed of gaited horse, the Tennessee Walking Horse. Like the Paso Fino, the Tennessee Walking Horse will exhibit its natural gaits at birth and beyond. While professional training helps refine these movements for show and riding, a newborn will be naturally gaiting within a few hours of birth. This breed exhibits several unique gaits: the running walk, the flat walk, and a super-smooth, "rocking horse" canter. Walking horses may exhibit other gaits, such as the fox trot or rack, but these are not recognized in shows because they are not viewed as a true Walking Horse gait.

The Tennessee Walking Horse generally stands between 15 and 17 hands high, with a short, strong back and a sloping shoulder. They are known to have large heads set on a long neck, but are well-refined with short ears on top. They usually will carry their tail a little high (especially when gaiting) and are very smart and willing animals. Tennessee Walking Horses are rarely shown outside of the show ring, but have been shown in some Western and English events. They are most popular on the trails because of their comfortable gaits and have proven to be hardy and stong. These horses were bred to be the perfect pleasure animal-- their main purpose was to serve the plantation owner and allow for a lot of riding without the rider growing weary or sore.

For more information about this breed, check out the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder's and Exhibitor's Association at http://www.twhbea.com/. See y'all next week!

Happy trails,
Mary Helen

The Paso Fino Horse

Hi Readers!

This week I would like to educate you on the Paso Fino breed. Throughout high school, I had the pleasure of working at a Paso Fino showing, training, an breeding facility where I worked as a groom and eventually a full-time trainer. This unique breed is one of my favorites to ride-- they have so much to offer! Some of my favorite memories of my time growing up are of my experiences with this amazing horse.

Standing between about 13 and 15 hands high, these small horses are built for endurance and strength. They have the heart of a champion and are very hot-blooded, meaning that they are VERY spirited and agile. Paso Finos exhibit a series of smooth gaits which are unique to their breed. These gaits make Pasos a favorite for trail riders who need to cover a lot of ground quickly and comfortably. The Paso Corto, Paso Largo, and Classic Fino are a few of the recognized gaits of the Paso Fino. The Paso Corto is considered the equivalent of the trot while the Paso Largo is similar to the speed of the canter. Literally, the term "Paso Fino" is translated: The Horse with tthe Fine Step. Pasos are considered to be the smoothest gaited horse in existance. Because it is very difficult to explain the differences of their gaits without a visual representation, I am providing a link to a video where you can see how their steps are unique to their breed.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqqkrl1jXlM&feature=related to learn more about the Paso Fino!


Happy trails,
Mary Helen

The Arabian

While I have experience with many breeds of horses, the Arabian is not one that I am particularly familiar with. I have ridden Arabs a few times, but not enough to truly say I have much knowledge of this unique breed. This post gave me an opportunity to do a little research for myself and learn alongside of my readers.


The Arabian is one of the most sought after horses in the world. They are in the top 10 most popular breeds across the globe and are very versatile. Standing between 14.2 and 15.2 hands, Arabians exhibit a dished face and large nostrils, which helped them survive the harsh envronment of their origin (The Middle East). Arabs are known to be one of the most ancient breeds of horses-- most of today's modern breeds have Arabian ancestors. These horses were used in war and fighting for many years in the Middle East and were considered a prized possession because of their beauty and athletic ability. Many Arabs were kept inside the family tent at night to protect them from theft and the harsh environment.


Throughout the years, Arabians have stayed true to their ancestors and still exhibit characteristics such as those of their ancestors. Purebred Arabs commonly exhibit a grey, bay, chestnut, black, or roan coat color. A new mutation, called "W3" has made it's way into the breed and can be traced back to a single stallion foaled in 2006. This mutation actually allows a few horses to be registered as "White." While tons of horses (regardless of breed) may seem to be white, they are usually considered a grey due to a black skin color underneath their coat. This mutation allows for white horses to be registered because of the presence of pink skin underneath their coat.


Arabians generally showcase a chiseled head with a dished face, large, flaring nostrils, an arched neck, and a short back. This breed is known for having a much denser bone mass than other breeds and can carry heavy loads because of these features. Their thick bone and surefootedness makes them a sound mount that can handle any terrain. Because of their athletic ability, stamina, speed, and soundness, Arabs are the top choice for Endurance riders who cover hundreds of miles in competition (that's a LOT of riding!!).


Arabs are considered to be one of the "hot blooded" breeds who are very reactive. With careful training and patience, an Arabian can perform well in many disciplines. While they are surely most prevalent in the Endurance competitions, Arabians also perform well in eventing, steeplechasing, show jumping, dressage, and horse racing. Some Arabs may exhibit a well-developed hindquarter that allows for a competitive edge in the Western world, as well. These individuals may prove excellent for reining or timed events. Many western riders who wish to compete in competitions such as barrel racing, pole bending, or roping have crossed an Arabian with a Quarter Horse, which results in the "Quarab," a recognized breed known for it's athletic ability and stamina. Quarabs have many of the attributes of an Arab, but with better muscling and the quiet mind of a Quarter Horse. Many riders and competitors have found the Quarab to be the best of both worlds!

The Thoroughbred- so much more than a racehorse!

Hi Readers!

                This week we are going to discuss the versatility of the Thoroughbred. This breed is typically recognized mainly for its popularity in the racing industry. Generally standing between 15.2 and 17.0 hands, this breed exhibits a sleek, slender body, a well-developed hindquarter and long legs. They are most often either bay, black, chestnut, or grey colored with white marks sometimes appearing on their legs or face. Thoroughbreds are categorized as a “hot-blooded” horse, meaning they are generally more reactive, agile, and spirited than the “cold-blooded” breeds. These horses are known for their natural athletic ability, balance, and speed, which makes them a favorite at the race track and beyond.

                Many people fail to recognize the versatility of the Thoroughbred. Sure, they are bred for speed, but they have much more to offer than just a win at the track. These horses are sought after for disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and eventing, where they compete at the highest levels of international competition. Thoroughbreds are often successful in the western world, as well. Western riders and trainers often select these horses to compete in many timed events such as barrel racing, pole bending, and arena race. This breed is also the most popular polo horse in the United States.

                While Thoroughbreds are successful in many disciplines, they have many obstacles to overcome. This breed is known for its high rate of injuries, which can end a horse’s career before it even begins. Some veterinarians argue that injuries on the track occur mainly because most of these horses start their racing career as two year-olds, well before they are fully developed. Thoroughbreds are known for sometimes having small hearts and well over-exert themselves until they bleed from the lungs. They also have a small hoof compared to their body size, which is a major contributing factor to lameness at the track and beyond.

                These spirited, agile animals are a perfect match for a rider who has the need for speed. Whether in the show ring or on the track, Thoroughbreds will give their all to whatever challenge is placed in front of them. They are perfect for pleasure riding, rodeo sports, or disciplines that require collection and softness, like dressage. Thoroughbreds have been at the center of the equine industry for centuries, and will continue to race into the future with each passing stride.

 

Happy trails,

Mary Helen

The American Quarter Horse

Hello, readers!

First off, I would like to welcome you to my blog and let you know that I appreciate the time you dedicate to reading my words of wisdom. I hope our time together proves to be time well spent. With that being said, I hope that throughout the next few months you will learn a great deal and enjoy your time here.

For the coming weeks, I will be posting entries mainly related to…. (ahem, drumroll, please)— the HORSE. Ever since I was just a young child, all I could think about was horses. I’ve been riding since I was very small and have learned a great deal about these amazing animals and would like to share my insight with you. While I realize that I still have a LOT to learn about these creatures, my experiences as a rider and trainer have greatly impacted not only my view of the horse, but of life itself.

It was once said, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” Few people understand the bond between a horse and his rider— honestly, it is quite unexplainable until you experience it for yourself. Having said this, I am not going to spend the next few months enlightening you on my horses and the crazy things they do daily. No, I refuse to gush about how my animals flew over the oxer with ease or how we galloped bareback across the sloping hay field. While those stories do in fact emphasize the romanticism of the sport, I beg to share a more educational view with you throughout our time together. Over the course of the next few months, each week I will introduce you to a different breed of horse in order for you to gain a better perspective of the horse world as a whole. Do realize that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of horse breeds and I could not cover them all even if I wrote here daily. These entries are merely an opportunity for us all to gain a better perspective of these animals while learning more about their history, make-up, and what makes them special.

This week, I would like to introduce you to one of the most well-known breeds in the world: the American Quarter Horse. This breed averages between 14.3 and 16 hands tall (a hand is the measurement used to find out the height of a horse; a hand is equal to 4 inches). Quarter Horses are considered to be one of the fastest horses in the world when covering a distance of ¼ of a mile, which is where there name originated from. This breed was created throughout the 1600s when American colonists crossed their English stock stallions (male horses) with native mares (female horses) that were used by the Indians. The cross resulted in a strong, athletic, well-muscled animal that could cover a lot of ground with a short burst of speed. For entertainment, early colonists would race these horses on straight roads around their towns. During the 1600s, there weren’t a lot of straight roads that were very long—in fact, most were very short and riders would have to win a race over a very short distance. This is where the name, “Quarter Horse” came into play.

As the settlers moved west, the new breed was used to push cattle and sheep across the plains. Farmers soon realized that these unique horses worked livestock remarkably well and could sort cattle easily. The Quarter Horses were said to be “cowy,” which meant they could read a cow’s movement and mirror their movements perfectly when sorting cattle, almost without the aid of a rider. Today, this tradition lives on through the sport of “cutting,” which showcases the athletic ability of horses who sort cattle. This trait helped the Quarter Horse soar to stardom throughout the west and it became a vital tool on every cattle ranch west of the Mississippi River.

Today, Quarter horses are sought after for each and every discipline that requires any short burst of speed. Whether roping, barrel racing, pole bending, or reining, this breed has proven itself to be a fast, reliable mount. In addition, the Quarter Horse is very popular in the show ring because of its natural balance and athletic ability. They do well in hunter/jumper classes and are very popular in dressage and western pleasure, a discipline that emphasizes the importance of a collected, well-balanced, and smooth stride.

Whether you are looking for a champion show prospect or a backyard pet for the kids, an American Quarter Horse is a supreme animal with a quiet disposition and a willing attitude. I once heard, “If you’re looking for speed, a Quarter Horse is what you need!” Looking back on that statement I realize that these animals are more than just a speed demon—they are truly a well-rounded horse that was bred to be versatile. That foundation has withstood the test of time and continues to prove that the American Quarter Horse is a unique animal with the potential to triumph in any discipline.

Happy trails,
Mary Helen