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