The Way of Horses | Ride Magazine

Cousins

Is “hippology” the study of hippos?

No, it is actually the study of horses! “Hippo” is Greek for “horse”. Despite the name, the hippopotamus and the horse are not even closely related.

Distant cousins who would show up at an Equidae family reunion (horses, zebras and asses) would be tapirs and rhinoceroses.

The Need to Move

by Eleanor Blazer | | The Way of Horses

A horse that constantly walks his stall is an annoyance. The bedding gets piled along the walls, manure gets ground to bits, stall mats shift and weight loss can be a problem.

All horses produce manure – and lots of it.

by Eleanor Blazer | | The Way of Horses

The average 1,000-pound horse produces about 50 pounds of manure a day…and this does not include the bedding. When you consider the horse eats about 25 to 30 pounds of feed a day, the manure production is an amazing feat.

What’s Up, Doc?

by Eleanor Blazer | | Horsemanship, Husbandry, The Way of Horses

Just like Bugs Bunny, many horses love carrots. Luckily carrots are very nutritious and make a great treat.

The one thing carrots are famous for is improving sight. This theory got started during World War II. Britain’s Royal Air Force pilots supposedly ate large amounts of carrots. It was said this diet allowed them to see German bombers.

Horse Microchipping

by Eleanor Blazer | | Horse Care, The Way of Horses

Many years ago Don sent a good race-bred Quarter Horse mare to a stallion for breeding. Unbeknownst to Don the owner of the stallion and his wife were going through a bitter divorce.

Whoa!

by Eleanor Blazer | | The Way of Horses

The most important cue for any horse being ridden is the cue for “whoa”. A good foundation should have been laid during halter breaking, leading lessons and learning how to lunge.

Horse Leg Protection

by Eleanor Blazer | | Horse Care, The Way of Horses

Protecting a horse’s legs effectively and correctly is a skill every horseman should perfect. No matter the type of protection it must be properly used and applied.

Horses and Math

by Eleanor Blazer | | Horsemanship, The Way of Horses

Train A, traveling 70 miles per hour (mph), leaves Westford heading toward Eastford, 260 miles away. At the same time Train B, traveling 60 mph, leaves Eastford heading toward Westford. When do the two trains meet? How far from each city do they meet?

Grooming As Massage

by Eleanor Blazer | | Horse Care, Horsemanship, The Way of Horses

Grooming our horses serves a number of functions. It gets the dirt, dust and mud off, it improves circulation and the condition of skin and coat and helps warm up muscles before we ride. It also gives us a chance to spend personal time with our horses doing something they enjoy and gives us pleasure.

The Coughing Horse

by Eleanor Blazer | | Horsemanship, Husbandry, The Way of Horses

The sound of a coughing horse can make things come to a halt. Conversation stops, chores...