RECREATION & LIFESTYLE

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in North Carolina

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Pennsylvania

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in South Carolina

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Tennessee

Homes by Blanton

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Texas

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Purchasing a horse farm or an equestrian center can be a very exciting yet overwhelming venture. It is far more complex than buying a home since many factors need to be considered for the best care and safety for your horses. When looking at equestrian real estate, it is important to consider the following factors.

Land

The amount and quality of land is one of the most important factors to consider when buying equestrian real estate. You will need enough land to accommodate your horses, as well as any other buildings or facilities that you plan to have on the property. The land should also be suitable for horses, meaning that it should be well-drained and have good footing.

Facilities

The type and condition of the facilities on the property are also important to consider. Do you need a barn, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, or any other facilities? Are the existing facilities in good condition?

Location

The location of the property is also important. Do you want to be close to other equestrian facilities, such as riding trails, showgrounds, or veterinary clinics? Do you want to be in a rural area or a more suburban or urban area?

Test the Water, Test the Soil

Good water is key to good health. Check if there is an ample water supply and find out if there are water sharing rights.

Horses are greatly impacted by the quality of land. When you test soil, look for things such as alkaline, acidity, and salt levels. You’ll also need to look for signs of bad pesticides or herbicides. Even if sprayed years ago, they can still impact the soil today. When horses are grazing, they take in bits of soil along with the grass. If there are not enough nutrients or if the soil has pesticides, your horses are going to suffer. Tell the laboratory that you’re raising horses, not food crops. Horses and crops need different nutrients to be their best. Land that is good for crops may not be good for your horses.

Budget

Equestrian real estate can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining the property and caring for your horses.

Financial Commitment

Horses are expensive animals to keep. You'll need to factor in the cost of bedding and feed, farrier services, veterinary care, stabling or boarding fees, deworming, vaccinations, and other miscellaneous expenses. You may also choose to insure your horse which is an additional cost.

Time Commitment

Horses are social animals that require regular handling and attention. You'll need to spend time each day feeding, watering, cleaning their stall, grooming, and exercising them. Even if you board your horse at a stable, you'll still need to factor in travel time to and from the barn.

Finding Suitable Housing

Horses need a safe and secure place to live. You'll either need to have enough property to provide them with pasture and shelter, or you'll need to board them at a stable. Boarding fees can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Here's a Boarding Checklist to help you in your search. Likewise, if you plan on having grooms or caretakers live on your property to look after your horses and farm, ensure that there is adequate staff housing available.

Know Your Neighbors

Owning a horse can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to have a support system in place, such as a trainer, a farrier, a veterinarian, and other horse owners. These people can provide you with guidance, support, and friendship.

Get to know your neighbors. When you find that perfect piece of land, go introduce yourself. These are the people that know about the land, the weather, and what to do in emergencies. Find out what they do with their farmland, any problems they have, and let them know what you’re thinking of doing with your own potential property.

Keeping all of these in mind, owning a horse can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding relationship for many years, so treasure every moment!

Equestrian Real Estate in Virginia

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Vinnie Esopi (left) and Vinnie Viola (right) at Saratoga Race Course

Vincent Viola’s Florida Panthers emerged with an emotional victory last night with a final score of 2-1 over the Edmonton Oilers. In a hard-fought series against the tough Edmonton team who came back after their 3-0 deficit to tie the series 3-3 and force a game seven, the Florida Panthers prevailed at home, winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in the 30 year franchise history.

Mr. Viola’s accomplishments are impressive and include both business success and investments in the community.

We were aware of Mr. Viola’s passion for horse racing when we watched his horse which he owned with friends named Always Dreaming win the 2017 Kentucky Derby.

He and his wife Teresa race under the stable St. Elias Stable and have campaigned the undefeated 2018 Carter Handicap winner, Army Mule, 2019 Breeder's Cup Classic winner, Vino Rosso, and the 2023 Florida Derby winner, Forte.

His horse Mindframe was 2nd in the 2024 Belmont Stakes, run at Saratoga Race Course for the first time since the race began in 1867.

Always Dreaming at Churchill Downs, Training for the 2017 Kentucky Derby

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Jessica Springsteen at 2016 HITS Million Grand Prix for The Plaid Horse Magazine ©Heidi Keeney

By the EIE Editorial Staff

Many of us have a passion for horses and for celebrities who earn their living in the public spotlight, the connection may even be more special. For them, spending time with a horse can be incredibly inspiring in many ways. Horses, unlike fickle fans, offer unconditional acceptance. In a business where actors and actresses are scrutinized in both their public and private lives, horses don't judge. They offer a sense of companionship and acceptance that can be incredibly comforting and inspiring.

From our youngest rider to our most established veteran, here is the list of celebrity equestrians:

Grace Wahlberg is the 14-year-old daughter of Marky Mark Wahlberg inherits her Pop-singer/actor Dad's work ethic and goes all-in for the equestrian sport of show jumping. Mark is clearly proud of his daughter!

Eve Jobs is the 25-year-old daughter of the late Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Computers, was ranked the top 25th best show jumper in the world last year. A graduate of Stanford University, she is also a top model. She enjoys spending time with her horse, Genius, on her ranch.

Bella Hadid, the 27-year-old supermodel, is known for being seen in the show jumping arena. This past January, Bella made an appearance at the National Cutting Horse Association $50,000 Limited Amateur event. Yes, this talented lady rides both English and Western!

Kendall Jenner is a 28-year-old lifelong Equestrian, model and social influencer. Kendall recently released a Youtube video for Vogue Magazine. Kendall, who recently discussed her wellness journey and the importance of her horse Arizona, entered Vogue World alongside Gigi Hadid riding Django

Jennifer Gates Nassar is the 28-year-old Daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates, founders/owners of the Microsoft Empire. Jennifer and husband Nayel Nassar are showjumpers & owners/proprietors of Evergate Stables in Wellington, Florida.

Jessica Springsteen is the 32-year-old daughter of Superstar Rock icon Bruce Springsteen. She is a BOSS in the Showjumping arena, having won multiple International showjumping competitions at the highest levels and won the silver medal in the United States 2020 Olympic Equestrian team. Jessica speaks to Harper’s Bazaar about horses, fashion and prepping for her second Olympics.

Amber Marshall is a 36-year-old Canadian Actress and horsewoman. Heartland has a huge following, especially in the equestrian community, and is now the longest-running one-hour scripted drama in Canadian television history! Amber stars as Amy Fleming, the “Horse Listener” who helps clients' troubled horses on the family ranch in Alberta, Canada. In addition to being a great actress, Amber is also a lifelong horsewoman and has her own YouTube channel.

Mary-Kate Olsen, the 38-year-old actress and identical twin (her sister is Ashley) has been riding since she was six and competes in the jumping competitions. She credits riding with helping her view the world outside of school and work, saying “Horses teach you a lot about yourself.”

Kaley Cuoco is known for her character on the hit “The Big Bang Theory” but now it seems her life is more of a Big Jump Theory. The 38-year-old actress and equestrian lives on her ranch outside Hollywood with her menagerie of animals, her partner and daughter. Cuoco competes in the showjumping arena on the A circuit.

Kaley Cuoco ©Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons — Kaley Cuoco ©Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Sam Heughan is a 44-year-old Scottish actor and stars as Jamie Fraser in the wildly popular series, Outlander. He grew up in a barn, so it is no wonder he is an accomplished horseman. He has even professed his love for riding horses in a kilt!

Cole Hauser is a 49-year-old actor known for “2 Fast 2 Furious” is a coffee entrepreneur and lifelong horseman. His latest role of Rip Wheeler in “Yellowstone” came naturally since he had been a cowboy since he could walk. He says in an interview, “From four to eight years old I was on that horse every day after school. That horse and I were like the best of friends.”

Jamie Foxx. Is there anything the 56-year-old actor, musician, comic, horseman cannot do? They actually cast Jamie's own horse named Cheetah, in the Quentin Tarantino movie “Django Unchained.” Foxx and Cheetah worked together to perfect bareback riding stunts and other scenes to perfect the authenticity of their bond.

Julia Roberts, the 56-year-young pretty woman also looks gorgeous on a horse! She admits she was nervous the first time she was in the saddle but later looked forward to times she could demonstrate her equestrian skills in the movies, including her role in "Runaway Bride"!

Tom Cruise still does a lot or most, maybe all of his own stunts at 61. As horse people, we know that riding horses can be like doing stunts, so let's give all the credit to Tom Cruise. He has always had a love for horses, and has ridden horses in many of his movies. He takes time to get to know them, and to ride them.

Madonna, our 65-year-old Material Girl will not be stopped by any unplanned dismount. “Hospital or back on” goes for her, too. Madonna loves her horses and she will keep riding despite the press focusing on the moments where equestrians may snicker at her.

Kevin Costner, the 67-year-old actor and horseman was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 2019. His most renowned Western works include “Dances With Wolves” and most recently, “Yellowstone.” Coming up this summer, is the series Horizon, which can be seen in movie theaters.

Hugh Jackman, 55 years old, is a film and stage star who became an accomplished horseman leading up to the film, “Australia” with Nicole Kidman. Starring as an Australian rancher, he rode and trained with ranch and cutting horses for a year leading up to the role.

Viggo Mortenson, the 65-year-old actor is one of the most well known horse loving actors, seems to always want to take his equine co-stars home with him! He purchased “Brago,” the horse he rode in the film series “The Lord of the Rings,” the horse the character Mery rode in “The Return of the King” and the horse that played Hidalgo in the film of the same name.

Robert Redford, the legendary 87-year-old actor, producer and creator of the Sundance Film Festival among his accomplishments, is well known by horse lovers for his starring roles in the movies “The Electric Horseman” and “The Horse Whisperer.” He writes, “Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember…. This big-hearted animal, moving me along, like it was the most natural thing in the world.”

William Shatner, the 93-year-old former Captain Kirk, of the Starship Enterprise in the 1970's series, Star Trek, is now breeding, training and riding Saddlebred Horses. He has been for decades. Last year he was inducted into the Horse and Pony Hall of Fame during the Kentucky State Fair.

Can you think of more celebrities who ride? It is sure to be a long list if you think back through all the movies where there are actors riding and you dig into their lives with horses!

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

By the EIE Editorial Staff

We all know that horses are primarily flight animals. This means their first instinct when faced with a threat is to run away.

Their evolutionary history as prey animals on the open plains ingrained this response. They rely on their speed and agility to escape predators.

However, horses also have a fight response as a secondary option. If they're cornered or can't escape, they may resort to fighting back with kicks, bites, or rearing to defend themselves.

For that reason, when they hear, see or feel something where they believe they are unsafe, they will spook!

Here are some of the most popular (or unpopular) spook triggers in horses.

1. Flags and Bags. Yes, the blowing flag and the dreaded plastic bag tie for our number one spot on this list. We’ve all been riding and seen a random plastic bag blow across our path. We brace ourselves knowing that our horse will leap up, or sideways – thinking that his leg will be entrapped with no way out. This is such a common issue that even when NOT riding we think of spooking horse episodes when seeing a blowing flag or bag. Yes, perhaps we have PBPTSD (Plastic Bag PTSD).

2. Balloons. We love a nice celebration but celebrations which involve balloons, especially ones that are blowing or get released into the air, can be mind blowing for a horse. Beware!

3. Barking or chasing dogs. You are trail riding minding your own business when an unleashed dog who has never seen a horse runs up on you. The frantic owner tries calling and gets irritated at you when you suggest the dog should perhaps be on a leash and they should get a refund on obedience classes, lest the dog gets kicked or the horse bolts. Yes, it's always the rider's fault. Sigh.

4. Motorcycles. This is pretty self explanatory. A few unknowing bikers didn’t realize the impact this has on horses when several of them showed up at a horseshow wanting to watch. The loud sound is just too much for them. Chaos ensued and horses scattered but fortunately no one got hurt as they we kindly asked to quietly roll their bikes off the grounds.

5. Wildlife. Trail riding can bring many surprises like the time we were quietly walking down a path and a 12-point buck launched himself from behind a bush across our path. Fortunately, the horse was a veteran, stopped in shock but carried on after the deer disappeared.

6. Spray bottles. We bought a young horse that was clearly not handled much and the first time we tried to fly spray her she spun around the stall. So, we worked with her gradually little by little by wiping the spray on her and slowly introducing her to the spraying process. Interestingly, a couple of our horses never got accustomed to the Equispot process and spook away from the dripping on their topline. Perhaps they associate it with flies landing on them.

7. Unexpected touch. While trying out a horse once, a friend joined us. While riding while the friend was walking on the left-hand side, the horse suddenly jumped to the right. Since I didn’t give her a cue, I asked, “Did you touch her?” He said he did. UGH! Don’t touch a horse while someone is riding without them knowing! No wonder why she spooked.

8. Water. Some horses love to jump in a pond, stream or river. If they start pawing, be careful. They may just roll around and you'll get an unplanned bath! Others never want to be a “mudder” and are insecure about the smallest of puddles because they don’t feel safe about where to put their feet. With exposure to water features, this can be overcome and enjoyable to the horse.

9. Cars. Riding alongside a road can be harrowing when drivers don’t slow down and give you and your horse space. It is scary for both you and your horse – and can be extremely dangerous. We always encourage riders to ride during the day and wear a helmet. Many also choose to wear reflective gear.

10. Shadows. Horses rely heavily on vision, but their sight works differently from ours. They have excellent peripheral vision but poorer depth perception. A shadow on the ground can be a confusing change in the landscape for a horse. Their monocular vision (focusing on one eye at a time) might make a shadow appear to jump or change shape as they shift their gaze. One of the most famous shadow spooking incidents is when racehorse Dayjur jumped a shadow at the finish of the 1990 Breeders’ Cup Sprint which caused him to lose ground – and the race!

What triggers your horse? Let us know!

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.