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:

1. 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!


2. 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.


3. 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!


4. 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


5. 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.


6. 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.


7. 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.


8. 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.”


9. 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.





10. 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!


11. 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.”


12. 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.


13. 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"!


14. 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.


15. 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.


16. 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.


17. 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.


18. 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.


19. 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.”


20. 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.

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 California

• California Equestrian Properties
• Equestrian Real Estate
• McGovern Real Estate Group
• Sotheby's International Realty

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

By the EIE Editorial Staff

Horses have earned their fame for a multitude of reasons, both for their contributions to human history and for their inherent qualities that have captured our imagination. Here's a list of our most memorable and famous horses.

1. Black Beauty: This fictional horse is the star of the beloved children's novel of the same name by Anna Sewell. The story tells the tale of a black stallion who is mistreated by various owners but ultimately finds a happy ending. Black Beauty's story is a powerful indictment of cruelty to animals and remains a popular choice for young readers.

Black Beauty (1994)
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The fates of horses, and the people who own and command them, are revealed as Black Beauty narrates the circle of his life. Director: Caroline Thompson, Writers: Anna Sewell (novel), Caroline Thompson (screenplay), Stars: Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Docs Keepin Time

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
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2. The Black: “The Black” is the name of the stunning fictional Arabian stallion from the book series from Walter Farley which was later made into a beautifully filmed masterpiece in 1979. In the movie, this powerful black stallion forms a unique bond with a young boy, Alec Ramsay, when they are both shipwrecked on a deserted island. The boy later races The Black against the best racehorses in the country.

The Black Stallion by Walter Farley</br > Buy Now on Amazon
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The Black Stallion (1979)
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While traveling with his father, young Alec becomes fascinated by a mysterious Arabian stallion that is brought on board and stabled in the ship he is sailing on. Director: Carroll Ballard, Writers: Melissa Mathison (screenplay), Jeanne Rosenberg (screenplay), Stars: Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney, Teri Garr

3. Man o' War: Nicknamed "Big Red," Man o' War was another champion racehorse who dominated the early 20th century and is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. He won 20 of his 21 starts, established seven track records for speed over various distances, and raced at odds as short as 1–100. He died on November 1, 1947, at age 30 after an apparent heart attack. He was so popular that his funeral was broadcast live on NBC Radio.

Man o' War (Thoroughbred Legends) by Edward Bowen
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4. Mister Ed: The talking palomino horse of the 1960s sitcom was "Mister Ed." The talking palomino horse, Mr. Ed, was played by a talented horse named Bamboo Harvester. His voice was provided by actor Allan Lane. The show centered around Wilbur Post, the owner (played by Alan Young), who was the only one who could understand Mr. Ed's witty and often sarcastic remarks.

Mister Ed and Me by Alan Young
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5. Misty of Chincoteague: Misty was a fictional horse from the children's novel “Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry. The book is inspired by the real-life Chincoteague Pony Swim, a tradition where Chincoteague Island ponies are rounded up and swim across a channel to Assateague Island. In the story, two siblings, Paul and Maureen, befriend a wild mare named Phantom and her foal, Misty.

Misty of Cincoteague
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6. Phar Lap: An Australian racing champion, Phar Lap wasn't just fast; he had a powerful physique. Standing at 17 hands tall with a massive heart (later discovered to be unusually large), his physical attributes contributed to his racing prowess. Phar Lap wasn't just a winner; he was dominant. He won a staggering 37 races out of 51 starts in the 1920s and early 1930s, often beating competitors by significant lengths. His versatility was impressive too, excelling in both long-distance and sprint races. Coinciding with the Great Depression, Phar Lap's victories provided a much-needed morale boost for Australians. His death at a young age from alleged poisoning remains a mystery.

Phar Lap: A True Legend by Michael Reason
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Phar Lap (1983)
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7. Seabiscuit: The undersized racehorse who became a national sensation during the Great Depression. Seabiscuit wasn't a horse owned by the elite. His owner, Charles Howard, wasn't a wealthy man either. Their success story resonated with ordinary people who felt overlooked or underestimated. The bond between Seabiscuit and his jockey, George Woolf, was another captivating aspect of the story. Woolf himself had overcome injuries and setbacks, further mirroring the spirit of resilience. Their teamwork became a source of inspiration. The book by Laura Hillenbrand entitled “Seabiscuit: An American Legend” tells the story of Seabiscuit's transformation from a struggling racehorse to a champion, beating triple crown winner War Admiral in a 1938 match race.

Seabiscuit: An American Legend
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Seabiscuit (2003)
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True story of the undersized Depression-era racehorse whose victories lifted not only the spirits of the team behind it but also those of their nation.
Director: Gary Ross, Writers: Laura Hillenbrand (book), Gary Ross (screenplay), Stars: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Elizabeth Banks |

8. Secretariat: Another “Big Red!” This chestnut thoroughbred won the 1973 Triple Crown in which his record-breaking times for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes still stand today. Race caller Chic Anderson announced Secretariat was moving like a “tremendous machine” on the way to winning the Triple Crown and Belmont Stakes by a remarkable 31 lengths. Upon his death, it was discovered his heart was twice the size of a normal horse. Many consider Secretariat to be the greatest racehorse of all time.

Secretariat by William Nack
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William Nack (Author). “Secretariat is an elegantly crafted, exhilarating tale of speed and power, grace and greatness, told with such immediacy that the reader is lost in the rush of horses and the clatter and ring of the grandstand.” —Laura Hillenbrand, bestselling author of Seabiscuit. Updated with a new preface by the author. In 1973, Secretariat, the greatest champion in horse-racing history, won the Triple Crown. The only horse to ever grace the covers of Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated in the same week, he also still holds the record for the fastest times in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Paperback: 480 pages Publisher: Hyperion; Reissue edition (August 31, 2010) KINDLE EDITION Available

Secretariat (2010)
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Penny Chenery Tweedy and colleagues guide her long-shot but precocious stallion to set, in 1973, the unbeaten record for winning the Triple Crown. Director: Randall Wallace, Writers: Mike Rich, William Nack (book), Stars: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Margo Martindale

9. Silver: The Lone Ranger's loyal white steed, Silver is one of the most recognizable horses in American pop culture. He was a constant companion to the masked hero and helped him fight for justice in the Wild West. Actually, Silver wasn't actually a single horse! While the character of Silver is always a white stallion, multiple horses have portrayed him in the television show. The most famous Silver was likely played by two different horses. The first horse's real name was White Cloud, and the second was named Tarzan's White Banner, later renamed Hi-Yo Silver (after the show's famous catchphrase).

The Lone Ranger (The Classic TV Series)
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10. Trigger: Roy Rogers' golden palomino Trigger was another famous television horse. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows alongside Roy Rogers and was known for his gentle temperament and athletic ability. Trigger’s original name was Golden Cloud. Reportedly after riding the horse just 100 yards, Roy never looked at another, and purchased Golden Cloud on a time payment plan for the amazing sum of $2,500. As Roy recalled, "He would turn on a dime and he'd give you 9 cents change." We thought it was an ecumenical opportunity to see Trigger prior to selling at Christie’s in New York City for the amount of $266,500.

Happy Trails: A Pictorial Celebration of the Life and Times of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
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Which one is your favorite? Did we miss any? Let us know! Send us your article ideas at info@equineinfoexchange.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

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

100 Images | 10+ Years | 5 Countries | 4 Continents

Renowned photographer Drew Doggett releases his latest book of photography featuring unique and storied horses from around the world, captured with unprecedented access through a fashion-inspired lens.

(Charleston, SC—March 19, 2024) The studio of award-winning fine art photographer Drew Doggett is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated release of his newest book, , published by TeNeues. Filled with 100 images in Doggett’s signature fashion-inspired aesthetic, this book combines more than a decade of stories and timeless, masterful contributions to the rich history of equestrian photography. It is the most in-depth and comprehensive exploration of horses of its kind.

The images and text within these pages invite you on a visual journey visiting some of the most unique and storied horses from across the globe, including the Icelandic horses beneath waterfalls, rescue horses photographed underwater in the West Indies, the elite horses competing in Wellington, Florida each year, the wild and free horses of Sable Island, and the ancient, bold, and beautiful, all-white Camargue horses in the South of France. Within its pages, the artist uncovers the currents evident in horses no matter where they roam; from their strength to their innate sense of character, by recognizing their wild beauty and allure in all shapes and forms.

The collection of images in Untamed Spirits, which bear the artist’s signature fashion-inspired style and attention to detail, further cement the horse’s enduring appeal as companions to man and symbols of strength and fortitude. The book also contains the backgrounds of each photographic series and breed, as well as artist statements reflecting on the unique artistic choices of each series. By the end of this book, readers will gain an understanding and appreciation of horses around the world while also discovering what makes them an enduring part of our global culture.

About the Artist

Drew Doggett is an award-winning photographer and director whose work tells extraordinary stories of diverse cultures, communities, and wildlife through a fashion-inspired lens. The works featured in Untamed Spirits: Horses from Around the World are part of Drew's photography series captured over the last decade, celebrating horses around the world. His photographic work can be found in private and public collections globally including the Smithsonian African Art Museum (DC) and has been featured in many publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, Forbes, and The Daily Mail. He currently serves as an ambassador for Re:wild, a conservation organization founded by Leonardo DiCaprio and Global Wildlife Conservation.

Through a fashion-inspired lens, photographer & filmmaker Drew Doggett tells extraordinary stories of diverse cultures, animals, and communities. From remote tribes in the farthest reaches of the Kenyan desert to the largest tusked elephants left on Earth, Drew is relentless in his pursuit of sharing the miraculous beauty of our natural world through his fine art photography series and short films. Drew's photography can be found globally in private and public collections, notably the Smithsonian African Art Museum (DC) and the Four Seasons (HI). He has received over 130 awards and honors for his images and films, including being named 2023 Nature Photographer of the Year at the ND Awards. Drew’s artwork has been featured in many publications, such as Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, Forbes, Bloomberg, Fortune, The Daily Mail, and Outside Magazine.

To see the entirety of Drew's fine art print series, including his equestrian work, and to watch the accompanying short films, visit www.drewdoggett.com

Untamed Spirits: Horses From Around the World
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Hardcover - released July 2, 2024.

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We are saddened to see that Golden Gate Fields closed this past weekend. We had great memories there, especially the time we met the late equine photographer Julie Albright who took us to the backstretch to meet her horse Awesome Gem whom she owned in partnership with West Point Thoroughbreds. We especially loved the area which included a tribute to the champion sprinter Lost in the Fog who is buried at the track he called home.

Read more: Remembering Golden Gate Fields Racecourse

by Allyson Coluccio

An expert in importing, Allyson Coluccio provides her take on what to look out for before buying a horse from across the pond

I have been importing horses since the early 90’s. Well, I suppose it actually started with the ponies! I started with importing British Riding Ponies from England. At the time, Warmbloods were just becoming more popular, so in 1995, I began importing horses as well. 

To date, I’ve imported hundreds of horses from Europe to the United States, primarily focusing on horses from Holland, Belgium, and Germany. While at this point I’m a seasoned professional in the importing business, I still manage to learn new things everyday—and I hope to share that sentiment with others that are interested in importing. 

While finding the horse that fits your needs for the ring you wish to compete in is important, I encourage buyers to seek out the most amateur-friendly horse you can find. While these do exist in America, I find that the horses in Europe with the best brains are actually less expensive than here. 

In Europe, they value a little more blood than the average person in America. While they have caught on to the idea of “hunter-izing,” you may be able to get the slow and steady horse for a purchase price of $40,000 that would otherwise cost six figures in the United States.

Outside of the potential savings you could get from this type, the obvious reason to buy the best-brained horse is for safety and assurance in the ring and on the ground; that quieter horse means less prep, which means less wear and tear on the horse. 

I currently have a horse that I think is the best horse we have ever had. It doesn’t matter if he hasn’t been turned out or ridden consistently. Every day that he comes out, I am just as likely to put an eight-year-old on him as I am an eighty-five-year old. That’s what makes him great!

A Common Trap

As an expert, even I have been fooled by the rumored “X-ray swap.” I recently purchased a horse from someone that I have bought from before, and sure enough, the X-rays I was given were not the ones that belonged to the horse. Luckily, they were mediocre X-rays exchanged for other mediocre X-rays, but it’s important to make sure you do everything possible to ensure this doesn’t happen to you! 

Even if a seller has X-rays for a horse, be sure to pull your own and confirm that the name, microchip number, or other identifying qualities match with the horse that you are purchasing. 

On the subject of X-rays, I’d like to stress the importance of sometimes looking beyond the X-rays. As a whole, what comes up in films is very rarely what becomes an injury to a horse. More horses get soft tissue injuries due to the excessive work we do in America. That’s not something that has anything to do with an X-ray; that’s a people problem!

If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend you consider the horse with a blemish. Consult your vet to see how it may impact them long term. Who knows, you may end up with the WEF hack winner at a fraction of the price as it would be in America.

Importing can be a super fun way to find your next partner. Just make sure you’re smart about the buying process and find the one that is the best fit for you.

This article originally appeared on The Plaid Horse and is published here with permission. All photos courtesy of The Plaid Horse.

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A Colorado Town Rises Up To Make Streets Safer For Equestrians

by Lee Foster

On December 2nd, careless driving turned deadly in a quiet Colorado equestrian neighborhood. A local schoolteacher and her horse were on their way to ride the trails at a park near their barn when they stopped at a stop sign, looked both ways, and proceeded to cross an intersection they had ridden through hundreds of times over their years of riding the neighborhood together.

Halfway through the intersection, the rider saw a car approaching the four-way stop much too fast. She screamed for the driver to stop as she urged her horse out of the car’s path. The driver, she would explain to the local news later, did not even look up from his lap.

He smashed into her horse, shattering his front legs on impact and sending her flying onto the hood and windshield of the car. When law enforcement arrived on scene, the shaken rider said she was unhurt and stayed with her companion until he was euthanized in the street fifteen minutes after the crash.

The driver was sent home with a ticket for running a stop sign.

A Tight-Knit Community

Nestled between the foothills and the plains, the laid-back town of Arvada, Colorado might not seem like a hotbed of equestrian activity – blocks of condominiums and strip malls have largely replaced the historic barns and pastures that once defined its landscape. But the equestrian community hasn’t gone anywhere.

Instead, it’s adapted to the shut-down boarding barns and increased housing development. Town-broke pleasure horses can be found in drive-thrus and at tavern hitching racks, while A Circuit champions go about their workouts alongside youth drill team and gymkhana horses, tucked behind privacy fences and long driveways. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spy a field hunter conditioning in the grass strips along the parkway.

As the traditional infrastructure for horsekeeping disappears from the area, horse folk of all backgrounds have become increasingly resourceful and reliant on community resources. People board in friends’ pastures and ride in dilapidated public arenas where the footing quality depends on neighborhood organizers.

Unofficial routes through neighborhoods are established and negotiated with neighbors in order to access riding areas. Sometimes, conditioning is just done by walking around the block. As jokes about invading local golf courses become less tongue-in-cheek, horse owners have come to realize that self-reliance in the local horse industry is becoming a thing of the past.

Tragedy Strikes Too Close to Home

When Griffin the off-track Thoroughbred was struck by a car, the outcry was immediate and vast. The collision occurred on a busy residential street near the school where the rider teaches, and dozens bore witness to the tragedy as the rider’s worst nightmare played out before her eyes. Within hours, news of the crash had spread from the northern reaches of Colorado to the remote communities in the Rocky Mountains.

The local equestrians’ anger and grief were palpable, and cries for law enforcement to do more to punish the driver rose up all over social media. Soon, a post was circulating on Facebook with instructions for how to write to Colorado State Patrol as well as the state congresswomen representing the district where Griffin died.

Dozens of people raised their voices and spoke up on behalf of the crash victim and her horse, demanding a safer city and a safer county for equestrians as the area becomes more urbanized. People contacted the media, and the outrage grew as two TV stations aired stories about the devastating wreck.

From Social Media Rage Comes Real Life Hope for Change

Within days of the launch of the email campaign to the state congresswomen, the district’s state representative reached out by phone to one of the organizers, expressing her heartbreak at the senseless loss and her firm resolve to help bring change. At the same time, the scheduled monthly meeting of the Arvada Area Horsemen’s Association was opened to the aggrieved equestrian public.

The meeting’s organizers scrapped the original agenda and put together a PowerPoint presentation on how the local horsemen’s associations and horse councils are already working toward a horse-friendly development plan for the county.

Thanks to a grassroots Facebook campaign that reached thousands without boosting a single post, the December 11th meeting’s attendance was standing room only with overflow tuning in via Zoom.

Over two hundred equestrians, representing every corner of the state, turned out to discuss positive changes that need to be made in the community. The state congressional representative was there with her six month old baby. Accompanying her was a county commissioner as well as a representative from the county planning and zoning commission.

Over the course of two hours, the gathered crowd discussed an equestrian-friendly master plan for the county’s infrastructure; statewide legislation to protect equestrians on public roadways; and steps individual equestrians can take to protect themselves when hacking out on the street. The overall takeaway from the meeting was that equestrians, when organized, are a powerful force for community change.

The main obstacle between equestrians and a safe community is the difficulty of organization and community participation in local government. Fortunately for the Arvada community, the outcry surrounding Griffin’s death has united equestrians around a common goal of safer infrastructure and enhanced legal protections for horses on the road.

A Fight for Change is Just Beginning

Many equestrians are aware of local horsemen’s associations and horse councils, which are typically nonprofit organizations geared toward providing group riding opportunities as well as giving the equestrian community a voice at the political table. The Arvada meeting boasted representatives from the Colorado Horse Council, Community Equestrian Arvada, the Arvada Area Horsemen’s Association, and the Jefferson County Horse Council.

Attendees were urged to join at least one of these organizations and keep the organizational momentum going. Changing laws and infrastructure policies is a noble goal that requires a lot of dedicated and at times tedious work on behalf of the citizens who want that change.

The need for substantial fundraising was also brought up, since infrastructural changes to make the community safer for horses require a significant amount of professional services just to research as well as permits, materials, and labor in order to implement them.

The prospect of raising enough money to buy a going grand prix horse may be daunting to some in the local community, but the reality is that the horse community is well-connected and generally affluent compared to other communities who have successfully enacted change in their towns and counties.

As the Arvada community processes its shock and grief over the unconscionable loss of our friend’s equine partner, community members are taking comfort and inspiration from the messages relayed at the December 11th town hall meeting. Even better, they are mobilizing under the banners of their local horsemen’s associations to bring about crucial protections for equestrians in a rapidly urbanizing neighborhood.

Although the #JusticeForGriffin outcry is centered in Colorado, riders within the state have expressed hope that their efforts will be seen and mirrored throughout the nation as equestrians strive to preserve their way of life in the modern world.

Lee Foster is a lifelong equestrian hailing from rural Colorado. Raised by a rodeo cowboy in a Pony Club family, he has a soft spot for quirky grade horses and off-track Thoroughbreds with a certain gleam in their eye. When he is not cleaning his tack for the hunt or malingering in the local consignment shop, Lee can generally be found hacking around town or teaching lower-level dressage to local eager youths.

This article originally appeared on The Plaid Horse and is published here with permission.

There are many more interesting articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

By the EIE Editorial Staff

There has been recent news about Graceland possibly changing hands. The latest news is that auction plans have been abandoned. But let's look back on happier times and remember when The King shared his home with family, friends and his beloved horses.

A deeper dive into his love of horses in All The King’s Horses: An Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley by Victoria Racimo and Kimberly Gatto perfectly captured the importance horses had in Elvis’s life and he felt a great connection to them. Like many horse lovers, we would find them as a source of calmness and enjoyment – and a way to escape the chaos and pressures of fame.

His love also extended to his family and friends. One of Elvis’ favorites was a Tennessee Walking Horse named Bear. The image of Elvis riding on Bear is a candid photograph taken on January 1, 1968.

He bought horses as gifts so he could share experiences with them! He was also a cowboy at heart and greeted guests at Graceland on horseback.

Elvis's passion for horses wasn't just passing fancy. At one point, he had so many horses that he needed a separate ranch, the Circle G Ranch, to house them all!

The image of Elvis riding on Bear is a candid photograph taken on January 1, 1968. © Magma Agency / WireImage / Getty Images.

Read more about Elvis in this book:
All The King’s Horses: An Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley
by Victoria Racimo and Kimberly Gatto

Buy Now on Amazon
Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook.

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