Germany is home to many warmblood breeds now popular in modern horse sports like three day eventing, show jumping and dressage. One of the most sought after breeds is the Oldenburg or Oldenburger. The breed was created in the late 1500s but continues to evolve. All horses submitted for registration to any Oldenburg horse breed society must pass rigorous physical inspections before they can be … [Read more...]
Meet the Gypsy Horse, a Rare and Beautiful Irish Breed
In the late 1990s, the Gypsy horse, also called the Irish Cob, Gypsy Vanner, Tinker Pony, Tinker Horse or the Gypsy Cob, came out of seemingly nowhere to saturate the North American horse world. Suddenly the Gypsy Vanners were the "it" horses to have or want to have. Although breed associations for the Gypsy Horse state that this is an ancient breed, cynics claim that it is merely a triumph of … [Read more...]
The Belgian Horse (or the Brabant Horse) and Its Impressive Tradition
The Belgian horse is called by a variety of names, including the Belgian Heavy Draft, the Belgian Draft and the Brabant. However, to make things even more confusing, the Brabant is now considered a separate breed in North America as of 1998 when the American Brabant Association was formed. No matter what this lovable and intelligent horse is called, the Belgian horse is the most popular draft … [Read more...]
Meet the Fjord Horse, a Norwegian Splendor
One of the most unusual and distinctive horse breeds on the planet is the Fjord (pronounced FEE ord) horse. This ancient breed is known by a variety of names such as the Norwegian Fjord, the Norwegian Dun, Norwegian Pony, Westerland, Northern Dun and in Norway is called the Fjording. No matter what name you call it, the Fjord horse is an unforgettable equine. History and Origins of the Fjord … [Read more...]
Meet the Morgan Horse, One of America’s Earliest Breeds
The Morgan horse breed began at the same time as the county of its origin, America in the 1700s. Over the centuries both America and the Morgan changed and not always for the better. Morgan horses have gained fans all over the world for their beauty, strength and intelligence. Morgan horses have thriving and passionate breed associations in Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. There are … [Read more...]
The Clydesdale Horse, a Majestic Scottish Breed
The Clydesdale horse is probably best known as the breed used to pull beer wagons in the Budweiser commercials. They are famous for their striking appearance, particularly their size and white feathered feet. While that size can make the horse look imposing, the Clydesdale is an intelligent and docile animal that is easily trained and can be safely ridden even by an inexperienced … [Read more...]
Deep Connection: The Art & Science of Riding with Barbara Koot
Sometimes we lose focus of what’s important in riding. We get so focused on the fame or the prize that we lose sight of the most important part: the connection with the horse. Barbara Koot was at the height of her career when she learned the immense power of the connection between horse and rider. Barbara and her sister are both highly successful riders and their father was their biggest … [Read more...]