Episode 29: DIY Projects and a Poem

Listen to Episode 29. This is Episode 29 of Season 3 and in it, Jec interviews Donna-Maria Flood of DMventions. Donna Maria has scores of simple fixes and DIY projects for your horse spaces and equipment. Most are inexpensive and don’t require a year-long carpentry […]

Episode 21: Kristen Vlietstra on Saddle Fit and More

Listen to Episode 21 This is Episode 21 of Season 3 and in it, Jec is back and interviewing Kristen Vliestra, who runs Saddlery Solutions in California. Jec and Kristen have talked before about saddle fit and in this episode, Jec asks some particular questions […]

About a Saddle and Being Wrong

Something tragic and something fun happened this month. First the tragic: I’ve been riding my new, nervous horse, Barry. We’re making wonderful progress. But as summer heats up, I’ve noticed my saddle pad leaving sweaty, uneven marks on his back. The marks are indicative of […]

First Aid Essentials: Skills and Stuff

It helps if the horse is haltered. That’s what I was thinking when driving along a Maine state highway years ago. Two big Belgians had just dashed across the road. Partners in crime, you could say. They trotted through one yard and began helping themselves […]

Thanks, Patagonia. Move over, Carhartt

You could make the argument that those of us working outside and with animals have greater connections with those animals and the land than those who simply play outside (i.e., outdoor recreationalists). We horse owners, therefore, might well be happy consumers of clothing made by […]

Do Hang. Don’t Flip: proper 5 Star Equine pad storage

With the All American contest in full swing, we got curious about the specifics of taking care of 5 Star saddle pads. Scores of clinicians, cowboys, and English riders swear by them and we’re giving away one to a lucky Remuda Reader. What’s the best […]

Go for Mental, Not Mechanical Gear

Amy Skinner is a regular guest columnist and has been a horse gal since age six. She runs Essence Horsemanship, rides and teaches English and Western. Skinner has studied at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Spain, with Buck Brannaman, Leslie Desmond, Brent […]

Halter and Lead Rope Factors

Amy Skinner is the owner of Essence Horsemanship and a frequent BestHorsePractices contributor. She teaches and trains from her base in Boyne City, Michigan. Skinner reviewed the 4-knot halter with lead rope from Knotty Girlz. Read more about Knotty Girlz here. Read additional halter post […]

Feel Matters: Knotty Girlz rope halter review

Years ago, I worked for a high-end furniture maker whose tables were beautiful. Thanks to repeated sandings and buffings, their feel was extraordinary: like polished granite but soft and warm. When it comes to furniture, he explained, people – especially women – prioritize touch. “When […]

When Knotty Girlz are Nice

Being a woman in the rope industry is a bit like being a woman in rodeo: gals are outnumbered and the ride can be awfully rocky. Yet, Robyn Doloughan, owner of Columbia Basin Knot Company and its retail division, Knotty Girlz, has stayed in the […]