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In my weekly blog, “Amateur Equestrian Confessions,” I share the passion and the pain of one of the most endearing pursuits in the world, horseback riding.
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JoAnn Shannon
15 hours ago
Horses Talking to Horses
Pinky is interested and relaxed. Horses are careful about announcing their presence. It wouldn’t be wise to let predators know where to...
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JoAnn Shannon
Mar 12
Micro Expressions
I think Captain is asking for another carrot. We may be able to read horses, but they can read us better. Recently I joined a webcast...
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JoAnn Shannon
Mar 5
Stirrups
Judy was like Arwen. Not all stirrups are created alike. This lesson was demonstrated several years ago when I was a novice rider. It...
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JoAnn Shannon
Feb 26
Rethinking Halters
No halter, no problem. Years ago, Joey shared a paddock with a horse named Taco. If Taco was a person, he would be a mild-mannered...
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JoAnn Shannon
Feb 19
Vested Interest
To vest, or not to vest, that is the question. The Plaid Horse recently published an article entitled, "Protective Riding Vests,...
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JoAnn Shannon
Feb 12
Helmet Head
Scientific helmets…because an injured brain does not heal like a broken bone. Did you know that horseback riding carries a higher injury...
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JoAnn Shannon
Feb 5
Cheval magazine
A dear friend recently visited Paris and picked up a copy of the marvelous Cheval magazine for me. There was a feature story on dressage...
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JoAnn Shannon
Jan 29
Young Rider - Winter Edition
The winter edition includes a dressage lesson. In the January/February issue of Young Rider magazine, journalist Laura Boynton Johnson ...
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JoAnn Shannon
Jan 22
Equus Magazine - Winter Issue
Since 1977, Equus has offered the most accurate information available to horse lovers who wish to give their animals the best care. Equus...
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JoAnn Shannon
Jan 15
Horse Illustrated - Winter Edition
Do you know your back plays a pivotal role in ensuring a balanced, strong and effective seat? The winter edition of Horse Illustrated ,...
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JoAnn Shannon
Jan 8
Peaceful England
It rains a lot in London Most of the research I did on English police departments and their equestrian partners seemed to focus on the...
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JoAnn Shannon
Jan 1
France's Republican Guard
If you have an opportunity to visit Paris, and you should, you may see gendarmes on horses roaming the streets. They are the officers of...
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JoAnn Shannon
Dec 25, 2024
Peacekeeping in Germany
In her Horse Wellness Blog , Stefanie Reinhold, offers helpful insights under the intriguing sub-title, “Information for the Thinking...
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JoAnn Shannon
Dec 18, 2024
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, aka R.C.M.P. Since 1873, horses have shared a rich history in policing in Canada. The Royal Canadian...
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JoAnn Shannon
Dec 11, 2024
Dracarys
The Internet is helpful however, it’s also littered with a lot of nonsense. Fan Clubs rank high on that list. It's where well-meaning...
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JoAnn Shannon
Dec 4, 2024
Ride Into Action
Our barn has a clutch of talented riders who are able, without prior meditation or preparation, mount and ride any horse in the barn. My...
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JoAnn Shannon
Nov 27, 2024
Acting Like a Horse
Captain’s previous owner taught him to wait at the mounting block until he received a treat. My trainer, Jen, disagrees with this...
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JoAnn Shannon
Nov 20, 2024
Winter is Coming
Yesterday there was a decided chill in the air. Rain was predicted to start in the afternoon and continue for fourteen hours. I hunted...
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JoAnn Shannon
Nov 13, 2024
Equestrian versus Surfing
I did not expect the sport of surfing to have anything in common with equestrian sports. But it turns out that Surfer Mentality would...
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JoAnn Shannon
Nov 6, 2024
Equestrian versus Tennis
Like equestrian sports, doubles tennis is played with a partner. Granted, the tennis partner stands on two legs, uses the bathroom...
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