Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with The Right Horse. My Fair Lucy is this week’s adoptable horse. Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your #righthorse.

Horse: My Fair Lucy, a 3-year-old 15.2-hand bay Thoroughbred filly in Indiantown, Fla.
Organization: Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care (Florida TRAC)

My Fair Lucy (Lucy) is as sweet and pretty as they come! Stocky and solid, yet petite in height, she is a smart, athletic and compact package! She will make a perfect project horse for a patient and ambitious amateur looking for a beautifully moving flat or light over fences mount. Is she your #righthorse?

Click here for questions about My Fair Lucy, the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week

My Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.therighthorse.org.

The post My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: My Fair Lucy — January 10, 2022 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with The Right Horse. Simco is this week’s adoptable horse. Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your #righthorse.

Horse: Simco, a 15.1-hand 29-year-old bay American Saddlebred in Howell, Mich.
Organization: Horses’ Haven

Simco is a wonderfully sweet horse to have around. He has been ridden in the past, but due to arthritis and a bowed tendon in the right front, he is retired from riding. Nowadays, he is quite happy to watch the goings-on around the farm and interact with everyone who comes to visit him. He is just so friendly, easy to catch, and loves to be groomed. He has been pastured with mares and geldings and gets along well with either; however, he would do best with geldings only. Simco is such a fun, outgoing character! Could he be your #righthorse?

Click here for questions about Simco, the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week

My Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.therighthorse.org.

The post My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Simco — January 3, 2022 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with The Right Horse. Peachy is this week’s adoptable horse. Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your #righthorse.

Horse: Peachy Between Us (aka Peachy), a 16-hand 4-year-old 16.1-hand chestnut Thoroughbred mare in Elkton, Md.
Organization: After the Races

Peachy retired by way of Beyond the Wire in Maryland and arrived to After the Races (ATR) just before Thanksgiving, and she has been enjoying life on the farm ever since! Peachy raced eight times, never hitting the board, and her connections smartly decided she was most likely better suited to a different career. This pretty mare is by Animal Kingdom out of a Candy Ride (ARG) mare, so she has great breeding. She is well built and clean. She crossed paths with the ATR vet on arrival, who watched her jog briefly and confirmed she was sound. They did a full intake evaluation a couple of weeks later, and the vet confirmed she’s sound, clean, and has no known limitations. Her only comment from the beginning was she came to them underweight and under-conditioned. Yet, staff has already seen improvement with her ATR diet and turnout. Out in the field, she lives with two other mares and a gelding with no issues. She has no vices, is currently front-shod, and has been very easy to handle and work with for having raced and retired recently. This mare is very kind. She’s going to make someone very lucky.

Click here for questions about Peachy, the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week

My Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.therighthorse.org.

The post My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Peachy — December 27, 2021 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

While equine makeovers are all the rage these days, most are for professional trainers or adults with the experience and facilities to work with unhandled Mustangs, for example. But the Nexus Equine Oklahoma 4-H Makeover Challenge program that debuted in 2019 is changing all that.

Nexus Equine operates on the fundamental idea of collaboration and partnerships, so it came as no surprise when the idea for the Nexus Equine Oklahoma 4-H Makeover Challenge program was born.

Benefits of the Makeover

“We feel very strongly about partnering with the industry and giving them resources and support for the horses within their respective disciplines,” says Rita Hoch, CEO of Nexus Equine, an equine non-profit organization in Edmond, Okla. “I felt like this was a way we could demonstrate our ability to partner and to collaborate by creating an event that would include kids from Oklahoma 4-H.”

The innovative program takes 10 4-H Club members and pairs them with 10 horses from Nexus Equine in a way that allows the 4-Hers to increase their horsemanship skills. Hoch sees it as a win-win situation for both the horses and the kids: The kids have an opportunity to further develop their horsemanship skills, and the horses also learn new skills, and along the way, become more adoptable.

“As a result, we think this program promotes development in a variety of ways,” says Hoch. “The Makeover provides the kids and horses, who might not otherwise have an opportunity to do so, with an extraordinary chance to succeed.”

At the program’s inception, everyone involved expressed excitement. Because the ideas encompassed by it were so new, it required a stretching of boundaries to get it off the ground.

How It Works

For the good of the kids, sponsors began to come on board as things began to take flight. For example, the National Reining Horse Association provided belt buckles for the participants, Bluebonnet and Kool Speed provided feed, and Heritage Place loaned their facilities for free. This event was made possible by the Arnall Family Foundation.

Participants are selected for the program based on an application process that details their past experiences and helps to ensure that they are paired with an appropriate horse. In turn, the horses chosen to participate must be good-minded animals who have received a minimum of 30 days training under saddle prior to taking part in the program.

The participants compete only against themselves.

“We felt like this was the fairest way to do this,” explains Hoch. “On day one, they show up and pick up their horse. They learn a little bit about him. They talk to the staff and the judges about some goals they can set for themselves to work with the horse.”

Once they get home, the participants do have a couple of weeks into the contest to change their original goals. The horse-and-participant pairs return in 90 days to demonstrate their progress to the same panel of judges.

“The judges are actually judging which kid made the most progress with their horse, which allows every kid the exact same opportunity,” Hoch adds.

In addition to their work with the horses, the makeover also includes an educational component. Participants are asked to create a video and write an essay about their experiences, which are included as part of the contest.

Accessible and Rewarding

Contestants temporarily adopt their horse for $10 at the beginning of the contest, and the vast majority permanently adopted them at the program’s conclusion. Needs for participation are minimal, with the kids only being asked to provide hay.

The horses come microchipped, and all are up to date on farrier work, have had their teeth floated and have been vaccinated. Other needs that may arise within the 90-day period are covered by Nexus Equine. In addition to belt buckles and other sponsor-provided prizes, the winning participant receives a $1,500 scholarship.

McKayla Hunt and Chloe O’Conner were two of the 2019 participants with horses named Aubrey and Big Red.

“Aubrey started with not wanting to load into a trailer,” says Hunt, the 2019 winner. “It took three or four people to catch her. Now she’ll trot up to me when I call her name.”

“I can’t even think of words to describe it,” says O’Conner, another program participant from the inaugural makeover. “It’s such an amazing opportunity, because whether I win or lose, I’m still going home with the connections I have made with Nexus and a great horse.”

For the Future

As the program continues to evolve, its leaders are seeking ways to involve different types of kids. One way is expanding the program to include participants who, for example, are only interested in in-hand work with their partner horse.

This has allowed 4-H members who might not be ready to work with a horse under saddle or who don’t have a preference for under-saddle work a broader opportunity to participate. It’s also allowed more horses to be included, such as those without under-saddle work in their skill set.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 program has been postponed, but is by no means over. It will pick back up in full swing in the spring of 2021 with another excited group of 4-H members and horses.

This article about the Nexus Equine 4-H Challenge appeared in the September 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Nexus Equine 4-H Challenge: A Makeover Just for Youth appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Recreational riding programs have long been an essential part of most horse breed association’s offerings, because they help attract and keep members. Program participants often praise the tracking logs as a way to keep track of time spent with their horse, and, once milestone achievements are reached, fun and useful prizes are awarded to riders.

Unfortunately, many such programs suffer from low participation levels. Breed associations would like to change that by making horse owners more aware of the diverse range of activities in which they can take part with their horse. Regardless of your chosen breed, here’s what three of the country’s top breed associations had to share about their recreational rider programs.

Why Participate in Horse Breed Recreational Riding Programs?

There are a variety of reasons a fan of a particular horse breed should participate in these recreational riding programs.

• Horse ownership is not required, and multiple horses can help earn hours toward milestone achievements.
• Participation time logs help participants keep track of their hours earned.
• While some associations make a distinction between competitive and non-competitive hours and which ones can be included, typical examples of eligible hours encompass those spent trail riding, training, participating in parades, taking part in riding lessons, etc.
• Reaching a milestone achievement level offers practical prizes different from those typically earned at horse shows.
• There is often no time limit to reach milestone goals.
• Any fees involved are usually nominal.

Examples of recreational riding programs from breed associations include:

Appaloosa Horse Club

Keri LeForce, performance department supervisor with the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC), feels that her organization’s Saddle Log/Driving Log program is of most benefit to those ApHC members who don’t regularly participate in organized events.

“It’s an opportunity for them to be involved with the association and receive recognition for the things they are doing,” she says. “It’s a way for them to maintain a connection with the breed association.”

Participating adult members pay an annual fee of just $25, while youth are assessed a one-time $20 fee. Appaloosa Horse Club membership is required and, while ownership of the horse is not necessary, hours logged must be earned while riding or driving a registered Appaloosa. Hours are tracked online or via a printable log.

All program participants receive a patch. Thereafter, chevron bars are earned at milestone achievement level. While milestone achievement levels differ between the riding and driving programs, common examples include 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 500, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 hours. Examples of prizes earned in addition to the chevron bars include brushes with engraved handles and achievement-level embroidered items. Any time spent riding or driving, including competing at shows, training, and trail riding, is eligible for inclusion on the log and counts towards prizes.

Arabian Horse Association

Current members of the Arabian Horse Association who enjoy riding their registered Arabian or Half-Arabian horse are eligible to participate in the association’s Frequent Rider Program. Members are assessed a one-time $25 fee and log their hours online or via a printable log. Similar to other breed associations, participants are not required to own their own horse, but instead may log their hours on any number of registered horses.

According to Abby Carpenter, awards and show results coordinator at the Arabian Horse Association, participating members earn prizes at such milestone achievement levels as 25, 100, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, and 10,000 hours. While each achievement level earns a bridle tag, as the number of logged hours increases, so too does the value of the prizes starting at travel mugs and moving to picture frames, leather portfolios, accessory bags, coolers, and even a jacket at the highest level. Like most breed association representatives, Carpenter sees the benefit of allowing Arabian horses to promote themselves in a wide variety of recreational riding activities and would like to see even more members take part in the program. As an incentive, the AHA has an updated recreational riding program in the works where members will be able to log competitive hours from open shows, along with non-competitive hours.

American Morgan Horse Association

Known as My Morgan and Me, the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) takes a slightly broader approach to its recreational program. Following some trial and error to find the most workable solution to host the program, the AMHA’s newest program guidelines now have members submit a $25 payment only when milestone achievements are reached. Gone are the days of a one-time enrollment fee.

“We had program participants not submitting miles because they weren’t eligible for an award,” says Carrie Mortensen, executive director of the AMHA. “It was confusing. Now, when you reach a milestone, you send in $25 whether it takes you three years or three days to earn the achievement.”

Participants can download the My Morgan and Me brochure, which includes a printable log, from the association’s website. But it isn’t mandatory to use this form.

“When I was doing it, I made my own spreadsheet,” says Mortensen.

Different from other associations, the AMHA does not require that the logs be turned in when reporting a milestone achievement. The logs are more for the participant’s records and benefit.

“It’s an honorary system for us,” Mortensen explained.

Once the achievement has been reported, the participant receives awards directly from the association’s headquarters or an electronic coupon for the AMHA Marketplace where they can purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets.

“You can decide on the color and if you want to have your name embroidered on it,” she adds.

When a participant reaches the highest levels of achievement, such as 10,000 hours, they receive a small write-up and are featured with their photograph in the association’s magazine.

“We do love for people [of any achievement level] to submit electronic photographs with their application,” say says. “When an applicant puts in for a milestone, we always feature it on our Facebook page if they include a picture.”

Other key differences in the AMHA’s program are that membership is not required and any time with a Morgan horse, not just time spent riding or driving, counts toward milestone achievements.

“The majority of people that participate are not competing, they are trail riding,” says Mortensen. “They are hanging out with their horse at home. The majority, if they are doing a show, it’s at the local level.”

She said that Morgan horses often have long life spans, and the more relaxed program requirements allow members to record time spent with a horse who is older and may no longer be serviceably sound but their owners still want to feel as if they are a part of a greater organization.

Have you participated in a breed organization’s recreational rider program? Tell us more in the comments below.

The post Why You Should Participate in Horse Breed Association Recreational Riding Programs appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with The Right Horse. Stuart Little is this week’s adoptable horse. Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your #righthorse.

Horse: Stuart Little, a 20-year-old 16.3-hand dark bay Danish Warmblood gelding in Shoals, W.Va.
Organization: Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue

Stuart Little is a gorgeous Appendix type Quarter Horse gelding who is around 19 years old. He was an eventer throughout his life. He now has significant arthritis and needs daily Previcox. He is sound if kept on light work, pasture turn out and medications. He is adoptable as a companion or could possible do flat walk-only lessons in an experienced environment. We are looking to adopt to safe homes. A history of good horsemanship, the ability to provide sufficient care with a good veterinarian and farrier, and peer references are important. The adoption process at Heart of Phoenix makes sure you get the right horse for yo. It is a no-fail process for finding the right match. Apply at www.horseandridermatch.com/adopt-a-horse. Could he be your #righthorse?

Click here for questions about Stuart Little, the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week

My Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.therighthorse.org.

The post My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Stuart Little — December 20, 2021 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Kerrits Kids Horse Dreams Pajama Set

Keep your kiddo warm and cozy in either of these fun, horse-themed pajama sets from Kerrits. Perfect for sleeping in on those snowy mornings before heading to the barn. Kids set: $47; Women’s set: $55; www.kerrits.com

Kerrits Horsing Around Fleece Blanket

Snuggle up in this extra-cozy fleece blanket from Kerrits after coming home from the barn. Choose from a few different colors to match your new pajama set. $47; www.kerrits.com

Appaloosa Summer (Island Series Book 1)

Get lost in the first book of Tudor Robin’s Island Series. This young adult novel beautifully connects horses with friendship, healing, and love, preventing readers from ever wanting to put it down! $12.88; www.amazon.com

Noble Equestrian Ringside Pack

This Noble Outfitters backpack from Dover Saddlery will soon be your rider’s favorite bag! From the barn to school, it offers the perfect space for a helmet, laptop, water bottle, and more, making it the perfect horse gift for a boy or girl! $109.95; www.doversaddlery.com

Mrs. Pastures Horse Treats

Horses love Christmas cookies, too! That is, Mrs. Pastures Horse Treats from Dover Saddlery. All-natural and super tasty, never leave your house out of Christmas again. 32 ounces: $14.95; www.doversaddlery.com

Dreamers & Schemers Yonder Pair and Spare Boot Socks

Everyone receives socks for Christmas. Make the gift even better with these super-cool socks from Dreamers & Schemers that are specially designed for riding. $15.95; www.dreamersnschemers.com

Grooming Collection 7-Piece Kit by Oster

Maybe a little too big for your horse’s stocking, but definitely a gift that keeps on giving for both horse and rider! Oster’s grooming kit from Valley Vet comes with a variety of brushes to keep your horse clean and happy. $59.95; www.valleyvet.com

Shelby Agnew is an intern for Horse Illustrated and is majoring in marketing at Oakland University.

You can also gift young rider subscriptions to them.

The post Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide for Young Riders appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with The Right Horse. Denny is this week’s adoptable horse. Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your #righthorse.

Horse: Denny, a 25-year-old 15.1-hand bay grade horse in Fort Worth, Texas
Organization: Humane Society of North Texas

Introducing Denny! His molten chocolate eyes will keep you coming back for more! This gentle boy has incredible manners that show he is a “been there and done that” kind of guy. He would be a great companion for your herd and is pretty submissive in a group setting. If you’re looking for a riding horse, this would make a nice backyard easygoing horse for short rides (15 minutes walk only), as a lead line horse with a small (kid) rider, or an advanced beginner rider. Although he is an excellent riding horse, we suspect he has given his all to humans for most of his life, and it’s only fair and time for him to finally be given just as much back by us humans. He is sound and in good shape; his gray hairs tell of his lifetime of memories behind him. He does have some go to him, but he is very kind-hearted. Denny is up to date on vaccinations, Coggins, farrier and dental care, deworming, and is microchipped. Please open your heart and fill out our Interest in Adoption Form on the Humane Society of North Texas website to learn more or schedule an appointment to meet this amazing horse at www.hsnt.org/equine-and-livestock. Could he be your #righthorse?

Click here for questions about Denny, the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week

My Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.therighthorse.org.

The post My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Denny — December 13, 2021 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with The Right Horse. Paso is this week’s adoptable horse. Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your #righthorse.

Horse: Un Paso Alante (Paso), a 7-year-old 15.3-hand dark bay Thoroughbred gelding in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
Organization: Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc.

Paso is a stocky handsome chap. He is a Florida-bred with 47 starts that earned him $102,378 in his career. He came to Puerto Rico from Delaware Park racetrack in 2018. He last raced here in Puerto Rico on July 30, 2021, placing 10th. Paso was retired from racing with an old left front sesamoid fracture. Paso will be able to go on to be a low level pleasure riding horse. Could he be your #righthorse?

Click here for questions about Paso, the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week

My Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.therighthorse.org.

The post My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Paso — December 6, 2021 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with The Right Horse. Winnie is this week’s adoptable horse. Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your #righthorse.

Horse: Winnie, a 22-year-old 15.2-hand American Paint Horse mare in Howell, Mich.
Organization: Horses’ Haven

Winnie is a 22-year-old sabino Paint Horse mare. She lost her right eye several years ago and has adjusted well. Her left eye is a beautiful blue. Although ridden in the past, she has an old stifle injury and suspensory issues that led to her retirement from riding, however she is pasture sound. Winnie is a wonderful companion horse who gets along very well with her other pasture mates and will follow humans around like a puppy dog. She is content living outside 24/7 or in a stall with daily turnout. Could she be your #righthorse?

Click here for questions about Winnie, the My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week

My Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.therighthorse.org.

The post My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Winnie — November 29, 2021 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.