Tuesday

Dog & Pony Show: Tag, you're it!

Some things are just too cute not to share.

If you haven’t seen this adorable young horse and puppy at play, take a peek. Even if you have, it’s worth a watch.

Hey, it’s only 52 seconds long, but I dare you to watch it without smiling. Take a look at this cute baby horse, an orphan rescue, frolicking at liberty with a frisky little dog.

Check the "Aww" factor on this one.

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Now, who’s got a hankering for some horseplay? Got spring fever yet?

As I’ve told my kids and horse friends for year, the lion’s share of horsemanship and equine enjoyment actually occurs out of the saddle. Caring, grooming, grazing and simply playing with our horses builds trust and relationship.

Plus, it’s just plain fun.

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Video Screenshot

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Sunday

Who's going to the 2012 Kentucky Derby?

The 138th Kentucky Derby is coming up fast! The top 20 three-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses will line up in the Churchill Downs starting gate (as long as no entries are scratched after the post draw) on the first Saturday in May.

Top picks for the 2012 Run for the Roses include:

  • Algorithms* (Bernardini x Ava Knowsthecode by Cryptoclearance)
  • Alpha (Bernardini x Munnaya by Nijinsky II)
  • Battle Hardened (Giant's Causeway x Jen's Fashion by Northern Fashion)
  • Bodemeister (Empire Maker x Untouched Talent by Storm Cat)
  • Creative Cause (Giant's Causeway x Dream Of Summer by Siberian Summer)
  • Currency Swap (High Cotton x Echo Bluff by Pine Bluff)
  • Discreet Dancer (Discreet Cat x West Side Dancer by Gone West)
  • Dullahan (Even the Score x Mining My Own by Smart Strike)
  • El Padrino (Pulpit x Enchanted Rock by Giant's Causeway)
  • Empire Way (Empire Maker x Delta Princess by A. P. Indy)
  • Ever So Lucky (Indian Charlie x Bally Storm by Summer Squall)
  • Fed Biz (Fed Biz x Spunoutacontrol by Wild Again)
  • Gemologist (Tiznow x Crystal Shard by Mr. Prospector)
  • Hansen (Tapit x Stormy Sunday by Sir Cat)
  • I’ll Have Another (Flower Alley x Arch's Gal Edith by Arch)
  • Liaison (Indian Charlie x Galloping Gal by Victory Gallop)
  • Out of Bounds (Discreet Cat x Unbridled Elaine by Unbridled's Song)
  • Rousing Sermon (Lucky Pulpit x Rousing Again by Awesome Again)
  • Take Charge Indy (A. P. Indy x Take Charge Lady by Dehere)
  • Unbridled’s Note (Unbridled’s Song x Siberian Fur by Siberian’s Express)
  • Thunder Moccasin (A. P. Warrior x One Stormy Mama by Storm Cat)
  • Union Rags (Dixie Union x Tempo by Gone West)

* Algorithms’ Derby prospects may be scratched, now that he popped a splint.

As always, of course, the Kentucky Derby prime contenders list changes almost daily, as 2012 prep races continue.

Will you be attending the Kentucky Derby this year?

Perennially, I look forward to the Derby as a racing highlight, a reporting must, a networking resource, and an all-around rite of spring.

This year, however, instead of sipping from a Kentucky Derby mint julep glass on May 5th in Louisville, I will be raising a glass just outside Chicago to toast my niece and her bridegroom on the day of their nuptials. (Who wants to send me a Derby mint julep glass this year?)

Not many members of either the bride’s or groom’s families are horse racing fans, or even equestrian enthusiasts. So I’ll post my toast here and now, before the Kentucky Derby prospect list changes again. Surely, it will, long before my niece tosses her flowers or those fabulously fast horses line up for the Run for the Roses on the first Saturday of May.

Just for fun – at this much-premature point in the game – here’s a Kentucky Derby wedding toast for the happy Derby Day couple.

Derby Day Wedding Toast for 2012

May the happy couple find themselves Ever So Lucky, as they cut a rug to Unbridled’s Note after the bride’s father (El Padrino) gives her away and the groom’s Hansen (or rather, handsome) preacher father delivers his Rousing Sermon.

May each wedding guest behave as a Discreet Dancer for this Creative Cause, dressed in festive finery, not Union Rags. Even if the Gemologist should say, “I’ll Have Another,” may the Bodemeister behind the bar prove to be the Battle Hardened and prudent Alpha.

May there never be a Dullahan moment, as the festivities continue.

Just before the newlyweds walk the Empire Way to honeymoon Out of Bounds, may they salute the Liaison of loving families and the reception hall staffers (particularly after the bride’s father, a Fed Biz mogul, manages his party host Algorithms before performing his Currency Swap).

Finally, like a fairy tale princess, may the jubilant bride step lightly with her beloved, even if she drops a Thunder Moccasin on the way to the celebratory getaway car.

At last! The newlyweds will call out to their driver: “Take Charge Indy!”

Happy Derby Day - in advance. 

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2012 Kentucky Derby Glass – fair use photo
Wedding Cake & Just Married Car – WP ClipArt


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Saturday

Weekend Roundup: Feb. 18-19 horse highlights


Wisconsin equestrians and Midwestern horse lovers are enjoying a warmer-than-usual winter season, and this weekend carries this recreational respite forward.

What will you do with your horses this weekend? Here are several exciting equestrian options for the third weekend of February.

 Other weekend events for horse lovers include:

  • February 18th – Mandt Equestrian Center Winter Fun Show – Oregon, Wisconsin
  • February 18th – Cattle Basics Workshop – Boyceville, Wisconsin
  • February 18th – Heartland Stables Beat the Blues Horse Show – Custer, Wisconsin
  • February 18th – Chism Trail Ranch Team Roping/Calf Roping/Breakaway – Merrill, Wisconsin
  • February 18th-19th – Showtime Arena Winter Series (barrel racing and pole bending) – Deerfield, Wisconsin
  • February 19th – Rock County 4-H Tack Swap – Janesville, Wisconsin

Are you headed for one of these fun-filled events, or do you know of another? Please leave a comment and a link! Or tag me on your Facebook event page for this weekend’s and future events (for possible press coverage).

Or do you plan to spend time with your own favorite horses this weekend? What are you up to this week, equine enthusiasts?

Please be on the lookout for these missing horses!

Four young Friesian sport horse mares vanished overnight from a farm in northern Illinois. A widespread search is underway in Illinois, Wisconsin and even nationwide. Breeder and barn owner Claudia Haugh, of Royal Ebony Friesian Sport Horses, stepped outside Friday... (Click title to read the rest of the story.)

Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. You are also invited to join this writer's fan page, as well as the Equestrian Examiner and Madison Equestrian Examiner on Facebook.

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Winter Horse photo by Pete Markham
Creative Commons Attribution=Share Alike 2.0 Generic License


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Monday

Last-Minute Valentine for the Good-Sport Horse Husband?

A horse-loving friend just sent me the link to this funny tee. (Nope, I have no ties to the seller.)

Got a good-sport horse husband, who handles the kids while you show your horse? How about a super supportive spouse, who helps out at horse shows?

I've heard such an animal exists somewhere in nature. If he does, this tee is terrific. (Look closely, and try not to let out a laugh. C'mon, I double-Dutch Warmblood dare you.)

 And if you don't happen to have such a hubby, don't sweat it. As I said, such creatures are a rare breed. But apparently, this artist (who calls her shop Dana's Doodles) has an App for that too.



 And why not? Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you find time for some hearty horsing around ... on horseback!

Friday

Weekend Roundup: Feb. 10-12 highlights for horse lovers

Another winter weekend is here. Who’s up for horseplay?

First, however, it’s time for a horse care reminder. February 9th is Toothache Day, and February is National Pet Dental Health in the US. Have you made your appointment for spring shots and tooth checks for your horses? Does anyone need a float this year?

February 11th is Make a Friend Day. Does your barn have any new boarders? Have you introduced yourself yet?

Tuesday, February 14th, is Valentine’s Day. How many horses will be more spoiled than sweethearts? (Wait! Don’t answer that.)

Winter is heating up in Wisconsin with plenty of ways to horse around.

Here are some horsey highlights for the second weekend of February.


Other weekend events include:


Who’s in for horse-related activities this weekend in or near Wisconsin?

Are you headed for one of these fun-filled events, or do you know of another? Be sure to leave a comment and a link, if you do! Or tag me on your Facebook event page for this weekend’s and future events (for possible press coverage).

Or do you plan to spend time with your own favorite horses this weekend? What’ll it be this week, horse lovers?

Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. You are also invited to join this writer's fan page, as well as the Equestrian Examiner and Madison Equestrian Examiner on Facebook.

Image/s:
Icelandic Horses
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Search & Win

Weekend Roundup: Feb. 3-5 highlights for horse lovers

Maybe Punxsutawney Phil was scared of his own shadow, hiding back in his hole on Groundhog Day and proclaiming that winter would last another six weeks. 
 
However, Badger State horse lovers are much bolder, if this weekend’s roundup of equestrian events is any indication.

We may have Super Bowl Sunday coming up, but the big game doesn’t start till early evening. What’s in store for you before that?

Why not get up and out for equestrian fun?

Take a look at all the fun ways to horse around this week in and around Wisconsin:

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Who’s in for horse-related activities this weekend in or near Wisconsin?

Are you headed for one of these fun-filled events, or do you know of another? Be sure to leave a comment and a link, if you do! Or tag me on your Facebook event page for this weekend’s and future events (for possible press coverage).

Or do you plan to spend time with your own favorite horses this weekend? What’ll it be this week, horse lovers?


Please subscribe at the top of the page to receive free e-mail updates whenever this columnist publishes a new article. Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. You are also invited to join this writer's fan page, as well as the Equestrian Examiner and Madison Equestrian Examiner on Facebook.

Image/s:
Winter horses photo
 copyrighted by Linda Ann Nickerson – Nickers and Ink
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