blog roundup

Weekly Blog Roundup

Lots of interesting things going on out there this week!

I’m going to preface this weekly blog roundup with a small editorial. When I did the blog content survey earlier this week (which has been super interesting about which I will blog more later), someone commented that they’d like to know how I choose these posts.

So, full disclosure: I don’t have a really scientific way of doing it. I read a lot of blogs – around 250 posts on an average day across all my interests, not just horses – and when something catches my eye I open it into a new tab. I usually skim it again a while later, and if I still think it’s interesting (loosely, by that I mean it represents a good point of view, or is particularly well written, or explains something useful, or has lovely photography, or strikes a good emotional tone, or really just stands out for some ineffable reason) – anyway, if I still think it’s interesting I copy it into this post, which I usually create as soon a the old one has been published and add to throughout the week. Some weeks I stink at this, because I’m traveling a lot or just tired or just cranky and don’t find many things interesting. Some weeks I love everything and have had energy and downtime to read a lot.

I am always, always open to reading new things and finding new blogs, so if you want me to consider content for this roundup, or just think I’d like your blog, or anything like that, please tell me, ok? I do a lot of link-clicking in the blogs I read, and add probably a blog a week on average, but I’m always thrilled to find something new and fun and love recommendations.

Blogging versus Journalism from She Moved to Texas
I tend to fall a little more on the informal side of this than Lauren – in that I thought the COTH editorial belittling and missing the point, and generally agreed with the original “controversial” blog post – but she presents a really good and important argument. We can all stand to be careful about what we research and say.

We’re Killing Our Horses from Riding with Scissors
Really, really sobering and depressing but an important thing to face up to.

Breeder’s Cup 2015 Trip: American Pharoah from Racing to Ride
I’m getting all misty-eyed again.

2pointober Analysis from Topaz Dreams
The myth, the legend, the winner of 2pointober. I actually thought these were some interesting and thoughtful observations and reflections.

Saddles, Riders, and Science from Boots and Saddles
Really good & useful roundup of findings on saddle fit.

Happy Horse Project Report from In Omnia Paratus
I love the way this is framed & written, and I love the news it reports!

Oh Shit from The Owls Approve
This is not a cheerful post, but I share it because I went through the same thing, and it is something we will all face as horse owners if we keep horses as they grow older.

blog roundup

Weekly Blog Roundup

A roundup of horse blog posts this week.

Secrets to simplifying your R&R life from Boots & Saddles
Really, really good ideas, all of them.

5 things I learned at the AECs from The $900 Facebook Pony
Hilarious, touching, and thoughtful all at once.

Out of place in another saddle from The Maggie Chronicles
Interesting thinking – do you feel odd riding other horses, or is it part of your routine?

Eliminating dichotomous thinking from A Enter Spooking
Huh. Good thinky stuff there.

Breaking the mold from The Pony Club Pizza
I…may need this information. I have no excuse.

Interview: Sarah Crowe, Creator of Dyna Does Dressage Documentary from The Aspiring Equestrian
A documentary about a mule doing dressage. WHERE DO I SIGN UP?

Equestrian Apparel for All Shapes and Sizes from Hand Gallop
Great guide.

Tiny Side Project from The Reeling
AAAAAAHHHHH. I want one.

Hoof Over Time Project: Conclusion from Boots & Saddles
The whole project has been fascinating and informative, and this wrap up is particularly good.

blog roundup

Weekly Blog Roundup

Epic catch up blog roundup…ready?

2pointober from Viva Carlos
SO IT BEGINS.

German Warmblood Registries from Not-So-Speedy Dressage
Well-explained and useful overview!

Continuing to teach an old dog new tricks from Boots and Saddles
Living the dream. I would love to drive someday.

Cantering Through Cancer from Pony Express
Legitimately inspirational.

At the Barn = In the Office from Fly on Over
Yessssss. One of my biggest challenges, too.

Our Fire Evac Plans from To Teach a Mustang
Candid, thoughtful, and thorough review of a fire evacuation plan. The kind of thing you really, really need and hopefully never use.

Polos, Boots, and Leg Protection from Sprinkler Bandit
Food for thought; also contains the best explanation I have yet read or heard for using leg protection as a daily routine.

What to expect on a green horse’s first cross country school from Eventing Connect
Logical and thorough overview. Useful read.

A Tale of a big, bad bean and heatstroke from Equinpilot
Things I never knew about cleaning a gelding’s sheath!

The reality of owning a horse trailer from Poor Woman Showing
100000% the truth.

Big Moves from Equestrian at Hart
Do you have advice on moving a horse across several states? Share it with Hillary!

Conditioning Work from Hand Gallop
Always, always on my mind.

The Rider Adapts: Top 5 Skin Care Essentials from Bay With Chrome
SUPER useful, especially for those of us whose skin dries out like crazy in the winter.

The Art of Mending Burnt Bridges from The Legal Equestrian
Possibly the #1 constant in the horse world. (Maybe behind spending way more money than you wanted.)

How to take the perfect conformation picture from Poor Woman Showing
Funny AND helpful!

Event Recap: Groton House Fall Classic from The Maggie Memoirs
I love a good show recap, and I love Groton House.

How to make electrolyte horse treats from DIY Horse Ownership
OOOOOOOOO.

blog roundup

Weekly Blog Roundup

Some interesting posts from the greater horse blog world!

Polo Clinic With Helmet Cam Gifs from Fraidy Cat Eventing
Totally living the dream! This looks like so much fun.

Mean Ol’ Dressage (Puns and Plots) from Fraidy Cat Eventing
I know, two in one week, but this is just about the coolest way to analyze your dressage progress that I’ve ever seen.

Favorite Followings from Bay With Chrome
I am more and more into Instagram lately. This is a great list to check out.

Inspection Photos from The $900 Facebook Pony
AWWWWWW.

Body Shaming the Show Ring from If the Saddle Fits
I hate that I’m not surprised either, but – I’m not.

blog roundup

Weekly Blog Roundup

A few blog posts from the horse world that caught my eye this past week.

Before you read anything else, read this, and take it to heart: Helmets: Please Read from Racing to Ride. I have already made my opinions on this topic clear. If you still aren’t wearing a helmet, you are making the deliberate choice to play Russian roulette with your life.

A Big Light Bulb Moment from Not So Speedy Dressage
I had this precise light bulb moment a few years ago. Hugely valuable way to understand your riding.

Making a Barn Dog Part 1 from Dandyism
Really good advice. I’m not sure if Arya will ever get there, frankly – some dogs just have the ability to chill out more than other dogs. Maybe in a few more years!

Three Years from Pony Express
Absolutely an inspiration, in every way.

Learning Styles & Lesson Format from PONY’TUDE
This is such an individual thing, and so important to know about yourself.

Horse Home Decor from All In
I am such a sucker for these posts, especially since I have a house of my own to decorate.

Anthropomorphizing from In Omnia Paratus
Read this.

blog roundup

Blog Post Roundup

Gemmie Update: Turned Out from What Could Possibly Go Wrong
Really interesting injury update photos, with positive news.

Turnout Cards from Equestrian at Hart
Interesting conversation on an eternally tricky and changing topic.

The Dangers of Rocket Fuel Feeding from Guinness on Tap
I’ve always had or taken care of easy keepers, so this balance is fascinating to me.

OF Starter Trials – Dressage & Stadium from Fraidy Cat Eventing
I do love a solidly written, well-illustrated show recap, and this one is great.

6 Great Things One Traffic Cone Can Do For Your Riding from Trafalgar Square Books
GREAT list of exercises, lots of inventive and common sense things here.

The Tail Tutorial from The $900 Facebook Pony
Lots of good tips here!

Improvements and Advancements from In Omnia Paratus
Thoughtful and good training philosophy.

Work Harder, Get Better from Poor Woman Showing
Yup. In a nutshell.

Catching Up with Che Mr Wiseguy’s Clones from Eventing Nation
I don’t know why I find the idea of equine clones endlessly fascinating but wow, this is just engrossing.

blog roundup

Weekly Blog Roundup

Huge roundup this week, I am definitely avoiding neither house renovations nor wedding planning. So there.

Crewing Tevis 2015 from Redheaded Endurance
Tevis Volunteering 2015 from Boots & Saddles
Hands-down my two favorite posts from the week. AMAZING stories about what I think might be the #1 hardest horse accomplishment in North America, if not the world.

3 Biggest Myths about Dressage from Sprinkler Bandit
I actually disagree with all of these, but I love the reasoning and that it made me think!

The Gaggle of Girths from The $900 Facebook Pony
I love this kind of post. Interesting to read.

10 Awesome Things About Jousting at the Ohio State Fair from Wyvern Oaks
I cannot get enough of the jousting Haflinger pictures!

Everyday Fail Blog Hop Roundup from Zen and the Art of Baby Horse Management
If you need cheering up and/or a good belly laugh, look through these links.

Full Tack Ho: Lorenzini Stirrups Review from Sprinkler Bandit
I…didn’t even spend that much money on Tristan’s fancy bridle. They are gorgeous and amazing and this is a cool review, though!

The Shusher from Guinness on Tap
Yeah. Every clinic has one. This is a particularly amazing variety.

Product Review: SmartPak’s Piper Breeches from Fly On Over
I have three pairs, and I mostly really like them and keep meaning to review them for myself. This is a good overview.

How the Best Horse Dog Ever Became a Dressage Rider from Incidents of Guidance
OMG, Awesome.

RBTR 2015: The Ride Story from In Omnia Paratus
If I had a riding photo of me on Tristan like Liz got from this ride, I would die happy. Not even joking a little bit.