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Doc Bar. • Photo by Cattlemen Photo.

Frankly Speaking: Horse of a Different Color

“We need an outcross stallion!” How many times have you heard that when horse breeders visit with each other? It is a common theme, and one that transcends all disciplines in […]
cowboys-talking

Frankly Speaking: A Silver Lining

By now, most, if not all, of you have felt the pains of hardship created by the novel coronavirus and COVID-19. I pray that this nasty virus has not affected any […]
men in cowboy hats at meeting

Frankly Speaking: Path of Change!

For some of you who care as deeply as I do for our horse and the industry that surrounds him, you look forward to learning about what positive changes may […]
BarnumBailey FE

Frankly Speaking: Circus Circus

BarnumBailey FEThe Ringling Bros. and Barnam & Bailey Circus will perform for the last time on May 21. • Courtesy of Feld EntertainmentThis coming May marks the final performance of one of the most iconic entertainment troupes in history. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performs for the last time in New York City on May 21. And so comes the end of “The Greatest Show on Earth” – one that entertained those from ages 1 to 93 and lasted nearly a century. How sad that we will not have “The Circus” in our lives any longer, and our next generation will never experience the thrills and excitement that we, our children and their children enjoyed during our lifetimes.

national-anthem

Frankly Speaking: Let Your Sons Grow up to Be Cowboys!

national-anthemIn an expression of the “cowboy way,” everyone stands at attention during the playing of the national anthem at major Western performance events, like the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity. • Photo by Stacy Pigott

As all of you probably know by now, thanks to full-blown media coverage, the United States and our national anthem have been purposely disgraced by several players in the National Football League and other professional athletes who refuse to stand during its singing as a way to protest racism in this country.

racehorses

Frankly Speaking: Best for All Concerned

racehorsesThe AQHA’s suspension of its Multiple Medication Violation System for racing brings to light the need for an industry-wide medication standard and enforcement program. • Photo by Stacy PigottI am sure that most of you are aware of the many and varied opinions on recent drug policies that involve the horse racing industry, as well as those that concern our show and performance horses. After much thought on this subject and especially after the American Quarter Horse Association’s (AQHA) suspension of the Multiple Medication Violation System as it pertains to Quarter Horse racing, I think our equine industry’s efforts should be pointed in a concerted direction.

blane-schvaneveldt

Frankly Speaking: So, You Call Yourself a Horseman

blane-schvaneveldtBlane Schvanveldt is a legend in the Quarter Horse industry. The late trainer was a horseman who believed a horse could only reach its true potential if you tried to “kill him with kindness.”“Horseman.” This term, in my opinion, describes a person who understands and respects horses. He or she is completely comfortable handling, riding, teaching, interpreting, using and caring for the needs of a horse. This person navigates him or herself around the equine species with an aura of confidence and respect for the animal. A true horseman never has to characterize him or herself as such; that quality is immediately evident and recognizable to anyone who knows what it takes to be one. A horseman commands respect from his or her peers by action, accomplishment and knowledge, which places this person in a unique strata – apart from the general crowd in the horse world. Simply put, he or she stands out and apart from the rest.

Problem is, there are too few horsemen in the equine industry today. Many call themselves horsemen, but few actually grasp and express the concept, and even fewer possess the work ethic required to reach that plateau.

LipChain

Frankly Speaking: Horse First, Me Second

LipChainDiscipline-specific welfare issues – such as the use of lip chains on halter horses – require horsemen to step back and look at the big picture, rather than focusing on self-centered niche interests.At long last, welfare issues have come front and center in the minds of equine organizations.

orren-mixers-horse

Frankly Speaking: Why Don’t You Take The Day Off?

orren-mixers-horseOrren Mixer's horseI write this column a month in advance of its published date so, I can only guess at the outcome of the upcoming American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Convention. By now, all of you will have heard the news as to who has been elected to serve AQHA’s membership on the executive committee, board of directors, changes in the rules and other pertinent information that has been decided on during this annual meeting.

Frankly Speaking: Chrome Effect

Since earlier this spring, I have followed the exploits of one “California Chrome” and his march toward the Triple Crown title of Thoroughbred racing: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and, finally, the Belmont Stakes. By the time you read this, “Chrome” will have either won or lost his battle to reach equine greatness – one that has only been achieved by 11 other horses. My hope, of course, is that he has won the Belmont and become the worldwide, polarizing individual that “Secretariat” once was (and still is, to a lesser extent, today).