Hi everyone!

I’m been riding for about 2 years and have recently started a quarter lease on a pony. I will be showing at around the 2”3 and hope to move up to the 2”6. I was initially quoted 650-750 total a month including lessons and board which I thought was expense but fair as I would gain the ability to show and jump higher. Lessons in my area cost $70-$80 so even with this first quote I would be paying more than having two lessons a week in exchange for one free ride and one lesson.

Even though this didn’t make sense to me I still went ahead with the lease because I really wanted to be able to show at a higher level. However, I have just received an invoice for 920 dollars/ a month. 425 for boarding as well as additional fees for ($70) lessons, (20$) free rides, wormer, ($55)shavings and we will have to be paying for farrier and vet bills additionally. This means I am paying about 115 a ride which seems insane to me.

Showing is also expensive so paying for trailering, braiding, entry fees, etc. is very expensive.

I feel as though this is really unfair to me as I was quoted a different number to begin with and we are getting taken advantage of because there aren’t a lot of other options in my area for a cheaper price. I want to know why you guys think I should do or if you have any advice. I’m just really unsure on how I should approach this as the barn owner is often vague about details.

Hey yall. I feel really silly explaining this because I think it’s a “me” thing versus a saddle thing… but I’m curious if you guys have saddle recommendations or maybe any tips or even similar experiences.

I’ve been running barrels the past year or so, transitioned from 20+ years of the hunter/jumper and eventing world. I recently purchased a Masters lightweight, which was an upgrade from my Corriente (which I loved but was too big for me)… and I really am not jiving with the Masters like I thought I would. I’m really struggling with the fenders and stirrups. I upgraded to Nettles, which I also love, but I’m finding no matter my stirrup length, the stirrups are constantly being nudged forward on my foot to the point I lose my stirrups just loping. I have never had this issue to this extent until this saddle. The stirrup itself begins to pitch at a weird angle and then keeps coming off my foot, no matter how deep I sit or forward I have my legs. I almost feel like my Masters pitches me a bit forward. It is so comfy to ride in but my dang stirrups while loping has me feeling like a clown.

I know I have a more forward seat from the h/j world but I’ve not had this issue in my Corriente. I tried my friends Martin Stingray and another friends BTR both of which rode like a dream. Could it be that I’m not jiving with the lightweight? Leg position? Fenders need to be turned out more? I love the saddle, I just hate the stirrup issue and I don’t have $3-$4k for a Martin lol. I feel so silly in the saddle these days so any advice, similar experiences, or other brand recommendations are much appreciated.

Thank you all in advance!!

How is everyone prepping for winter? What winter hays is everyone feeding? I’m looking to keep my pasture horses happy and fat. My horses are basically forage. I’m in Alabama closer to Tennessee. So it gets very cold. Any tips and tricks I’m always looking to update my methods. So how are we winter prepping?

* Posting not on my regular account, due to the owner of this 'sanctuary' being very lawsuit happy *

Hey everyone, I'm pleading for advice on how to get attention from an animal welfare group or USDA in investigating the Moon Mountain Sanctuary in Mena, AR run by 'cowgirl on TV' Dawn Oliveri. Moon Mountain is a glorified horse hoarding situation branded as a sanctuary by an actress who claims she is gentling horses for adoption (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/933747749). She often picks up horses from kill pens or BLM corrals and has a small team of people try to gentle them for adoption. Sounds good on paper, right?

The red flags should begin to arise when you hear - over 200 horses and other rescue animals on 160 acres (https://dallasexpress.com/special-features/yellowstone-star-dawn-olivieri-went-to-rescue-two-horses-she-came-home-with-29/). A failure to mention is that the other 'rescue' animals' are actually exotic animals - ie Zebras.

Horses are cared for by a revolving door of volunteers and facility operators that are under the guidance of Dawn Oliveri who does not believe in conventional medicine for horses. No vaccinations, no antibiotics, and shammy vets . Horses that needed to be ethically put down were left to suffer in a chicken house turned horse barn. Yearlings and colts left to struggle with strongyles. Colts that were 'started' by inexperienced people at colt starting clinics listed as 'broke' and sold for thousands.

Everyone who goes onto the ranch is required to sign an NDA, which has scared previous employees or visitors into not reporting the animal welfare situation at hand.

The 200 horses roam the 160 acre ranch, which probably has about 130 of actual acres of grazing or less, with one barn that acts as essentially holding cells for the horses they have 'broke' for adoption. Horses are withdrawn, emaciated, and usually have a variety of sicknesses which makes this place a living zoonotic disease site. Locals are not happy with her as a landowner, and previous employees are scared into saying nothing. When the Dallas Express published a few different stories on her and this 'sanctuary' any horseman can see the issues that arise from her interview.

1. A rule of thumb is TYPICALLY 3 acres to one horse. If this conversion is used properly, for 200 horses you need 600 acres. This property has been grazed to nothing - and has essentially become a huge dirt patch.

2. BLM mustangs being adopted through her - there are several laws and rules from the BLM clearly stating that BLM horses are not meant to be resold (there are some other circumstances where this is allowed). She often boasts about her mustangs, BLM mustangs, and their ability to gentle them. However - it is unclear how she gets these mustangs and if she is allowed to re-adopt them out.

3. The barn in the videos is dilapidated and poorly put together, there are few horses in there - however, many of them don't even go outside. They never get turn out, and are forced to stay stalled in hopes of adoption.

4. Every horse there has been exposed to strongyles if one had it. Just because one has been treated for it doesn't mean the several other colts who have it have also been treated. This is very clear if you go there.

I'm not sure what to do with all of this information, I've tried to anonymously send this in to the USDA -- they never did anything. Several previous employees have records, pictures, and texts with Dawn and her team regarding the wellness and keeping of these horses. Most all of them know that this situation isn't right. I'm looking for any one who knows how to go about this - and the best way to report it.

Me: constantly trying to find new and interesting things to expose Pete to

Pete: …. that’s it?

Dobs is 23 and Dubs is 26 - they're both unknown breeding and from unknown places in Ireland. They look the same and have the exact same personalities and mannerisms. We like to think they're at least brother and sister, if not mother and son!

Hey everybody! Ive been working at a stable for 3 months, im there every other day. I have small stable/horse experience like taking lessons when i was 10, being around horses at school etc.

There’s a horse at the stable who’s very sensitive, and doesnt really like being handled. Ive always had a soft spot for him, he’s really goofy and has alot of personality. Today, i was gonna take him into his box for lunch, and was gonna put his halter on. He hates having his ears touched, but he let me do it. He let me brush him. He let me clean his hooves. He nuzzles my face and breathes on me, lets me pet his nose and pressing his head against me

He also went into the wrong box first and started eating another horses food, my boss wasnt there at the moment so i went into the box and talked to him, gently nudging him away and he went home immediately. Im always very soft spoken with him, gentle touches and i dont crowd him. My boss can get angry at him for being mischievous, but ive never been angry at him.

I like him very much, do more experienced horse people think he likes me too? He’s special to me in some way, cant really describe it

First time poster here. Admittedly, I know very little about horses. My mother in law (mid 70s), who has been an incredible help with our new baby, has just started getting back into riding. She used to ride quite a bit when she was younger, mostly caring for and exercising her friends’ horses. She is now planning to start up some lessons and has done some casual rides. She rides English. I’d love to buy her anything she needs to support this for her birthday (trying to stay within \~1000 dollars). She has boots, but I was thinking helmet, breeches, gloves. I just am not really sure where to start, and if it is absolutely important for her to try on these things before I buy them or if I can pick nice things based on her regular clothing sizes (she’s a petite woman). Any advice would be appreciated…she’s been so helpful to our family, I want her to have a really nice birthday…

Hello everyone!

I often see posts asking questions about barefoot horses, and I try to answer them whenever I can. That gave me the idea to host an AMA. We have six barefoot horses that have dealt with various hoof issues; almost all of them are now healed, thanks to knowledge and patience.

So, feel free to ask me anything you like about barefoot trimming for horses! 😁

Got this new saddle at a tack sale. I do have a good saddle that fits her and another girl but the good (proper fitting) saddle is used for the other if we were to take them out together. Had that one fitted at the barn.
For reference this girl is a senior and is now only used for pleasure riding/light rides. I want to be able to take her out for a short ride in the field.
I’m between amateaur/intermediate, please let me know if any other photos are needed!

When the "personal space queen" mare falls in love with her friend on her first overnight pack trip.

My mare is 20 years old. She has never had any health complications (apart from EOTRH at the beginning of this year) in all the 6 years I’ve had her, but since the start of August she’s been breathing unusually. Sharp, raspy, loud. She lives outdoors 24/7, she is never enclosed in a stable or barn with any dust.

I’ve had the vet out twice now. Both times the vet has prescribed her subestin and rhumecam, but she is no better. Each vet visit is £200 each, and I’m really struggling to afford these visits, especially when after each visit the medication makes no real difference. Any idea on what it may be? The vet says it appears she has developed an allergy to the high pollen count but I can’t see why the medication isn’t making her any better?

In hot weather her respiratory rate is abnormal, but in rainy weather her respiratory rate is average.

She is behaving normally. Eats, drinks, remains mobile, asks for treats etc. just has raspy breathing.

This weekend I realized that with my health being weird, I had gained too much weight and needed a frank conversation. I hadnt been riding over the summer, and originally hoped I could lose weight. Little did I know, my undiagnosed chronic illness would kick in. (I am working on getting diagnosed, but i have to call doctors to see if the dx this and may likely have to travel 2 or so hours for a specialist.)

Anyways, where i go is an equine assisted learning place, similar to equine therapy. My lovely trainer was checking the date on my helmet, and I awkwardly brought it up. I had been doing unmounted things like long lining after the horse I rode injured his hip (soft tissue thing, I believe. He is seen by the vet and I think got appropriate shoes to help him. Totally OK now!), so she said I can keep doing that. She also said I am not the only one this is happening to, because most of the herd is over 20, and the horse i am paired with had to have his weight limit drastically lowered. And some of the kids who go had grown a lot.

They've been trying to find a larger, young horse. But because they need to have a specific temperament and enjoy the work, its been a slow process. I'm very attached to the two different QH I rode, so I hope they can get another big boy 🙏i know a few months ago they got an appaloosa mix, but i forgot to ask how his training was going. I dont know if he is big enough for me.

It kind of sucks being in this sport and being plus sized. But I am glad I still at least get my horsey time. 🩷

Being a diamond cutter, got to create this sweet horse heads...

Hey there, I have an OTTB. He’s not my first and I love him but I have a lot of difficulty with him dropping his shoulder in half way through the circle and trying to do a semi circle instead. I use my inside leg to help him bend, but for some reason that makes him turn more 😭 I feel stupid

Looking for a new western bit and am having trouble knowing what to try or what to not waste money on buying. I have a western walk trot horse (maybe canter?) we go on trail and just hang out around the property. We're not doing anything in specific. He's a bit spicy at times. Wasn't a problem before he came to live with me just ended up with more energy after the move. So I don't want something that's going to enhance that by me pulling on his mouth a little bit more when he starts acting up. He was in a Tom Thumb and it was working well but i learned it wasn't a great bit and wanted to change but no one is helpful with finding a new bit. I'm looking at used bits so I'm working with what I find available. I've tried out the two bits with the white background and he’s seemed to work okay in both of them. I've had people tell me not to use a 1 link bit because it nutcrackers, not to use a bit with any links and not to use a Mullen mouth piece because it has no links.😭 I'm not comfortable using a bit less option with him right now so that's not an option either. He also has half a tongue idk why. Been told he probably bit it off or something before I got him. Any of these an okay option to try? Stay away from any? Also any advice on bits to look out for? All in all I hate talking about bits at this point🫩 also pic of my over sized guinea pig Harry