We collect stories from all corners of the horse community, from barrel racers to bronc riders and competitive equestrians to backyard owners. The following stories are a few of our favorites from 2022.
JT
"We first met JT, a registered Quarter Horse, more than 10 years ago when my son was only 7, on the autism spectrum, nonverbal, and needing occupational, physical, and speech therapy. JT was a cutting horse who earned over $80,000 in his career before retiring to the most important job of his life: therapeutic riding.
The very first day we met JT, he was so gentle that my son was in the saddle within minutes, not afraid at all. By the end of the second visit, my son had a big smile on his face and didn't want to get off JT. Throughout our weekly visits, my son learned to brush and care for JT, how to say 'Whoa,' make a kissing sound, and use rainbow reins to give commands.
His relationship with JT grew over the years, and today, my son speaks, reads beautifully, is physically strong, and is happy and content-all miracles that can be attributed to JT.
Sadly, we had to say our goodbyes to our dear friend on December 23, 2018.
He was the ideal horse to be a therapy horse, even after such a successful, high-paced lifestyle. He took his job so seriously, no matter what the level of ability of the child on his back. His heart was as big as he was. JT will live on in all of our hearts and minds forever." -Allison B.
Nugget
"Nugget is surprising. He's young only 8-and yet he is one of the most versatile equines in our herd at Hearts & Horses. His day may start with a 10-year-old and end with our oldest participant, who is 96.
This story is from the Winter 2022 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Winter 2022 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Horseback High
Riding vacations can be found around the world, and here are five bucket list rides in the United States
JOIN THE CLUB!
Riding clubs of all forms can be found across the country. What should you look for when choosing—or starting—a club of your own? We asked three club leaders to share their insights
Help Is (Sometimes) Only a Phone Call Away!
Do you depend on over-the-phone advice from your veterinarian? Here's what you need to know about telehealth to help you understand what you can, and can't, expect
REPLACING FEAR WITH CURIOSITY
Horses have both flight and investigative behaviors but not at the same time. Learn how to help your horse switch to curiosity when his flight instincts kick in, and how to put the brakes on when he's already gone
Ranch Riding Mares
Evaluate and place these performance mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.
An Empty Stall
The loss of a horse leads to a new landscape of managing emotions and moving forward
Strengthen Your Mental Game
Prepare your mind for peak performances with your horse by implementing these tips from reining trainer Shane Brown
Burning Off the Fresh
Whether your horse has gone unridden due to a health problem, the weather, or your schedule, a thoughtful process can keep everyone safe during his return to work
Return to Exercise Slowly
If you’ve been turned out to pasture for a while, as the result of injury or just a busy life, return to exercise in a safe and steady way
Ground Tying for Ranch Trail
There are many reasons to teach your horse how to safely ground tie
