Early Days of Horsepower

The first records of horses traveling any way other than on their own four feet dates to the late 18th and early 19th centuries in England, beginning with two racehorses. Pulled in an adapted wagon by one or two other horses, the Thoroughbreds were respectively transported for breeding purposes and to arrive well-rested at racetracks.

Most horses were not this lucky. However, as trains and the railway system developed, some horses experienced train travel for exceptionally long distances.

Horses continued to transport each other for decades. Some city fire departments had horse-drawn ambulances, used to haul injured horses to firehouses for veterinary care.

During World War I, more equine ambulances were created to transfer infantry horses from the battlegrounds to base hospitals with veterinarians. There were some vans with stalls in the back to haul war horses as well, helping to pave the way for motorized equine transport after the war. These early versions of trailers were made from wood and steel.

Many years passed with no major need for a horse trailer that closely resembles what we have today. Throughout the American Southwest, horses were still mainly considered livestock, and were necessary for ranch work.

If ranchers or cowboys needed to travel longer distances than their horses could comfortably ride, they loaded up their mounts in the back of pickup trucks. Horses were often tied to cattle racks, which were wooden or steel removable pickup truck inserts that kept livestock contained while driving.

Changing Times 

As the 20th century progressed, stock trailers entered the scene, replacing many cattle racks. Vehicles slowly became more capable of towing trailers as people experienced a greater need to transport goods and other livestock, like cattle and swine, over long distances.

The first stock trailers were primarily made from wood, but quickly switched to steel, since it held up better.

The Interstate Highways

When the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 was passed under Eisenhower, 41,000 miles of an efficient Interstate Highway System was constructed over a period of 10 years. Automotive transportation vastly improved, allowing safer and longer transport for people and animals.

At the same time, livestock travel via rail decreased, so increasingly powerful trucks were needed. Now horses could travel with greater ease, even if it was in a basic steel stock trailer.

From there, horses were ridden more for leisure than work, so equestrians everywhere started attending competitions or traveling to recreational trails. This change among the equine industry quickly led to a need for dedicated horse trailers that could haul to horse shows.

Some of the first trailer companies manufacturing specifically for horses were Stidham and Miley, which both started in the 1950s. Back then, trailers were manufactured out of steel and only had room for one to two horses in little bumper pulls. However, it was still very common to haul with stock trailers not necessarily designed for horses. 

New Materials

While steel dominated the trailer industry for generations, customers soon discovered how quickly this material rusts and deteriorates, ultimately putting horse safety at risk.

To solve this issue, 4-Star Trailers, Featherlite, and Exiss were some of the first companies to build aluminum horse trailers. Later other companies followed suit, such as Bloomer Trailers in 1998 and Cimarron Trailers in 2000.

According to Forrest Shifflet, President of 4-Star Trailers, starting from the company’s foundation in 1984, they found that aluminum weighs significantly less than steel, is virtually corrosion-free, and thus holds its value better.

Since this material is much lighter and does not experience rapid deterioration, trailers could grow in length and height as trucks also improved in towing capacity, which was particularly important with the rise of gooseneck trailers and slant-loads that granted more interior space.

Aluminum may seem like it would be an easy choice for customers when trailer shopping, but it took some time for the material to be fully accepted after steel was used for so many years. Some customers feared aluminum would rip or tear under stress.

“People were scared of aluminum at first,” says Anthony Gelvin, director of sales at Cimarron Trailers. “They weren’t sure it would hold up.”

Fortunately, improved structural engineering, manufacturing processes, aluminum alloys, and fiberglass combinations were soon used, further enhancing the quality of trailer shells.

Bigger and Better

According to Gelvin, steel gooseneck stock trailers were still around in the late 1980s, but the market’s comfort level with aluminum had improved. Companies could then place more focus on trailers specifically designed for horses, rather than fashioning horse trailers from stock trailers, like Shifflet says 4-Star did at first.

Perhaps the biggest change in horse trailers has been the addition of living quarters (LQ). Even though recreational vehicles (RVs) had existed for decades, it took until the mid to late 1990s for LQ trailers to become more widely available.

Previously, equestrians had little need to stay overnight at shows because competitions were usually one day long. If riders needed to sleep overnight, the back of their pickup with a cover over the bed was often sufficient. Also, since pickup trucks were very limited for a long time in how much they could tow, small trailers were the only options.

By the 1990s, more and more riders attended shows, including families. Gelvin believes that customers sought a better family experience, considering the costs of hotel rooms and the convenience of staying on the showgrounds.

Due to this need, the horse trailer industry had to catch up to RVs. Consumers were willing to pay higher trailer prices to account for complex electrical, plumbing, insulation, and structural work if it meant they would be comfortable and could save money in the long run.

Now that a higher number of people could travel farther and stay longer, weekend and week-long shows grew, calling for bigger and better trailers. Shifflet says that trailers used to measure 7 feet tall, and goosenecks were about 30 feet long.

Today, with LQs being the norm in many disciplines, the average gooseneck measures about 8 feet tall and 40 feet long. Some trailers max out at 53 feet long and offer lofts to further accommodate comfortable living space—all the more reason for trucks to continue boosting their towing capacity.

Safer Travels

Aluminum is not the only major safety change for horses among bumper pulls, goosenecks, and even commercial haulers. Just about all the mechanical systems have also been upgraded, such as axles, brakes, running gear, couplers, hitches, and more. Horses have better ventilation, too, with screened windows on both sides of the trailer.

Moreover, features such as rubber mats and ramps are common nowadays, offering cushion and safer traction. 4-Star even incorporates patented “Quiet Ride” technology, since research, conveyed by Shifflet, demonstrates that “horses are less stressed when the trailer rattles less.” Old steel trailers were almost deafening for horses, which could not have made for the happiest of travelers.

Many modern-day horse trailers are also equipped with an air-ride suspension system. Unlike the first models with spring suspension, horse trailers with air ride better compensate for uneven surfaces in the road, such as potholes or speed bumps, increasing equine comfort.

Key Takeaway

Updates and improvements throughout the horse trailer industry aren’t done by a long shot. Gelvin says that the way customers’ needs change is key. Today, many consumers want their horse trailers to be multi-purpose, ultimately saving money, so they can have the option to haul horses one weekend and small off-road vehicles the next.

One thing is certain: horse transportation has experienced drastic, yet positive changes in terms of safety and comfort. Now, if only we could explain to our horses how far we’ve come!

This article about the evolution of horse trailers appeared in the June 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Evolution of Horse Trailers appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

There is much more to horse trailer ownership than simply hitching up and driving to shows or trail rides. Routine maintenance is key to ensuring your trailer lasts a lifetime, retains its value, and keeps your horse safe while on the road. Properly caring for your horse trailer with routine maintenance can also help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.

The list of items to bear in mind when maintaining your horse trailer can feel a little overwhelming if you are unsure where to start. Luckily, only several maintenance items need to be inspected annually, while others are quick checks you can easily add into your hauling routine.

Annual inspections at professional RV and trailer repair shops are great to do before show season starts so they can look at multiple items during one appointment. Plus, you will have plenty of time in case there is an issue or parts need to be ordered.

1. Tires, Tires, Tires

Starting from the bottom up, you want your tires to be in the best possible shape. It’s worth investing in high-quality tires to prevent blowouts while on the road hauling horses.

You will want to keep a frequent eye on your tires for any holes, punctures, loss of tread, or other signs of wear and tear. And don’t forget to routinely check your tire pressure.

Similar to your car, you will need to replace your trailer’s tires every five to six years, regardless of what they look like, because certain wear and aging is not visible to the naked eye.

2. Lights and Turn Signals

One of the easiest ways to verify that your brake lights, running lights, and turn signals are working efficiently is to ask a friend who can walk around while you are in the driver’s seat.

Press your foot on the brakes, test your headlights, and flip on your turn signals as your friend walks around your truck and trailer to see if these lights are all working as they should.

You should check all your lights and turn signals throughout the year, since you might not immediately notice if a light goes out.

3. Brakes and Bearings

You will want to ensure that your brake mechanisms are working properly so you don’t slide, skid, or jackknife. If you haul your horse trailer to a repair shop, the technicians can test your brakes and service your bearings for you, ensuring that your trailer stops at the same moment as your truck.

Your emergency brake actuator should be inspected and tested, too. These vital checks should be done at least once a year, depending on the number of miles you drive.

4. Floors and Roof

The floor and roof comprise one of the most important inspections, as they can rot and/or corrode. Like your brakes, they can be checked by professionals and should be repaired immediately.

Don’t let a damaged floor or leaky roof go for too long, since the restoration cost will grow and the issue could even become irreparable. Wooden floors are particularly susceptible to dry rot.

Although they don’t rust, you’ll want to look for any stress fractures in welds of aluminum floors. You may also see corrosion/pitting with an aluminum floor as a result of overexposure to manure and urine.

By pulling out and pressure washing floor mats at least once a year, you can catch weaknesses or damage in your trailer. If you haul frequently, mats should be pulled and cleaned multiple times throughout the season, with plenty of time to dry.

5. Doors and Windows

During your yearly check, confirm that your trailer doors and windows will not fly open if you are driving. Test out the locks and seals to ensure that everything is held together with the frame and jamb.

If there are any problems with the seam, or you find cracks and tears, the door or window could fly open or shatter, scaring your horses as well as causing more physical damage to your trailer.

Leaks in your doors or windows can lead to water damage. If you take your trailer to a shop, technicians can check your hinges and welds, verifying that everything is tightened or greased properly.

6. Coupler and Hitch Ball

Every trailer should have a coupler (hitch) that operates smoothly. While you establish that the coupler is not worn down, you can grease the hitch ball. By smearing some wheel-bearing grease on the ball, the coupler should have an easier time locking onto it as you lower the jack.

You can do a quick check that the hitch and ball work correctly each time you hook up. At the same time, you can see if the safety chain welds and snaps are still in good condition.

7. Trailer Storage

Even though proper storage is often an overlooked component of trailer ownership, it is crucial in maintaining the integrity of your horse trailer, especially if you live in harsh climates with heavy snow or winds.

You might want to consider investing in a cover that protects the exterior if leaving your trailer outside for long periods of time. If possible, park alongside a building that provides protection from the elements but does not have any trees that are at risk of falling on your trailer.

8. Regular Cleaning

Going the extra mile when cleaning your trailer will never be a waste of time. Not only will it prevent rust and corrosion, but your horses will thank you for hauling them in a place that is neat, tidy and safe.

Pick out all manure from the horse area after every trip and allow wet spots to fully dry. On sunny days, consider opening your trailer’s doors and windows to let air circulate.

Likewise, you should regularly pressure-wash and clean your mats, walls, and floors to get stubborn dirt and grime out. During your cleaning routine, you can look for damage or leaks that would not have been easily found otherwise.

Depending on how often you haul, you should wash and wax your trailer at least twice a year. Maintaining that like-new shine both looks good and adds years onto your trailer’s life.

Whether you own a bumper pull or a gooseneck, each maintenance item is the same and needs to be attended to. Horse trailers with living quarters come with a longer list, since they need all basic routine work done in addition to the upkeep of extra wiring, A/C, propane, plumbing, waste and water tanks, kitchen appliances, batteries, generators, awnings, and more.

Routine maintenance is not everyone’s favorite part of owning a trailer, but it’s essential to being safe on the road. Knowing which items on your trailer need habitual care will help you properly review your checklist before you embark on your next exciting hauling journey.

Further Reading on Horse Trailers

◆ Selecting a Horse Trailer to Fit Your Needs
◆ Finding the Right Truck to Tow a Horse Trailer
◆ Improve Your Gas Mileage While Pulling a Horse Trailer

This article about horse trailer maintenance appeared in the September 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horse Trailer Maintenance appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The wind is howling, the snow is knee-deep, you can no longer feel your face, and your horse is standing all the way on the other side of the pasture watching you. You contemplate reasons why you do not live in Southern California or Florida as you trudge out to fetch him, the halter in a frozen hand. It is no secret that staying motivated to ride and developing winter riding goals for you and your horse during the harsh winter months can be a challenge if you live in the northern United States or Canada.

If you struggle to maintain your motivation once the days get shorter and the temperature gets lower, then check out these tips from two Michigan riders, who definitely experience enough frigid weather every winter.

Set Realistic Winter Horse Riding Goals

Whether you are aiming for a show or not, it is helpful to have a goal in mind of where you would like to be with your horse in the future as you keep him legged up. Make sure that you understand where your horse is at in his training. Then, you can determine the steps to achieve your goal. Many Northern states hold off on showing during the winter, so these months are the perfect time of year to work on elements outside of the show pen.

Jill Dutkowski, a full-time small animal veterinarian and part-time holistic service equine veterinarian and barrel racer from Rochester, Mich., thinks of both short- and long-term goals for her six-year-old Quarter Horse mare, Coral. Since she does not need to worry about showing until a rodeo in February, Dutkowski uses her riding time to refocus on the basics after a busy season. In the short term, she will ask Coral to stay collected at the canter or trot nice, round circles, knowing that each smaller objective will lead to stronger long-term success, such as remaining mentally and physically strong for running barrels later.

Be Flexible

No goal is reached without challenges along the way. Horses do not realize the visions we have in mind for them as they often do the best they can with the information we provide them. As riders, we must adapt to their needs, which can easily change no matter the time of year.

Andrea Becker, of Lapeer, Mich., a retiree who has ridden dressage for the past 45 years, possesses a primary goal of achieving relaxation and confidence within her 15-year-old German Riding Pony, Skittles. Every day as she mounts, Becker assesses where her little project pony is at to avoid stress and tension throughout the ride. Becker does not have current goals of showing Skittles, so there is less pressure to accomplish specific items she has in mind, making it easier for her to constantly reward the little things. She knows that not every ride with her mare will be perfect and is happy to take her time.

Mix Things Up

Without the pressure of a horse show scheduled every other weekend, winter months allow you to easily change your horse’s routine as you work toward your riding goals. Constantly working on one aspect of riding can burn some horses out. Trying a new discipline or implementing new exercises into your horse’s routine is healthy for his brain while working different muscles.

For horses like Skittles, activities that are more on the fun side keep her from growing ring sour. Although Becker drives to the barn almost every day, there are days when she does not ride. Instead, she might free longe Skittles over jumps, an exercise that Skittles loves. To further prevent her mare from becoming bored, Becker enjoys ground driving, too, which transfers certain cues over to riding.

“The off-season is an important time to work horses in a different way,” says Dutkowski. “It is time to take their brains off what they do all summer.”

Last winter, Dutkowski gave Coral’s brain a break by focusing on basic dressage maneuvers, as well as cross-rails. This season, they are trying out breakaway roping lessons, which increases Coral’s versatility while furthering her all-around skills. At the same time, both Dutkowski and Coral can decompress mentally from barrel racing. Likewise, there are days when she does not ride Coral, but will go out to spend a relaxing time with her. Dutkowski believes that consistently engaging with your horse throughout the entire year is key to maintaining a meaningful relationship.

Understand and Overcome External Obstacles

Northern winters often come with factors outside of our control that can make riding difficult, such as fewer daylight hours, harsh weather, and extreme temperatures. Instead of accepting defeat before you hang your barn coat back up, find ways to work around winter weather frustrations.

With darkness arriving earlier in the day, Dutkowski picks up additional hours at the vet office since she cannot ride in time each day after work. This way, she has additional vacation days for the summers when she travels regularly to barrel races. In her free time, she watches training videos, as well, to learn fresh drills and ideas to use for later.

Meanwhile, Becker has spare time to arrive at the barn earlier in the day, discovering that she prefers riding in the winter over the summer. During the colder months, the barn is less busy, there are no bugs, and no sweltering heat.

Sometimes, the best way to successfully battle the cold is to simply dress in layers. Dutkowski lives in heated vests, citing that they are worth every penny. Other options to properly layer up include wild rags, thermal shirts, winter gloves designed for riding, and lined pants or breeches. Some riders do not leave the house without toe or hand warmers to stuff into their boots and socks, too.

You are the Company You Keep

Holding yourself accountable to keep your horse in shape during the winter can be a struggle. Riding or checking in with other motivated friends is a fun way to keep yourself on track. Without the company of other riders, who share similar goals or experiences, it is easy to lose energy, falling into a slump. Plus, having a friend can act as a separate pair of eyes to reassure that you are on the right track as well as to help you troubleshoot issues.

Becker believes surrounding yourself by driven peers is a valuable step in reaching your goals. While the barn is less crowded during the winter, there are several other riders that also display strong commitment to their horses, contributing to a positive environment.

Becker’s best friend, Sue Ashley, a dressage trainer and owner of the barn she boards at, demonstrates motivation daily. Becker looks to Ashley as a powerful example of balancing riding and managing the farm with separate personal activities, like taking care of family on top of dog classes. Sometimes, Ashley looks in as Becker rides Skittles to see how things are going or provide guidance on how to move forward. Just by being around her friend, who is constantly on the move, Becker feels energized to pursue her own goals with Skittles.

Enjoy the Journey

While you are working toward your winter goals, remember to enjoy the journey. Do not let the winter blues hold you back from achieving ambitions with your horse. The warm sunshine may be gone for a while, but learning to adapt with your horse and appreciate time with them away from showing will only help in the long run.

No matter your age or work schedule, the best tip is to just get out to the barn. Becker described that age and sore joints do not slow her down. She enjoys the extra time with her project pony, who has taught her patience and flexibility. Since Becker’s summers involve traveling with her husband as he shows his cutting horse, she is grateful for the opportunities to progress with her own mare. Her best word of advice is to “just do it, and get out there and ride.”

Dutkowski appreciates time with Coral just as much. She trained Coral herself and is proud of the growth they have experienced as a team. At the same time, Dutkowski reflects on when she lived in Flint, Mich., where she had limited access to horses—nevermind the amount of snow or if an indoor arena was unavailable. She was grateful to ride anywhere on any horse. Now, Dutkowski does not take the indoor at her disposal for granted with any of her own horses.

Although any equestrian residing in the Great North longs for warm summer sunshine, there is no reason why winter should drag you down or prevent you from setting winter riding goals for you and your horse. Making the most of the resources available to you as you strive for your goals will help you overcome what is out of your control. Just remember to enjoy the ride along the way, no matter the season.

Further Reading

• Horse Health in Winter: Winter Riding
• Trail Riding in Adverse Weather Conditions
• Gear: Winter Warmth with Winter Equestrian Barn Apparel
• How Cold is Too Cold to Ride Horses?

The post Maintain Your Winter Riding Goals appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“He is a thousand miles from kids who have gone through the same thing,” expressed Janet Carver when discussing the extraordinary journey her son, Jeffrey Carver, has endured. If anyone had told her over ten years ago that Jeffrey Carver would become an American Quarter Horse Congress cutting champion and would be hauling across the country to horse shows, away from their farm near Cleveland, Ohio, she may not have believed them.

Overcoming Obstacles

When Jeffrey was merely four years old, his parents, Tim and Janet Carver, received staggering news—a brain cancer diagnosis. Doctors discovered that a tumor was rooted in a brain stem and grew through the fourth ventricle, impacting Jeffrey’s speech development and causing head pain. After significant bedside crying and the help of countless wonderful people along the way to push through 19 hours of brain surgery, Jeffrey endured 33 radiation treatments, as well as an eye surgery, to defeat the cancer—all by the age of six.

Now at 17, he is one of the oldest survivors of his diagnosis. To top off his remarkable recovery, Jeffrey Carver is a force to be reckoned with in the cutting pen and wears a smile wherever he goes, radiating positivity. His passion for horses did not start with cutting, though. When Jeffrey was working to regain his health as a child, he could not walk in a straight line. As a result, his grandfather suggested riding in hopes that it would help him regain balance. Horses quickly became a way for Jeffrey to heal both psychologically and physically. Even though there is a possibility that his cancer could return at any time, Jeffrey has not left the saddle since.

A New Passion for Cutting Horses

Growing up, Jeffrey competed in team penning and western pleasure, but he eventually wanted to find something else to do with horses. He soon attended a clinic that was held in honor of his grandfather, known as the Jeff Carver Memorial Clinic, with Scott Amos, a cutting trainer from Loma, Colo. Jeffrey quickly formed a bond with Amos, who lost part of his leg a long time ago and understood what it is like to overcome obstacles in life. This clinic, held by Amos, quickly got Jeffrey hooked on cutting horses.

Over two years ago, Jeffrey Carver and his parents were in Fort Worth, Texas, for the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity. Before they went to the event, his parents contacted Amos, who had maintained a connection with Jeffrey, that they were in search for his first cutting horse. While him and his parents were in Texas, Amos lined up some horses for Jeffrey to try, leading to his current mount, Whiskey Cat. “Whiskey” put a huge smile on Jeffrey’s face as soon as they started practicing on cattle, a sign that the High Brow Cat gelding, now 11, was destined to be his partner in the show pen.

Together, Jeffrey and Whiskey have traveled across the country to various NCHA shows, primarily under the guidance of his trainer, Tyler DeLange of Fort Gratiot, Mich. Similar to the way Jeffrey and Amos bonded, Jeffrey and DeLange share a special connection through a “big brother, little brother” relationship. Jeffrey spent many weeks at a time during the last show season with DeLange and his family in Michigan as they hauled around. He even mentioned that Amy DeLange, Tyler’s mother, is his “Michigan mom,” and that he enjoys watching football with the people who have become his second family.

Success on the Road

With the help of DeLange, Jeffrey and Whiskey showed locally across Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Indiana, with goals of entering larger scale NCHA shows. Jeffrey is homeschooled, allowing him to learn at his own pace and maintain a busy show schedule. Local schools were unable to provide him with appropriate support, so his parents stepped in to be his current teachers. Janet mentioned that showing has interrupted his intervention time with specialists, but Jeffrey has seemingly not lost progress. His positivity at horse shows radiates throughout the grounds, where he continues to talk with everyone and absorb the surrounding environments, boosting both his confidence and learning.

Jeffrey kicked off the 2021 season at Eastern Nationals in Jackson, Miss., as his first big show with Whiskey and with multiple judges scoring. By the second day, Jeffrey made it to the top ten in the Senior Youth class.

A few months later, Jeffrey competed at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals in Lincoln, Neb. He won his first go, putting him fourth in the first go-round of the boys cutting and landed in the top 20 overall. This show was one of Jeffrey’s favorites due to the experiences outside of the show pen, like meeting riders from all across North America, including Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Jeffrey credited cutting horse trainer Mitch Farris, of Midway, Texas, with coaching him at the finals and convinced him to enter in the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting event held that summer in Fort Worth. The Scholarship Cutting was also fun for the time spent away from competing, such as learning how to two-step by one of the other youth riders.

A Local Cutting Win for Jeffrey Carver

By fall, Jeffrey and Whiskey were an unstoppable team. Adding to his expanding list of NCHA achievements, he walked into the Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center at one of the most esteemed breed shows in the country, the American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio. Jeffrey felt a wave of almost every emotion possible, ranging from nervousness to excitement. Yet, Congress was his favorite, and for good reason. Jeffrey Carver’s commitment to his cutting career lit up the show pen the day he went in for the $35,000 Non-Pro event.

“When I walked in that pen and I started cutting, there were points when I could not hear people cheering for me, or the music playing,” Jeffrey explained. “The only people I could hear were the people helping me.”

Jeffrey’s deep focus certainly paid off with a massive score of 150. He referred to his ride as an “Oh, my gosh, I did it moment.”

No one was prouder than Tyler or Jeffrey’s parents. At his very first Congress, Jeffrey was crowned champion, marking a monumental step in his journey.

The adventure did not end at Congress. Immediately after, Jeffrey and his father trailered straight to Casey Crouch’s barn in Corsicana, Texas. Crouch was DeLange’s trainer, so Jeffrey felt comfortable showing under the guidance of his own trainer’s mentor in order to allow for a few more showing opportunities before the next big competition.

Over a month post-Congress, Jeffrey was back in Fort Worth to show at the Will Rogers Memorial Center once again. This time, he was prepared for the NCHA World Finals. All of Jeffrey’s hard work, endless miles on the road, reminders to “breathe” from Crouch, and many walks to the herd qualified him for Finals in the $35,000 Non-Pro division. Like Congress, this show was his first time at the NCHA World Finals. Looking back on his runs, he remembered the second go-round as his best with a stunning 225 score. Jeffrey left the show as seventh in the world for his class.

At only 17 years old, with less than a couple years’ experience, he became a Congress champion and placed in the top ten in the world as a non-pro/amateur, a feat not easy for anyone.

Looking to the Future

“As a parent, how do we top this for next year? It has been a truly amazing, wild ride,” says mom Janet. He is not exactly certain about topping it, but he is continuing to aim high for 2022. Jeffrey has new plans to show in Houston, Texas, and then go back to Easterns before heading home. Likewise, he has his eyes set on National High School Rodeo Association Finals again, and wants to add Youth World Finals to his show list. He is currently staying in Texas to show with Crouch until the season picks back up in Ohio, which will help Jeffrey qualify for Youth Finals. More than anything, he wants to improve on his consistency in the show pen, which will aid him in reaching each goal.

After high school, Jeffrey is hoping to assist a cutting trainer with possible ambitions to become a trainer. Although his plans are not set in stone, he knows that he wants to work with horses or work on a large equine operation in the future. Horses have helped Jeffrey heal from cancer, playing an integral role in his road to recovery as well as the path he wants to embark on later.

Along the way, Jeffrey credited Amos for inspiring him to pursue his adventure in the cutting horse industry. They share a unique understanding that cannot easily be replicated. Amos overcame childhood issues and challenges, helping Jeffrey realize that whatever he puts into something, he will get out of it.

Jeffrey discussed that his journey would not have been complete without DeLange, either. They understand each other well and can relate on a level beyond horses. DeLange discussed that Jeffrey is his “partner in crime,” who taught him increased patience and has made him a better person at the same time. As his main trainer, DeLange could not be prouder of the progress his student has undergone in such a short amount of time.

DeLange believes that Jeffrey’s success is amazing for the Carver family and that Whiskey is a “phenomenal horse, who is a great teacher and takes care of him.” Whiskey has found his forever home with the Carvers.

Jeffrey’s journey in life serves as another reminder that one never truly knows what can happen in the future. The best we can do is support each other and offer help when needed. Jeffrey is a testament that commitment to one’s passion can reach unimaginable heights. He does not live in fear. Instead, Jeffrey Carver continues to walk back to the herd time and time again, ready to fulfill his life’s passion in the cutting pen and cheer everyone else on.

Further Reading

• Western Lesson: Cutting Challenge

The post Jeffrey Carver’s Journey: Cancer Survivor to Cutting Champion appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Kerrits Kids Horse Dreams Pajama Set

Keep your kiddo warm and cozy in either of these fun, horse-themed pajama sets from Kerrits. Perfect for sleeping in on those snowy mornings before heading to the barn. Kids set: $47; Women’s set: $55; www.kerrits.com

Kerrits Horsing Around Fleece Blanket

Snuggle up in this extra-cozy fleece blanket from Kerrits after coming home from the barn. Choose from a few different colors to match your new pajama set. $47; www.kerrits.com

Appaloosa Summer (Island Series Book 1)

Get lost in the first book of Tudor Robin’s Island Series. This young adult novel beautifully connects horses with friendship, healing, and love, preventing readers from ever wanting to put it down! $12.88; www.amazon.com

Noble Equestrian Ringside Pack

This Noble Outfitters backpack from Dover Saddlery will soon be your rider’s favorite bag! From the barn to school, it offers the perfect space for a helmet, laptop, water bottle, and more, making it the perfect horse gift for a boy or girl! $109.95; www.doversaddlery.com

Mrs. Pastures Horse Treats

Horses love Christmas cookies, too! That is, Mrs. Pastures Horse Treats from Dover Saddlery. All-natural and super tasty, never leave your house out of Christmas again. 32 ounces: $14.95; www.doversaddlery.com

Dreamers & Schemers Yonder Pair and Spare Boot Socks

Everyone receives socks for Christmas. Make the gift even better with these super-cool socks from Dreamers & Schemers that are specially designed for riding. $15.95; www.dreamersnschemers.com

Grooming Collection 7-Piece Kit by Oster

Maybe a little too big for your horse’s stocking, but definitely a gift that keeps on giving for both horse and rider! Oster’s grooming kit from Valley Vet comes with a variety of brushes to keep your horse clean and happy. $59.95; www.valleyvet.com

Shelby Agnew is an intern for Horse Illustrated and is majoring in marketing at Oakland University.

You can also gift young rider subscriptions to them.

The post Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide for Young Riders appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.