Horse Illustrated Magazine

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 14, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise discuss the perils of winter with horses—whether in stall-bound Southern California or snowy Illinois. Next, they chat with Christine Olsen, an author and blind horse advocate. Finally, they talk with Nicky Walters, director of the West Virginia Horse Network, about ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse of the month Fabio, an in-your-pocket pony with some really great hair. (Plus Susan shares her story about sighting the original Fabio—romance novel cover model extraordinaire.)

Click to listen on mobile.

Listen to Barn Banter episode 14 now to meet Christine and Fabio.

Title Sponsor: Straight Arrow Family of Brands

Christine Olsen, Blind Horse Advocate

Christine Olsen is a certified riding instructor with the American Riding Instructors Association and equine sports massage therapist. She has dedicated her career to nurturing harmonious connections between horses and riders in various levels and disciplines. In addition to coaching, she enjoys writing and has recently published her book, The Five Senses of Horsemanship, which explores sensory perception for both horse and rider. (Paperback available on Amazon for $11.89.)

Christine wrote about her challenges and victories caring for two blind horses in the November/December 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated (click here to read).

• Christine’s Website
• The Five Senses of Horses book
• Christine’s Linked In
• Christine’s Instagram (@christine_eqred)

Fabio, Adoptable Horse of the Month

Hailing from the West Virginia Horse Network in Elkview, W.Va., Fabio is a 20-year-old pony gelding who is broke to ride but on the green side. He has an adorable face and goofy ears, and loves people. He will even pass up grass and other horses to hang out with humans. He’s good for the vet and farrier and is an easy keeper who could stand to lose a couple of pounds. His ideal adopter will appreciate his outgoing and loving personality and prefer to train him in an English saddle if planning to finish out his under-saddle training.

Learn more about Fabio here.

Title Sponsor of Barn Banter

We want to thank our Title Sponsor, the Straight Arrow Family of Brands, makers of Mane ‘n Tail, Cowboy Magic & Exhibitor’s, with over 100 years of grooming excellence. For more information about your favorite products, visit straightarrowinc.com and find Straight Arrow Products at a tack shop near you!

In addition to Barn Banter episode 14, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts.