Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 9, hosts Susan Friedland and Raquel Lynn chat with Stephanie Macejko, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Breyer about BreyerFest. Then, they catch up with Amanda Geci, the vice president of the International Chincoteague Pony Association and a longtime pony enthusiast. Finally, we take a closer look at Miss Madeline, July’s Adoptable Horse of the Month.

Click to listen on mobile.

Listen now to meet Stephanie and Amanda. Plus, hear about our ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse of the month, Miss Madeline, offered by Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

Title Sponsor: Straight Arrow Family of Brands

Stephanie Macejko, VP of Marketing and Product Development at Breyer

Officially, Stephanie Macejko is the Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Breyer. But she’s also known as Breyer’s Chief Equine Officer! From earliest memory, Stephanie has known a love for horses that steered her personal and professional life. For over 25 years, Stephanie’s equestrian knowledge and passion for marketing have been assets to Breyer’s evolution, commitment to quality, and dedication to inspiring the next generation of horse lovers.

• Breyer website
• Breyer official Instagram
• Breyer official Facebook page

Amanda Geci, VP of the International Chincoteague Pony Association

Amanda Geci is longtime Chincoteague Pony enthusiast and researcher. She is the vice president of the International Chincoteague Pony Association and Registry, manages the Chincoteague Pony Pedigree Database, is the author of The Colorful Chincoteague book and website, and co-manages Misty of Chincoteague’s website, Misty’s Heaven. She owns a Chincoteague Pony mare Misty’s Hurricane Izzy and Quarter Horse mare Dixie.

• International Chincoteague Pony Association & Registry
• Chincoteague Pedigrees
• Misty’s Heaven

Featured Adoptable Horse

At the end of episode 9 of Barn Banter, we talk to Sara Strauss, the head trainer from Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, Md. This month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse of the month is Miss Madeline, a 16-year-old Warmblood mare available for adoption.

Looking for a non-riding companion home, Madeline gets along well with both mares and geldings. She is currently on 12-hour turnout with an older OTTB mare who she cares for dearly. Madeline behaves well in a stall, but enjoys her outside time just as much. Madeline loves grooming time and is always down for a good ear scratch. This sweet girl would love a quiet home to retire and enjoy the good life.

Learn more about Madeline 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 9, you check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 9 from title sponsor Straight Arrow Products appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

In the 10th episode of The Horse Illustrated Episode of Horses in the Morning, sponsored by Title Sponsor Straight Arrow Products, hosts Glenn the Geek and Sarah Evers Conrad chat with Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire for a preview of Equine Affaire Ohio, which happens April 7-10; Emily and Sarah Harris of Sisters Horsing Around share about their journey with their adopted Mustangs; and Eric Bendick, talks about his role as writer and producer of Nature: American Horses, set to air on PBS.

Hosts: Sarah Conrad, Digital Content Editor of Horse Illustrated & Young Rider and Glenn the Geek, host of Horses in the Morning

Title Sponsor: Straight Arrow Family of Brands

There’s an App for that!  Check out the new Horse Radio Network app for iPhone and Android. Follow Horse Radio Network on Twitter or follow Horses In The Morning on Facebook.

Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire, Inc, Previews Equine Affaire Ohio

Coagi Long, president and owner of Equine Affaire, Inc., has more than 18 years of experience with the company in a variety of areas. She joined Equine Affaire in 2003 as a member of the Marketing Department, where she facilitated numerous promotional projects. She also served as program director and as vice president and executive producer from 2006 to 2018. Coagi manages the extensive program of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations and coordinates the Fantasia performers and production for each Equine Affaire. She also oversees the company’s website, manages the production elements of each event, and supervises the day-to-day operations of Equine Affaire. Coagi graduated from The University of Findlay with a BS dual major in marketing and equestrian studies and a minor in operations and logistics management. She has primarily concentrated on dressage and hunt seat, earning several intercollegiate titles in both disciplines. She competes in dressage, and trains and breeds Warmbloods at her farm in West Mansfield, Ohio.

More Information on Equine Affaire Ohio and Massachusetts

◆ Official Website: www.equineaffaire.com
◆ www.facebook.com/equineaffaire
◆ www.instagram.com/equineaffaire
◆ www.twitter.com/equineaffaire

Emily and Sarah Harris of Sisters Horsing Around

Emily and Sarah Harris are the sister duo of “Sisters Horsing Around,” which includes their YouTube channel, website, and social media accounts (see below). Sisters Horsing Around is a fun, engaging, informative and educational resource for horse information. As multi-discipline riders, Emily and Sarah have had a variety of experiences, and they are passionate about sharing the joys of horses. They call themselves the “Equestrian Guides” and want to help non-equestrians explore the amazing world of horses. For those that are equestrians, they want to help broaden their interests in different disciplines. They do this by creating content that can be enjoyed and understood by anyone. They also endeavor to bridge the gap between those outside the horse world and those in the horse world and bring equestrian sports into the limelight in an interesting and understandable way.

Additional Information: Catch the first Sisters Horsing Around interview on the Horse Illustrated Episode of Horses in the Morning

Links for Sisters Horsing Around

◆ Official Website: www.sistershorsingaround.com
◆ www.youtube.com/SistersHorsingAround
◆ www.instagram.com/SistersHorsingAround
◆ www.facebook.com/SistersHorsingAround
◆ www.twitter.com/SistersHorsing
◆ www.pinterest.com/SistersHorsingAround

Eric Bendick, Writer and Producer of Nature: American Horses

Eric Bendick is a director, producer and writer whose work explores connectivity, conflict and wonder at the intersection of the human and natural world. Eric has led filming expeditions in many of the last wild places, such as the Florida Everglades, the Grand Canyon, the Great Bear Rainforest, and the most remote spot in Yellowstone National Park. His work has aired on PBS, National Geographic, Smithsonian and the History Channel, as well as streamed online for  numerous  platforms. Eric is a current grantee of the Redford Center.  His productions have garnered an  Emmy, Webby and numerous other awards and accolades from major film festivals around the world.   He is the writer and producer of PBS’s Nature: American Horses, which airs on February 23, 2022, and then streams online afterward.

Additional Information: Listeners can view the documentary at www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/about-american-horses/26867. And, they can watch on PBS, www.pbs.org, or the PBS Video app.

Links:

◆ Official Website: www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/about-american-horses/26867
◆ www.pbs.org/nature
◆ www.facebook.com/PBSNature
◆ www.twitter.com/PBSNature
◆ www.instagram.com/pbsnature
◆ www.youtube.com/naturepbs
◆ www.tiktok.com/@pbsnature

Title Sponsor

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, please visit www.straightarrowinc.com and find Straight Arrow Products at a tack shop near you!

The post Podcast Episode #10: Equine Affaire Ohio, Mustang Adoption, and <i>Nature: American Horses</i> for February 22, 2022 from Title Sponsor Straight Arrow Products appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

From Dolly T.

My favorite horse related memory is that of me and my 16 year old Friesian/ Missouri Foxtrotter, Chase Manhattan. She is gentle and loving and willing to do whatever is asked of her. I walked her down to a frozen pond with ice skates in hand. Dressed in Christmas attire, we took in the sights and posed for some festive photos taken by my husband. If this doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, nothing will.

Jewell C.

This picture was from my second Christmas spent with my horse. It was the first time I dressed her up for a Christmas photo, and I’ve been doing it every year since. My horse, Glory, wasn’t sure about having something on her head at first, but she posed great for the photo!

Sharon P.

Kathy M.

After being a lesson “kid” for most of my life (I’m now in my late 50’s), I pulled the trigger and started leasing this big boy named Top Notch Five Banjo. He has an Instagram account with more followers than me! He was part of the SDSU equestrian team making him a Division 1 athlete. Each year my family does a holiday card, and it’s usually something “unique,” and so this year I wanted to incorporate my horse. So did a photoshoot. This photo is more normal than some of our other photos.

Kate N.

2020 was a hard year for most, and so to lighten it up a bit during the holidays, I bought a bunch of fun Christmas props from the Dollar Store, and we dressed up the horses. I didnt realize that one of these incredible horses, Midknight, the black Arabian, would pass just ten months later, so I’m glad I gave him a great last holiday and have these fun photos and memories with him. The ranch owner where I boarded was also having a tough time so I helped make her smile by dressing up her horses, too!

Susan M.

My husband new I wanted a picture of my horse next to the Christmas tree. He told me “do not bring the horse in the house.” I knew he must be kidding. So when he left for work, I brought Diamond in the house for her Christmas picture. This is the picture we sent my husband.

Do you have a favorite horsey holiday memory you would like to share with readers? Please do so in the comments below.

The post Horse Illustrated Reader’s Horsey Holiday Memories appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Stirrup Tray

You can never have enough serving trays or platters, especially for easy appetizers, cheese boards and individual desserts. The stirrup tray is a splurge-worthy lifetime piece.

DIY: If you want the look for less, consider arranging a pair of vintage irons in a similar fashion around a platter of your choice. Secondhand tack shops, eBay and local Facebook groups are a great place to search for well-loved tack to be repurposed around the home.
$192.00; stylishequestrian.com

Horse Napkin Jewels

‘Tis the season for entertaining and showing off your equestrian style. Add the perfect amount of glam to your table with these 24k gold-plated napkin holders. Your guests will love this whimsical and elegant horse design. These are a splurge-worthy table accessory you can cherish every time you host a party.

Décor Tip: Add pops of gold, silver or copper to elevate and add interest to your table. Decorate your table with old (clean!) horse bits, spurs and horseshoes to add more metal and a touch of elegance.
$195.00; bloomingdales.com

Horse Glass Ice Bucket

This timeless ice bucket with hand-cast equestrian pewter details by Vagabond House is ready to chill your favorite bottle of wine or champagne. An ice bucket this beautiful is truly a work of art.

DIY: Make a cocktail station by putting out a large punch bowl with a few bottles of chilled champagne, sprigs of rosemary, mint leaves and slices of citrus (bonus points for blood orange slices). Batch drinks and self-serve cocktail stations save you time and keeps guests entertained making creative drinks. Set up a cute bar area with a small table or use an existing bar cart from your home. Set out a few cocktail recipes (virgin and original versions) and wrap the table or cart with garland for a festive touch.
$319.00; wildlifewonders.com

Julie Wear Cheval Black Luncheon Plate

This chic luncheon plate features a sleek twist on snaffle bits with gold accents against a black background. They are hand-painted on porcelain and made in the United States; also available in brown.

Hostess Tip: Create individual name tags and plan the seating arrangements before your guests arrive. This makes sitting down to eat simple. Be mindful and sit guests where they will be comfortable.
$68.00; shopwhitedogwood.com

Horse Bit Appetizer Board

This simple wooden appetizer board features a single horse bit on the end. It’s perfect for a cheese board.

Cheese Board Tips: Putting together a great cheese board doesn’t have to be expensive; it just needs an assortment of small bites that complement one another. Try a minimum of three different cheeses, an assortment of meats, bread and/or crackers, nuts, fruits or jam, olives, and a savory spread (bruschetta, olive tapenade). Dried fruit, pickles, assorted chocolates and honey are also great additions to a cheese board.
$97.00; farmhousetack.com

Horse Figural Serving Set

Serve up savory side dishes with these pretty horse-head serving utensils. They are handcrafted in sand-cast aluminum by Arthur Court for durability that’s made to last. Pass these around the table for family-style serving that your guests are guaranteed to notice.
$52.00; arthurcourt.com

Highland Fox Hunt Cotton Napkins

Try a set of fox hunt cotton napkins and placemats for the ultimate matching look. Cloth napkins are environmentally friendly, easy to wash, and can be enjoyed year after year.

Style Tip: Arrange the table with red flowers and pine boughs or another greenery to bring out the red and green in these napkins. If you are adding candles for ambience, be sure to use unscented candles at the table; an overly sweet candle can ruin the dining experience.
$49.95; horseandhound.com

Highland Fox Hunt Placemats

Say “tally ho” with these vibrant red, white and green placemats displaying a familiar fox hunt scene. They appropriately feature Christmas colors to help create a festive place setting. A tablecloth can sometimes look too formal, and is risky if you have young kids running around—they pull down very easily. This is where placemats step in to class up the table.
$49.95; horseandhound.com

This article about horse holiday entertaining appeared in the November/December 2021 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horse Holiday Entertaining appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

2021 Halloween Contest Entries

Spookiest

Most Festive

Most Authentic

Cutest

Most Athletic

Most Like a Photograph

Wildest Ride

Most Ornate

2021 Halloween Contest Winner

The randomized contest winner is Priscilla D., who won a 1-year subscription to Horse Illustrated.

Further Reading

◆ Your Horse Can Enjoy Healthy Horse Treats for the Holidays, in Moderation — Learn which types of treats are okay.
◆ Featured Video: Mini Horse Carves Pumpkin — Saber the Miniature Horse puts his pumpkin carving skills to work.
◆ Halloween Comes to the Horse World — If horses could dress up for Halloween, what costumes would they choose?
◆ Halloween on Horseback — One large public stable discovered how to combine Halloween fun with horses.
◆ Horses in Disguise — One writer shares her fave horsey Halloween costumes.
◆ Horse Costume Class Tips — Learn how to win the Halloween costume class at your next show.
◆ Featured Video: Horse vs. Zombies — This week, trainer Sarah and her attack horse Uther show us how to prepare for a zombie attack using clicker training techniques.
◆ Are You and Your Horse Ready for Halloween? — Learn how to have a happy, horsey Halloween.

The post Editor’s Picks from the 2021 Horse Illustrated Halloween Contest appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Equitana USA, produced by Reed Expositions, debuted at the Kentucky Horse Park the first weekend in October, welcoming horse lovers with a premier mix of equestrian instruction, education, shopping and entertainment. After going virtual in 2020, the long-awaited event finally greeted fans in person October 1–3, 2021, as the first hints of fall began to arrive in Kentucky.

The legendary Kentucky Horse Park was the perfect setting for the all-breed, all-discipline exhibition to begin in North America. Located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass horse country, Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the horse capital of the world.

Equitana USA Education

With over 40 daily sessions, there was plenty to experience at Equitana USA. The education program brought trainers of all types into one space, from natural horsemanship to dressage, show jumping and eventing. polo, vaulting, mounted games, trail sports, and other disciplines also had a moment in the spotlight.

The opportunity to audit clinics with U.S. Olympians Phillip Dutton and Laura Graves was high on the list for many equestrians. Clinician and horseman Pat Parelli drew an enthusiastic crowd as he presented the fundamentals of Horse Psychology 101.
Cross-training with Lynn Palm, yoga for equestrians, and the Masterson Method equine bodywork with Jim Masterson were all part of the exciting lineup.

Equitana USA Entertainment

No celebration of horses is complete without a showcase of breeds, and the event featured equines of all shapes and sizes, from Arabians to Akhal-Tekes. Morgans displayed multi-discipline talents and temperament with youth riders, while smooth-gaited breeds, including the Rocky Mountain Horse and Tennessee Walking Horse, showed off their easy, natural gaits. Ex-racehorses were well represented with performances by an all-Standardbred drill team.

Emily and Sarah Harris of Sisters Horsing Around shared the versatility of their Irish Cob, demonstrating dressage, jumping, barrels and poles all in one session. Meanwhile, Miniature Horses strolling around were perfect equine ambassadors attracting fans of all ages. Celebrity horse appearances included fan favorites Patrick the Mini Horse and Lynn Palm’s Rugged Painted Lark.

Dan James of Double Dan Horsemanship wowed the crowd with his liberty demonstrations while sharing the secrets behind liberty training and new ways to participate through the International Liberty Horse Association.

Fun zones for kids included a horseless horse show, a Breyer horse painting station, and a hands-on educational display from the United States Pony Clubs where kids could learn about horse colors and markings, brush a horse, measure their height in hands, and more.

The Equitana Experience

Equitana USA felt open, welcoming and easy to navigate. Action centered around the covered arena, with three rings of action going strong right outside all day long, in addition to the main stage indoors. Up the hill, the Rolex Stadium and Pegasus arenas accommodated bigger clinics. Local food trucks helped elevate the dining options above the typical horse show and fair food, while bright potted mums and seasonal décor were small touches that contributed to the top-level event atmosphere.

The trade fair offered shopping and resources for equestrians to explore, including equine representatives of various breeds. You could feed treats to a Morgan, get friendly with a Fjord, say hello to an American Saddlebred or get acquainted with an Arabian horse.

Exchanging Ideas and Information

One of the goals of Equitana USA is to promote the exchange of ideas and information. Thought-provoking panel discussions on the main stage addressed topics, including traditions and change in the horse industry, how to make a positive impact, and ways to improve accessibility to horses for everyone.

Paralympian Sydney Collier closed out the weekend with a compelling closing keynote talk. “Let’s face it, there are no improvements to be made without taking that initial leap of faith, in starting the process,” she explained. “That’s where it’s so intimidating … to take that first step in whatever you’re trying to do.”

Equitana USA offered ways for equine enthusiasts of all levels to take that step, from meeting a horse for the first time to learning how to become a better partner for your horse. Most of all, the event brought a feeling of community through a shared passion for horses, in addition to how we can all find ways to be part of the horse industry and make it better.

Equitana USA is scheduled to return to the Kentucky Horse Park in September 2022, with dates to be announced soon.

Equitana USA Vendor Village

U.S. Pony Clubs Interactive Booth

U.S. Pony Clubs Interactive Booth

Straight Arrow’s Mane ‘N Tail and Exhibitor Booths

State Line Tack Booth

Fun Horse Purses

Ariat Booth

Amazing Equestrian Artwork

New Vocations Booth

Saddles for Sale

Mare Modern Goods Booth

Breyer Booth

Further Reading

• 2021 EQUITANA USA Tickets Now Available

• Equitana USA Unveils Month-Long Virtual Program to Celebrate the Horse

The post Attendees Enjoy Equitana’s First American Entertainment and Education Expo in 2021 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Horse Illustrated and Young Rider magazines have a lot to be proud of in 2021 after the American Horse Publications (AHP) Equine Media Awards were doled out at the 2021 AHP Back in the Saddle Conference in Irving, Texas on September 18, 2021. The AHP Equine Media Awards are the premier awards within the equine media industry. It was the first in-person AHP conference since the pandemic started, but it was a repeat performance of last year for both publications as they picked up awards yet again in editorial and photography categories, and the biggest award for Horse Illustrated was Honorable Mention in the General Excellence Self-Supported Publication (circulation 15,000 and over). Horse Illustrated captured the top honor in this category in 2019.

“It takes a lot of work in conjunction with our fantastic freelancers to pull together each issue, and being recognized with AHP awards is truly an honor that makes it all worthwhile,” said Editor Holly Caccamise. “Receiving the runner-up award for General Excellence, especially after winning this category in 2019, tells us we are on the right track in delivering a high-quality product to our subscribers.”

The judges shared the following comments about Horse Illustrated’s entry in the General Excellence category: “Horse Illustrated is a magazine that is inclusive of all breeds of horses and all disciplines of horsemanship…The introductory covers are luminous through splendidly sunlit images. The powerful masthead and colorful groups of cover lines add excitement. Inside, the magazine design has a refreshing cohesive feel; it is the stylized typography in the headlines, along with the black-and-brown color pallet and skillful use of white space that create this good experience. The photos that complement the stories are narrative and well-positioned.”

Horse Illustrated captured the following awards out of entries that were submitted by the publication:

• Honorable Mention in General Excellence Self-Supported Publication (circulation 15,000 and over) for the January 2020 and June 2020 issues of Horse Illustrated (out of 10 entries)
• 2^nd place in Editorial Action Photograph for “Horses From Above” by Shelley Paulson (out of 7 entries)
• 3^rd place in Self-Supported Publication Feature Single Article for “Shining a Light” by Amy Hempe in the October 2020 issue (out of 34 entries)
• 3^rd place in the Instructional Single Article for “Clicks and Flicks” by Daniel Johnson in the June 2020 issue (out of 16 issues)

Freelance contributors received the following honors for their work published in Horse Illustrated and Young Rider:

• 2nd place in Freelance Wrtier Equine-Related Journalism Article for “Becoming a Trainer” by Jennifer Bryant in the Summer 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine (out of 6 entries)
• 2^nd place in Freelance Editorial Action Photograph for “Horses From Above” by Shelley Paulson (out of 6 entries)
• Honorable Mention in Self-Supported Publication Horse Care Single Article for “The Retiree’s Workout Regimen” by Kara Stewart in the October 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated (out of 24 entries)
• Honorable Mention in Self-Supported Publication Horse Care Single Article for “Scratch That” by Allison Rehnborg in the September 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated (out of 24 entries)

The 2021 Equine Media Awards competition for material published in 2020 included a total of 643 entries in 56 classes by 98 members, 33 Publishing Media members, 19 Media Professional members, and 14 Business members. The complete results are available online in the awards program (PDF format) and video of the winning entries at www.americanhorsepubs.org/ahp-awards-contest.

For a complete list of awards won by Horse Illustrated and Young Rider over the years, visit www.horseillustrated.com/horse-illustrated-awards.

The post Horse Illustrated and Young Rider Magazines Recognized for Excellence in Equine Media at 2021 AHP Equine Media Awards appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Time to give thanks! The Thanksgiving holiday is coming up, and what better way to get ready than with a horse-related fall DIY craft for your holiday decor? Follow these steps for a decoration that will bring you some luck, and everyone will be thankful for your cute horseshoe décor on Thanksgiving. Happy Horsey Thanksgiving!

STEP 1: Weave twine through the nail holes to create a handle. Start at the bottom and weave until you get to the end of the other side, leaving extra twine at the top so your horseshoe will hang. Don’t forget to tie knots on the back so the twine doesn’t slip through the holes! You might also need to tape down the twine at the ends of the horseshoe so it hangs evenly.

STEP 2: Tape your fall foliage to one side of the horseshoe.

STEP 3: Tape the end of a long piece of twine to the back of the horseshoe. Wrap the twine over the stem of your fall foliage. This will hide your tape!

STEP 4: Once wrapped, secure your twine to the back of the horse-shoe with tape (or ask an adult to help with a little hot glue).

This article on creating a horse-related fall DIY craft appeared in the Fall 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

Further Reading

◆ A Thanksgiving Treat
◆ Happy Horsey Holidays: Throw a Horsey Holiday Party
◆ A Rider’s Holiday Wish List
◆ A Horse Owner’s Holiday Season Struggles
◆ Have a Very Horsey Holiday with These Equestrian Gift Ideas
◆ That’s a Wrap: 11 Fun and Fabulous Holiday Gifts for Horsey Kids
◆ Gift Ideas for Horse-Crazy Kids
◆ Homemade Horsey Gifts
◆ Stable Advice: Holiday Gifts for Horse Professionals
◆ 4 Gift Ideas for the Horse Enthusiast Who Has Everything
◆ Luxury Gifts for Horse Lovers

The post A Horse-Related Fall DIY Craft appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Trick or treat! What better way to get ready for Halloween than with horsey crafts to celebrate the festivities with a DIY pumpkin? Follow these steps, and your pumpkin is sure to be the best in the patch (or barn!) on Halloween. Happy Halloween!

STEP 1: Print and cut out your favorite horsey picture.

STEP 2: Gently tape your picture to the pumpkin and trace it.

STEP 3: Place thumb tacks along the line you traced.

STEP 4: Fill in your outline with thumb tacks. It’s OK if they overlap!

This article on creating a horse Halloween DIY pumpkin appeared in the Fall 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

Further Reading

◆ Your Horse Can Enjoy Healthy Horse Treats for the Holidays, in Moderation
◆ Featured Video: Mini Horse Carves Pumpkin
◆ Halloween Comes to the Horse World
◆ Halloween on Horseback
◆ Horses in Disguise
◆ Horse Costume Class Tips
◆ Featured Video: Horse vs. Zombies
◆ Are You and Your Horse Ready for Halloween?
◆ Poll: How do you celebrate Halloween with your horse, barn friends, or family?

The post A Horse Halloween DIY: Horsey No-Carve Pumpkin appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Imagine a snow globe. Inside is the city of London, England. There’s the bridge, Big Ben, the river, Buckingham palace. Now give it a shake and it turns into a Christmas wonderland, where ponies prance, jumpers leap, and elves cavort around Christmas trees. Carolers sing and a magical, horsey Christmas pageant comes to life. In real life, it happens every year. Welcome to The London International Horse Show (just call it “Olympia”).

Held each December the week before Christmas in merry old England, this time-tested and spectacularly produced cavalcade of elite equestrian competitions and horse-themed holiday entertainment is an annual delight for Londoners and guests from all over the world.

The Fanfare at the Olympia Horse Show

It’s where Santa may suddenly shout out, “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!” instead of “Ho! Ho! Ho!”; where jumping classes have holiday theme names like “The Snowflake Stakes”; and where polished royal military units gallop to the sound of Christmas carols.

Speaking of royals, the show even has its own royal patron. You’ll recognize Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, enjoying the company of horses in her annual prize-giving role. Princes William and Harry rode in Santa’s sleigh at Olympia when they were children.

Olympia is the show where legendary horses like Olympic dressage champion Valegro performed (and set records) in the show’s FEI Dressage World Cup qualifier. Valegro even entered his retirement during a ceremony at Olympia. His rider, Charlotte DuJardin, and owner Carl Hester, usually compete or host public masterclass events at the show.

In all, FEI World Cup qualifiers in driving, show jumping and dressage are contested during the weeklong show. They attract Britain and Europe’s top competitors—because everyone loves to come to London for Olympia!

This unique urban stage is alternately filled with competing horses and the antics of toy soldiers, elves and cherubs performing pony-themed holiday theatrics. Next door, holiday retail treasures found in 250 Winter Market pop-up retail shops beg to be put under Christmas trees.

The first thing you’ll notice about Olympia is that this horse show is expertly staged with technological precision, right down to dramatic theatrical lighting and acoustics. The announcer is a talented narrator who keeps the show moving or diverts the crowd’s attention during stage changes.

With a puff of theater fog, jumps disappear after a class and soon you’re watching the next performing act. Horse show patrons entertain friends and clients in the high tiers of box seating or toast each other in the show’s restaurant and champagne bar.

Past & Present at the London International Horse Show

Olympia dates back to the late 1800s and has evolved through several identities to survive as the ultimate urban horse show. Its current holiday format dates back to 1972, when Olympia was reinvented as a hybrid international horse show and holiday horse-themed performance event.

Londoners flock to the event for fun and out of tradition, and its success was guaranteed with the addition of Great Britain’s primary FEI World Cup indoor qualifiers staged during the show.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that the United Kingdom’s largest indoor horse show is under the glass roof of London’s domed and steel-girded Olympia exhibition center in the Kensington sector of the city. During the week before Christmas, Olympia’s Grand Hall is transformed with dozens of Christmas trees, artificial snow and yards and yards of garlands, all illuminated with festive lighting into a holiday wonderland.

At one time, kings and queens occupied a Royal Box at Olympia after arriving with their entourage in stunning carriages. No less than 10 dukes, 11 marquises, 54 earls, 25 viscounts, 80 lords, and 28 comparatively ordinary sirs were honorary vice presidents of Olympia in its early years.

For 2019, the show is gearing up for a special star-studded race night. Champion celebrity jump race jockeys Sir Anthony “AP” McCoy and Bridget Andrews will captain teams in a relay show jumping competition, which benefits Britain’s Injured Jockeys Fund. Andrews will captain an all-female team that will include some of Britain’s top women jockey heroes.

The “Twelve Days” of Olympia

On the first day of Christmas, Olympia gave to me… a Shetland Pony Grand Prix!

Perennial show favorites at the London International Horse Show include the wild (and especially wooly) Shetland Pony Grand National and high-speed Kennel Club Dog Agility. The Queen’s own Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will perform its Musical Ride in 2019, and entertaining French horseman Jean-Francois Pignon will choreograph his well-trained horses. Things move quickly at this show, and the arena transforms itself over and over. This year, the Mountain and Moorland Breeds Championship of native British horses will be held during the show, making for a change of pace from the warmbloods used in the FEI events.

On the second day of Christmas, Olympia gave to me…a clear leap over the Puissance wall!

While everyone is on the edge of their seats during the drama of unusual jumping events like the Puissance wall or the exciting six-bar competition with rising jumps, what they inevitably remember is that each session of the show, whether morning, afternoon or evening, ends with a gala Christmas Finale.

Somehow, snow magically falls (or appears to) in the arena as Santa and his horses (no reindeer at Olympia!) circle the arena in a sleigh-like carriage, trumpets blare Christmas carols, and elves frolic in the footing.

On the third day of Chistmas, Olympia gave to me…a chance to ride a horse!

In September this year, Olympia launched its Olympia Riding Academy charity program to involve inner city children in equestrianism. The show hosted a day of activities with horses for children and offered a group a series of lessons through The Tim Stockdale Foundation.

These young urban equestrians will attend the show this year as special guests, and the Stockdale Foundation, created in memory of Britain’s late Olympic show jumper Tim Stockdale, will be the featured charity patron of the show for 2019.

On the fourth day of Christmas, Olympia gave to me…Kennel Club dog agility!

By the end of the week, 90,000 spectators will have watched equine Christmas magic in the iconic arena, along with two days featuring Kennel Club dog agility high-level competition.

As soon as ticket holders enter, they have stars in their eyes, and watch attentively as the two- and four-legged stars of the horse world perform or compete in the arena before them.

At the end, they follow Santa’s sleigh-like carriage out of the big arena with a communal satisfied sigh, knowing that they found their annual Christmas pony, and that some traditions have survived for the sheer joy they add to the holiday season.

For more information, visit www.olympiahorseshow.com.

This article about the London International Horse Show appeared in the December 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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