Enter our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways here!
SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Rider Insider: Equine Mysteries

When you first get started in the equestrian world, everything is brand new and confusing. You might have been surprised to find out there were different kinds of saddles, subdivided beyond those familiar English and western designations. When you heard people talk about ringbone, navicular and laminitis, you were likely left with questions. And when your new barn friends started breaking out the horse-show lingo? Forget it.



But over time, we start to become immersed in our new equestrian culture. The vocabulary becomes second nature. While we may stick to our own discipline, we develop a working knowledge of some of the others. We might even learn what horse-show judges are looking for. Eventually.



Still, no matter how long you’ve worked with horses, some things undoubtedly remain a mystery. Why DO gray horses seem more likely to roll in the mud after a bath than brown horses? How does your horse seem to know when you’re coming to take him for a nice ride vs. when you’re heading out to administer dewormer? And why is it that everything in a barn that comes in even numbers—bell boots, polo wraps—will eventually turn up in odd numbers (where did that third spur come from?)

Tell us about the horse-world mysteries that keep you wondering, whether they’re about the individual equines in your barn or the horse world at large. Some of the editors’ favorite responses will appear in an upcoming issue of Horse Illustrated!

This month, Noble Outfitters
is sponsoring the Rider Insider column in Horse Illustrated with a
prize for the selected featured response. If you’d like to be considered
for a prize, make sure to include your contact info in the email field
of the comment form (emails will not be publicly displayed.)

Back to Rider Insider >>

View Comments

  • I always wonder why my 4-year old one-eyed rescue mare sleeps blind-side up. She is clearly content at her barn...or severely lacks life-preservation skills!

  • I braid my gelding's long mane and tail before a show and will occasionally place his tail inside a tail bag. How he manages to successfully get his hair out of every single braid with ease, I have no idea. You'll never find the rubber band again, and his mane will look like you never even had it brushed, cleaned, and in a braid. You would think he had opposable thumbs. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if he commissioned his best buddy to help him out.

  • My mystery is this; Why is the love between a horse and its rider so special? Why is it horses who install the sense of belonging and love and overall peace in us? Why can we forget about all the wrongs in life and yet never can the smell of horse leave us? Why is this special bond impossible to sever and even harder to forget? Why is it I go to the barn every day even after I retired my first horse, even after that bad fall, even after the worst days imaginable? Why is this love so strong? Honestly, though, I don't think I need the answer.

  • I've always wondered why the 2yr. old filly at our barn will only drink water on the other side of the fence. The water dispenser dispenses water at the same point on both sides of the fence, but the filly refuses to drink on her side of the fence. Does "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" apply to water dispensers too?

  • It never ceases to amaze me how my horses come in from pasture with their halters completely on and yet their fly mask which goes on underneath the halter is missing. Although it can be annoying to search for the fly masks, I will never complain about the chance to ride bareback in the pasture searching for it.

  • I have a gray horse, and yes, I do wonder why he rolls in the dirt after a bath. Almost seems a wasted effort to even bother giving him one!!!

  • My pony always knew when she was in the show ring, she was perfect then. If we were schooling in the same ring the day before she was her normal mean self. I always was sad when we left the show!

  • I'm bamboozled how my horse can always tell whether or not I have a hidden treat in my pocket every time I come walking across the field. Accidentally forget it back at the barn? It can be a long walk all the way out to get her.

Recent Posts

Barn Banter – Episode 38

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 38, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…

2 days ago

Synchrony’s CareCredit Marks Nearly 20 Years with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Stamford, Conn. — Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a leading consumer financial services company, on November 18 highlighted its nearly two-decade partnership…

4 days ago

Haven Pines: A Family Sleigh Ride Business

Tucked into the forests of northern Wisconsin is a family-owned and operated homestead known as Haven Pines. Run by Erin…

6 days ago

Shop Small Business Saturday: Equestrian Edition

It’s holiday shopping season and I’ve spent the last few months searching for unique or useful equestrian gifts. I’m so…

1 week ago

Choosing the Right Hay Type

Timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa, fescue, clover—so many hay types! What’s the right type of hay to choose in your particular…

1 week ago

Thrush Season Is Upon Us.

As horse owners, you know it’s time for that stinky, white crumbly grossness that comes with thrush - and even…

2 weeks ago