“Horses in particular have been as much a part of my life as past birthdays.” p.108 West with the Night by Beryl Markham In her memoir, Beryl discusses only a handful of horses – one in particular, Camciscan, from the arrogant stallion’s perspective. She describes this headstrong breeding stallion and his slow adaptation to East Africa life. She would ride this stallion at the age of 12 and despite being thrown and tossed about, she persistently rode and interacted with him. This section made me wonder, why did she dedicate so many pages to this ornery stallion who tried to bite her, slammed her against stall walls and even left...
Swept away by West with the Night
True friends refer you to amazing books. Caitlin Muir, you rock. This was perhaps one of the best book recommendations ever. Ernest Hemingway said it best about this book (as he knew of Beryl Markham personally): “…she has written so well, and marvelously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer. I felt that I was simply a carpenter with words, picking up whatever was furnished on the job and nailing them together and sometimes making an okay pig pen. But [she] can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves writers.” Horse trainer, pilot and adventurer, Beryl Markham is a fascinating woman and an incredible...
Remembering what today means
Thank you to the men, women, families and service animals who have served.
The Majesty of the Polish Arabian Horse
Enjoy this beautiful video with highlights from an independent film project about the history and beauty of the Polish Arabian. Expect a review of this full-length film soon. đŸ™‚ Poland hosts an annual horse show called the “Pride of Poland” – and these horses truly are the heart of this country. Their history is lined turmoil but the rise of the Polish Arabian breed was unstoppable. These horses are unique, distinguished and revered. Enjoy this clip!
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Horse abuse for the sake of the show ring
On Friday, the Humane Society of America brought to light some abuse within the Tennessee Walker Horse community – all for the sake of exaggerated gait movement for the show ring. (Do not watch the linked video if you have a weak constitution.) My stomach churns at the thought. Abuse for a more “enhanced” performance in the arena is not news. It takes place everywhere. I purchased a beautiful Arabian show horse gelding when I was in high school. Arabians are notoriously hot-headed, high-strung and flighty, but this boy was even more than one would expect. He couldn’t be tied in cross ties. He wouldn’t go near puddles. He would...