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In my weekly blog, “Amateur Equestrian Confessions,” I share the passion and the pain of one of the most endearing pursuits in the world, horseback riding.
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Focus on Fiction
Going forward, my blog will be published every other week. With only so many hours in a day, I’ve fallen quite behind on my fictional...
JoAnn Shannon
Apr 9
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Riders and Horses
Do you think your horse would be able to pick you out of a crowd? Chances are he could do that quite readily. Maybe even blind-folded. ...
JoAnn Shannon
Apr 2
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Horses to Riders
Do I have to work out today? A horse greeting their owner is more cat-like than dog-like. You might get a nicker, but you don’t get...
JoAnn Shannon
Mar 26
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Horses Talking to Horses
Pinky is interested and relaxed. Horses are careful about announcing their presence. It wouldn’t be wise to let predators know where to...
JoAnn Shannon
Mar 19
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Micro Expressions
I think Captain is asking for another carrot. We may be able to read horses, but they can read us better. Recently I joined a webcast...
JoAnn Shannon
Mar 12
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Stirrups
Judy was like Arwen. Not all stirrups are created alike. This lesson was demonstrated several years ago when I was a novice rider. It...
JoAnn Shannon
Mar 5
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Rethinking Halters
No halter, no problem. Years ago, Joey shared a paddock with a horse named Taco. If Taco was a person, he would be a mild-mannered...
JoAnn Shannon
Feb 26
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Vested Interest
To vest, or not to vest, that is the question. The Plaid Horse recently published an article entitled, "Protective Riding Vests,...
JoAnn Shannon
Feb 19
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Helmet Head
Scientific helmets…because an injured brain does not heal like a broken bone. Did you know that horseback riding carries a higher injury...
JoAnn Shannon
Feb 12
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Cheval magazine
A dear friend recently visited Paris and picked up a copy of the marvelous Cheval magazine for me. There was a feature story on dressage...
JoAnn Shannon
Feb 5
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Young Rider - Winter Edition
The winter edition includes a dressage lesson. In the January/February issue of Young Rider magazine, journalist Laura Boynton Johnson ...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 29
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Equus Magazine - Winter Issue
Since 1977, Equus has offered the most accurate information available to horse lovers who wish to give their animals the best care. Equus...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 22
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Horse Illustrated - Winter Edition
Do you know your back plays a pivotal role in ensuring a balanced, strong and effective seat? The winter edition of Horse Illustrated ,...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 15
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Peaceful England
It rains a lot in London Most of the research I did on English police departments and their equestrian partners seemed to focus on the...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 8
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France's Republican Guard
If you have an opportunity to visit Paris, and you should, you may see gendarmes on horses roaming the streets. They are the officers of...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 1
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Peacekeeping in Germany
In her Horse Wellness Blog , Stefanie Reinhold, offers helpful insights under the intriguing sub-title, “Information for the Thinking...
JoAnn Shannon
Dec 25, 2024
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, aka R.C.M.P. Since 1873, horses have shared a rich history in policing in Canada. The Royal Canadian...
JoAnn Shannon
Dec 18, 2024
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Dracarys
The Internet is helpful however, it’s also littered with a lot of nonsense. Fan Clubs rank high on that list. It's where well-meaning...
JoAnn Shannon
Dec 11, 2024
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Ride Into Action
Our barn has a clutch of talented riders who are able, without prior meditation or preparation, mount and ride any horse in the barn. My...
JoAnn Shannon
Dec 4, 2024
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Acting Like a Horse
Captain’s previous owner taught him to wait at the mounting block until he received a treat. My trainer, Jen, disagrees with this...
JoAnn Shannon
Nov 27, 2024
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