Samantha Apple – Behind the Ribbons

tack trunk sitting on floor in horse stall

7 Essential Horse Show Items You Mustn’t Forget!

Horse shows are exhilarating events that require meticulous preparation and a knack for remembering a multitude of items. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a novice just starting in the competitive circuit, it’s all too easy to overlook something crucial. To make your prep smoother and ensure you arrive at the event with everything you need, here are seven horse show items you simply must not forget!

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A layered paper art style illustration of a winter landscape. The foreground features white and gray bushes with intricate, swirling patterns, resembling snow-covered foliage. Snow-dusted pine trees rise in the middle ground, their branches distinct against the backdrop. Successive layers of hills and mountains in various shades of blue, gray, and white recede into the distance under a light gray sky. A flock of birds in a V-formation flies high above the serene, cold landscape.

5 Winter Apparel Items You NEED

Samantha Approved / By Samantha Apple

Winter, with its chilly air and shorter days, poses unique challenges for equestrians. However, with the right apparel, riding during this season can be a comfortable and rewarding experience. When considering winter riding attire, it’s paramount to focus on warmth, mobility, and safety. Here are some recommended pieces to incorporate into your winter equestrian wardrobe:

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Terms / By Samantha Apple

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The 7 Horse Books You MUST Read

Samantha Approved / By Samantha Apple

Are you an equestrian at heart? Dive into these seven books that resonate deeply with the spirit of every horse enthusiast. From touching tales to rich histories, get ready for an emotional ride.

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A photo of two equestrians and their horses at twilight. On the left, a woman stands holding the reins of a dark brown horse, both looking directly at the camera. She wears a green top, beige riding breeches, and a black helmet. On the right, a child in a pink top and beige breeches sits atop a smaller, bay horse, holding the reins and smiling at the camera. She wears a brown riding helmet. They are in an open field with white fences in the background, and the soft glow of sunset illuminates the scene.

Do Horses Sleep Standing Up? Demystifying Equine Sleep Patterns

Beginner's Guide, FAQ / By Samantha Apple

Yes and no. Horses can catch light sleep or ‘doze’ while standing due to a unique arrangement of muscles and ligaments called the “stay apparatus”. However, for REM (deep) sleep, which is crucial for their overall health, they need to lie down.

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Lifespan of a Horse: An In-Depth Analysis

Beginner's Guide, FAQ / By Samantha Apple

Among the many things to consider when acquiring a horse, one of the key questions that loom is, “How long do horses live?” While it’s a straightforward question, the answer is multi-faceted, with variables that range from breed and genetics to lifestyle, diet, and quality of care.

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woman posing with horse and ribbons in front of barn doors

Discover 7 Amazing Horse Facts That Will Surprise You

Beginner's Guide, FAQ / By Samantha Apple

Did you know horses can sleep both lying down and standing up, or that their large eyes provide nearly a 360-degree field of vision? Prepare to be astounded as we explore everything from their unique communication methods to their exceptional strength, and even unravel the secret of how a horse’s teeth can reveal its age.

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woman snuggling with horse head while posing

The Horse-Human Bond: Can Horses Recognize Their Owners?

Beginner's Guide, FAQ / By Samantha Apple

Horses have remarkable memory and they certainly can recognize their owners! Not only do they remember human faces, but they also remember voice tones and even specific scents. This unique bonding between the horse and its owner adds another layer to the incredible relationship we share with these noble creatures.

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woman standing next to horse holding reins while posing

Understanding Your Horse: A Beginner’s Guide to Equine Behavior

Beginner's Guide, FAQ / By Samantha Apple

Horses communicate through their behavior. This guide helps beginners decode these signals, fostering a better understanding and stronger bond between horse and rider. Learn how to interpret your horse’s body language and respond effectively to their needs.

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woman posing next to horse with sunglare

A Closer Look at Horse Diet: How Much Does a Horse Eat?

Beginner's Guide, FAQ / By Samantha Apple

Just like us, horses’ dietary requirements depend on their age, size, health status, and level of activity. However, a rule of thumb is that a horse should consume about 2% of its body weight in fodder each day, meaning a 1000-pound horse would eat about 20 pounds of food.

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