Read true equestrian stories of challenges, triumphs, commiseration, and camaraderie submitted by our friends and readers.

Athlete, Trainer, Mom and Our Friend

Much like a human athlete, sport horses need a well-rounded support team. Owner, rider or driver, veterinarian, barn manager, massage therapist, magnawave provider, dentist, saddle fitter, bridle fitter, bit fitter…short breath…nutritionist and FARRIER!!!

Why are you so passionate about horses? I don’t know but it’s always been a part of who I am…says every equestrian. They are my purpose, my grounding and my raison d’etre. Today we welcome a new partner to The Home and Stable broadening our horsey passion into a fuller equestrian lifestyle. The Home and Stable welcomes Chef Veera Gaul to our stable of contributors. Chef Veera brings with her culinary expertise and creative vision. She is also a born educator. We look to provide our readers recipes and lessons that will expand our cooking skills, foster healthier meal planning and impress our friends and family along the way.

Let's get to know The Home and Stable's grooming expert! For those of you who don’t follow Erin yet, she is the owner/operator of Equine Detailing offering full body clips, trace clips, legs and face plus mane pulling or cuts throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Erin posts daily photos of animals and creatures she meets who “help” her while she’s out clipping horses. They are always adorable and worth a follow! Get to Know Erin I’ve known Erin for many years through my adventures living in Rhode Island. Her personality is a barn favorite and she is an expert in all things clipping and grooming. She is a 2021 Elite Groomer for Wahl products and now our expert for The Home and Stable. Karson and I have been speaking with her for the last several months about how-to questions, product reviews and recommendations plus general insights. We will have on-going insights from Erin in the future. Please enjoy this introduction to her. If you are in New England, feel free to reach out to her. She is the best! 1. If someone walks into your house, how do they know you’re a horse person? Erin laughed at this! “There are paddock boots at the front just as you come in. Then, you will see artwork all over the horse, literally. One of my favorite things is a framed magazine clipping of a woman hugging a Friesian from my sister. ” I told her about a time my husband shared with a friend that our home had horses everywhere. I objected, thinking that we really didn’t have a lot around the house. Suffice it to say, I stopped counting when I hit a 100 horse images on wine bottles, pictures, knick-knacks, books, etc.) 2. When you are in a tack store, what type of item is irresistible to you? “I’m a sucker for any grooming equipment especially new brushes. Also, any product that smells good without all of the perfumes that may attract bugs.” 3. What is your favorite discipline to ride? “I grew up doing jumpers but I’m headed to the dark side. I’m learning dressage now which is hard but fun!” 4. What color is your dream horse? “All black.” Like the Black Stallion? “Yes!” 5. What is the best “horsey” gift someone has ever given you? “My dad brought me from China a scroll that has 8 horses on painted on it.” (A little internet scrolling found that the number 8 and horses are associated with success in the Chinese culture. Great gift Dad!) 6. Do you have a favorite charity? “Yes, there are several. The Clip-A-Thon is coming up again for the Equestrian Aid Foundation. This organization provides emergency relief to people in the equestrian community. Recently, we have also been supporting people affected Covid-19, the wildfires and flooding. I also support the RI Horseman’s Association. One of my favorite groups is the Sunshine Farm Sanctuary. Their mission is to help heal children who have experienced trauma and are now living in the state’s foster care system.” www.equestrianaidfoundation.org , www.sunshinefarmsanctuary.com , www.rihorseman.com Erin Gaul, Equine Detailing, can be found on Facebook , Instagram and Youtube . You can reach her personally at 413-446-6109 , erg192@gmail.com or equinedetailing.com

If only I had know this 18 months ago, I might not have this story to tell...

I have loved dressage from the moment I saw my first musical freestyle. My journey began there and here are my stories.

The Phone Call That Would Change Everything...

To get the book click here .  The story is true. The story is true. I spent more than a month checking it out in Tennessee and elsewhere. The book is called Beautiful Jim Key by Miriam Rivas, available on Amazon. I am not on horseback rider. But I have been allowed to do several films with people who love and understand horses. Magnificent animals they are. And I have met people who have worked with the intelligence of horses, and they all agree that Jim Key could be entirely accurate. I love animals as many of the viewers of this video to and deeply admire the unique Bill Key for all the things he did to make Americans aware of animals and especially horses as sentient beings. The movie I describe is not yet a reality, but I hope someday it will be. Investment money is needed and is, as most of you know, very hard to get.  

Great Big Story is an Emmy and Cannes Lions-winning global media company devoted to cinematic storytelling. Our content spans the globe and features incredible true stories about travel, food, culture and more. At the core of every Great Big Story is heart—we shine a light on extraordinary people hiding in plain sight. Through our micro-docs, series and short films, our character-driven narratives inspire hope, wonder and amazement. Established in 2015 through an investment by CNN Worldwide, Great Big Story operates as an independent media company with offices in New York City and London.