Equine Affaire in California

I just returned from Equine Affaire, just in time for the DC blizzard. There were at least five large buildings filled with horsey things at Equine Affaire. I saw everything from the “mucking fantastic” shake’n rake to a massager for a horse that’s shaped like a horse’s mouth to bedazzled jackets and shirts, a riding simulator, everything leather and more. It’s definitely a shopper’s outlet in a state fair like atmosphere. The breed pavilion had some cute minis, Gypsy Vanners and plenty of presentations. I spoke and showed video on “10 Rides You Should do in Your Lifetime,” and then Chip Ward, our executive producer, and I talked to Rick Lamb on his radio show, The Horse Show with Rick Lamb. I’m not sure when that will be on, but I’ll let you know. All and all my feet were tired by the end of the very full day. Now, I’m heading home and the snow’s rolling on in. Time to hunker down in DC.

Equine Affaire in Pomona, CA

Come meet me at the Pomona, California Equine Affaire. As the host and producer of the Emmy Award-winning Public Television series Equitrekking and founder of Equitrekking Travel, which features exceptional equestrian vacations, I travel the world filming amazing horses and places to ride.

This week, I'll be speaking and showing HD video of great equestrian travel destinations on Thursday, February 4th at 1:00 pm on "Fun & Insightful Equestrian Destinations." On Friday, Friday, Feb 5th at 10:00 am, I'll give a talk on "The Importance of Horses in International Cultures," showcasing Highland Ponies from Scotland, never before seen footage of Arabians from the Royal Stables in Amman, Welsh Cobs, Icelandics and more. Also on Friday, I will be speaking at 5:00 pm on "Exploring the World on Horseback." I won't have video capabilities for the last talk, but will be available to take questions on how we film our equestrian travel series and more.

If you miss us in California, I'll also be at Equine Affaire in Ohio (April 8-11, 2010) and Massachusetts. Equine Affaire is a premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering featuring World and National Champion competitors, clinics from top trainers and equestrian experts, and live demonstrations and seminars.

If you want to learn more about our business, check out my recent interview on YPNation, Riding to Success. YPNation is the national platform for America's Young Professionals.

Maui Horse Culture

Upcountry Maui is horse country. If you visit, make sure to check out the Western town of Makawao and consider riding. Maui has lots of options, which you can incorporate into your vacation, a great idea for those who aren't used to riding everyday. Here's a short Equitrekking video on Maui Horse Culture.

Madeleine Pickens Plan- Straight from the Source

This morning, I was able to hear about Madeleine Pickens' plan straight from the source at a press conference at the New York Union League Club. Mrs. Pickens, a businesswoman and philanthropist and the wife of American financier T. Boone Pickens, is working towards building a sanctuary for the over 33,000 wild horses and burros that are currently in holding facilities by the BLM. Madeleine's working to buy a million acres where these horses could live out their lives. The ranch would also have an eco-tourism element, so tourists could come to see the horses.

"The foundation is being created to protect and care for the wild horses and to allow citizens from around the world to come to the ranch to see thousands of free roaming wild horses. To achieve these goals, the Foundation will be active in the community promoting eco-tourism, hire within the local area, and be a good neighbor with the adjoining ranches to ensure strong fences are maintained and horses are contained to their own million acre ranch."

Mrs. Pickens was articulate and passionate as she spoke about this controversial issue. You may read more about the plan and take action on her website SavingAmericasMustangs.org, including a FAQ section.

Wild Horse Roundups by BLM

While filming the Equitrekking Wyoming episode for our Public TV series, I was able to observe the wild mustangs at McCullough Peaks outside of Cody. It was an amazing and humbling experience to see these beautiful horses running free, and one that I'll never forget.

Below are a few of the many recent articles, websites and videos that help shed light on what's happening to America's Wild Horses. If anyone has other good sources, please post them below.

People Magazine: Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow Cry Out for Wild Horses, Jan 15, 2010

Investigative video series on what's happening to the wild mustangs in Nevada. "Stampede to Oblivion" Chief Investigative Reporter George Knapp and Chief Photojournalist Matt Adams. You can watch this online.

Listing of recent news related to the roundups from the IDA website.

Madeleine Pickens website and proposal to help the horses. Madeleine Pickens is the wife of Billionaire T. Boone Pickens. She has a proposal to build a sanctuary for the horses. From this site's homepage, you can click to Take Action Now.

Cornell Vet Raises Health Concerns for Captured BLM Mustangs Written by Steven Long, Author and Editor/Publisher of Horseback Magazine.

Discover Magazine article on Nevada Roundup

Winter Weather Dressage Test

It's been too cold to ride for the past two weeks, but today there was a slight warming trend. It was warm enough for some canters outside in the ring at my home stables. The ground was too hard for jumping, so we focused on flatwork.

I took a group lesson and worked on basic dressage test movements. Believe me, we were doing the basics and my horse Dirk, who probably knew the dressage test by heart basically carried me through it. It's fun to spice up your equine education and try different things, like dressage. It's good for the rider and horse! Alright everyone, let's hope this warming trend continues...

Equitrekking Travel Trivia

We've just launched a new endeavor, EquitrekkingTravel.com, featuring exceptional equestrian vacations.Individuals and groups can now enjoy in person the horse riding vacations they could previously only see on the popular Equitrekking TV series.

We'll be updating Equitrekking Travel with Last Minute Deals, Exclusive Trips and in the coming weeks a Trip Finder. In the meantime, enjoy watching the videos we've edited about riding in each destination and our Trivia page with more about Equitrekking Behind the Scenes on PBS, fun travel facts and information on the star guides seen on Equitrekking.

The Best Picks page helps narrow your search for budget conscious travelers like the Uruguay Self Drive, trips surrounding equestrian events at Spruce Meadows or the Calgary Stampede, multi-sport vacations and more. There are also short riding breaks for those short on vacation time!

If you hit the homepage, we're running a contest to win all four seasons of Equitrekking on DVD. We'll be picking six winners this year. Check out the January issues of Horse & Rider, Dressage Today, Practical Horseman and Equus magazines for a special promo code for this contest running on the full page ad for Equitrekking Travel.

Happy New Year and happy travels!