Heather Wallace's Blog, page 5

Equestrienne: Mandee Flanders, The Leadline Podcast and Horse Family Magazine

Mandee Flanders is a woman on a mission to support equine entrepreneurs. I met her first at Equine Affaire in 2019, when she stopped by my author table to introduce herself and we chatted for awhile. I love her energy and enthusiasm, but I especially love her mission to create a community in the horse world. Mandee Flanders is a long-time marketing professional and even longer-time horsewoman. At the young age of 20, she was an ambitious entrepreneur looking for ways to get further involved in t...

Addressing Toxic Positivity: Why Riding At Your Comfort Level Is Perfectly Acceptable

When it comes to performance, mindset is everything. There are a lot of memes out there and accounts perpetuating toxic positivity. Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. It’s a “good vibes only” approach to life. The trouble with that is, when you have anxiety, depression, or tend to be an overthinker, being positive is easier said than done. Sometimes you just can’t get out of your own way then feel like yo...

Safely Trail Ride Alone With Your Horse With These 6 Tips

Trail rides or hacking is a favorite of mine. Still, it does cause a lot of nerves because anything can happen. Outside the arena is an environment that cannot and will not be controlled. Loose dogs, bicyclists, runners, and more. Still, a lovely walk or ride out on the trails has a way of bonding you and your horse and giving you a sense of freedom. Both Ferrous and Delight loves hacking out. Only one trailers well. The other gets so excited at the prospect of playing on the trail that he pract...

Equestrienne: Christy Landwehr, Certified Horsemanship Association

Christy Landwehr has been active in the horse industry for over 35 years. Hunter/jumper, dressage, side saddle, western pleasure, hunter pleasure, barrel racing, endurance riding and saddle seat equitation are just some of the disciplines Christy has competed in at the local, regional and national levels in multiple breeds. She has been teaching children and adults how to ride for over 30 years. Christy is a Master Level Riding Instructor and Equine Facility Manager through the Certified Horsema...

Women Can Drive A Trailer, Too (Even the Timid Ones!)

Confession: I hauled a horse for the first time and I feel damn proud! A Little Background When I imagined hauling a horse in a trailer a few years ago, I immediately shot down the idea of ever doing it myself. I pictured driving like a Granny, with white knuckles and crawling along the road with people honking frustratedly behind me.  Yet, I couldn’t deny my love of trail riding and the feeling that my horse and I always had to ask for a ride when moving barns or were limited to the trails near...

8 Equestrian Podcasts You Need to Subscribe To Today

If you are like me, you spend a lot of time driving. Sure, you can listen to music, but a long drive to the barn or even time spent mucking out is often better when listening to a podcast. There are many to choose from, but how do you know where to start? I’ve compiled a few of the horse-related podcasts on my phone. 1. Equestrian Pulse Podcast Perhaps I’m a little biased since I’m a co-host. Still, I love working with these ladies! Each episode is unique and depends on the co-host or co-hosts c...

Equestrienne: Danielle Shugard, Physical Therapist for Equestrians

What is your experience with horses? I started riding when I was eight and spent most of my teenage years riding in the hunter jumper world and volunteering at a therapeutic riding center. I took a small horse break to go to Northeastern University in Boston, to get my doctorate degree in physical therapy. I then returned to Monmouth County, working in a traditional PT setting and riding in my spare time. After having my two girls and my spare time going to zero, I wanted to combine physical the...

Equestrienne: Danielle Shugard

What is your experience with horses? I started riding when I was eight and spent most of my teenage years riding in the hunter jumper world and volunteering at a therapeutic riding center. I took a small horse break to go to Northeastern University in Boston, to get my doctorate degree in physical therapy. I then returned to Monmouth County, working in a traditional PT setting and riding in my spare time. After having my two girls and my spare time going to zero, I wanted to combine physical the...

Ride The Horse You Have, Not The Horse You Want

I see the sales listings all the time that mention an all round horse that can go any direction. Physically that may be true, but often in work I come across a horse that is shut down, going through the paces, or best-case scenario LOVES their job.  It’s so important to look at the emotional and mental aspect of our horse when choosing a discipline. Some horses CAN go in any direction, but not always. Try New Things Conformation is a significant factor in discipline. I’ve been lucky to work with...

Equestrienne: Chris Cassenti

What is your experience with horses?  I was born with a love of horses. I had horses as a kid and grew into a successful & highly respected business established in 1978 to present time.  I have a 42-horse facility, HUGE Lesson Program, and employ professional trainers & Instructors. Over the last several years, I have a wonderful clientele of women aged 50-84 who are getting back into riding or have been taking lessons and now want to own their own horse. More, I have been on BOD of many profess...