Editor’s Postcard

by Catherine Madera   I like to ride alone. It’s not that I don’t enjoy company—a buddy always adds to the fun—but my nature often craves solitude. In the gorgeous Pacific Northwest finding peace is easy on mountain trails as I share quiet communion with my horse, Eli. However, as …

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by Catherine Madera   I read once that “writing is listening.” In life, writers are always listening for what’s under the surface: deep truths, sorrow and joy unexpressed. These precious things are captured and used for inspiration.  I believe that true equine lifestyle is not about the kind of horse …

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Plan New Things to Do with Horses in 2014 by Catherine Madera   Recently, I was asked to go on a trail ride while at a writer’s workshop in Arizona. I almost said No. Not because I don’t like to ride, but because I don’t care to ride the type …

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Horse Sense for the Holidays by Catherine Madera   ‘Tis the season to hurry, hurry, hurry. As I write this, Thanksgiving is around the corner and I feel my thoughts amping up. By mid-December I’m usually tired of Christmas, and all its busy “cheer.” Before I allow myself to get …

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Value the “Glue” in Relationships by Catherine Madera       Much of my horse time over the last two months has revolved around starting my new horse, Mateo. As I write this, in September, he has been a good student for the last three weeks and I feel confident …

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How Are You Affecting Your Horse? by Catherine Madera   As I’ve embraced naturpathic remedies for myself, relying less and less on drugs and anything that compartmentalizes health, I’ve become more interested in holistic health for my horse. Mind, body, and spirit cannot be separated. They constantly affect one another and …

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Thoughts on Process by Catherine Madera     Summer is in full swing and I have a lot on my mind. Top of the list includes finishing my latest novel Rhinestones and my new horse Mateo. When this issue goes to print, I plan to be starting Mateo under saddle …

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On Being a Lifelong Student by Catherine Madera   There was a time when I thought becoming a horseman was like getting a degree. After assimilating enough information, I’d arrive at a point of proficiency. Whatever that means. Instead, over the years I’ve discovered, with each new horse, how much …

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Performance is an Inside Job by Catherine Madera   My daughter’s horse, Gunner, is a beautiful example of what he was bred for: speed in the quarter mile. A gaming horse, he loves to run and is built for the job. He’s definitely a performance horse in terms of athletic ability. …

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On Horses, Tack, and the Almighty Opinion by Catherine Madera     The above photo is the curb bit I used on my childhood horse, a spunky Arabian named Sunfire. As I recall, I rode Sunny two-handed much of the time in this humdinger of a leverage bit. I did …

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