Stable Days

HORSES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Hi Horse Pals,

Our friends Chantelle and Nakia recently went to Iran and sent this post and a few pics of the one horse they saw.  

Here's what they said ...

We don't think this is an Arabian horse, but it's the only horse we saw on our trip to Iran.  Do you know what kind it is? 

It sure is dressed up! 

We heard that horse riding is popular and that they do have Arabian horses there - we just didn't see any.  When we were in Ireland, we saw horses everywhere - but not in Iran.  

The photos of the snowy horses are from our trip to the mountains in Arizona.

Your Horse Pals,

@raya, Chantelle and Nakia

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ ARABIAN

Hi Horse Pals ~

The first 2 horses I rode were Arabians, OB and Biffy, and so I am happy to highlight them. They are considered by many people to be the most beautiful equine animal in the world.

ARABIAN

Fact#1::  The Arabian originated in the Middle East and to the Arab people is called keheilan, meaning " pure blood, through and through".  They are the oldest and purest of all horse breeds.

Fact#2::  The Arab is quite unique in its conformation.  The Arab has 17 ribs (other horses have 18); five lumbar vertebrae (other horses have 6); and 16 tail bones (other horses have 18).

Fact#3::  The head is small and elegant, with a "dished," or concave, profile.  The neck has a high crest and the angle at which the neck joins the head, called the mitbah, is seen only in this breed.

Fact #4:  The Arabian is a breed with a reputation for intelligence, high spirit and outstanding stamina, which makes it an excellent choice for endurance riding.

Fact #5:  Traditionally, the Arab is a small horse ranging from 14.2 - 15 hands and the Arabian Horse Association recognizes pure bred horses with the coat colors bay, grey, chestnut, black and roan.  Bay is the most common color, followed by grey and then chestnut.

There were so many fun facts about Arabians that it was hard to choose 5!  It's a lot of fun to learn even more about some of my favorite horses.  

So, here's the clue to my next horse choice ... the first horse to be registered as this breed was named Wimpy. Have fun guessing!!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HORSE PALS!

HAVE A BEARY MERRY CHRISTMAS 

AND A NEW YEAR FILLED WITH LOTS O'HUGS, 

HORSE PALS!!

LOVE, @RAYA AND @VERY

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ HANOVERIAN

Hi Horse Pals,

It has been very fun to hear your favorite horse breeds (along with some fun facts and 

photos) in our contests.  I thought it would be fun to highlight a different horse breed each week starting now into the new year.  I will put some  beautiful photos and fun facts about each breed.  I will start with some of my favs, and since my #1 favorite is the Hanoverian I will start with that today.  Feel free to post some fun facts on your favorite breeds and if you want to post a photo, e-mail it to me and I will put it on the blog.  Let me know if there is a breed you would like me to highlight and I will try to get to them all in 2009!!

Let the fun begin!!

HANOVERIAN

Fact #1::  The Hanoverian originated in Germany in the 1700's.

Fact #2::  A great many Hanoverians have become household names as show jumpers, among them Dollar Girl (1995 World Cup winner with Nick Skelton) and Top Gun (1992 Olympic team gold medallist with Jan Tops).

Fact #3:: They can come in any solid color and their height is from 15.3 to 16.3 hands 

(62-66 in.)

Fact #4::  Hanoverians are among the world's most sought-after sports horses, their strength and athleticism making them especially suitable for dressage and show jumping.

Fact #5 The Hanoverian is noted for its strength then its speed, hence the many successes of its representatives in dressage and show jumping.  They are known for their natural balance and floating trot.

Here's a clue to next week's horse ... "It only has 17 ribs".  If you want to guess, just click comment below and add your guess!!

See ya next week,

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

THE SHUTTERBUG CLUB VISITS THE BARN :)

Hi Horse Pals,

Avy and I belong to a photo club and each month we visit a different location for a photo shoot.  This week we had our photo shoot at the barn.  

 

It was so fun to share the barn with our friends.

Before we begin a photo shoot session, we share the previous month's pictures with everyone. Today we shared our Travel Town photos.  

Once the photo shoot began, I had a lot fun watching all of the photographers taking shots from their unique perspective.

As you know, the barn is my very favorite place to be and we have taken a TON of photos there.  I think it will be so interesting to see the photos from people visiting for the first time.

I can't wait to see their photos and share some with you!! Our photographer friends got to meet Dandy and OB and all of our horse friends.

I ran Dandy for them so they could get a horse in motion. 

After the shoot, Avy and I taught some of our friends how to groom.  They really enjoyed being with the horses and helping care for them.

Avy and I then rode OB and D and some of the photographers hung around and went in the arena and snapped away!

It was a memorable and fun day at the barn!

Your Horse Pals,

@raya and Avy 

WIN A COOL KIDS TEE JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Tell us your favorite type of horse and have a chance to win one of our fun "It's All About Horses" t-shirts!  This fashionable tee will be a hit with the animal lover on your gift list! 

It's easy!  It's free!  Just leave a comment at the bottom of this post (you simply click "Comments").  Good luck!

You can check out our entire line of "Live Your Passion" adults and kids tees and tote bags at http://www.boorileyproductions.com.

Contest for U.S. Residents Only.  Contest ends 12/15/08 and winner will be listed here. Winning t-shirt available in youth sizes small, medium and large.

P.S.  Also, animal lovers worldwide can join our free Horse Pals Club!  Read my blog to find out more ...

Your Horse Pal,

@raya