Winter is the season when many riders start to panic about their horse’s nutrition — but most horses need far fewer supplements than we think. This week’s article breaks down what winter actually changes in a horse’s diet, which supplements are truly backed by science, which ones only help in specific situations, and which products are mostly just clever marketing. I also share what Lucas stays on during the winter months and why Grand Meadows remains a trusted part of his routine. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the feed room this time of year, this guide will help simplify your choices and support your horse more effectively.
Cloning Elite Horses: Progress or Ethical Problem? What Riders Need to Know
Cloning has officially entered the dressage world — and with it comes a wave of excitement, controversy, and ethical questions many riders have never had to consider. As elite competitors begin cloning their top horses, scientists are now suggesting that clones may even retain “phantom memory” from the original horse. But what does cloning really mean for sport-horse welfare, genetics, and the future of our sport? This week’s article breaks down the science, the risks, the promises, and the ethics behind equine cloning, and why thoughtful conversation is more important than ever.
The New Year in Palestine
While much of the world begins January with resolutions and fresh-start energy, the new year looks very different in Palestine. There is no reset button, no pause in hardship—yet hope still appears in quiet, powerful ways. This week’s article reflects on what the new year means under occupation, how Palestinian families hold on to resilience and tradition, and what we can learn from a people who continue to greet each year with dignity, strength, and unwavering hope.
Improving Rider Fitness in Winter: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
As riders set their goals for the new year, improving fitness often lands at the top of the list—but winter makes staying motivated feel harder than ever. This week’s article breaks down how small, realistic habits can make a big difference in your strength, balance, and confidence in the saddle. No gym memberships, no pressure, and no guilt—just simple, sustainable ways to support both you and your horse through the colder months.
It’s Okay to Take a Break: Why Time off is Good for you and Your Horse
The holidays can leave many riders feeling guilty when their horses get a few unexpected days off, but rest is not a setback—it’s a healthy, normal part of riding and horsemanship. In this week’s article, we talk about why breaks are beneficial for both horses and humans, how even professionals schedule downtime, and why your partnership won’t suffer just because life gets busy. If you’ve been feeling pressure to do it all this season, this is your reminder that it’s okay to slow down.
Christmas in Bethlehem: The Birthplace of Hope Under Occupation
Bethlehem appears on Christmas cards as a peaceful, glowing city—but the real Bethlehem is a place where beauty, faith, and resilience exist alongside checkpoints, walls, and daily restrictions. This week’s article explores what Christmas looks like today in the birthplace of Jesus, honoring the traditions of Palestinian Christian families and the realities they face under occupation. A reflection on history, humanity, and the enduring hope that continues to shine from Bethlehem every December.
Smart Tack or Smart Marketing? — Part 2
Not all barn gadgets are created equal. In Part 2 of the Smart Tack series, we look at the evidence-based therapies that actually help horses — not through hype or marketing claims, but through real physiology and peer-reviewed research. From Back on Track’s ceramic infrared technology, to therapeutic lasers, to solarium heat, to the simplest and most proven tool of all—icing—this article breaks down how each modality works, why the science supports it, and how riders can use them to improve warm-up, recovery, mobility, and long-term soundness. These are the tools I trust because the research backs them, and my horses benefit from them.
Winter Riding Risks: What the Research Says About Cold Muscles, Tendons & Joints
Winter changes how our horses move more than most riders realize. Cold temperatures make muscles stiffer, tendons less elastic, joint fluid thicker, and breathing more difficult — all of which increase the risk of injury if we don’t adjust our warm-ups and expectations. In this week’s Dressage Discussions article, we break down the science behind winter riding, how cold affects equine biomechanics, and the training adjustments that keep horses safe, comfortable, and sound all season long.
What Happens to a Horse’s Body in the Cold?
Winter changes everything for our horses — their calorie needs, hydration levels, coat insulation, and even how their digestive system functions. Yet many riders still rely on old barn myths rather than biology. This article breaks down the science behind how horses regulate body temperature, why hay keeps them warmer than grain, when cold becomes dangerous, and the biggest winter health risks owners overlook. A clear, evidence-based guide to keeping horses healthy, comfortable, and thriving all winter long.
Smart Tack or Smart Marketing? — Part 1
The equestrian world is full of high-priced wellness gadgets promising better circulation, faster recovery, and improved performance — but how much of it is real, and how much is marketing? In this week’s Dressage Discussions article, we break down the science behind BEMER therapy, PEMF systems like MagnaWave, magnetic blankets, and vibration plates. Backed by veterinary research and equine physiology, this deep dive separates fact from fiction to help riders make informed, welfare-focused decisions for their horses.
Dressage Discussions 