The breathtaking majesty of equine power and grace has given horses a storied place in the lives and legends of human beings. Now, a new study from Ohio State University has found that horses can also have a near-magical effect on people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Instead of engaging in their usual crafts and exercise classes at an adult day center, eight adults with Alzheimer’s volunteered to feed, walk, paint and groom horses at a local farm once a week for a month. The horses were specially-selected for their calm, easygoing dispositions and participation in a prior therapeutic riding program for children with physical and developmental disabilities.

The effect on the older adults was almost instantaneous, according to Holly Dabelko-Schoney, lead author and associate professor of social work at Ohio State. “The experience immediately lifted their mood, and we saw a connection to fewer incidences of negative behavior,” she says in a university news release.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/horses-have-a-miraculous-effect-on-people-with-alzheimers.html#ixzz3bdKGvmqv 

Caroline Johnson stood at the in-gate of the Dixon Oval at Devon, towel tucked in her back pocket and heart in her throat as her horse Distance trotted into the ring to show in the first year green division with Joey Barley aboard.

“It was a little surreal. Seeing her on the Jumbotron playing over the ring was cool. I thought to myself, ‘She actually looks like all these other horses that are here! She fits in,’” Johnson said.

There are lots of reasons Johnson doubted that Distance might not fit in. The Irish Sport Horse mare showed in her first USEF-recognized show in October at age 10. Her purchase price was probably fractions of those of the horses she warmed up alongside at Devon. And amateur rider Johnson, from Julian, N.C., does most of the work with “Dizzy” herself. But, despite all the challenges, Distance did indeed fit in. She didn’t win any ribbons, but she made Johnson and Barley proud.

“I was very happy with how she went. We wanted to have her go around, have a good experience and keep everybody happy and healthy. And we did it!” Johnson said.

“She was great,” Barley said. “She went in and tried hard and made some mistakes but was good. I was extremely proud of her. She exceeded any expectations I may have had for her.”

Read the rest here at The Chronicle of the Horse 

It's not hard to fall in love with the gorgeous hunters showing off in the Dixon Oval, and on a day full of five different open hunter divisions, there were lots of stunners who caught the eye (and impressed the judges!). Here are a few...

Ashcroft

This gorgeous stallion was just one of Scott Stewart's champions today, taking the green conformation tricolor with classic jumping efforts and his good looks. Owner Gina Day bought him last year; he got his start in the jumper ring with Canadian rider Ben Asselin. Ashcroft (Chacco-Blue—Quisine) is just 6 this year.

Read the rest HERE at The Chronicle of the Horse:

A Showcase of the Breed seen 'Round the World'

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) announces an Arabian presence at the esteemed Central Park Horse Show in New York City, NY, September 23-28, 2015. The show has provided AHA with a unique platform in which to showcase Arabian horses to the entire world. 

RELEASE: April 24, 2013
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: FEI Communications

March 18, 2015 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust is pleased to announce it is now accepting proposals from IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations for its 2015 grants program. In 2014, the Trust awarded nearly $300,000 to help fund nearly 20 projects.

Midwest Horse Fair

April 17, 18, 19, 2015
Alliant Energy Center
Madison, Wisconsin

Mahlon Hawk, Emmy-Award-winning bassist/singer/songwriter has just released the #1 hit "(How Much Is) That Doggie In The Window?", a song that appeals to everyone, everywhere, of all ages.

As are many other horse.  Go to WWW.NetPosse.Com

Here is the PDF Flyer.  Here is a video about Mayito: