Equine History
Civilization as we know it was built on the backs of horses, and Horse & Rider Living loves to feature these fascinating stories from horse history whenever we encounter them! As always, if you have a topic we should know about, please let our editors know using the contact us page.
The Royal Stables, aka the Royal Mews, and the Origin of its Name
By Paula Sells |
When asked to think of the famous monuments in England’s ancient capital famous names spring to mind including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London. As is often the case, horse history is overlooked. That is why many people are unaware of the Royal Stables created by King Richard II in 1377.
The renowned British equestrian historian Dr. Paula Sells has composed a beautifully illustrated article which reveals the equine treasure that has served the Royal family for 645 years.
This Ain’t My First Rodeo…
By Barbara Godwin |
The 1924 “Royal Rodeo” was the first and last to be held in Great Britain! That’s because American promoter Tex Austin unwittingly caused Parliament to pass the ground breaking Protection of Animals Act.
The Royal Rodeo
By Barbara Godwin |
Cowboys and Kings, America and the Royals, romance and drama, kidnap and rescue, this film touches on a long list of genres, all in a 15 minute run time!
HRL EXCLUSIVE: Savin’ All My Love For You
By Cuchullaine O’Reilly |
It was the 1920s and a new product called Ken-L-Ration dog food was an instant hit. The only problem was that the plant’s owner needed hundreds of thousands of horses to fill the cans of dog food he was selling. The result was horse slaughter on an unimaginable scale, with the Ken-L-Ration company bleeding the country dry of horses in its quest for even greater profits. That’s when one man single handedly attempted to stop the equinocide.
Have Horse Will Travel: Carson City, NV
By Barbara Godwin |
Nevada features a wealth of opportunities for travel and adventure. Breathtaking scenery, history, and cultural settings where one can create memories while reveling in the past, and enjoying a true Nevada experience.
The Mysteries of the Original Mustang
By Barbara Godwin |
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to think of another vehicle that’s had a bigger impact on American culture than the Ford Mustang. As we celebrate the magnificent horses that inspired the vehicles (and remind people of their very real danger at the hands of BLM), Horse & Rider Living is exploring the unexpected and fascinating history of the Ford Mustang.
Irish Travelers and Their Tiny Houses
By Barbara Godwin |
Tiny Houses are a popular part of a worldwide movement to minimize and mobilize their lives – but the craze is not a new one. Being mobile was a way of life for Gypsies (Romani and Irish Travelers), who started out on foot, then to horse, then horse and carts called “Vardo”…the first mobile homes!
Horses In Irish Mythology
By Barbara Godwin |
Like many cultures, the Celts are steeped in history and mythology, their lore taking the imagination to a higher level. This includes mythical horses and the tales they carry.
Ireland’s Forgotten Cowboys
By Cuchullaine O’Reilly |
The real story of America’s first cattle drive would shock many an old cowboy and bring a self-justified, sly grin to any eastern tenderfoot. It is one of the lost secrets of the cattle drive story and it could not have occurred in a more unlikely place.
Yakutian Horses Evolved To Thrive In Extreme Conditions
By Barbara Godwin |
Proving not all horses are created equal, the Yakutian breed of horse has adapted in fascinating ways that allow them to not just survive, but thrive in the extreme cold of their native climate.
Horses as a Marketing Tool: The History of Levi Strauss Jeans
By Barbara Godwin |
Levi Strauss jeans are as American as any item ever manufactured in the USA, and like anything worth owning, they never go out of style. It all started with two immigrants from Bavaria and Lithuania with ambition, an idea…and horses who promoted their wares.
To Celebrate Horses, Take Action for Meaningful Change
By Barbara Godwin |
It’s beyond time for change. Time to explore other options with the true “to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States” as stated in resolution 452. Because right now the character of the United States, as currently shown by the BLM and other parts of our government, is nothing to be proud of.
Happy Horse Halloween!
By Barbara Godwin |
Horses permeate all aspects of our lives, and Halloween is no different. What would a holiday be without including our beloved four-legged friends?!
Big Bob, A Hearse Horse
By Barbara Godwin |
Big Bob, born in 1877, was a cemetery horse in Sanford, Florida. For 28 years, history shows he pulled a hearse to and from Lakeview Cemetery, carrying the dead’s coffins to their final resting place. Established in 1884, Lakeview Cemetery is now part of five cemeteries incorporated into the current Sanford Municipal Cemetery complex.
The Horsey Horseless: A Car Only A Horse Could Love
By Marc Hartzman |
This early concept vehicle was designed to prevent horses from getting scared upon seeing an approaching automobile. … “The live horse would be thinking of another horse,” said Smith, “and before he could discover his error and see that he had been fooled, the strange carriage would be passed.”
Celebrating The Women On Horseback Who Made It Possible For Women To Vote
By Barbara Godwin |
Women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Inez Milholland, and Nellie Bly as well as others often used horses to demonstrate and made great strides while riding astride. No side saddles here! Horses gave women an aura of power, and they used them to spread news about the movement to gain the right to vote.
Clever Hans: The Horse That Knew Everything (Sort Of)
By Guest Author |
Von Osten’s horse also boasted an elephant-like memory. In one demonstration, Hans was introduced to a Count Dohna. He was told, “That is Count Dohna.” Thirty minutes later the Count was pointed to and von Osten asked Hans his name. The horse walked up to a blackboard filled with the letters of the alphabet and picked out D-o-h-n-a.
Lady Wonder: The Nostradamus of Horses
By Marc Hartzman |
News of Lady’s powers spread, and by 1927 the mind-reading mare had gained fame throughout Richmond and around the country.
Simon’s Seed: A Love Letter In Memoriam
By Barbara Godwin |
What started out as just a bag of feed from Simon’s Seed sent me in a direction that I will never forget. While it is true that change is inevitable, there is always a certain sadness when literally one door closes and another opens.