The Equestrian Site Is Getting Ready to Run

We’re Almost Ready to Run

The horse site launches June 1!

The launch version of the site will allow users to upload videos, browse classifieds, chat, and so much more. We are largely focused on sport and thoroughbred rescue horses but there will be a section for pleasure horses, too. Our engineers, Jeff and Kevin (who’s from a two horse family), will be adding new features to the site on an ongoing basis so any comments and feedback you have are appreciated.

Remember, the horse site is green but we’re eager to learn.

Welcome to Our Terrific Partners

We’ve recruited top experts in nearly all the sport areas, training, and rescue horses. Your help and enthusiasm has been fantastic.

To date, we are only missing partners in dressage and eventing so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know!

Who You Are

All of our partners have many, many years working in the horse world. I’ll be using the blog to talk about each of you in turn. However, this month I thought I’d begin with our partners involved in the non-profit world.

Our Wonderful Rescue Partners

Melodee C. Shelley-Bolmgren runs Chez Chevaux in Washington. She’s spent 30 years working with horses and grew up in the racing world. She’s rescued some gorgeous ex-racers and you can see them at http://www.chezchevaux.org/. Melodee and Katie Merwick are working on a blog which will focus on the retraining of ex-racers and feature pictures and stories about these wonderful people and their horses.

Katie Merwick founded Second Chance Ranch which specializes in sport horse rehabilitation. She is an author, behaviorist and recipient of the American Red Cross “2000, Hero of the Year” award. She recently received a Special Achievement Award from Emerald Downs for her work with off the track Thoroughbreds. Katie has devoted more than 23 years of her life to animal welfare. Please visit her site at http://www.secondchanceranch.org/

Bill Inman Rides to Washington

Bill Inman and his horse, Blackie, are riding cross country to Washington. He has been featured in newspapers throughout the country.

Bill says “My goal is to uplift the American spirit, raise hope, encourage pride, a sense of adventure and resurrect our sense of unity. Don’t be afraid to look for opportunity in your community and in other places throughout our great nation! With determination and courage we can overcome adversity.”

You can see a recent article about Bill on CNN: http://www-cgi.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/11/15/cross.countrycowboy.ap/index.html.

To hear about his fascinating trek or join him on his ride, go to  http://www.uncoveringamerica.com.

Horse of the Week

Katie Merwick shared this video of a thoroughbred who ran a valiant race, hanging back at the beginning and then blasting forward at the end to emerge the winner. His strategy and speed are breathtaking. Unfortunately, he had unseated his jockey at the beginning of the race and so was disqualified! You can see him run at http://www.assiniboiadowns.com/videos-rotw-050908.html .