Equestrian Blogs
Blogs KMEC Recommends
The Heart Horse
The Heart Horse is a community of lifelong horse lovers. Emilie is an adult amateur/happy hacker with a love of dressage. Her journey with horses has had several ups and downs, and twists and turns. She started this blog earlier this year (in 2020) to support you and your love of horses by sharing her tips, experiences and stories.
We'll share many of Emilie's posts here with her permission, and encourage you to visit The Heart Horse and subscribe to her blog so you don't miss anything.
Equestrian Profile: Ashley Van Der Hout, Part 1
JULY 10, 2020 | THE HEART HORSE
For this Equestrian Profile I had the privilege to interview Ashley Van Der Hout.
Ashley owns and manages Kings Meadow Equestrian Centre Inc. She graduated from the Kentucky School of Horseshoeing as a Master Farrier. Although her specialty lies in the hunter, equitation, and dressage ring, she has vast experience in a variety of disciplines, with a strong focus on the importance of solid flatwork, horsemanship and proper equitation.
She balances running her 7-day per week business with caring for her 16-month-old-daughter as well as riding and competing herself.
I have known Ashley since I moved Huxley to her facility in 2012. Ashley taught me much of what I know about dressage, horsemanship, and horse management. She is someone I have always considered a role model, and I am so excited that she is willing to share her story with The Heart Horse’s readers!
Equestrian Profile: Ashley Van Der Hout, Part 2
AUGUST 17, 2020 | THE HEART HORSE
Ashley and I had such a long conversation I had to break her interview into two parts. This is Part 2 of my interview with Ashley Van Der Hout, owner and manager of Kings Meadow Equestrian Centre Inc.
Ashley shares great advice on creating successful relationships with equine professionals and developing a solid foundation with your horse. In Part 2, Ashley discusses: How to find a good blacksmith or vet, How to be a good student, Advice for boarders, Advice on buying your first horse and Her favourite riding discipline.
Equestrian Profile: Erin Crossman
JULY 17, 2020 | THE HEART HORSE
For this Equestrian Profile I had the pleasure to interview Erin Crossman. Erin’s perspective on horses is a breath of fresh air. Her words will unearth your inner child and remind you why you fell in love with horses in the first place.
Erin makes a living as a dog trainer and photographer. She is self-taught in photography.
She started working with horses when she was 13. She now owns 2 horses and does mostly trail riding. Her approach to riding is similar to her photography. The technical is important but the feel and intuitive side have always been the driving factors.
Equestrian Profile: Brittany Madigan
JUNE 15, 2020 | THE HEART HORSE
Brittany is a Registered Social Worker with a private practice, Brittany Madigan Counselling Services, offering equine-assisted therapy and office-based therapy. She supports people of all ages who have survived trauma, live with depression and anxiety, or struggle with self-esteem issues.
Brittany identifies as Indigenous (Mohawk of Kahnawake) and Canadian. She has a Masters of Social Work and certificates in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and as a Certified Trauma Integration Clinician. She lives in Hamilton with her partner and two dog-children named Cody and Milo. In her free time you’ll find her spending time at the barn with her beloved horse Santé, weightlifting, reading, and spending time in nature.
Brittany and I have been friends for a few years now, and I have such an admiration for her work and mindset around horses. I am so grateful that she was willing to participate in an interview and share more details about her work and her relationship with horses.
Brittany is so open and honest and does a great job putting that special connection with horses into words. I hope you enjoy reading about it as much as I enjoyed speaking with her.