Evacuation Plans for Horses During Fire Emergencies

Evacuation Plans For Horses: Steps To Ensure Safety During Fire Emergencies

Horses are incredible animals, but when it comes to fire emergencies, they’re also surprisingly vulnerable. Their size, sensitivity to sudden changes, and dependence on people put them at serious risk. The worst part is that their instincts often backfire—panic takes over, making them hard to control and turning an already dangerous situation into a life-threatening …

Read more

Caramelo the Rooftop Horse: A Story of Survival, Rescue, and Hope in Brazil’s Floods

Caramelo the Rooftop Horse: A Story of Survival, Rescue, and Hope in Brazil’s Floods

In May 2024, massive floods hit Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, leaving entire communities—and countless animals—trapped. Amid the devastation, one story stood out: a caramel-colored horse, later named Caramelo, stranded balancing on a narrow, partially submerged rooftop in Canoas, fighting to survive. How Did a Stranded Horse on a Rooftop Capture a Nation’s Heart? Caramelo, …

Read more

The Horse that Jumped in a Swimming Pool During the 2018 Camp Fire, California

pool fire

Do you know those stories that just grab your heartstrings? This one from the 2018 Camp fire in Paradise, California, shows how amazing horses are in a crisis. Picture this: Jeff Hill was checking on his neighbor’s house after evacuating the wildfire. You won’t believe what he found! In someone’s swimming pool, a horse is …

Read more

All Eyes on Hawke: An Equine Colorado Wildfire Survivor (2024)

A Story of Survival In late July 2024, a wildfire near Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch called the Alexander Mountain Fire in Colorado (July 2024), forced the evacuation of about 90 horses. Among them was Hawke, a seven-year-old horse who suffered severe leg injuries after falling through a trailer floor during the evacuation. He was promptly …

Read more

Courageous Horse Stories of Survival in the California Wildfires

The Courageous Horses of California: Stories of Survival Amidst Wildfires

Wildfires in California are relentless. This is a series of stories about these courageous horses affected by wildfires and how they survived. The state’s breathtaking landscapes are often marred by these natural disasters, which affect people, wildlife, and domestic animals. Among those animals, horses stand out for their courage and resilience when faced with the …

Read more

Preparing For Cross-Country Equestrian Events

Introduction to Cross-Country Equestrian Events Cross-country equestrian events aka Eventing stand out for their exhilarating blend of speed, endurance, and skill. These events demand a great deal from both horse and rider, drawing on their joint ability to navigate outdoor courses across varying terrain. In cross-country riding, you will find that the joy comes from …

Read more

Guide To Dressage Competitions

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro at the London 2012 Olympic Dressage An upper level dressage horse and rider perform a series of movements upon which they will be judged.

Introduction – Dressage is a Dance Between Horse and Rider We will explore the majestic world of dressage, sometimes called “horse ballet.” Dressage is the art of training a horse to make precise movements as directed by a rider. Tracing its roots to ancient cavalry maneuvers designed for the battlefield, dressage now showcases the peak …

Read more

International Dressage Returns to Royal Windsor Horse Show

International Dressage is set to return to the private grounds of Windsor Castle, as Royal Windsor Horse Show confirms a CDI4* FEI competition as part of its spectacular line-up of sport and entertainment. Organisers have also confirmed that Defender will continue to be the Principal Partner of the Show and will be sponsoring the International …

Read more

Road to The Dutch Masters 2023

The Dutch Masters returns 9-12 March 2023 and will play host to the first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the year. The four-day show will showcase some of the finest horse and rider combinations and will culminate on Sunday with the Rolex Grand Prix. Heading to this prestigious event and seeking to …

Read more

In Honor of My American Warmblood Horse, Glenord’s Rocket Dancer a.k.a. Rocki

My American Warmblood horse - Glenord's Rocket Dancer aka Rocki as a 3-year-old Glenord's Rocket Dancer aka Rocki

This site is dedicated to my registered American Warmblood horse, Glenord’s Rocket Dancer, aka Rocki, who passed away in September 2020. She was my Clydesdale and racing Thoroughbred Appaloosa mare. She was my baby for 26 of her 28 years. Rocki was a Lifetime USDF/USEF member horse. I registered Rocki as an American Warmblood. She …

Read more