Category: Historic Horseback Riding Trails

Year Of The Horse (Zodiac and More!)

8/18/2020

The next Year Of The Horse might not be until 2026, but for us, it's every day! We wanted to share and explore the history behind the zodiac horse and what it means to be born in a year of the horse.

We hope while you're reading this, we find you happy and well. We've enjoyed seeing so many of your friendly and familiar faces back on our trails. For those of you new to our blog or for those of you who might be unaware, we are currently open and offering our Historic Trail Rides! Enjoy the beautiful weather, the wonderful Low Country scenery, all while socially distancing on the back of a horse. We are adhering to the Governor's guidelines to help keep our staff and client safe! All saddles, bridles, and helmets are cleaned after every ride. A visit to the stables might be exactly what you need right now.

This year has been a rough ride, to say the least. We've all overcome and gone through challenges in all areas of our lives. Depending on the culture, some look to Farmers Almanacs to predict or look for answers for a difficult year. Some look at astrological coincidences and others look at the zodiac sign to help explain the reasoning behind what is happening in their region or throughout the world. This year in the Zodiac calendar is the year of The Rat, and there won't be a year of The Horse until 2026. Regardless, we wanted to learn a little more about the history of the Horse Zodiac, it's personality traits, and what it could mean during the year of The rat. The most recent Year Of The Horse were 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 and soon to be 2026.

12 zodiac animals rotate every year. According to legend, the Jade Emperor challenged all of the animals to a race. The first 12 who made it to his party would be gifted with a year named after them in the zodiac calendar. The Jade Emperor, according to The Ancient History Encyclopedia, is the first or highest deity in Chinese Tradition. He is in charge of the cosmos. But, this deity is not in charge of the creation story, because Chinese tradition and religion don't have a deity that is credited with the creation. The horse is the 7th animal in the Zodiac, according to ChineseNewYear. The horse would have arrived at the emperor's party much sooner, but he had to pass a graveyard as part of his race and was very afraid. He closed his eyes while passing, which slowed his progress. Once he passed the graveyard, he sped up and ran as quickly as he could and was still able to come in 7th place. More consistently, history says that snake hid in the hoof of the great horse, and just as the horse was about to cross the finish line, the snake jumped out and scared the horse, giving him the advantage to cross the finish line before the horse.

The zodiac animal in which year you are born is also said to reflect your personality traits. According to Astrology.Com, horses are very passionate but they don't always follow through with their dreams. It is very easy for them to lose interest once the very first steps of excitement are gone. They are always looking for the next challenge. They are very loving individuals who crave to belong but tend to go looking for what completes and defines them. They can get angry very quickly, but their anger ends as quickly as it begins. According to ChineseNewYear, their largest fault is that "they are blind to their own faults", and quite often get in the way of their own success.

2020, The Year Of The Rat, won't be the best for the horse. The biggest challenge they will be facing will be in their careers. According to TravelChina, it is recommended that horses should avoid high-risk investments, and even though income will be stable, it won't be a huge mass of wealth. Which, with so many people facing unemployment right now, the zodiac calendar might not be too far off. What struck us the most was the predictions for health for horses in 2020. It is the least successful attribute in a horse's life this year. It is recommended to regularly check your health, be very aware of your mental health, and more outdoor activities are needed. If that doesn't sound like 2020, we don't know what does.

Every Zodiac year comes with lucky and unlucky traits and who are the most compatible and not compatible within the Zodiac calendar. They are the most compatible with the Dog, Tiger, and Goat. They are the least compatible with the Rat and the Ox. Since they are very incompatible with the rat, this will not be the best year for the horse, as we mentioned above. Problems are said to appear constantly throughout the year, and it will be a struggle to get through this one. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to make this year a little bit better. Good deeds, random acts of kindness, charity, and community service can make a difference. Ironically, the Rat brings success to everyone, so if you see an opportunity for that, take it!

Lucky things for The Horse: Crystals, the numbers 3, 4, and 9, and the colors purple, red, and green.
Unlucky things for The Horse: The numbers 6, 7, 8 and the colors black, gold, and brown.

Ironically, even if you don't believe in the zodiac signs or know much about them, 2020 does resonate with what has been predicted. We, like all of you, hope to find good luck in what's left of this year. But, if anything, learning more about this beautiful creature in the eyes of a different culture has been very interesting. What did you think? Comment below! Also, let us know if you were born in a previous year of The Horse or know anyone that was. Does their personality match the descriptions we've listed?

2 Comments

Tips For Purchasing A Horse

7/29/2020

3 Comments

Are you finally in the market to buy a horse of your very own? We have some tips and suggestions that can make the process smooth and simple.

This summer weather is not a joke! We love being outside with our horses and on the trails with all of you every time you visit. But, this heat index is crazy! We can't stress enough that keeping yourself and your horse hydrated needs to be your top priority right now! Don't forget your sunscreen and bug spray, too. We've seen a lot of horse flies recently, and those bites are not pleasant.

Since many of us are spending a good amount of time at home right now, more of you might be thinking about buying a horse of your very own. A few blogs back we talked about some steps and what to expect when adopting a horse here in South Carolina. If you missed that blog, please follow the link below to read:

https://www.middletonplaceequestriancenter.com/blog/adopting-a-horse-in-south-carolina

We understand that you might want to go a different way when getting a horse of your very own. There is no wrong way of doing this, it is all a personal preference. But, before you make the big step in buying your horse, we wanted to share some tips and ideas to keep in mind before you do and while you're going through the process.

Understand who you are as a rider and how much time you can invest in your horse. Think about how you'll be riding, if you just want a companion horse, if you want to breed horses, race, or compete. If you're going to ride, be honest about your skill level and what temperament of horse is best for you. Don't challenge yourself just because you can! A horse might look beautiful and might be a great opportunity but, you're looking to buy for a lifetime. Your horse needs love and care for what could be up to 20 to 25 years.
Please be honest about your budget. A horse is a very big investment and is a long term investment. Proper nutrition, a place to live, a place to roam, medical treatment and care, grooming, and care for their hooves will be needed for the whole lives. If you're going to board them, that will be an added expense, and so will be the training you will need if they aren't already. Also, if you want to show or compete with your horse, that will require even more training and will add to your budget.
Make sure you don't buy your horse blind. Seeing a picture online or that someone sends you is not enough. Meet your horse in person and do not be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. Do your research and educate yourself on the breeders, sellers, or dealers you want to work with. Reputation holds a lot of truth. According to Horse and Rider, the sale of a horse is protected, and they have to be fit for why they are being sold. So, if you do get yourself in a bad situation, you'll have protection. Even still, this is something you'll want to avoid.
Make sure that your dealer or seller is forthcoming about your horse's linage and breading. Make sure you will be given the full paperwork and records that are needed for your use and to provide to your vet. Not having this important paperwork can find you in a very bad position. Ending up with a horse of poor breading can lead to a sickly horse or a horse that could develop serious issues down the road.
A lot of people will tell you that buying a horse is very similar to buying a used car. You would never buy a used or new car without sufficient research and not without seeing how it drives. Make sure you see not only how the horse rides while you're visiting the stables you're buying from, but also make sure that you ride the horse too! If you can, ride several horses before picking out the one for you. A horse might look beautiful and might ride will for someone else, but that doesn't mean it will be the same for you.

We are so excited that you are thinking about bringing a horse into your family, and we hope these tips and suggestions cleared up any questions or hesitations you might have. Until you do make this dream become a reality, don't forget we are still open for our historic horseback trail rides. They are the perfect way to get outdoors, be safely distanced, and visit with your favorite animals. For more information, please visit our website. Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

3 Comments

Horseback Trail Riding Etiquette!

7/14/2020

1 Comment

When visiting any horseback trail, it's always good to know the proper etiquette for you, your horse, and the stables you're riding with!

Coming onto our trails and into our barns is just like coming into someone's home for the very first time. There are rules, guidelines, and etiquette you need to follow to be respectful, to stay safe, and make sure your goals for your visit are met. Our etiquette not only follows in those ideals, but is mostly focused on the safety of our horses, your safety, and the safety of our staff while you're with us. If it's your first time visiting our trails or the first time you've ever ridden a horse, making sure you understand the proper etiquette is something very important to us. We urge you to not only read this blog but continue your research before riding with us. If riding with a younger child, please share these tips with them and lead by example. With that being said, we would like to help your educational journey with a blog dedicated to trail riding etiquette! Here are 15 of the most important trail riding guidelines that you should follow every time you visit us and every time you ride a horse.

When you come to a point where you're traveling downhill, your horse's center of gravity will change. Lean back in your saddle slightly to center your weight over the horse.
Always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet.
Always communicate with other riders around you. Let them know when you're going to pass them, what side you're going to pass them on, and give them plenty of room to pass for both you and the other rider.
If you hear a strange or unknown noise, turn your horse in the direction of the sound so they can see what caused it. This can prevent a horse from bolting or throwing you off.
If you're riding along a path in the woods and you need to move a branch, lift it up to go under. Don't hold it and swing it back, you'll hit other riders behind you.
Keep the same gait and speed as the rest of the group at all times.
Do not litter while on the trail! Trash can be mistaken as food or treats for other horses or your own. Eating these items can be very dangerous. Leave everything back at the barn, in your car, or place anything in your saddlebags.
Ride at the level and speed that you are comfortable and trained for. Never do anything unsafe or something you've not been taught to do.
Share the trail with others and be courteous. You are not the only one on this ride.
Leave ample space between you and the rider ahead of you, which is about two horses away.
Take loose or long breaks from the reins to give your horse a rest. But, always maintain communication with them.
Try to avoid running next to or running up to another horse.
Always pay attention to the leader of the pack. This includes their decision on stopping, starting, speed, and gait.
Always stay on the marked and designated trail, do not go off the path or wader away by yourself.
Along with your helmet, please come dressed appropriately for the ride, even in the hot summer months. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a short-sleeve shirt are all recommended. Please also consider wearing bug spray and suntan lotion!

Safety is always our number one priority! It allows us to keep our beautiful animals safe, and to help our visitors enjoy their ride every time they visit! We are currently offering our historical trail rides, and can't wait to see you soon! For more information, please visit our website. Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

1 Comment

Adopting A Horse in South Carolina

6/29/2020

3 Comments

Becoming a forever home for a horse in need can be a dream come true for you and your new horse. How do you go about adopting a horse here in the Lowcountry?

Friends, we have to say it. We LOVE when you visit and take one of our historical tours. Please know you are always getting the best trail rides and horseback riding experience in Charleston every time you visit. But, we know the truth of how it feels to fall in love with horses and wanting one for your very own. It comes with a big-time commitment, a big responsibility, and a can be very expensive. But, they are worth every moment and every penny. With that in mind, we wanted to share a few tips and suggestions on how and where to adopt a horse of very own here in the Charleston. Choosing to adopt and buy one from a breeder is a personal choice, and whichever you decide is perfectly fine. We just wanted to share the adoption process with you first, and talk about some wonderful organizations that can help your dreams come true.

L.E.A.R.N Horse Rescue (Livestock, Equine Awareness, and Rescue Network)

Located right here in the Lowcountry, LEARN is dedicated to not just finding someone to adopt their rehabilitated horses, they are dedicated to finding the best forever home. Since their founding in 2009, LEARN has "successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and re-homed" over 300 neglected horses. They are an all-volunteer organization that takes in and rehabilitate horses that have had to endure the worst. Their adoption process is not one they take lightly. They take the necessary and needed amount of time to help heal, rehabilitate, and train the horses that come to them, and never rush the process. They make it very clear that the love and care they provide these horses is not just to get the adoption fee. The fee is nowhere near what is spent on the care of the horse during its rehabilitation. They have you fill out a very detailed adoption application and you must provide references. Your knowledge of horses, the facilities you have to house them in, your financial situation, and your ability to care for your adopted horse determines if you are a good potential or not. They will also speak to your references before beginning the process. You must provide pictures of the horse's new potential home, too. If all of these requirements are met, you get a 30 day trial period with your horse. If it is a success, you officially get to adopt. If a lifetime commitment cannot be filled after adoption, the horse is returned to LEARN. These horses are not allowed to be sold or used commercially once adopted, and some can be ridden while others are just meant to be companions. To learn more, apply for adoption, or donate visit their website below.
https://learnhorserescue.org/adoption-application%2Finfo

2. Big Oakes Rescue FarmLocated in Hodges, SC this rescue farm is dedicated to the care of horses, donkeys, mules, and more! The sanctuary was founded in 2007 by Joe Mann, who has a passion for saving animals. They strive to give these animals a new life and home along with providing education to the public about awareness of animal care, welfare, and abuse. Since 2010, they have also rescued and rehabilitated over 300 horses and found them brand new homes. Big Oakes also has an extensive application that you must fill out before an adoption can happen. You have to describe where the horse will be living, along with providing pictures of where they will be living, where they will be fed, and where they will exercise. You must provide your personal information, along with your farrier's and vet's information. They will also be calling your vet as part of the application process to talk about your history with animals and if you would be a good potential horse owner. To learn more, begin the application process, or donate to their cause visit their website below!
https://www.bigoaksrescuefarm.org/

3. H.O.P.E ACRES RESCUE (Helping Our Precious Equines) Located in Berkeley County, SC they provide rescue services to horses across the country. Thanks to community, country, state, and donation support they can save, rehabilitate,and give a safe home to horses in need. From the very beginning of the adoption process, HOPE makes it very clear that every potential family must understand the financial and physical demands of owning a horse. Their multipage application is also very detailed. The questions range from wanting to know about you, your knowledge of horses, who will be riding and caring for the horses, what your style of riding is, what activities you have planned for your horses, and more. The HOPE farm also has very specific requirements that must bet met before being considered for adoption including:

A visit to the farm.
At least two references, a vet, and a farrier.
At least one other horse at your home.
At least two acres of pasture space for the horses to roam.
A donation between $400-$600 depending on how much care and rehabilitation the horse has been through.

To learn more, speak with their adoption coordinator Becky Strong, begin the adoption process, or donate, visit their website below!
http://www.hopeacresrescue.org/

Horses are magical creatures and those who take the time to save and care for ones who have been through the worst are heroes. Consider donating, learning more about horse welfare education, and maybe even adopt one someday. Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

3 Comments

Trinkets for the Trail; Important Accessories and More!

6/16/2020

1 Comment

Curious about what you might find when riding on our trials or on trails of your own? Here are some important accessories you need to know about!

Happy June, everyone! Let's continue to get back in the saddle one day at a time. When joining us for your next trail ride, there might be a few needed accessories that you might not know what they are or what they do. Don't worry! We are here to help guide you. Also, everything you need for your next visit with us will be provided. We are taking very serious steps to keep our guests and employees very safe. Everything you touch and come in contact with will be very safe and clean. But as you prepare to come to visit us, we wanted to share some information about some important trail riding accessories. This information is also great for those who want to explore trails out in the wild or who might want to invest in their trail riding equipment. Don't forget, our historic trail rides are open and available to the public. You don't want to miss this beautiful and unique experience this summer!

Each of the items we will be talking about today makes riding and any experience on or with a horse much more prepared, easier, and comfortable for both parties involved. They help keep the quality of the ride enjoyable and can come in handy to keep you safe and protected in any situation.

Saddle Bags

These are found on either side of your horse's saddle and they are used for storage. They are the exact size, on both sides of the saddle, to make sure your horse stays balanced. They come with plenty of straps to avoid accidents or damage to you, your horse, or what you're carrying inside. They are ideal for long trail rides or if you're riding your horse out for a weekend of camping. They are great for carrying supplies like food, water, and first aid. They are centrally located, so you can access them easily while riding and can see what you're doing. They come in multiple sizes depending on the length of your ride. They can also be insulated, depending on what you need to carry. They come in many different styles, colors, and fabrics for both English and Western-style riding. They have been made for style and endurance purposes.

Feed Bags

These are for our horse companions to enjoy a little snack or dinner on the road. They are great for situations where a horse might compete for food with other horses. They also make group feedings out in the pasture easier for both you and your horse. It makes eating away from their stable much easier, too. You don't have to carry a giant trough with you on your next ride. Feed bags also help prevent your horse from over-eating, eating someone else's dinner, and minimizes the amount of wasted feed.

Bits

These will be found on almost every ride you take. These are the metal pieces, or bits, that fit perfectly within a horse's mouth. They come in all colors, designs, and materials and are measured to fit perfectly within a horse's mouth and over their muzzle. This is done to avoid discomfort or pinching. They are attached to the reins that the rider holds and controls. Bits play a huge part in communication between the rider and their horse. Some riders don't like bits and use something called a hackamore, a biteless bridle. In no way should bits ever be used to punish a horse. They are used to tell a horse what direction to turn, to change their speed and gait, to move in different directions, and to stop. Using a light hand when using a bit is key.

Halters

Not to be confused with a popular cut and fit of tops and dresses, this is lovingly referred to as a horse collar. It can be used as an alternative to a bit. A halter is placed onto a horse's head and is used to lead them around and to secure them while they are not being ridden. They are used to retrieve and hold your horses, too. It helps promote the safety of you and your horse, which is key when out and about in an unknown area. Always use a halter, and make sure to use it properly when riding and tie it securely when you're not riding.

Have you seen or used some of these accessories before? Or are they all new to you? We are excited to help continue and nurture any education when it comes to our beautiful horses and everything it takes to ride them safely and properly. The trails are calling you, so what are you waiting for? Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

1 Comment

Interesting and Bizarre Facts About Horses

6/2/2020

14 Comments

These beautiful creatures are full of surprises. Their unique personalities, how they interact with one another, and the things we discover continue to surprise us. So much so, there are hundreds of interesting and bizarre facts about horses out there, and many you might not know!

We are getting one step closer to some sense of normalcy every day. As we mentioned in our last blog, we've been taking extra care of our horses, barns, equipment, and stables to make your next ride with us very safe. Make sure you're paying close attention to our website or give us a call for all of our latest information. We are currently open for our historic trail rides, which are not to be missed! Enjoy this beautiful weather and the wonderful Lowcountry scenery, all while social distancing on the back of a stunning horse. We are adhering to the Governor's guidelines to help keep our staff and clients safe. Please reach out to us regarding any specific questions or services, and we hope to see you real soon. It's very easy to book your next ride with us on our website or to send us a message. We are here for you and continue to offer the best trail rides in Charleston!

In our last few blogs we've scaled the spectrum of topics. From ways to ride your horses, staying sanitary, to myths and legends, we've offered a slew of new things to learn about. Education is something we deeply appreciate and cherish. We love watching new riders of all ages hop on a horse for the very first time, and continue coming back as their love and appreciation grows for these amazing creatures. As the virtual school year has a few more weeks left, we hope that parents will bring their children to our trails for a field trip or stumble upon our blog. In that vein and the spirit of continued education, we wanted to share some interesting and bizarre facts that you may or may not know about horses! We would love to hear from you after you read this blog. Comment what facts you found interesting and what you learned. Don't hesitate to share and post this for all of your friends and family to enjoy, too!

INTERESTING FACTS

Horses are almost able to see 360 degrees around them, due to the placement of their eyes on the side of their heads.
It is estimated that there are over 60 million horses in the world.
Horses can sleep standing up or laying down on either of their sides.
Horses can run very shortly after they are born.
They have the largest eyes of any mammal found on land.
The oldest known horse was Old Billy, who lived to be 62 years old!
Horses can't vomit or burp.
They only chew on one side of their mouths.
Male horses have more teeth than female horses.
Horses can grow a mustache!

BIZARRE FACTS

Scientists believe that over the last 50 million years or so, horses evolved from much smaller creatures. Who wouldn't love to have a pocket-sized horse?
Horse's teeth take up more space in their heads than their brains.
For many years, people believed that horses were colorblind. It turns out they are not, and they see yellows and greens more predominantly than other colors.
Just like humans, horses use their facial expressions to express their moods. They also use their eyes, nostrils, and ears to express their emotions.
A horse's brain weighs, at adulthood, half the size of an adult human's brain.
Horses have one less bone in their bodies than humans do, they have 205.
Horses hooves are made up of the same material human hair and fingernails are made out of, keratin.
The most expensive horse ever sold was for $70 million. Fusaichi Pegasus was purchased for this exorbitant amount, and he won the Kentucky Derby in 2000. He won only 2 million for his success.
The closest relatives to the horse in the animal kingdom are the rhino, the zebra, and the donkey.
Horses have successfully been cloned.
It can take up to a full 9 to 12 months for a horse to grow a brand new hoof.

These are just some of the interesting and bizarre facts about horses that are out there. These gentle creatures are very complex, and in the 5000 years they have been domesticated, we continue to learn more and more about them. What facts did you learn today? Did anything surprise you? We would love to hear from you! Until then, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

14 Comments

Forward>>

Middleton Place Equestrian Center Blog

Year Of The Horse (Zodiac and More!)

Tips For Purchasing A Horse

Horseback Trail Riding Etiquette!

Adopting A Horse in South Carolina

Trinkets for the Trail; Important Accessories and More!

Interesting and Bizarre Facts About Horses

Author

Archives

Categories