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Middleton Place Equestrian Center Blog

The Top 10 Benefits of Boarding Your Horse at Middleton Equestrian Center!

1/19/2021

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To kick off this New Year, we are going to be talking about one of our most important services and attributes; boarding your horse at Middleton Equestrian Center! 

Hello trail friends, a very happy new year to all of you! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones, and we hope you had the opportunity to take advantage of our last two blogs. We hope you took those tips and suggestions to heart to prepare your horses, stables, and barns for the cold winter weather that has finally arrived. While we might not see snow this year as our friends in North Carolina or our friends farther up north will, it has still been cold and wet here in the Lowcountry. Speaking of the Lowcountry, did you give the gift of Middleton this past holiday season? Or did you receive the gift of a trail ride with us? We can't wait to see you soon to celebrate that gift together.

We are currently doing our Historic Trail Rides every day at 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm, with additional 4 pm rides on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We do prefer that you book your rides online, but you can also call us at 843-556-0449. Are you looking for the best trail rides and horseback riding in Charleston, South Carolina? You've found it! We have beautiful trails that intertwine through age-old treas, inspiring views of Middleton Place, and a guide that will accompany you to describe the history and stories we've seen and learned over the years. Middleton Place Equestrian Center is guaranteed to please all of your friends and family! We also ended 2020 on a high note, and were awarded Travelers Choice in 2020 by TripAdvisor! 

One of our most important services and offerings at Middleton is our horse boarding! We want to share more about it with you and talk more about it this year, so please make sure to keep up with our blog and contact us with any questions or comments. We are Charleston's premier boarding and training facility. Our boarding barns feature 46 spacious and well ventilated 12' by 12' stalls, wood shavings, individual fans, and thick stall mats. Our boarding includes feeding your horse high-quality grains and timothy/orchard hay 2-3 times per day based on each horse's individual dietary needs, owner-supplied medications and/or supplements, heightened turnout in one of our numerous large grass paddocks, stall maintenance, and seasonal blanketing. Staff members can schedule vet and farrier services as needed and perform deworming and vaccinations.

For all of those new to Middleton Place Equestrian Center and to the idea of boarding your horse in South Carolina, we wanted to dedicate this blog to you and talk about some of the most important reasons and benefits of boarding your horse! 
  • One of the first ideas that come to mind when you first begin to think about boarding your horse is all of the daily care your horse needs. We have been very honest in our blogs about this topic, having a horse means a lot of responsibility and care. When you decide to board your horse, you will no longer be in charge of this daily care. A professional will be doing it for you. 
  • Are you new to the area or don't have a lot of riding friends or companions? When you board your horse, you have the opportunity to meet fellow boarders and new friends and companions to ride your horse with, learn from, and enjoy the world of horses with. 
  • Boarding your horse is a money saver in more ways than one. Do you finally want to own a horse, but don't want or can't afford to buy more land or move to a larger property to build a barn, stable, and paddocks for your new horse? Boarding your horse means being able to own a horse without having to also buy matching land or real estate. You also know professional hands and eyes will be on them constantly, and their lodgings will always be clean, safe, and exactly what they need. 
  • Another money-saving aspect of horse boarding is that you won't be responsible for the everyday expenses that go along with your horse's care like water, electricity, the cost to remove or dispose of manure, and much more. You also won't be responsible for the everyday wear and tear or upkeep of the barns, stables, and paddocks. 
  • Boarding your horse is a huge time saver. You will be able to go about your personal and professional life as you please and visit and ride your horse when you want to. 
  • When you travel, go on vacation, have an emergency, or your family's schedule gets crazy, you know your horse will be cared for at all times and you won't have to go out of your way to make special care plans. 
  • When boarding your horse, you can also have the option to add on daily grooming, vet care, training, and even preparation for an upcoming show. 
  • Boarding isn't just a time-saving tool or a tool to take advantage of when you don't have the proper housing for your horse. Boarding can also help those who have the perfect barns and stables for their horse, but they might be new to the idea of owning and caring for their horse. Boarding allows new owners to learn about how to properly care for their horses around the clock. It also allows them to create a relationship with the animal in a safe, protected, and professional environment. 
  • Boarding your horse can provide a temporary home or temporary lodging while you are preparing or finishing up building new barns, stables, and paddocks.  
  • One of the most popular reasons horse owners choose to board their horse is for social interaction. If you only own one horse, this can be difficult on their mental health, as many horses are social creatures. Having the option to be in both a private stall and being able to socialize with other horses can be very important to a horse's well being. 
  • Boarding can give you the ability to give all of your time and attention to riding, training, and working with your horse, without splitting your time with all of the daily care your horse needs, too. 
  • If you are planning on traveling to horse shows or other activities and events that are off-site, you might be able to save money and travel with other fellow boarders. Your boarding facility may also be willing to haul your horses to the venue or event for a fee. This way you don't have to invest in a truck or trailer for these events. 
  • Boarding provides round the clock care. If your horse is sick or has an injury, professionals are there to make sure they are cared for properly, injuries are tended to, and medication is administered properly.
  • One thing you might not think about when owning a horse is the insurance you might need to take out for a multitude of protection reasons! When boarding, you won't have to pay for liability or care and custody insurance. 
  • You won't be responsible for owning, caring for, or repairing any tools or equipment found on a horse farm like tractors, wheelbarrows, manure forks, and much more. 
  • You won't be responsible for the removal or disposal of the many pounds of manure your horse will produce every day! 

This list could go on and on trail friends, but these are the top benefits of boarding your horse and the many reasons why you should board with us at Middleton Equestrian Center. While boarding and its expenses might seem overwhelming to many new horse owners, think about all the time and money it will end up saving you overall. Also, consider the fact that you'll be able to spend more time with your horse doing exactly what you love. While you might not be able to hear or see them first thing in the morning, you also won't be getting up at the crack of dawn in the worst types of weather to care for them either. We would love to have you board with us! For more information or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Until next time, stay safe, and be well. We look forward to seeing you on our trails soon! 

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Getting Ready for a Horsey Holiday and Horsey New Year! (Part Two!)

12/24/2020

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In part two of this blog series, we are going to finish talking about preparing your horses, barns, and stables for winter!

Hello trail friends, and welcome back to the blog! We hope that you've been working on going through the checklist we shared with you in part one of this blog and putting it to good use for your horses, stables, and barns! We also hope that it helped prepare you with any last-minute items you might have forgotten or might have not even thought about. For all of our first-time horse owners, we know that every changing season brings another lesson to learn, more excitement, and even more surprises. Owning a horse for the first time is very similar to having a child. It is a beautiful and magnificent creature that needs your help, dedication, and care. The longer you have your horse you find out more and more things that all the manuals and books never mentioned. They're worth it though, aren't they?

While so many people might hate the cold weather, especially for those not used to it here in Charleston or the South East, it might surprise you that it can still be a very wonderful and beautiful season with your horse. There is nothing quite like seeing a horse crunch its way through a frosty field in the morning while their breath puffs up around their head. There is also nothing like watching a horse play in the snow, but that might be an even rarer event here in Charleston. You might have to make a trip up north to see that! To make this winter season as special as it can be, make sure to take this blog to heart. Make sure to follow all of the tips, suggestions, and ideas we are providing in both of these checklists to allow both you and your horse to enjoy this chilly season. If you put the work in, this will be an easy winter to navigate and work through. After this crazy year, that is something we all need, right?

For all of our horse owners, don't forget that we have some of the best horse boardings right here in Charleston. We are here to help care for your horse when you need it most. If your stables are barns are ill equipt for the season, if you need to go out of town on an emergency, or just need an extra pair of hands Middleton Equestrian Center boarding is here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out and talk with us if you have any questions or comments about our horse boarding! Also, we are still open for our historical trail rides! Dress in layers and come see the Lowcountry in a way you never have before! We are still following all COVID precautions, and what better way to adventure out and stay socially distant than on the back of a beautiful horse? If you are still looking for a wonderful holiday or end of the year gift, shop small and give big with Middleton this year! Gift cards are available to give to all of your loved ones. Introduce them to the best horseback riding in Charleston, and share some of the best horseback riding trails in Charleston with your loved ones. Make sure to visit our website to learn more, and we are always here for all of your questions!

Let's get back to the blog series, shall we? We still have a little wiggle room for these last-minute additions for winter preparations since it has been a mild winter here in the Lowcountry so far, but as we all know that can change in an instant. Let's get back to work!

COMFY AND COZY!
As we mentioned in the first part of this blog, your horse will be burning a lot more calories during the winter months to keep them warm. While they are burning these calories to stay warm and eating more to help with this, they will still need a little extra protection from the cold. Allow their natural coats to grow out as much as possible, but keep up with their grooming habits and schedules. If you plan or working or training your horses hard during these cooler months, keep them trimmed. This will make sure that they will not get overheated during their training and work sessions. In either of these situations, make sure to have warm, waterproof, and lightweight blankets to provide extra warmth throughout the winter. Make sure to check your horse's skin often when they wear their blankets for extended periods. Blankets, while extremely helpful, can cause irritation and sores from rubbing or long term wear if not properly taken care of. Before blanket wearing weather arrives, make sure to inspect and clean each of your blankets, since it has been almost a year since they were last used or touched. Replace and repair them if needed before it gets too cold. Also, make sure you have enough blankets for all of your horses. Your younger horses might have had a growth spurt since the last time they wore their blankets, and your older horses might have lost some weight due to their age. If more blankets need to be purchased for these reasons, make sure to do so! Blankets need to fit your horses properly. Ill fitted blankets can cause irritation, be unsafe, or not provide the warmth your horses need while wearing them.

The cold weather will attack one of your horse's most fragile parts of their bodies, and that is their feet! Make sure if they are going to be shod all winter that you pick the proper shoe fittings with your Ferrier. You can choose shoes that will help them navigate the snow and ice much easier and help them prevent slipping. Regardless if you are going to be choosing to keep your horses shod or not, their hooves need to be cleaned of cold wet mud and ice every day to avoid infection and irritation. Make sure that they are also dry at the end of their day when they are put back into their stables. If you are choosing to go without shoes for the winter months, make sure to do so before it gets too cold, and give them time to acclimate to this change.

HEALTHY CHANGES!
Make sure your horse has a proper and thorough visit with the vet before the cold weather hits and stays around for a while. It might have been a minute since their winter or spring checkup, and this is a good opportunity to catch any early issues or help prevent anything that could potentially happen to them during the cold months. This can be a great time to ask for other supplements and additives for your horses from your vet to help make the winter months healthier and happier for them. Make sure you give your horse a good balance of indoor and outdoor time throughout the winter. However, it is important to make sure that they are kept away from deep snowdrifts and extra icy paths to prevent slipping and damage done to their legs. Make sure the ventilation in your barns and stables is enough to keep fresh air flowing throughout, enough to limit dust and debris build-up, but not enough to cause drafts in the barn. Your horse's skin can become extra sensitive through the harsh cold months so if it is possible, exercise them in a dry and clean area through the winter!

Also, consider your health, safety, and comfort this time of year. If you get sick and you're unable to care for your horses, what will they do without you?  Make sure you have the proper winter clothing to keep you warm and safe while being comfortable enough to do your job and daily tasks of caring for your horse.  Also, think about your day to day tasks and duties, and ways to make them easier. One way to help is to insulate your hand tools. You can cover them with blankets when they're not being used, store them in styrofoam, or you can even slip styrofoam pipes over the handles of all of your hand tools to create a little extra insulation. Grabbing or using very cold hand tools can be cold enough to burn, even when wearing gloves. Make sure to properly clean all of your hand tools before these winter months and before the new year. When you get into the depths of winter, you won't want to stop and make time for doing simple tasks like that, you will want to get your work done and get back inside.

This is also an excellent time to service all of your power equipment on your property. Check all of the engines, oil levels, lubricants, and tires on your tractors, mowers, trucks, snowblowers, and all of your powered equipment. When stocking up on equipment and supplies for the winter, don't forget back up items to help with broken hand tools, power tools, and all of your vehicles. Again, you want all of these items to be working properly so when the bad weather comes, you won't get stuck with a broken-down tractor, truck, or snowblower on the bad weather days.  

Time to get to work friends! We have been busily working on all of these things ourselves; preparing our horses, barns, stables, tools, equipment, and ourselves for what's to come. Our staff has been working as hard as ever to not only prepare for this but to keep up with keeping our stables and riding equipment sanitized to help keep us all safe during the cold weather. We are thankful that the temperatures during the first few weeks of December have felt more like fall, but who knows when that will change. We also want to thank each of you for what this year has been. You have helped us continue to share our passion and love for our horses and our horse trails. You have helped us continue to show off the beautiful land of the Lowcountry, and you helped keep all of our staff and fellow guests safe and happy. We couldn't be more thankful for all of that! We aren't sure what 2021 will bring, but we hope it's truly a year to celebrate. Stay safe and healthy friends, we can't wait to see you on our trails in the new year! From all of us at Middleton Equestrian Center, we wish you a very Horsey Holiday and a very Horsey New Year!


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Getting Ready for a Horsey Holiday and Horsey New Year! (Part One!)

12/18/2020

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While we prepare for the holiday season and a brand New Year, don't forget about your checklist for preparing your horses, stables, and barns for the coming cold weather. Let's step into the New Year prepared and ready to keep you and your best friend happy and healthy!

Hello, trail friends! Welcome back to the blog! We hope this bright and brisk holiday season has been off to a good start for you and your loved ones. We are feeling very festive here at Middleton, and everyone on our staff and each of our horses is so excited to see the holidays this year! While it might feel a little different than holidays gone by, there is still so much to celebrate! Are you still looking for the perfect gifts to give? Shop small and give big, give the gift of Middleton this year! Introduce your loved ones to the joy of horses or surprise the horse lover in your life with the perfect gift! To purchase your gift cards follow the link below! 

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/middletonequestriancenter/items/

Are you looking for the best horseback riding in Charleston? You've found it! While you're shopping and running around for everyone else in your life, take a moment and give something back to yourself! We are currently offering our stunning historical trail rides, which we know you'll love. Enjoy the beautiful (brisk!) Lowcountry winter weather, and the wonderful Lowcountry landscape while social distancing on the back of a beautiful horse! While we are all preparing for the holidays in our unique ways, we still need to remember our horses and their barns or stables this time of year. It will get cold soon and we need to prepare for a brand new year that is coming right around the corner. As our gift to you this holiday season, we wanted to share a checklist and some ideas on how to prep for the coming cold weather, and how to prepare for this upcoming new year! In this two-part blog series, our goal is to help you make this the safest season for your horse and yourself. It's time to get started if you haven't begun your wintertime prep, so let's get started together!  

WINTERTIME CARE CHECKLIST 
We are big proponents of being prepared. Getting ready for the changing seasons as soon as you can, can help keep you and your horses safe and healthy, and it can also help you save a ton of money and worry. While we in the Southeast might not experience below zero temperatures, bad ice storms, and feet of snow, these things are still possibilities on a much smaller scale. Temperatures will still be cooler, lots of rain and mud are in our future, and frost and ice will still be lingering the deeper we get into December and January. Please take this checklist and these preparations seriously. Your horses will be all the better for it! 

PRODUCT CHECK! 
  •  Medications can get a little tricky in the wintertime, some just can't withstand cooler temperatures. Go through all medications, supplements, and vitamins for your horses and bring the temperature-sensitive ones into your house or a temperature-controlled building or tack room. While you're doing this, take the time to do a little winter deep clean. Go through all of your perishable items, order new items, and get organized now. Make sure to do the same for any special food or treat items you have in storage for your horses. Dampness, bugs, and mold can creep in where you least expect it. Make sure you're paying very close attention through this process as not to lose money on expired medication or supplements, or to make your horse sick with bad products! 
  • Food! One of the biggest ways a horse stays warm in the wintertime is by burning calories. As the temperature drops, your horse will be burning more calories and it will need to eat more food. If you haven't already, now is the time to buy your winter supply of food and treats. Equus Magazine and Equis Search both recommend that hay be the largest part of your horse's diet in the wintertime. They also urge their readers to remember that your horse will be eating about 2% of its body weight every day to stay warm. For an average 1000 pound horse, according to Equis Search, this will be about 20 pounds of hay per day and 600 pounds of hay per month. One ton of hay, weighing around 2000 pounds, will last a horse between two and three months. 
  • According to Equus.com, it is best to buy about 10% more than you normally would in the wintertime. Stocking up ahead of time can help if deliveries or trips to the store can't be made due to bad weather. They also recommend having an extra two-week supply of feed and supplements on hand just in case too. Just make sure to stay on top of all of your expiration dates if you choose to do this! 
  • Water! During these cold winter months, you'll need to pay closer attention to your horse's water supply than you might think. Typically, your horse will drink 8 to 12 gallons of water every day. According to research found on Equisearch.com, horses prefer to drink water that is about 45 degrees. However, they are drawn to icy water. Even though they are drawn to this icy water, that doesn't mean they will be drinking tons of it. If icy water is the only kind of water available to your horse, they will not be getting enough proper hydration. A decrease in water consumption, according to Equisearch, can lead to colic and other dehydration issues. 
  • Make sure to provide a water source that allows your horses to get the proper hydration they need every day through the wintertime. Heaters, stock tank heaters, headed stall buckets, or heated troughs are great examples to help with this situation. Also, you can break and remove the ice on your horse's water supply in the morning and the evening if that is the only option available to you. Breaking the ice will allow water to naturally heat up a little bit, allowing your horse to drink more. 
  • Older Horses! Please consider your older horses and your horses with dental problems this winter and consider them a little more when it comes to having warmer drinking water available. Cold water will be hard on their gums and sensitive teeth, and it will cause them to drink even less water than their younger companions. If heating elements or additions to your barn or stable aren't an option, warm water from an electric kettle or frost free hydrants can be a quick and cost-efficient addition to help care for your horses. 
  • Storage Wars! You also need to consider storage for your horse's food source. Hay needs to be kept dry and clean, and it needs to be put in a convenient location to make feeding easy. Your hay needs to be stored off the ground, and you need to keep a few inches in between each stack of hay to help with ventilation and preventing rodent issues. Prepare for this storage early! As the weeks grow colder you'll be gathering extra hay in preparation for what's to come. Make sure you have enough storage space, but if you don't, start making room or arrangements for the room. If you don't think you are going to have enough room or space for your wintertime hay and supplies, discuss options with friends, neighbors, and other farmers and horse owners that are close. You can also consider adding to your current barns and stables as well! 
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MAINTENANCE! 
  • Not only do you need to prepare your horses for the coming months, everything involving them needs a little TLC and attention before it gets too cold and too late into the winter season. Cleaning out your gutters and drain ditches in your barns and stables needs to one of your top priorities. If they're left clogged and dirty, piles of snow and ice will have nowhere to go when they begin to melt. This can cause extreme damage to your roofs, it can tear off your gutters, damage your foundation, and lead to all kinds of structural issues come spring.
  •  Make sure to check all of the ventilation coming in and out of your barn, and to check all electrical systems and lighting systems. Make any repairs and stock up on what other products your barn will need to remain operational through the wintertime. 
  • Give the roof of your horse barn or stables a good look over, and make sure it's ready for any coming weather and repaired from any summer storms. 
  • Heavy snow and ice can bring down a weak section of fencing and can lead to a much bigger headache than just a new repair. Equus Magazine recommends that you spend some time mowing and dragging your fields now before they go to seed and heavy snow takes over. This will help make springtime much more pleasant and manageable for you and your horses. Dragging your fields will also help decompose the manure leftover from the spring and summer months. 
  • Preparations for working in and around your barn are also needed during these cooler months. To help limit the amount of water, snow, ice, and mud that is brought into your barn or stables, bring in footing materials. This can also prevent you and your horses from slipping during these months. It can also help prevent erosion in high traffic areas and help chores and daily tasks be simple and easy to accomplish during these colder and sometimes harsh months. 
  • Also, don't forget about being prepared for winter storms and emergencies. Power could be lost and other dangers could be right around the corner. Make sure you have everything you and your horses need to stay safe and healthy in these situations. Have battery-operated tools and flashlights handy, generators gassed up and ready to go, and make sure your emergency contact list has been made and is stored in an easy access area.

These items and this check-off list should be a good place to get help get you started. If you have any questions between now and part two of this blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! If you have any questions about quality products, care products, tools, or grooming products, please also don't hesitate to reach out. We are excited to help make this holiday a special one for you, your horses, and your loved ones. Maybe start by purchasing a gift card for your loved ones, check off as many of these to-do list items as you can between now and our next blog, and come visit us in the meantime. Even in these chilly temperatures, our trails are beautiful. Just wear a few layers, and you'll be all set to go! Don't forget, if your barn or stables aren't ready or equipped for the winter weather, we do offer boarding options for your horses and offer some of the best horse boarding's in South Carolina. If you're interested or have questions, please visit our website now or give us a call! Until we follow up with part two of this blog series, stay safe, and be well. We look forward to seeing you on our trails soon! 

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Thankful for Our Horses

11/25/2020

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It's the season to be thankful and we have more reasons to be thankful than we can count. Through this crazy year, we wanted to make sure to pause and take a moment of reflection on why we are so thankful for our horses and our wonderful company! 

Hello, trail friends! Welcome back to our blog. We are taking a break from the trails, and while the horses take a rest and get a snack, we wanted to hop out of our saddles and back into our writing chair. We wanted to check in with all of our readers and supporters, too. We hope you're doing well, spending time with your horses as much as you can, and learning more about our favorite animals every day! With the holidays right around the corner, don't forget to support and love your favorite local small Charleston business. Give the gift of something unique and different this year! Give your loved ones an experience of a lifetime, and gift them with a ride on our amazing trails and the best horseback riding in Charleston! Or even gift yourself with something unique and special this year. Are you visiting our amazing city sometime soon or are you local and looking for something special to experience this holiday season? We can help with that! Make sure to check out the main page of our website and reach out to us to talk about all of your gift-giving needs. We are so excited to speak with you and to have you on our horseback riding trails soon! 

November is here and Thanksgiving is on our minds. Our horses are dreaming of some extra hay and maybe a few special treats or two. We are all dreaming about our turkey dinners and all the delicious fixings that come with it! Being thankful is also on our minds, and what we've been talking about a lot recently are all the reasons we are thankful for horses and our own personal list of thanksgivings that we've been able to get out of 2020. We thought we'd share our thanksgiving state of mind and pay it forward. In this week's blog, we are going to be talking about all the reasons we're thankful for horses and much more! 

  • First Of All
While 2020 has given us all a mountain of issues and things we didn't expect to overcome, we have all been pushing to see the silver linings that we can still all celebrate. First and foremost we are so thankful to you, our patrons, and supporters. For all of those who have ridden with us this year to everyone who has supported from afar reading our blogs and who have taken time to check in on us has meant so much. Secondly, we are so thankful to every member of our incredible staff. Without you, Middleton Equestrian Center wouldn't be what it is. Your hard work and dedication makes every day possible, and we are so thankful for each of you. We are also so thankful for our beautiful and stunning horses; their health, their joy, and the happiness they give to each of our trail riders is so special. Here is to every one of you, you have made everything possible up to this point and we look forward to all the thanksgivings 2021 will give us! 

  • Stress Relief
We all know how hard this year has been, but there is just something so calming and peaceful about being around horses. When you look into their big beautiful eyes, and they trust and love you, nothing else could go wrong. If you've had a stressful day, there is nothing like spending a few hours on their backs riding through some of the most beautiful parts of Charleston. There is also nothing like spending a few hours grooming, caring for, and mucking out their stalls to distract you from anything you're going through. Plus, just standing next to such a large and powerful animal can bring a true sense of peace and calm that you can't compare to anything else. 

  • Forever Friend
If you've been lucky enough to own a horse in your lifetime, then you understand the statement when we say a horse can be the best friend you'll ever have. Growing that incredible friendship and trust over what could be up to 20 to 25 years of a horse's lifetime is incredible. You learn together, grow together, depend on one another, and love one another. Falling in love with a horse and with your horse, in particular, is a once in a lifetime experience. Horses can also bring family members together. For some, sharing and creating memories and Middleton Equestrian Center are some of their most treasured with their loved ones. Others get to experience horses with their families for a lifetime. Many horse lovers out there are introduced to horses for the first time because a parent or grandparent put them in the saddle at a very young age. From that moment on, these family members share time in the saddle together and create a very special bond with one another and with their horses. 

  • Believe In Yourself! 
When you're galloping on the back of a horse or you just successfully completed a difficult jump or trick you've been working on, there is nothing like that rush of confidence and success. In all honesty, there is no other confidence builder like being on the back of a horse. No matter what you're going through in your life, you can find some strength and power while you're riding and spending time with your horse. You can even take this power and confidence and apply it to many different aspects of your life. 

  • History Says It All
From the very beginning, horses have been there for us. Before the invention of cars, modern farming, and modern construction, we had horses to help us get from point A to point B. We also had horses to help build and farm the world around us. Like we mentioned in our last blog, horses were there to help American's first colonists break into the brand new world, and then break into the wild west. If it weren't for these incredible animals, so much of American's early success and progress wouldn't have been possible or as prolific without them. This is something we can all be thankful for, without our horses today and their powerful ancestors, who knows where we would be! They not only helped us build America and transport our ancestors for hundreds of years, they also were a huge help in the early wars of our country up to WWI and WWII. 

  • Continue to Push & Learn
Learning how to ride a horse and all the different skills, abilities, and competitions that can come with becoming a proficient and successful rider is a lifelong process. There is never a point in your time as a rider that you know everything or you stop learning. It is a constantly growing journey. You can always learn more, become a better rider, learn a new trick, discover new tools, or new ways of how to care for your horse. Don't forget, they are living breathing animals with personalities all their own. They will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing for years to come! Being in the world of horses, regardless of being a horse owner or horse lover, it is a world that is always changing and growing with more information than you might be able to digest in your lifetime. 

  • Love is Forever
When you're a horse owner or a lover of horses, you know that this kind of love is lifelong and unconditional. As long as your horses are alive and vice versa, they will always love and depend on you, and once you fall in love with these very special animals, that is a love that will never go away. 

What are your favorite reasons that you're thankful for horses? We know the list is endless, and these are just a few of our favorite reasons that we are thankful for every day. Love and thanksgivings have no definition or an end when it comes to horses, and we are sure you understand that. We hope this is a joyful and loving Thanksgiving season for you and yours. Until next time, we look forward to seeing you on our trails soon! 

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Caring for Your Horses Tail and Mane (Part Two)

10/28/2020

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In the second part of this blog, we will be continuing our discussion on how to properly care for your horse's mane and tail. 

Hello, trail friends! Welcome back to the blog! We are thrilled you decided to come pay another visit to our blogs and continue to learn more about the care and maintenance that your horse's mane and tail requires. The end of October is right around the corner, so make sure you come and learn more about the history of our beautiful trails and the land we are connected to. There might even be a ghost story or two lurking in the shadows waiting to be told! Make sure to schedule your rides with us ahead of time and get ready for the best horseback riding trail in Charleston! We can't wait to see you soon! 

As we mentioned in our last blog, caring for your horse's mane and tail comes with a huge responsibility. This is just one of the multitude of things you need to take care of and care for when it comes to owning a single horse. We urge you to remember this when thinking about purchasing your very first horse or perhaps even your second. Every horse deserves every moment of meticulous and well-planned care as the next. We hope that you take these two blogs and every blog dedicated to the care of your horse to heart. We want both you and your horse to have an incredible life together. Please remember too that a horse is going to be a full life commitment, many of them live to be 20 years of age if not older. They will need your constant love, support, and care for every single one of those years! So, let's hop back into the barn and talk more about the care and maintenance of our beautiful horse's manes and tails! 
  • Braiding
The last tip for mane and tail care in our last blog talked about how to wash, how frequently to wash, and the best ways to wash your horse's tails and manes. One of the most important things you can do for your horse once both tail and mane have been properly washed, dried, and brushed is to braid them. This isn't just a fashion choice or for show purposes, although beautiful braids do help with both of those things. A good braid goes far beyond just looks. While a horse with a braided mane and tail does look stunning, it does more than just leave your horse looking pretty out on the field. Braiding helps keep your horse's mane and tails clean and helps prevent them from snagging, ripping, matting, or breaking. Also, according to US Equestrian, it protects the mane and tail from bleaching out in the sun, causing severe damage and change to their look and presentation. US Equestrian does recommend that you start with a loose braid at the base of both the hair of the mane and tail and grow into a tighter braid as you move down each section of hair. This helps relieve tension on the hair and from pulling on the roots. For the mane, you will separate the hair into one to two-inch sections and braid each section. For the tail, you traditionally only have one long braid, but you can do multiple if you so choose. Braids can also help keep your horses cool in hotter months, keeping the hair away from their skin and removing the extra weight it can cause off their bodies. You can secure the braids with either a rubber band or electrical tape, it is your choice. Either option won't tangle in your horse's mane or tail between cleanings. 
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  • Frequency
We've mentioned a couple of times that to keep your horse looking and feeling its best, a consistent regime of care is necessary. This doesn't mean you should be washing, drying, and braiding their mane and tails every day. It's recommended by US Equestrian to wash and braid every 14 to 19 days. When it comes to spraying your horse's coats down, that will be done much more frequently but should be done and met with the same amount of importance, care, and dedication that you give to your horse's mane's and tails. All the tools you use for grooming your horse's manes and tails should be clean and up to date. If they're getting rusty and old, please replace them. After you use them, clean them, and leave them to dry for their next use. It is also recommended by Horse and Rider to use all-natural products. The more natural they are, the less likely they are to harm or strip the hair and the more likely to help nourish and care for your horse's mane and tail. Also, just like you do in training and daily care, be consistent in the bathing process. Once you find a system that works well for you and your horse, consistently stick with it and repeat it with every wash! Also, don't let your horse's manes and tails grow too long. You don't want them stepping on their manes and tails or allow them to become a danger to them. you want them to look great, but you also want them to freely be able to train, live happily, ride well, and do all of their tricks and maneuvers without harming themselves or their hair. 

Keeping your horse healthy, clean, and looking gorgeous is a multi-staged approach. It does take time and dedication that every horse deserves. Just caring for their mains and tails is complex, don't forget about every other aspect of caring for them too! This needs to be considered when you are thinking about buying a horse of your own, can you handle this kind of responsibility? Of course, as fellow horse lovers, you know they are worth the time and care and to look and feel their best, always! We hope this how-to guide was helpful, and we look forward to seeing you on the trails very soon! If you have any questions about the care of your horse between now our next blog, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you care for your horses as best as possible. Until next time, stay safe and stay hopeful everyone!

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Caring for Your Horses Tail and Mane (Part One)

10/19/2020

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While the seasons begin to change, it's time to start thinking about caring for every aspect of your horses from the tip of their tails to their noses! Let's focus on the best ways to care for your horse's mane and tail! 

Hello, trail friends! We are back again at our writing desk after taking a break from our saddles! We continue to have incredible rides with our guests that are safe, full of fun, and surrounded by the beauty of the Lowcountry! Have you visited lately? We'd love to hear about your trip! Make sure to comment below after reading this blog! We would appreciate the feedback because we have been loving every moment with you all on the trail! 

In this two-part blog, we are going to be moving away from the trail and back into the barn. As much as we hate to admit it, we are going to see the weather change and get cooler over the next few months. Rain will mean muddy fields, trails, and paddocks that will cover our horse's bodies, hooves, manes, and tails. While this is very normal, it is also very important that we keep our horses coats, manes, tails, and hooves clean and dry throughout the winter season. This can help promote healthy skin, help avoid sores or irritated skin, and help maintain your horse's overall health. To learn more about caring for your horse during the winter months, follow the link below to one of our past blogs that discusses exactly that! 

https://www.middletonplaceequestriancenter.com/blog/archives/11-2019

In this blog, we are going to be specifically focusing on the care of your horse's manes and tails. This extra care will not only keep them healthy and happy, but it will also help keep them ready for the next season of competition, riders, tournaments, and more! 

  • Getting Started
The changing of the seasons isn't the only reason why a deep clean on your horse's mane and the tail is needed. The big secret to true beautiful hair is being consistent and thorough all year round. This has to be part of your regime for each of your horses, especially horses like Gypsy Vanners, Andalusian, and Lusitano's who are known for their long and luscious locks. Just like humans, a healthy diet and lifestyle are also a huge help in keeping and maintaining lush, healthy, and clean tresses. This consistent care needs to happen all year round, even if it is colder, to keep your horses at the height of health and cleanliness. Each breed will naturally have their own kind of mane and tail, and will each have their own unique thickness and length that they can healthily grow to with proper care and attention. Taking the time to consistently and properly care for your horse's mane and tail will help prevent hair loss or thinning and help keep it strong against natural elements that actively work to destroy it. 

  • The Brush
One of the first things you need to remember is to never over brush your horse's mane or tail. Only brush it when you have to! A significant amount of hair does come out when brushing, and over-brushing can lead to dull, thinning, and breakage of the hair itself. Brushing daily is not something that we would recommend. What you can do daily is shake out your horse's mane and tail to remove any excess dirt, skin cells, or any branches, twigs, or leaves that might have gotten stuck in there. Also, if you do come across any knots or mats, gently break them up and pull them apart with your fingers. Make sure to do this as often as possible. Also, keeping them away from anything that could grab or snag their tails or manes can help prolong the quality of both. Also, don't forget to use the proper tools. Horse and Rider recommends that you use a tail and mane brush that has wide teeth. These brushes help remove less hair when brushing. It also helps you avoid catching tangles and limits breakage. Also, save your brushing for after both mane and tail have been thoroughly washed and have had time to dry. Brushing wet hair can be even more destructive than brushing it every day. If you need to, make sure to secure your horse while letting its mane and tail dry to avoid it getting dirty again or getting more tangles. Most importantly, please don't rush the brushing or grooming process. If you rush through a brushing, this can result in ripping out the hair or cause severe breakage! 

  • The Wash
Just like over brushing, over washing, or using too much shampoo or conditioner can damage your horse's mane and tail. This too can cause the hair to dry out and become very brittle. According to US Equestrian, the best place to start washing is at the root of the mane or the dock of the tail. Really scrub right at the root of the hair, this is where most of the oil, dirt, skin cells and dander will accumulate. Plus, who doesn't love a good scalp massage? Scrubbing deep and right at the root will also help with blood flow and will promote healthy hair growth. Also, don't forget to wash both sides of the mane. Start at the root and work your way down to the very end of the mane or tail for a thorough clean. Once you've accomplished this, make sure to rinse well to help get out any dirt you might have missed, help battle any tangles and knots, and remove the shampoo. 

You can use more shampoo than you can conditioner. Using a lighter amount of conditioner can help avoid it from getting clumpy or being left in the mane after you rinse. This can cause more dirt to build up and stick to the leftover conditioner or the mane and tail can become very greasy. While washing or conditioning avoid tangling it or adding to existing tangles. You don't need to scrub back and forth, according to Horse and Rider. This will also help avoid irritation, itching, and rubbing if you remove the dirt and thoroughly rinse the mane and tail. According to US Equestrian, instead of using large quantities of conditioner, spraying a clean damp mane after the wash with leave-in condition can help with keeping it healthy and shining. Spray on before brushing, and once the mane and tail are dry, you can then begin the brush! 

How does your current brushing, washing, mane, and tail maintenance stand up to this list so far? Are you already a pro, or do you think you might have some work to do? No matter what path your on, as long as you're working towards helping your horse have the best skin, mane, and tail, then you're doing great. Who knew that manes and tails needed so much care? This is just one of the many aspects of caring for just one horse, can you imagine how much time it takes to do this for multiple horses? Owning and caring for a horse takes extreme responsibility, and you must be ready to take it all on if you're wanting to provide the best life possible to your horse. If you have any questions about the care of your horse between now and the second part of this blog, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you care for your horses as best as possible. Until next time, stay safe and stay hopeful everyone!



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The History Of The Pony Express

9/30/2020

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Horses have been apart of some of the most important and iconic events and moments in history. In this blog, we are going to be talking about the history of the Pony Express.

Hello, everyone! We hope you've stumbled upon our blog to learn more about the best horseback riding trails in South Carolina! This weather is so perfect to be on our trials. As the weather slowly starts to turn you'll see even more beauty that the Lowcountry has to offer. Make sure to book your historic trail rides today, we can't wait to see you!

We've gotten to thinking through all the historic research we've been doing for our recent blogs, and we realized that horses have been apart of some of the most important and iconic moments in the early history of the United States. Up until the early 1900s when Henry Ford made the car affordable and accessible to almost every American, the horse was right there getting us to and from everyday tasks and events, some that would forever change our everyday lives as a country. One of the most iconic events lasted a very short amount of time but has remained in history's spotlight, in our textbooks, and in our hearts ever since it ended. Today, we are going to be talking about the history of the Pony Express.

The Pony Express only lasted for two years and made less than 400 runs, but it is still one of the most iconic parts of our history. Its story has lasted because of the endurance and bravery of its riders and its connection to famous people like Mark Twain and Buffalo Bill Cody. Cody was one of the Express's most famous promoters, but he never actually rode for them! He was much more of a showman. The Pony Express was born when our country was under huge changes both politically and personally. Imagine America right after the gold rush, right as Abraham Lincoln became president, and when the country was right on the brink of civil war. It was born when information needed to be delivered as quickly as possible, but a mode of transportation was not yet available. The Pony Express changed all of this.

The Pony Express riders helped deliver news faster than ever before all thanks to the powerful horses that these brave riders rode. They cut down the time to carrying news from what could be a couple of months down to a few days. They did this by adding more relay stations and making use of the telegraph, according to National Geographic. Individuals could now stay in touch with their loved ones, no matter where they lived. It wasn't just private individuals that were benefiting from this new form of news delivery, newspapers and magazines relied on getting their information from the Express, too. For a total of eighteen months, the Pony Express delivered the mail faster than ever before between April 1860 and October of 1861. It helped tie the east to the west carrying some of the most important news of the time. Young men would ride what would later become the Pony Express National Historic Trail, covering eight states. It was the most direct form of communication of its time between Missouri to California. They could ride up to 1800 miles in just ten days.

Millions began the move out west in the mid-1840s because of the gold rush and the Mormon exodus, according to The National Pony Express. With so many people on the other side of the country, a new form of communication was needed. In came William H. Russell, Alexander Majors, and William B. Waddell. They created The Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company to deliver mail from one end of the country to the other. This would later become the Pony Express. According to the National Pony Express, shortly after the Express was created, congress authorized a bill to build a telegraph line that would run from the Missouri River to the Pacific Coast. While the line was under construction, the Pony Express delivered its letters, news, and newspapers. When the telegraph line was finally finished in 1861, the Pony Express shut down. Its last letters were delivered in November of that year.

Even with its short history, it has become embedded into the history of the Wild West thanks to Wild West shows that traveled across the country and even into Europe.  Ironically, these shows and the stars that made them famous (like Buffalo Bill Cody) were famous much after the Pony Express ended. It still raised public awareness about the Express and kept it alive in history. Even though it has been kept alive, a lot of the history is full of inaccuracies, wild stories, and myths according to National Geographic. Almost no records survive of this famous 18 month period.

The young men who were riders for the Express would ride up to 100 miles a day and sometimes up to four times a week. They all had to follow some very strict rules like no drinking or cursing, according to National Geographic. They were facing every kind of challenge nature could put in front of them and in some of the most dangerous parts of the country. Through snowy mountain passes and dangerous deserts, they made their rides. They came into contact with Native Americans and wild animals, and all kinds of other perils. Some Pony Express riders were killed and some stations were burned down after relations between Native Americans and Americans were heated. Service even stopped in certain areas because of it, but after the stations were rebuilt, service went back to normal.

Today, it continues to live on in colorful stories, reenactments, and historical locations that you can visit. Most of the original trail doesn't exist any more thanks to modern roads, construction, and time. What is believed to be left of the original trail can be seen in Utah and California. According to the National Pony Express, some 120 historic sites might soon be available to the public. What do you remember learning about the Pony Express? Have you ever visited any of its historic locations? It's incredible how much history horses helped shape and carry thanks to each ride those young men went on. Imagine how different our world would be without them! Until next time, stay safe and stay hopeful everyone!

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The Finish Line of 2020

9/2/2020

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Every industry has been touched by the effects of the current worldwide pandemic. The world of horses and horse racing has been no stranger to these impacts.

Since the pandemic shut the world down in February and March, every industry has felt those reverberations. Quickly gaining on six months of this strange new world here in the Lowcountry, we too have felt the world shifting. We have changed our policies and what services are available to our riders and guests to keep everyone safe and healthy. When the nation started closing down and canceling major events, it was no surprise that horse tracks and horse races started to shut down and cancel in the footsteps of the NBA, NFL, MLB, and the PGA. Every industry has felt the shock waves of these effects, and all of us at home have felt the tremendous loss these decisions have caused. 

Out of the safety of our nation and its people, we recognize the importance of these decisions, but there is plenty still left to mourn. What should come as a surprise is that even though it drastically changed, the industry of horse racing didn't actually shut down. In a recent interview, racing analyst Randy Moss mentioned that even though the world has changed and we've adapted to an online world, the world of horse racing can't be stopped. He said, "You can't water or feed horses through Zoom. They can't get veterinary care through Zoom!" So, those behind the scenes, almost 1500 people to every 1000 horses at each American race track according to Moss, have kept the industry afloat. The needs of these living and breathing creatures depended on quick action, which is exactly what happened. Decisions were made to keep both the industry and the industries employees alive and well. 

This doesn't mean that every race and event went on as normal. Once things started to shut down it was almost like a domino effect, and it was felt globally. 
  • Keeneland Race Course canceled their spring meeting that was set for April 2-24. 
  • The Lexington track, though still in operation, has implemented health checks at their front gates. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or more is not permitted in. 
  • Sunland Park in New Mexico canceled all racing for this year, including the Sunland Derby. 
  • The Louisiana Derby still took place on March 21st, but without any spectators. Wells Bayou took 1st place. 
  • Steeplechase was rescheduled to June 27th after it was pushed back from its original May 9th date. It was later canceled. 
  • Racing Victoria has also implemented health checks at the gate and anyone with a temperature of 36.7 Celsius is not permitted. Racing continues now in Australia, but without any guests. 
  • Racing in Europe was banned at first until April 15th. This ban was extended until the end of April. The 1st of June saw the return of racing, but with extreme precautions put in place. This ban did include the cancelation of Britain's most famous race, The Grand National. 
  • The Hong Kong Derby still happened on March 22nd, but also without crowds and behind closed doors. This is the first time something like this has happened since it started in 1873. Golden Sixty took 1st place. 
  • The Meydan UAE course banned all spectators from any races and significantly lowered the number of the international press allowed. The Dubai World Cup was still set to happen on March 28th, but it too was canceled and rescheduled until 2021. 2020 was the cup's 25th anniversary, but all celebrations are going to be moved to next year, including its winning pot of over 35 million dollars. 


One of the largest blows our industry saw was the postponement of the Kentucky Derby. For the first time since 1945, it was pushed back to a different date. After weeks and months of waiting, Churchill Downs announced that the race was going to be moved to September 5th. With this change, the entire set up of the Triple Crown was completely changed. For the first time in its 152 years, the Belmont Stakes started the Triple Crown instead of ending it. On July 20th, the race still went on as planned. Here too, no fans were present. Tiz The Law took first. The hope that the Kentucky Derby would be able to have fans in the stadium was still in the works when the date was pushed back. Many believed that by September, things would be looking much different. 

During June and early July of this year, it was announced that 14% of the Derby's capacity would be allowed to attend in person. Social distancing and masks along with frequent hand washing and sanitizing were going to be strongly suggested. Whether masks were going to be enforced or not was never solidified, according to CBS news. This decision and the uncertainty of masks were met with skepticism. As weeks went on and the spike in Coronavirus cases went up drastically, the executives of Churchill Downs decided to change their minds. According to CNN, the race will still be run, but without a crowd. The 14% capacity was still 23,000 fans, and that was too much for comfort. Kentucky governor, Andy Beshear, has praised the decision according to CNN. Although it is a tragic disappointment and loss, it is understood. Following the Kentucky Derby will be the Preakness Stakes on October 3rd, officially finishing the Triple Crown of 2020. 

The derby was one of the last big sporting events to see such a change. 2020 has been a huge blow to every industry and sports lovers alike. Throughout Europe, with pandemic numbers looking more promising, they are hopeful for races that were postponed to the fall. Many of these races will be run much later than they ever have been before. They hope that by pushing them back they will be able to amp up even more excitement and be able to have some, even if it is limited, crowd engagement. What has 2020 done to your connection to the world of horses? Comment below - we want to hear from you! Until next time, stay safe and stay hopeful. 

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Year Of The Horse (Zodiac and More!)

8/18/2020

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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?
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Tips For Purchasing A Horse

7/29/2020

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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.
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4280 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
​middletonplaceequestriancenter@outlook.com
​
843-735-0709
Please also visit: Middleton Place  | The Inn at Middleton Place 
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