A Coat of Many Colors: Learning Horse Hues and Heritage
I came to the horse world late in life, and I’ll admit I’m in the category of “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” when it comes to the names of horse colors. My eye tends to stick to the basics—brown, black, or gray—but I’m gradually learning! From Chestnut to Bay: My First Equine Friends […]
High Desert Dewdrops: Mountain Mornings in Overgaard, Arizona
My friend has a cabin up in the mountains of Overgaard, Arizona. As often as we can, we haul our boys up there for a few days—our beloved trail horses, Boogie, a Tennessee Walker, and my Poncho, a Missouri Fox Trotter. We’re fortunate that they are best buds and love being on the trail together. […]
No Ordinary Button
November 16th is National Button Day. What do you think of when you hear the word “button?” Do images of the many colors, diversely shaped garment fasteners come to mind? I remember selecting colors and shapes to add interest to my clothes. Then there’s the time spent searching through the massive collection that my mother […]
The Laws of Physics (According to Horses)
I started horseback riding after I retired. Before that, I’d never been particularly fond of horses, despite being a biologist. I preferred reptiles, crustaceans, and mollusks. However, life has a way of leading me down unexpected trails. Although no matter the trail I find myself on, I always find a little science. Even with a […]
Mesquite Trees and Horses: Incompatible
When I moved to the Sonoran Desert, I learned about mesquite pods. I knew about the mesquite wood used for barbequing, but not the seed pods of the tree. They’re used as food by both people and animals. The mature pods, not just the seeds, are ground into flour, which is quite delicious. A five-gallon […]
Ergot: A Fungus and a Tissue Protuberance–Geez!
My favorite bread flavor is rye. Given a choice, I will always choose rye. So, growing up, I wondered why rye hadn’t been more popular historically. After all, rye is easier to grow than wheat and, in my humble opinion, much tastier. The reason is Ergot. Ergot is a fungal disease that killed and disabled […]
I’d Like to Recommend Snorting!
When I’m not writing fun science books, I’m caring for my animal companions: the iguanas, tortoises and turtle I live with, and my two horses, which are stabled just down the road. I’ve learned a lot about horses over the past two years. Many behaviors are still mysteries to me, however. One of them is […]
One Thousand Pounds of the Unexpected!
One year ago today my life changed significantly. Growing up, and as an adult, I’ve had only reptiles as companion animals. I never wanted a mammal. Okay, I did think about getting a hedgehog at one point, but they are nocturnal and I’m definitely a diurnal type of person. After I retired from my work […]
July 15th is National I Love Horses Day (Or, Actually, I- Love-One-Particular-Horse- Day)
I didn’t like horses as a child. In fact, I didn’t particularly like them as an adult. However, I did enjoy touring the countryside and riding a horse was much easier than hiking it all. When I moved to Tucson, I liked riding though the Sonoran Desert, but I found that the stirrups hurt my […]
Comfortable in Her Own Skin
There’s a saying about being comfortable in one’s own on skin. Recently, this saying took on a new meaning for me. Last year, I became the delighted owner of a Missouri Fox Trotter named Button. She was born in Missouri, so every winter she grows a coat worthy of the cold cruel Midwest winter winds; […]
Pet Peeves
I love having animals in my life. Over the years, they’ve mostly been reptiles and lately, if you’ve been following my story, there’s a horse tale in it. If we accept responsibility for an animal, we are responsible for its welfare, even if we have to sacrifice for it. This has come up in the […]
How Do You Take a Selfie with a Horse?
Have you ever tried to take a selfie with a horse? I recently attempted to take one with my mare, Button. Horse noses are really loooong–my arms, not so much. Here is a recent endeavor. You’re too close to the phone, Button. Hey, look the OTHER way, please! (Oh, and block out the sun, too). […]