Author Archives: Jorna Taylor

“Jude should only be ridden by an adult with informed consent.” This was the first paragraph of the report on my Thoroughbred from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary...

Any horseperson worth their salt will tell you it is not the purchase price of that cute ‘project’ on Facebook that may gaslight you into thinking you should stick to...

For the non-horse people in my life watching the Olympics: Thank you for appreciating the "horse dancing," we are now on the "show jumping" portion of the program. I hope...

Late last week I sat down in my barn aisle and cried. I had just finished my morning chores—feed, turnout, clean stalls, water, set stalls for the night, sweep the...

I’m having the best horse show season of my 35 year career in the ring. Yet I’ve barely been subject to the judge’s eye myself. I love being in the...

The Urban Dictionary defines “Spirit Animal” in this way: In pagan religions and systems, a spirit animal or totem is meant to be a representation of the traits and skills...

It snowed this past weekend in Wisconsin—our first real snowfall of the year. No one should have been surprised we find ourselves in a winter wonderland, albeit a bit earlier...

It’s the holiday season. A time for ugly sweaters and drinking too much at the office party then regretting it the next morning when you see your boss. Wait, that’s...

It is time that I tell the world. I have a disease. While not well-known among the general population, it is a dark secret of the equine community. It has...

Some people vacation on beaches or go skiing in the mountains. Others hop across the pond and chug ale out of steins while noshing on bangers and mash. Some even engage...

Some people don’t believe in love at first sight. And frankly, neither do I. But from the very first moment, he was brought in from the pasture and promptly attempted...

Monday before the horse show Barn has the nerve to be closed. Prepare and pack clothes for every occasion—heat, rain, snow, tornado, etc.—and definitely bring that adorable new seersucker sundress...

“Sorry Mom.” Those were the first words that came out of a young girl’s mouth after her Pre-Short Stirrup classes at the horse show this weekend “That’s okay, but…” the...

There has been another tragic death in the equestrian community, a life taken doing what she loved—this time an Australian eventer. I didn’t know this young woman personally, but I know who she likely was at...

That ride. I just had that perfect ride. You know the one – the one where it all clicks. The one where you ask him to move off your left...

I’ve never met a barn dog I didn’t like. No, not the weekend-warrior type that is never let off-leash and barks while you’re trying to jump a tricky combination. But...

I can’t stand to be around me. I am short tempered and irritable. I hate just about everyone. I have been indulging far too often and regularly to excess. I...

I had horses starting at an early age, which means I’m not afraid of dirt. And not just dirt found in your front yard, dirt that is in fact comprised...

When I was a kid we were basically like free-range chickens at the barn. Our parents dropped us off early in the morning and we spent the day pecking all...