By the EIE Editorial Staff

Florida offers a unique and exciting experience for horseback riding enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, from beaches and forests to prairies and swamps, Florida provides a variety of trails to explore. Additionally, Florida's warm weather makes it possible to enjoy horseback riding year-round.

Here are some of the reasons why horse vacations in Florida are so much fun:

• Variety of trails: Florida offers a wide variety of trails to suit all levels of experience, from beginner-friendly paths to challenging cross-country rides. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll along the beach or a heart-pounding adventure through the woods, Florida has something for you.
• Beautiful scenery: Florida is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. From the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast to the lush green forests of the interior, Florida's scenery is sure to take your breath away.
• Warm weather: Florida's warm weather makes it possible to enjoy horseback riding year-round. Even in the winter, the temperatures are mild enough to ride comfortably. Check out places to book your trip on our Vacations page.
• World Class Polo: Some of the best polo in the world is located in Florida where you can check out matches at the National Polo Center in Wellington or the Sarasota Polo Club in Sarasota.
• Plenty of Events: There are a great number of events including at places like the World Equestrian Center in Ocala a must see for any horse lover! This venue features shows with horse breeds, dressage, hunter jumper, classes and more. You can also dine and stay onsite at their beautiful hotel. Don’t forget the incredible shopping to buy gifts for yourself or your favorite equestrian!
• Off to the Races: Gulfstream Park is home to the Florida Derby and the Pegasus World Cup, located in Hallandale Beach and further north is Tampa Bay Downs, hosting the Tampa Bay Downs, a prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Both tracks are found on our Thoroughbred Racing page.

If you're looking for a fun and exciting vacation, Florida is the perfect place to go. With its beautiful scenery, warm weather, and friendly people, Florida is sure to make your horse vacation one to remember.

There's more interesting articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

By the EIE Editorial Staff

The holidays are supposed to be times for friends, family and good cheer, but this doesn’t always happen – despite the parties and gifts. Sometimes, the best way to get through the holidays is spending quality time with a horse.

One woman told us, “My father died this year and the holiday season just isn’t the same without him. My horse understands me in a way that one else can and just feeling his breath on my face eases my sadness.”

A young man shared, “My family lives on the West Coast and this year I'm not going to visit them. This year I want to spend my time off reflecting on what's coming up in the New Year. My horse helps me from diving too deep into my own thoughts.”

A horse can also help heal family tensions. “My sister is angry at me and my brother, but we're not really sure why. When we're together for the holidays I'll take her out riding and between me and the horses, we'll uncover how she really feels,” another woman expressed, feeling hopeful.

Some families reflect on memories involving their love of horses saying, “Our family loves to gather together for the Holidays in December, we have been together every year! Our parents are entering the phase of life where they start to noticeably age with each passing year. Our love of horses is strong in our family, and even if Mom can't go riding now, we enjoy looking at photos and remembering all the times we've shared in our love of horses.”

Spending time with a horse can be a great way to get through the holidays, especially if you're feeling stressed, lonely, or overwhelmed. Horses can provide a sense of companionship, comfort, and peace, and they can also help you to get some exercise and fresh air.

Here are some specific ways in which horses can help you get through the holidays:

• Reduce stress. Horses are known for their calming effect on humans. Their slow, rhythmic breathing and gentle demeanor can help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and they can also help to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Provide companionship. Horses are social animals, and they can provide a sense of companionship for people who are feeling lonely or isolated. Spending time with a horse can help you to feel connected to a living creature and can help to reduce feelings of isolation.
• Promote relaxation. Grooming a horse can be a very relaxing activity. The repetitive motion of brushing and petting can help to calm your mind and body, and it can also be a way to bond with your horse.
• Increase physical activity. Riding a horse is a great way to get exercise. It's a low-impact activity that works your whole body, and it can also be a lot of fun.
• Improve mental health. Spending time with horses has been shown to improve mental health in a number of ways, including reducing depression, anxiety, and stress. It can also help to improve self-esteem and social skills.

If you're looking for a way to reduce stress, improve your mental health, and get some exercise during the holidays, spending time with a horse may be a great option for you. There are many stables and riding schools that offer trail rides, lessons, and other horse-related activities or consider a vacation. You may also be able to find volunteer opportunities at a local horse rehoming or therapy center.

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your time with a horse:

• Find a stable or riding school that is a good fit for you. Ask about the staff's experience and qualifications, and make sure that the horses are well-cared for.
• Start slowly. If you're new to horses, start with a short trail ride or lesson. You can gradually increase the amount of time you spend with horses as you become more comfortable.
• Be patient and respectful. Horses are intelligent creatures, but they can also be sensitive. Be patient and respectful of their boundaries, and don't try to force them to do anything they're not comfortable with.
• Enjoy yourself! Spending time with horses should be a fun and rewarding experience. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the connection with your horse.

Let a horse help you through the holidays and beyond. They can be a great source of comfort…and friendship.

There's more interesting articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

EquineInfoExchange.com is a great source for ideas for gifts! Of course, we have our GIFTS and JEWELRY section where you can find beautiful items for that favorite equestrian in your life.

How about your sister who spends more time at the barn than at home? Find her a great pair of gloves or boots in our APPAREL section or a gift certificate at your local tack shop.

Have a child who spends more time on their cell phone than outdoors? Sign them up for riding lessons or check out the YOUTH OUTREACH programs in your area where they can find the beauty of being engaged with a horse.

Want to be entertained? For those who love to read and learn more about horses, BOOKS are always a great gift check out our top selections as well as our TOP 100 HORSE MOVIES.

Want to do something special for your favorite horse owner? How about scheduling a photo session with a PHOTOGRAPHER to capture memories to last a lifetime! We also have a list of PAINTERS and SCULPTURES who have beautiful work – many of whom can create custom pieces just for you!

Have a romantic getaway in mind? Take a look at our VACATIONS section and treat yourself to an escape or a TRAIL RIDE where you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while riding a horse.

Love seeing a horse show or race? Check out our CALENDAR OF EVENTS section and get tickets as a gift!

Does your best friend pamper her horse more than she does herself? How about getting her a GROOMING product so she can use on her horse’s next day of beauty!

Feeling generous? We also have the largest list of REHOMING organizations and you can make a charitable donation in the name of a friend as a holiday gift.

No matter what gift you choose, make sure it is something that your horse-loving friend or family member will appreciate and enjoy. Put some thought into their interests and needs, and you're sure to find the perfect gift.

(These gifts are available on Free Gift Friday. Just sign up HERE or email us at info@equineinfoexchange.com with your information!)

There's more interesting articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

We were excited to attend Equine Affaire 2023 in West Springfield, MA. While we were there we made it a point to see Heather Wallace, a wonderful author, who introduced her new book "Back Door Horse," her first fiction novel which takes place in Vermont.

Click to Buy Now on Amazon

Read more: Heather Wallace at Equine Affaire 2023 - New Book!!

We had a great time at the Equine Affaire and learned so much about new equestrian tack, horse health products, farm equipment, and so much more! Enjoy the photo gallery and hope to see you next year!

Click any image to view larger and see slide show.

Many of us have seen the meme going around on social media about turning your clocks back from “sunshine and happiness back to misery and despair.” We may chuckle to ourselves in agreement but depression, especially seasonal depression, is very real. If you, a friend, or a loved one is feeling low, we always suggest seeking advice from a medical professional. Additionally, a horse may help to have a role in lifting our spirits. Here are the top 5 ways a horse could help your emotional health:

1. Reduce stress and anxiety. Spending time with horses has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Horses are also very good at mirroring our emotions, which can help us to become more aware of and to better manage our own feelings.
2. Build confidence and self-esteem. Horses are large and powerful animals, but they are also gentle and trusting. Learning to work with horses can help us to feel more confident in our own abilities and to develop a stronger sense of self-worth.
3. Improve communication and relationships. Horses are social animals, and they rely on communication and cooperation to survive. Working with horses can help us to learn how to communicate more effectively and to build stronger relationships with others.
4. Increase mindfulness and self-awareness.Horses are very present in the moment, and they can help us to learn how to be more mindful of our own thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Equine therapy can also help us to become more aware of our strengths and weaknesses, and to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions.
5. Provide unconditional love and acceptance. Horses are non-judgmental creatures, and they offer unconditional love and acceptance to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. This can be especially beneficial for people who have experienced trauma or who have difficulty forming close relationships.

• A person with anxiety may work with a horse to learn how to stay calm and focused.
• A person with depression may work with a horse to build their self-esteem and confidence.
• A person with PTSD may work with a horse to learn to trust and feel safe again.
• A person with a social anxiety disorder may work with a horse to learn how to communicate and interact with others in a more confident way.
• A person with a physical disability may work with a horse to learn how to move their body in new and different ways.

Therapeutic riding is a type of therapy that uses horses to help people with disabilities improve their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills. It is a form of equine therapy, which is the use of horses to promote healing and well-being. There are also Youth Outreach equine therapy programs for children to provide a supportive environment for at-risk youths. The horses are non-judgmental and accepting, and they can help young people to feel safe and valued.

Equine therapy can be a very effective way to improve emotional health, and it is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. If you are interested in trying equine therapy, there are many qualified professionals who can help you get started.

Note: This content is only for informational purposes, is not medical advice and should not be used in place of an actual doctor's visit.

There are lots of interesting articles in our section on Health & Education.

Note: This content is only for informational purposes, is not medical advice and should not be used in place of an actual doctor's visit.

For those who are lucky enough to spend a couple of days off work where you can spend quality time with the horse you love, you may be searching for some ideas for weekend fun. Here are some thoughts to help enjoy your time together:

1. Go for a trail ride. This is a great way to explore the outdoors with your horse and bond over a shared love of nature. You can find trails of all levels of difficulty, so there's something for everyone. Find a friend to go with you! Make sure to bring a cell phone incase of emergencies.
2. Have a picnic with your horse. Pack a lunch and some of your horse's favorite treats, and head to a scenic spot to enjoy a meal together. This is a great way to relax and spend quality time with your horse.
3. Teach your horse a new trick. This is a fun and rewarding way to challenge yourself and your horse. There are many different tricks that you can teach your horse, from simple things like shaking hands to more complex tricks like sitting down or lying down.
4. Play games with your horse. There are many different games that you can play with your horse, such as liberty training, obstacle courses, and hide-and-seek. These games are a great way to have fun with your horse and help them to develop their skills and confidence.
5. Go swimming with your horse. If you have access to a safe swimming area, swimming is a great way to cool off and have fun with your horse. It's also a good way to exercise your horse without putting stress on their joints.
6. Take your horse to a horse show or event. This is a great way to socialize your horse and expose them to new experiences. There are many different types of horse shows and events, so there's something for every horse and rider.
7. Give your horse a makeover. This could include bathing them, trimming their mane and tail, and braiding their hair. This could include giving them a massage, grooming them with special products, and feeding them their favorite treats.
8. Invite friends to see your horse. Many people have never seen a horse and this is experience can be very special and memorable to children as well. Giving kids a great introduction to horses could foster a love of horses which can last a lifetime!
9. Have a photoshoot with your horse. This is a great way to capture the bond between you and your horse. You can hire a professional photographer or take your own photos.
10. Volunteer with your horse at a therapeutic riding center.Therapeutic riding centers provide horseback riding lessons to people with disabilities. Volunteering with your horse is a great way to give back to the community and share your love of horses with others.

No matter what you choose to do, make sure to have fun and spend quality time with your horse. Horses are social animals and they thrive on human interaction. By spending time with your horse and doing things that they enjoy, you can strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.

There are lots of interesting articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Owning a horse is a dream for many children growing up and for the lucky ones, becomes reality in adulthood. Some youths may have been inspired by driving in the country with their parents and catching a glimpse of these beautiful creatures peacefully grazing in a pasture. Maybe "horse fever" grabbed them at a pony ride at a birthday party. Perhaps it was a county fair when petting a horse's silky muzzle for the first time and feeling its breath like a warm wave washing over them and knowing, at last, they found a true connection. Moments likes these are what inspire the goal of horse ownership and here are ten of the best things about owning a horse:

1. Unconditional love and companionship. Horses are social animals who form strong bonds with their humans. Owning a horse means having a constant companion who will always be there to greet you at the barn door.
2. Adventure and excitement. Horses can take you on all sorts of adventures, from leisurely trail rides to thrilling competitions. There's nothing quite like the feeling of galloping through a field on horseback or soaring over a jump.
3. A sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Owning a horse is a big responsibility, but it's also incredibly rewarding. When you put in the hard work to care for and train your horse, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that's hard to beat.
4. Physical and mental health benefits. Riding horses is a great way to get exercise and fresh air. It's also been shown to have a number of mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.
5. A connection to nature. Horses are creatures of nature, and owning a horse means getting to spend time outdoors. Whether you're riding through the woods or simply grooming your horse in the barn, you'll feel a sense of connection to the natural world.
6. A chance to learn and grow. Horses can teach us so much about ourselves and the world around us. They can teach us about patience, responsibility, and teamwork. They can also teach us how to trust and communicate with another living being.
7. A sense of community. The horse world is a close-knit community, and owning a horse gives you the opportunity to meet and connect with other people who share your passion for horses.
8. A lifetime of memories. Horses are special creatures who can bring us so much joy. Owning a horse means creating a lifetime of memories that you'll cherish forever.
9. A beautiful creature to admire. Horses are simply beautiful creatures. Their graceful movements and powerful presence are truly awe-inspiring.
10. A source of unconditional love. Horses love unconditionally. They don't care about your appearance, your social status, or your bank account. They simply love you for who you are.

If you're considering owning a horse, be sure to do your research and make sure you're ready for the commitment. But if you're willing to put in the work, owning a horse can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Be safe and enjoy the ride!

There are lots of interesting articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

By Nick Pernokas

You probably noticed those old boots over in the corner. Leaning up against that canvas suitcase like an old dog begging for one more road trip. Orange tops. Black bottoms. Yeah, I know, not to everybody’s taste. They suit mine though and fit just as well. They should, because they are the only pair of custom boots I’ve ever had made. In 25 years, they’ve literally traveled around the world. From the subways of Paris to the dusty Ojinaga streets, from Los Angeles to Calgary. And they still look great, if I knock the dust off them. But this story is not about my boots, but rather about where they came from.

At the age of 10, Debby Matthews lived in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her dad, John Matthews, liked Quarter Horses and the family had several that he’d bought in Texas. The Quarter Horse show industry was booming then and like a lot of horse-crazy kids from that time period, Debby started showing horses. John sought out local horsemen to help his daughter and one of these was a man named Dick Griffith. Dick was a six-time World Champion Trick Rider from the days when it was a tough competitive rodeo event. He was also a two-time World Champion Bull Rider. During Dick Griffith’s career, he mastered more tricks than any other trick rider. He was noted for his grit and flamboyance. John and Dick became good friends.

Dick Griffith was teaching trick riding at his ranch, and Debby spent a lot of time there while he was coaching other students.

“I was in absolute awe of this kind-hearted man,” remembers Debby.

Debby spent hours riding in the arena and in the desert with Dick.

“I was hooked immediately on trick riding, and it was from the master himself that I learned the basics,” says Debby.

The Matthews family became more involved with the booming Quarter Horse industry. A few years later, in the 1960s, the family moved to Texas, and Debby’s father partnered with famed horse trainer Lanham Riley on a ranch outside of Aledo. Debby grew up with Lanham’s kids and was very close to the family. Debby continued to compete in horse shows, and had a halter horse and a pleasure horse. Her dad had bought the halter gelding from the King Ranch, and both Debby and Lanham were successful at showing him in the halter classes. Debby also competed in barrel racing in high school and college. Debby, and her classmates at Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas, motivated the college president to reinstate their college rodeo program.

Debby had an artistic streak as well and started drawing when she was 18.

In 1978, after spending a couple of years in Colorado, Debby moved back to Texas. An encounter with an old friend and neighbor, Jan Warvelle, led to a new opportunity for Debby. Jim and Jan Warvelle and their daughters were a successful contract act that appeared in Wild West Shows and rodeos. They specialized in Roman riding and Jim Warvelle did a lot of trick riding. The Warvelles were also friends with legendary trick roper Montie Montana Jr.

Montie was getting ready to take Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show to England, but he needed more trick riders. Jan knew that Debby had done some trick riding and asked her if she was interested in going to England. Debby was worried that she might be a little rusty, but Jan polished her technique and taught her some new ones. Jan showed her a variety of strap, balance and ground work tricks that Debby added to her repertoire. The Warvelles also taught her Roman riding. When the troupe left for England in July of 1978, Debby was with them.

“I felt guilty getting paid because it was something I’d wanted to do my whole life,” laughs Debby.

The show was successful and performed for 30 days at Wembley Stadium. In 1979, they traveled to Shira Hama, Japan. Additional tours to Singapore and Las Vegas followed.

Debby continued to trick ride until the late Eighties, appearing at rodeos like the Fort Worth Stock Show and private contracted events. She also went to work as an art designer for Western Media in 1983, which was a division of the Quarter Horse News. Debby put together magazine ads for other publications as well as the QHN, product catalogs, fliers and horse sales catalogues. She also flexed her artistic ability through doing drawings and commissions for horsemen in her spare time. One of her Western Media accounts was a catalog for Mercedes Boot Company. Mercedes, which had been started by Rod Patrick in 1975, had just been purchased by well-known horseman and horse show judge, George Sossamon. One thing led to another, and in 1989, George and Debby were married. Debby left her art design job and went to work helping George with the boot company.

Read more: Mercedes Boot Company: A Legacy of Horsemen