Horses and Ponies

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we're checking in on the U.S. Army's Caisson Detachment, which was overhauled after issues came to light with the horses' care. The final step in that process is finding a new facility to house the horses, and the Army has set its sights on the historic Middleburg Training Center in Virginia. A sale is in the works, but not yet final, despite objections about the economic impact on the state's horse industry and the wider community. See link to article in comments.
📸Department of Defense/U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Brandes

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

There’s definitely something wrong with this horse. Something is poking it, or belly pain, or pain somewhere else. The vet should check it.

05/25/2026

🐎 Murphy Himself & Ian Stark: A Partnership Written Into Eventing History

In the world of eventing, some horse-and-rider partnerships become more than successful competitors — they become legends. One of those unforgettable pairings was Murphy Himself and Ian Stark. ✨

Brave, bold, and full of character, Murphy Himself was the kind of horse who captured the imagination of everyone who watched him. Partnered with the brilliant Scottish rider Ian Stark, he became one of the most admired event horses of his era.

🌿 A Horse With Heart

Murphy Himself was not just talented — he had presence. He was powerful, athletic, and unmistakably determined. Across country, he showed the courage and confidence that make a truly great event horse.

Eventing asks so much of a horse: precision in dressage, careful technique in show jumping, and fearless commitment over cross-country fences. Murphy Himself had the heart for all three. 🏆

🤝 The Ian Stark Connection

Ian Stark was known for his skill, bravery, and ability to bring out the best in his horses. With Murphy Himself, he formed a partnership built on trust, timing, and mutual respect.

Together, they represented everything people love about eventing: courage, communication, and the deep bond between horse and rider. ❤️

🌟 Cross-Country Courage

Murphy Himself is especially remembered for his boldness across country. Whether galloping over open ground, tackling massive fences, or dropping down steep terrain, he gave the impression of a horse who understood his job and attacked it with confidence.

Those moments are what make eventing so thrilling — the split-second trust between rider and horse, the bravery to face the unknown, and the beauty of two athletes moving as one. 🐴💨

🏅 A Lasting Legacy

Murphy Himself and Ian Stark remain a treasured part of eventing history. Their story reminds us that greatness is not only measured in results, but also in courage, partnership, and the memories left behind.

Some horses are remembered because they won. Others are remembered because they inspired. Murphy Himself did both. 🌈

🐎 Conclusion

The partnership of Murphy Himself and Ian Stark stands as a celebration of everything eventing represents: bravery, trust, athleticism, and heart.

A true legend of the sport — and a horse who will never be forgotten. ✨

05/25/2026

No Mans Whizkey — No Mans Whizkey, AKA “Fritos”, has earned himself a name in the Reining world, with total earnings of $96,202. His recent performance in the 2022 Run For A Million with trainer, Jordan McBurney, has increased that popularity among fellow competitors and spectators alike. Those that know him know that his heart is as big as his mane is long. 2023 was his first year at stud, and there is no doubt that he will pass on those spectacular genes to his future offspring.
>> https://stallionregisterdirectory.com/listing/no-mans-whizkey/

05/25/2026

This Throwback Thursday, we remember legendary Pennsylvania horsewoman Betty Bird, then just 18 years old and still competing under her maiden name, Betty Bosley, at the 50th anniversary of the Devon Horse Show in 1946.

The show had returned after a three-year hiatus during World War II, and the future Hall of Fame trainer—who would go on to become the first woman to win the Maryland Hunt Cup as a trainer—gave spectators something to cheer about in both the hunter and jumper rings.

Read on at the link in comments.

📸 Chronicle File Photo

Sponsored by Frank & Eileen