Wool coolers and dress sheets are great, but I also really like Irish Knit sweat sheets. When I rode a big Belgian Warmblood who never got body-clipped, I always used my Irish Knit because, with a wool cooler, he would never get dry. The Irish Knit keeps the horse from getting chilled, but allows circulation so it will dry. I'm not trying to confuse you, just letting you know all of the options. (Of course, you could always just get both!)

Nicole, there is scientific evidence that shows how harmful rollkur is. Dr. Gerd Heuschmann explains it in the video If Horses Could Speak. You can also read a very in-depth explanation at www.sustainabledressage.com

Aawwww, so sorry, Jessi. Radiance was breathtaking. She certainly lived a wonderful life, although it was much too short. ((Hugs))

Yep, those Horse Quenchers are amazing and certainly a good idea to have around just in case. They come in a bunch of different flavors, so it's easy to find one that your horse will like. I was just introduced to them this year and I wish I had heard about them earlier! More tack/feed stores should carry them (hint, hint).

Here in Miami, we worry a lot about our horses drinking enough. By far the best "trick" that I have come across is a product called Horse Quencher. It's a packet of flavored grains that you put in the horse's water bucket. And, trust me, horses go insane over the stuff! They gulp the water down and then lick the dregs at the bottom of the bucket. You can either buy individual packets of Horse Quencher or whole buckets, and they are available at tack/feed stores and online. Here's

Flake, you're right, rollkur is not banned from the wram-up ring. If you read the article (it's on...Epona TV?), they interviewed the rider and he made some snarky comment about nothing being wrong because the ring stewards didn't say anything to him. And, keep in mind, he had been riding that stallion in rollkur for at least two hours. Sickening.

Hahaha, Starz, thanks for the lovely Looney Toons flashback. I must be getting old because I think, "What ever happened to all the good cartoons?" Duck season! Rabbit season! Duck season! Rabbit season!

Just saw this. My link is www.dressagewannabes.blogspot.com and I also have links to Solo's, flakemusic's, and Nicole's. Anyone else on here have a blog?

Yep, I signed the petition last week and I encourage everyone here to do the same. Rolkur needs to be banned immediately and the FEI should be ashamed that they let this heinous practice continue unchecked. It is our job as equestrians to let them know that we will no longer stand for such inhumane treatment.

Hahahahahahahahahahah! Now, that's some reality television I could really get behind!!!