Saddle Tree Bars The Bars are those parts of the saddle tree that rest along the sides of the horse’s spine. Originally made of a light wood such as basswood, many trees are now made of composite materials such as plastic resins. This wooden tree has been Fiberglas reinforced. Photo by Bob Lemen. All Rights […]
Hack John C. Howard’s stable on G Street between 6th and 7th, Washington, District of Columbia. This was the stable where John Wilkes Booth hired the horse on which he escaped after the assassination of President Lincoln on April 1, 1865. Courtesy of the Library of Congress, DIGITAL ID: cwpb 04203
Bowline Knot To tie a bowline, make a loop with the running line on the underside. Next, take the rope end up through the loop, around the running line and back down through the loop. A simple way to remember the sequence is “The rabbit comes out of the hole, goes around the tree, and […]
Brand A bull wearing the brand of the North Star Ranch in Effie, Minnesota. The first known law requiring branding in North America was enacted on February 5, 1644 by Connecticut. It decreed that all cattle and pigs had to have a registered brand or earmark by May 1, 1644. Photo by Bob Lemen. All […]
Blanket Stiff Blanket Stiff on a California highway in 1935. Photograph by Dorothea Lange. Courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, reproduction number LC-USF347-003801-ZE DLC.
Boston Dollar The penny was probably called a “Boston Dollar” because an item which would cost a dollar out West might only cost a penny in Boston. “I wouldn’t give a Boston Dollar for that broken-down horse.” Photo by Bob Lemen. All rights reserved.
Horse Feathers Although horses don’t grow the type of feathers a bird does, some breeds have long hair around their feet which is commonly referred to as “feathers.” Photo by Bob Lemen. All rights reserved.
Return to Questions and Answers Index Q&A Questions and Answers: QUESTION: I am taking a story writing class. Sorry, but I am not a horse person (raised in the big city). In order to make things seem more realistic for my stories, I need to find out how fast two horses can pull a flatbed […]
Return to Questions and Answers Index Q&A Questions and Answers: QUESTION: Hi, I have 40 acres of rugged mountain side and am preparing for eventually 8-10 horses. The ground is extremely rocky and uneven. I have cleared 2 acres for pasture and cut the stumps flush to the ground. I would like not to destroy […]
Performance Class Supreme Sultan — “Nation’s Number One Sire of Performance Horses” and Willy’s grand pappy. Supreme Sultan’s offspring have had a knack for blowing away the competition in performance events! Supreme Sultan’s grave — and a life-size statue of him — are in front of the Saddle Horse Museum in Lexington, Kentucky. Picture courtesy […]
Return to Questions and Answers Index Q&A Questions and Answers: QUESTION: Hi Cowboy Bob! First let me say “thank you” for your web-site. I discovered it a couple of weeks ago and have learned so much. I am a first time horse owner at the age of 45 and have a wonderful 13 year old […]
Return to Questions and Answers Index Q&A Questions and Answers: QUESTION: Hello, I am looking for information about proper fencing for horses. We are purchasing a 100 acre farm with 46 of those acres being pasture land in southeast MN. It is currently being used for feeder cattle. All of the 46 acre pasture is […]
Return to Questions and Answers Index Q&A Questions and Answers: QUESTION: Can you please tell me what each of these commands tells a horse to do? Gee ho! Haw! Whoa! Appreciate your help, — A. P. ANSWER: The answer to your question depends on where you are — or at least where the horse was […]
Return to Questions and Answers Index Q&A Questions and Answers: QUESTION: Hi Bob, I have searched and searched without result for the meaning of the slang word “scudder” or “skudder.” I am not at all sure of the spelling but it is used in this way… “you old skudder you” The reference I quote from […]