Yes it's fly season and there are some new fly mask features to help keep your horse's face fly-free. Sharon Jantzen gets input from Alisha at Riding Warehouse for the latest on fly masks.

The post Keep Those Pesky Flies Away from Your Horse’s Eyes! appeared first on SLO Horse News.

“The few vets that are practicing are very busy and are lacking in support due to the shortage of large animal vets,” explains Dr. Shannon Hazelbeck. She returns home to SLO County to serve horse owners and boost the equine veterinarian industry.

The post Equine Veterinarian Rises to Serve SLO County appeared first on SLO Horse News.

The Back in the Saddle Open Horse Show benefits local 4-H Horse Project. Community members are invited to enter the show, to come and watch, and to sponsor awards and prizes for the show to support the 4-H Horse Project in SLO County. Come take part on April 6, 2025.

The post Back in the Saddle Open Horse Show 2026 appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Oh, the dream of having a horse around the house! What features makes living with horses easier? Brie Nicholson, a local realtor, takes us for a tour of horse property features.

The post Living the Dream of Horse Property Ownership appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Get cash for your extra horse gear, equipment and apparel at the Tack Swap Meet sponsored by Backcountry Horsemen of California Los Padres Unit.

The post Tack Swap Meet: Turn Your Horse Gear into Cash appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Horse owners are animal lovers already, so adding a few furry barn cats to the mix is an easy solution to the inherent barn rodent population. Feral or semi-feral cats are great mousers and can be a key component to keeping the barn rodent population in check. Yet, where can one find good mousers?

The post Barn Cat Benefits appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Heather, a volunteer turned staff member at Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo says her most treasured lessons are from the donkeys themselves. “You have to be able to slow down and wait. Donkeys pause to process a situation, so you learn to shift your perspective.”

The post Improve Your Horsemanship by Working with Donkeys appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Giving her the name Sriracha, after the hot sauce featuring Thai spices, Animal Services quickly realized her challenges went far beyond untrimmed feet. She stepped with her right hind leg in a sideways position with each swing forward compensating for the pain of an untreated old injury. Follow the story of this abandoned mini mare as she become as ambassador for Redwing Horse Sanctuary in Paso Robles.

The post Sriracha’s Journey from Abandoned to Ambassador appeared first on SLO Horse News.

If you’re looking for the perfect “small gifts” for your favorite horse lovers, here’s a list that will guide you to some really fun things. Sharon Jantzen has done the shopping for you. Simply keep this list handy, because Christmas will be here before you know it!

The post ‘Tis the Season – Horse Lovers’ Stocking Stuffers appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Handsome, a 10-year-old Quarter Horse stallion, was so thin his body condition score rated 2. Once a beautiful riding horse, this forlorn fellow lacked proper nutrition, routine care and basic stimulation. Neglect was taking his life. He would most likely not survive the auction transport. Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Paso Robles, CA leapt into action to rehabilitate this handsome fellow.

The post Redwings Horse Sanctuary: Handsome’s Rehabilitation appeared first on SLO Horse News.

“In a world where most of our communication is done through screens and quick messages, it’s getting harder to find genuine in-person connection. Joining a local riding club gives you a place where that connection happens naturally," shares Brie Nicholson.

The post Build Connection and Community Through a Local Horse Organization  appeared first on SLO Horse News.

With so many best boot options for mucking about at the barn there is no reason to have cold, wet feet when the sky is dripping and the ground is sloggy. Sharon Jantzen introduces us to some really hot rain boot options for mucking about at the barn and around town.

The post The Best Boots for Mucking About at the Barn in the Mud and Rain appeared first on SLO Horse News.

The darkness doesn’t have to steal your horsey-time, and it doesn’t even have to put a serious damper on your workout or training routines. Get yourself some portable light sources and some great reflective gear, and make the Fall and Winter season your best yet!

The post Night Lights: Horsing Around in the Dark appeared first on SLO Horse News.

What are the myths and facts surrounding the question, to blanket or not to blanket your horse in winter? Sharon Jantzen looks into some myths and facts of managing your horse's winter blanket with help from a local veterinarian.

The post To Blanket, or not to Blanket? Managing Your Horse’s Winter Blanket appeared first on SLO Horse News.

No need to hold your horses anymore, Riding Warehouse has reopened its doors!

The post Riding Warehouse San Luis Obispo Retail Store Reopens appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Come experience the essence of From the Heart Animal Sanctuary. Pick up a paint brush or colored pencil to capture the animals yourself, or with your family and friends. The Celebration of Art and Animals takes place on Saturday, September 27 from 12:00 – 3:00.

The post Celebration of Art and Animals – A Fun Family Fundraiser appeared first on SLO Horse News.

I came across a Facebook thread which discussed the options available for large animal disposal in SLO County. The consensus was unanimous: We have limited large animal disposal options. I wondered if this was actually the case, or if our community simply doesn’t know about all of the options available to them. I turned to my industry expert contact, Christine Johnson, General Manager of Eden Memorial Pet Care, for some answers. Sharon Jantzen shares Christine's answers to large animal disposal options in SLO County.

The post Large Animal Disposal Options in SLO County appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Grooming is more than simply getting the dirt out of the horse’s coat so the tack won’t irritate the skin. Grooming is communication. Sharon Jantzen explores the benefits of grooming your horse while developing the art of horsemanship in you.

The post Grooming Your Horse – A Vital Aspect of Horsemanship appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Giddy-up, tune-up or lay-up; short-term boarding for horses can be quite useful for a variety of reasons.  Varian Equestrian is here for the equestrian community and offering short-term horse boarding is one example.

The post Short-Term Boarding at Varian Equestrian Center appeared first on SLO Horse News.

The affectionate qualities of donkeys drew the Eckfords to them. However, the plight of the donkeys drove the vision behind starting the non-profit sanctuary back in 2015. At that time, they kept rescued donkeys at their home on Tiffany Ranch Road in Arroyo Grande. In the meantime, they dreamt of having a facility where the rescue donkeys could be rehabilitated and they could take in more donkeys in need. Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary moved to its permanent new home in January 2025.

The post Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary – Rescue, Rehabilitate, Retire Donkeys appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Horses can be kept at home, but only where they are permitted and where the yard is set-up for horse keeping. However, many horse owners can’t keep their horses at home.  Thankfully, horse boarding facilities enable horse ownership for those who are unable to keep horses at home. No matter which side of the horse boarding fence you are on - home or a facility - there are certainly issues to consider. Brie Nicholson has compiled a list of SLO County Boarding Facilities and provides insight on finding the right horse housing for your needs.

The post Horse Boarding Options in SLO County appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Gather your horse camping friends and family and be ready to camp at Hazard Horse Camps October 9-13, 2025. Ride the trails in Montana de Oro, eat, enjoy new and old friends, and play poker for prizes all to benefit Coastal Mounted Assistance and the Central Coast State Park Association.

The post Horse Camping and Fun for Everyone at Montaña de Oro State Park appeared first on SLO Horse News.

After finding a lost horse along the Highway, Sarah asks, "Why don’t people take measures to keep identification on their horses like they do the rest of their pets?" Here are some Horse ID options researched by Sarah Williams.

The post Lost Horse – What Can You Do to Get Your Horse Home Safely? appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Equestrian parking at the Pismo Preserve is different from any other location. The good news is there is a designated horse trailer parking area in the Pismo Preserve parking lot located at the south end of Mattie Road in Shell Beach. You will need to secure a reservation before you head out on horseback. Sharon Jantzen provides the details on the particulars of the Pismo Preserve equestrian parking.

The post What You Need to Know About the Pismo Preserve Horse Trailer Parking appeared first on SLO Horse News.

While there’s no better way to enjoy a summer than in the saddle, it can sometimes get a little uncomfortable (and possibly unsafe) on those warmer than average days. Don’t fret, though, there are two important ways that you can combat the effects of the sun and beat the heat in the saddle this summer. Sarah Williams shares her cool ideas to beat the heat in the saddle.

The post Keep Your Cool – Beat the Heat in the Saddle This Summer appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Jeans or breeches used to be the only riding pant options available for equestrians. Today's riding pant options are all created to meet the specific needs and comforts of the equestrian. Sharon Jantzen takes a look at riding jeans and pants because she needs to do a little shopping . . .

The post Riding Pant Options for the Equestrian : Not Just Your Ordinary Jeans appeared first on SLO Horse News.

The Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) National Championship brings together the top teams and riders from across the country. Riders qualify through regional competitions, with each region sending its highest-scoring team and individual riders in the four levels: Introductory, Lower Training, Upper Training, and First Level. At Nationals, both team and individual competitors ride horses provided by the host school, selected through a random draw. This year, the Cal Poly Dressage team came home with a 5th place ribbon.

The post Cal Poly Dressage Team Places 5th at Nationals appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Saddlebreds, Morgans, Hackney Ponies and Arabians will compete at the Paso Robles Horse Park May 8-11, 2025. The Silicon Valley Horse show has moved to Paso Robles for 2025.

The post Silicon Valley Horse Show Moves to Paso Robles appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Getting the kids started with hands-on learning has ignited their interest. “We started with simple arena work to see where the project members were in their animal handling, then we hit the trail to start practicing trail riding etiquette and skills,” explains Jennifer Best the SLO County 4-H Horse and Mule Packing project founder and leader.

The post SLO County 4-H Horse and Mule Packing Project Kicks-Off appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Get your favorite cowgirl signed up for T.A.M.E summer camp at Sweetbeau Horses in Creston, CA. She'll embark on an unforgetable journey with hands-on learning with a mustang from the Sweetbeau herd.

The post Girls Camp with Glorious Mustang Horses: T.A.M.E. appeared first on SLO Horse News.

“What transpired was in short simply AMAZING!” exclaimed Jenn. “People reached out offering to drive with me. Community members from all over the county called the store, messaged me on Facebook and Instagram asking what supplies were needed.” Jennifer Foss tells the story of gathering and delivering supplies for horse and human fire victims of the Palisades fire.

The post Human and Horse Fire Victims Helped by Local Horse Community appeared first on SLO Horse News.

One does not just enter the Rose Parade – It’s the pinnacle of parades. There is work, practice, preparation and honor involved. Participants experience television stations broadcasting the event while stands of spectators start the parade route, followed by curb crowds all along the five-and-a-half-mile parade route. Two local riders join the International Adalusian and Lusitano Horse Association entry in the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.

The post Riding in the Rose Parade: “Best Day Ever” for SLO County Residents appeared first on SLO Horse News.

This amazing woman is the company founder, product designer, seamstress, financial manager, marketing director, shipping department and manufacturer. She adds a new role as mom to an already full schedule of being a rider of a beautiful, successful dressage show horse, and a now part-time critical care nurse. Come meet Brooke and her Slick Horseware business.

The post Slick Horseware – A Local Business is Blooming appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Unbranded the film, will help you appreciated the hardiness of the "home grown" breed known as the Mustang. Ride along with four cowboys and 16 wild mustang mounts as they make a 3,000 mile trek up the western side of the middle of the US - starting in Mexico and ending in Canada. Sharon Jantzen provides a thoughtful movie review of Unbranded.

The post UNBRANDED : A Movie Review appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Enjoy browsing the women’s and men’s clothing, home décor, books, knick-knacks, lots of horse-themed items plus special pieces by local artists. Take the time to chat with Holli. She has veritable vision, great goals and superb styling ideas. The iconic, double-round roofed, turquoise-blue Rainbow Hut is home for The Giddy Up in Santa Margarita, CA.

The post Experience The Giddy Up Hut in Santa Margarita appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Two trainers at Varian Equestrian Center are ready to set a solid training foundation on ANY breed of horse. Ismael (Mike) Perez and Jamie Hernandez are consistently available and come with years spent with Sheila Varian learning “The Varian Way” of setting a solid training foundation. The Varian Way lets the horse set the pace gaining trust each step of the way.

The post Establishing a Solid Training Foundation: The Varian Way appeared first on SLO Horse News.

How prepared are your barns and horses for the coming wet weather? Sarah Williams asked fellow Central Coast horse friends for info on how they are preparing for the coming wetness. Get ready for rain!

The post Preparing Horses for Wet Weather appeared first on SLO Horse News.

"My teens know if they need to work out getting somewhere that my time as a therapeutic riding volunteer will stand in their way," Sharon Jantzen tells us why she fiercely guards her time as a therapeutic riding volunteer.

The post A Day in the Life of a Therapeutic Riding Volunteer appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Tasks, hobbies and programs that relieve tension are therapeutic to our mental and physical health. Raking up horse poop fits the description of a therapy. Sharon Jantzen shares why taking manure fork in hand and cleaning up after your horse is very therapeutic.

The post Why Raking Up Horse Poop is Therapeutic appeared first on SLO Horse News.

Unfortunately, disturbing yellowjacket’s underground homes can happen while out on a trail ride, or even in a pasture, especially in late summer and fall. Unknowingly disturbing a yellowjacket underground nest can be catastrophic for the horse trail rider. The yellowjackets can sting both the horses and riders. Get tips on minimizing disaster from disturbing yellowjacket nests.

The post Bee Aware: Trail Riding Where Buzzing Yellowjackets Live appeared first on SLO Horse News.