Equestrian Arts

Earlene Smith and Kelli O'Brien talk over the advantages and the perils of including your dog on horse trails.

Earlene Smith and Kelli O'Brien talk over the advantages and the perils of including your dog on the riding trail with horses.

Earlene Smith examines the problem rural communities are experiencing as corporations buy veterinarian practices as older vets retire.

Earlene Smith examines the problem rural communities are experiencing as corporations buy veterinarian practices as older vets retire.

Earlene Smith shares her ideas on what to do when the tick season attacks your horse.

In this episode of Equestrian Arts, Earlene Smith recounts her transformative experience attending a 4-day equestrian clinic led by renowned horseman Craig Cameron in Cottonwood, California. Craig, a Texas cowboy and master of "natural horsemanship," emphasizes working with a horse's natural instincts. Earlene, along with 12 diverse riders, received personalized instruction that push...

In this episode of Equestrian Arts, Earlene Smith shares her experience attending a horse-drawn carriage auction in McMinnville, Oregon. She highlights the decline of California auctions, making McMinnville the primary option in the West, while major auctions take place in Pennsylvania's Amish country. Earlene vividly describes the lively auction atmosphere and the importance of these events f...

In this special episode recorded in 2018, Equestrian Arts explores the iconic Motherlode Parade in Sonora, California. Hosts Susan Toms and Earlene Smith welcome special guest Jim Opie, and delve into the parade's rich history and community spirit, highlighting its growth into the second-largest parade in the country by the 1970s. Featuring long-time participants like Davy Doc and the Twain He...

In this episode of Equestrian Arts, hosts Susan Thoms and Earlene Smith explore Earlene's trip to the Equine Affair in Pomona, one of the largest horse events of the year. Earlene shares her experiences watching top clinicians like Julie Goodnight and Craig Cameron, and the valuable lessons she learned from their sessions. The discussion delves into the instinctive and learned behaviors of hor...

In this episode of Equestrian Arts, hosts Susan Thoms and Earlene Smith delve into the fascinating world of horse communication and training. Earlene shares her expertise on working with horses using body language and instinctual behavior, explaining the importance of maintaining a slack lead rope and how to achieve "join up" with a horse. She discusses the nuances of round pen training,...

In this engaging episode, Susan Thoms and Earlene Smith from the Peppermint Creek Carriage Company delve into the rich history and evolution of draft horses. They explore how these massive, powerful animals, originally bred for war due to their large size and fierce nature, transitioned to indispensable agricultural workers as farming and transportation needs evolved. The conversation highlights t...

In this informative episode, Susan Thoms and Earlene Smith discuss the critical importance of weed abatement for horse owners. They highlight the dangers posed by toxic weeds such as thistles, tarweed, and foxtails, which horses may ingest when their preferred plants are depleted. The conversation covers effective weed management strategies, including mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and p...

In this episode, seasoned equestrian Earlene Smith takes us on a fascinating journey through the rich history and diverse traditions of horseback riding. From the connection between dressage and the evolution of writing, to the unique communication between rider and horse, this conversation is a must-listen for any equine enthusiast. Don't miss out on the insights and anecdotes shared by our e...

In this episode, Susan Toms and her friend Earlene, who owns the Peppermint Creek Carriage Company, explore the concept of "Equestrian Arts." They discuss the intricate and intuitive relationship required between a horse and rider, emphasizing the creative aspects of equine communication. Earlene shares a poignant story about her own horse's battle with colic at high altitude, highli...

In this insightful episode, hosts Susan Thoms and Earlene Smith, the owner of Peppermint Creek Carriage Company, discuss the critical importance of proper riding boots and saddles for a 9-year-old girl who has been gifted a horse. Earlene emphasizes the safety and functionality of riding boots, highlighting the differences between work boots and specialized riding boots. She also explains the adva...

In this episode, Susan Thoms and Earlene Smith share valuable insights on horseback riding. They discuss the importance of proper handling, finding the right horse for a child, and the lifelong learning process of working with horses. Tips on choosing gear, selecting an instructor, and understanding horse signals are highlighted. The discussion covers training techniques, saddle choices, and consi...

Fascinating episode of Equestrian Arts all about the spine! Earlene Smith, owner of Peppermint Creek Carriage Co., dives deep into the unique S-shaped necks and fan-like withers of horses. She explains how this allows them to graze, but can also lead to pain if not properly cared for. Earlene highlights the growing field of equine chiropractic and alternative therapies that can help address these...

Welcome to the first episode of "Equestrian Arts" with your host, Susan Thoms, coming to you from the iconic dome in historic downtown Sonora. In this inaugural episode, Susan is joined by horse expert Earlene Smith to explore the fascinating world of horses. From the essentials of care and training to the elegance of Cowboy Dressage, Earlene provides insights into effective horsemanship...