Charlene Strickland
Award-winning writer Charlene Strickland lives in Bosque Farms, N.M. She has published 8 books and over 600 magazine articles, and is a member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists.
Articles by Charlene Strickland
Planning to Save Horses
May 01, 2001
Titanic-sized calamity, or annoyance that mushrooms into a catastrophe? Either can endanger your horse. Realize that your horses are vulnerable to all manners of natural disasters, and there is no perfectly safe place. A disaster can occur Read More
AI Training For Stallions
February 01, 2001
Given the choice, a stallion wouldn't choose to mate with man-made devices. His instincts drive him to breed a mare; yet he can learn to transfer his sexual focus to a "phantom" mare and an artificial vagina (AV). In order to train a stallion fo Read More
Trailers Built For The Long Haul
February 01, 2001
Just like a horse, a sound trailer requires sturdy construction and fluid movement. This enables your trailer to sustain years of use from horses and withstand hazards on the highway. A better-built trailer can endure impact, vibration, and weather Read More
AHSA Meeting Report
January 01, 2001
At the 84th annual meeting of the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA), the welfare of the horse was a recurring theme. Members debated issues affecting competition horses, and expanded the involvement of horse breeders in the association.
Read More
Locating the Ideal Barn
January 01, 2001
Ranch, farm, field, or barn? When your horse needs a home away from your home, you want to board him in a safe, pleasant place. You might be dissatisfied with your current arrangement, have moved into a new area, or just can't Read More
Pony Power!
January 01, 2001
Tough. Powerful. Clever. The genuine pony displays the traits of centuries of pony progenitors, distinguishing himself from small horse breeds. In general, the pony is the same animal as the horse, yet he has many traits that make him unique. Read More
Equine-Related Human Injuries
October 01, 2000
Like bicycles, skateboards, and dogs, horses supply fun and risk. Riding bikes or skateboards can lead to falls, and dogs can bite. Handling and riding horses can mean falls, bites, and kicks, but like other leisure pursuits, the pleasures Read More
Grooming For Health
September 01, 2000
Regular grooming promotes good health. This hands-on process goes far beyond just making the horse "look pretty." Genuine grooming combines energetic scrubbing, all-over polishing, conscientious inspection, and consistent protection in a series Read More
Shop The Used Trailer Lot
July 01, 2000
Truck, auto, boat, plane--buying used saves money. A pre-owned horse trailer also can offer economy over a new one. To bring home the best buy, learn how to evaluate the condition of a secondhand trailer.
You might find the right Read More
Your Interactive Fence
February 01, 2000
Interactive is a common word in our language now. It means an immediate and personal response. You click--your computer displays a response. Your horse "clicks" an electric fence, and it shocks him. The interactivity cues the horse to respect th Read More
When Tack Hurts
September 01, 1999
Your horse can't tell you where tack hurts, but he can express sensation through his movement. Any sort of tack can impact the horse's attitude and well-being. Tack can cause discomfort or pain by undue pressure, or even its presence against skin Read More
Safe Use of Grooming Products
June 01, 1999
Explore lotions, creams, and ointments, along with grooming tools and beauty wraps you use on your horse. Read More
Reading Pedigrees
February 01, 1999
The horse you see--or the foal you envision--reflects generations of ancestors. Owners of those ancestors made decisions on mating horses, planning each generation. They selected animals by examining the successes of previous horsemen, as Read More
Bits: Protect Your Horse's Mouth
October 01, 1998
Inside the horse's mouth, the bit's motion sends messages to the horse. The message can be as subtle as a twinge, obvious only to the horse. Or, a harsher sensation can result in the animal's gaping mouth and visible pain. Read More
They've Got The Beat: Gaited Horses
June 01, 1998
Every horse moves forward, and gaited horses ease the journey onward. By moving their legs in a four-beat lateral gait, these horses produce a smooth ride. Their locomotion pattern varies from horses which trot in a diagonal Read More
Summer Haircoat Tips
June 01, 1998
A guide to ensure your horse's hair coat stays healthy all summer long. Read More
Focus On Discipline: Polo
May 01, 1998
Gallop gallop gallop thwack! The polo pony (actually a full-sized horse) carries the player to the ball which the rider hits in the line of play. In this fast-paced game the horse and rider partner to play as a single unit. Each Read More
Equestrian Discipline: Pure Pleasure
April 01, 1998
His job is fun. The pleasure horse doesn't work hard or fast, like competitors in jumping, reining, or racing. But when he treks up the trail or circles the show ring, he's supplying his rider with an essential ingredient--the feel of a good horse. Read More
Foreign Travel Tips
April 01, 1998
Travel can broaden your horizons, but crossing international borders can stress horses and owners. The process becomes complex with travel on land, sea, or air. Required quarantines, longer distances, and tests for import and export Read More
Equestrian Discipline: Driving
March 01, 1998
Driving can be an alternative career for a riding horse, or a way to introduce a young animal to training and roadwork. However, it can be a dangerous pursuit for horses and humans. Matching the right animal, cart, harness, and driver contributes to Read More
Focus On Discipline: Eventing
February 01, 1998
The French call it the concours complet, or the complete test. Eventing questions the mental and physical qualities of horse and rider as the pair perform in the ring and across the landscape.
Classically, eventing covers three Read More
Focus on Discipline: Reining
November 01, 1997
Ridin' and slidin' -- the reining horse runs a precise pattern at speed. This equine athlete excels at galloping full out, screeching to a sliding stop, and whirling in a high-speed pirouette. He responds to his rider instantly, at the touch of Read More
Focus on Discipline: Harness Racing
September 01, 1997
Two-beat speed is the standard in this equestrian sport. At the pace or trot, horses of the Standardbred breed compete in harness, while pulling a two-wheel sulky. Drivers urge their horses to race to the wire. Harness horses have competed in th Read More
Shopping for the Barn
August 01, 1997
Stocking your barn involves a variety of purchases, beginning Day 1 and continuing over the years. Besides the obvious furnishings of feeding and watering accessories, your interior can include such items as stall gates, saddle and bridle racks, Read More
Stereotypic Behaviors
April 01, 1997
Chomp! Incisors lock onto the edge of the board, and the horse arches his neck as he inhales. You've caught a cribber in the act. This horse is practicing what is known as a stereotypic behavior. Behaviors such as cribbing, weaving, and Read More
