Adventures with Atlas
Joanna Tracy Joanna Tracy

Adventures with Atlas

Atlas, a magnificent Spanish Norman with a sturdy build and a coat as white as snow (when clean), had been residing at the barn for a couple of weeks when he decided it was time to embark on a daring escape.

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Finding a new sports bra
Joanna Tracy Joanna Tracy

Finding a new sports bra

A comfortable bra that reduces or stops bouncing is a requirement when you’re horseback riding.  In the past few years my favorite bra, the Fiona bra, has been harder to find.

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Should you get a custom saddle?
Joanna Tracy Joanna Tracy

Should you get a custom saddle?

When it comes to riding, finding the right saddle is crucial for both the rider's comfort and the horse's well-being. While off-the-shelf saddles may suffice for some, there are numerous advantages to investing in a custom saddle tailored specifically to your needs.

Here, I share my personal experience and reasons for choosing a custom saddle, highlighting the benefits I've enjoyed throughout the process.

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Leaking in the saddle
Joanna Tracy Joanna Tracy

Leaking in the saddle

I didn’t want to write this blog post, however, despite my embarrassment and how uncomfortable it is  for me  to talk about, I feel it is a common problem that should be addressed.

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Joanna Tracy Joanna Tracy

Dirty Laundry

Horse laundry, everyone has it, no one wants to do it. There are pros and cons to each option I have tried.

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Joanna Tracy Joanna Tracy

Create a horse poem with Chatgpt

I work in tech and ChatGPT is the latest craze. I had heard it can create some pretty great customized poems. The first thing you need to know about using ChatGPT is you have to register to use it. I have a extra email address I use for all of these types of requests so I don’t get spammed in my normal email. Once you sign up it’s easy to get started.

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Joanna Tracy Joanna Tracy

Ways to stay dry while washing your horse

The weather is improving in the Pacific Northwest so it’s warm enough to start giving my horse a bath.  Whenever I wash my horse, I end up becoming a wet mess, either from accidentally spraying myself with the hose, my horse shaking himself to get dry, or trying to reach over my horse or on his neck and ending up leaning on him for support.  

It takes me about 45 minutes to get from home to the barn. So, if I drive home wet, it’s a long, sticky, uncomfortable drive.  Here are some ideas on how to stay dry:

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Back in the saddle again
Joanna Tracy Joanna Tracy

Back in the saddle again

As a returning rider, my confidence is a bit low, and my anxiety is a bit high. Questions tend to spin around in my mind.

· Am I going to fall?

· Is my horse going to spook at_________.

· Is everyone looking at me?

· Did I remember the course right?

· Will I make it to my lesson on time?

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