EP 131: Updates from Hoo Too, and a New Book by Mary Ann Simonds

EP 131: Updates from Hoo Too, and a New Book by Mary Ann Simonds

Author: Helena Harris December 20, 2023 Duration: 51:44

Understanding is the key to success and contentment with horses, no matter what you do with them. If you're a backyarder who treasures the minutiae of horsekeeping, or a champion reiner, understanding the nature of all horses, as well as the unique temperament and experiences of the individual horse, makes a huge difference in how well a horse feels and performs in our care.

In this episode, Helena shares some insights from her first 30 days at Hoo Too with Brody, Clarabelle, and Siouxsie. There's also an interesting discussion with horse behaviorist and author, Mary Ann Simonds, whose new book, A Horse By Nature: Managing Emotional and Mental Stress in Horses for Improved Welfare, offers insight to the everyday behaviors of domestic horses that can help us enjoy their company while ensuring that their welfare remains front and center. There's some really good stuff in this episode, so listen in!

This episode is brought to you by: AMERICAN STALLS


Helena Harris hosts Stall and Stable: Ideas for Happy Horsekeeping, a place where the details of daily life with horses are given thoughtful attention. The premise is simple yet profound: the well-being of our horses is deeply intertwined with the spaces and routines we build. This podcast digs into that reality, moving beyond theory to share practical, real-world advice. You’ll hear from veterinarians, farriers, barn managers, and other equestrian specialists, but the conversations feel more like insightful chats between friends who are deeply passionate about animal care. They cover everything from stall design and pasture management to selecting the right tools and understanding equine behavior, always with an eye toward creating a harmonious and sustainable environment. Whether you’re a parent introducing children to their first pony, a professional running a boarding facility, or someone who finds peace in the quiet of the barn after work, there’s something here for you. Each episode of this podcast aims to make the complex aspects of horsekeeping more approachable, offering strategies and product insights that can be applied directly to your own stable. It’s about fostering a lifestyle where both horses and their people can thrive, celebrating the unique bond that makes all the hard work worthwhile. Tune in for a blend of expertise and heartfelt conversation that reflects the true rhythm of life with horses.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Stall and Stable: Ideas for Happy Horsekeeping
Podcast Episodes
EP 70: Clipping Horses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:34
Fuzzy coats, sweaty horses, fancy horses, plain horses, all kinds of horses benefit from having their coats clipped. Did you think that clipping was just for show horses or very specific circumstances? It turns out that…
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EP 68: Truck Shopping for Bumper Pull People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:04
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EP 67: Ten Tips for Better Barn Management [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:40
Barns are the perfect proving grounds for efficient management and thoughtful design. There are many different ways we can improve upon our daily chores - from setting up feed and turning horses out, to sweeping up after…
EP 66: Siouxsie and the Not-So-Solitary Witch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:08
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EP 65 Barn Tips for Buddy Sour Horses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:22
It's springtime in America, and that means many of our horses are back to work in earnest. For some horse owners, separating our horses from their friends in order to work, travel, or show, can mean managing emotions - t…
EP 64: Siouxsie and the Solitary Witch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:02
This is either going to be one of those amazing adventures or one of those times in life when you call your mom crying because everything is awful and you just wanna come home. Siouxsie and Helena are on an adventure in…
EP 63: Listener Stories with Nina from Washington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:06
In Washington state, Nina Halvorsen is living her best life with her reining horses at home and a never-ending list of things to do around her farm. It's what so many of us horse lovers live for! Riding and driving and t…
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Duration: 48:57
When making the decision to bring our horses home, it is easy to forget about how their social environment will change, and what effects that may have on how they're able to perform their jobs as riding or driving partne…
EP 61: Shopping for Hay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
Even if your horses graze on acres of lush pasture for most of the year, there is always a need for hay on a horse farm. For many horses, and for many different reasons, pasture is not an option as a primary source of fo…