Horse Industry Podcast Horse Industry Podcast

In this episode, Regina gets to know Jean Abernethy. Jean is the creator of the world’s most popular equine cartoon horse, Fergus (Equus-hilarious).

As shared in the Western Horseman (February 2016), “For more than 20 years, the blaze-faced bay has made audiences laugh at his equine perspective on everything from horse flies to flying lead changes. Everybody sees their own horses’ antics in him.”

Regina and Jean talk about Fergus, but they also talk about Jean—her start as an artist, the various interests she’s pursued, and the future of her beloved Fergus.

One thing is certain: with her shelves filled with awards and accolades, Jean and her Fergus will continue to be recognized and enjoyed worldwide!

Thank you, Jean, for bringing relatable humor to the lives of equestrians everywhere!



Listen in to learn more:

(02:28 - 03:24) Connecting Through Fergus Comics and Horses

(06:52 - 07:58) Special Bond With Horse Named Justin

(10:02 - 11:33) Illustrating Monty Roberts' How-to Book

(12:43 - 14:13) Cartooning as a Communication Tool

(19:38 - 20:55) Campfire Comic Inspiration & Content Creation

(27:18 - 28:22) New Book Launch With Fergus



Links:

https://www.fergusthehorse.com/

https://jeanabernethy.com/

https://jeanabernethy.com/images/WHreview.jpg

Like many equestrians, Regina has gazed upon equine art and thought, “What a beautiful picture. I’d love to own that.” Yet, she hasn’t felt educated enough about art to actually whip out the credit card and take it home. After all, no one wants to make a mistake when purchasing art! Regina sought the advice of Juliet Harrison, owner of the Equis Art Gallery in Red Hook, New York.

Here's what Regina has learned. There’s no such thing as the wrong choice or making a mistake when selecting art. Juliet says, if it speaks to you, it is the correct choice.

The Equis Art Gallery is a special place because it’s all about the horse. There is something for everyone because the focus is on the horse and not the equestrian discipline. Drafts, hunter/jumpers, stock horses, ponies, minis…you will find them all depicted in unique and beautiful ways. Plus, there are all price points at the gallery so you can test the waters of art ownership at a rate that’s comfortable for you. The internet and social media has allowed Juliet’s gallery’s offerings to be available for browsing at your fingertips. Can’t make it to New York? Juliet ships worldwide.

After interviewing Juliet, Regina garnered the courage to purchase her first piece of equine art. It’s a painting (acrylic on a Canvas Board) called “Windy Pony” by artist Kelly Moore. And she hasn’t regretted a single minute of the purchase! Regina encourages you to take the jump into the art world and invest in what makes you happy! 



Listen in to learn more:

(03:15 - 05:06) The Meaning of Horse Art

(08:26 - 09:44) The Allure of Horse Anatomy

(13:12 - 14:43) Fine Art vs. Equine Art Comparison

(18:27 - 19:58) Supporting Artists Through Gallery Representation

(21:27 - 22:37) Impact of Social Media on Business





LINKS 

https://www.equisart.com/

Facebook: 

Equis Art Gallery

Equis Art Gallery Fans

Instagram:

Equis Art Gallery

The purpose of Ponysodes is to create a place to celebrate our first ponies. Our goal is to honor first ponies and memorialize them before their stories are lost. Every pony deserves to have his or her story told. 

This is the story of Popcorn, who is remembered and loved by Christy Landwehr. 

Heather and Marley love Pie.

Like, legit, they love their new adventures with their new horse, “We Love Pie!”

Lynn and Regina loved hearing about the ins and outs of the hunter/jumper world.

In this episode, Heather talks about her experience as a pleasure horseperson who went to the hunter/jumper segment of our industry. Heather and Marley are testing the waters and succeeding in this whole new horse world.

Hair nets, daily horse baths with soap, daily tack cleaning, no showmanship classes, no trip to the show office on arrival, unique show class order, and on and on are the new norms in their horse show world.

We’re all the same as horse people. And yet, our worlds can be so totally different! It’s fun!

Listen in to learn more : (12:11) Equestrian Grooming and Attire Expectations

(20:02) Horse Show Culture and Standards

(26:29) Hunter Jumper World Expenses and Expectations

(32:27) Unique Horse Show Rotation System

We all know that one dog year is equal to 7 human years. But how does it work with our horses and ponies? This week, Regina, Lynn, and Heather are together discussing horse-years-to-human-years. You’ll discover why our gangly 2-year-olds remind us of awkward human pre-teens!

Regina also shares the Top 10 oldest horses on record. Did you know that a horse named Old Billy was 62 years old when he died? Can you believe that?

Fun Fact: Regina’s parents still have a pony born on their farm in 1988. Netherland Roamer will be 36 years old in 2024, so she needs to be added to the list!



Listen in to learn more : 

(00:04) Aging in Horses and Herd Socialization

(11:30) Starting Young Horses

(17:32) Horse Age and Maturity Levels

(24:14) Oldest Horses on Record



Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Billy

https://yearsinhumanyears.com/calculator/horse-years-to-human-years/

https://horseyhooves.com/horse-years-human-years-chart/

https://www.besthorserider.com/horse-years-vs-human-years/#google_vignette

https://www.oldest.org/animals/horses/

https://horsevills.com/world-oldest-horses/

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/70449-oldest-horse-ever

https://www.horseandman.com/people-and-places/39225/03/05/2016/

https://great-american-adventures.com/is-magic-the-horse-still-alive/

 

In this episode, Regina speaks to Emily Fields. Emily is an Instructor, Barn Manager, and Program Director at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. The Cheff Center was founded in 1969 as the first therapeutic riding center built especially for the purpose of serving those with special needs in North America. The Cheff Center’s efforts were groundbreaking and they continue to set the bar for creating an environment of horses helping people.
As they discuss the various facets of equine assisted services, Emily shares the ins and outs of what the Cheff Center offers. In short, the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center serves riders of all ages who have physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.
But it’s so much more than that. It’s transformational. It’s life changing.
Two of Regina’s retired show horses joined the Cheff Center in 2023. Regina is so proud of both Blue and Rosie as they’ve embarked on this amazing second career.
After listening to this episode, we hope that you consider supporting the Cheff Center (or any therapeutic riding center near you) with your qualified horse, your time, and/or financial contributions.
Keep up the GREAT work, Cheff Center!
SUMMARY 
Listen in to learn more : 
(00:04) Understanding Therapeutic Riding & Equine-Assisted Services
(11:45) Managing Burnout
(17:24) Equine Therapy Programs and Challenges
(24:51) Donating Horses to Therapeutic Riding
Links: 
https://www.cheffcenter.org/ 
Keywords 
Equine-Assisted Services, Therapeutic Riding, Horse Companionship, Human Health, Physical Improvements, Cognitive Improvements, Emotional Improvements, Burnout, Instructors, Four-Legged Therapists, Horse Welfare, Cheff Center, Culinary Arts, Horse Industry, Equine Therapy Programs, Challenges, Donating Horses, Second Career,