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Trail Notes + News
NBLA Trail Notes is a monthly column featured in the Newtown Bee, written by Tracy Van Buskirk. These articles, along with general NBLA news, cover topics of interest for the horse and nature lover.
Tracy Van Buskirk
Jan 12
All About Working Equitation
This Equine sport is truly for all types of horses and riders. Read on!
Tracy Van Buskirk
Jun 20, 2024
June 8, 2024: NBLA Riders Enjoy Tarrywile Park And Happy Trails Farm
Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) hosted a group trail ride through Tarrywile Park in Danbury on June 8. The participating riders...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Mar 3, 2024
Safety Around Horses For The Non-Rider
The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard and the Newtown Bridle Lands Association collaborated on presenting a very informative talk...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Nov 4, 2023
Riders And Horses Take On Wet Conditions In Annual Hunter Pace
The forecast for the October 29 Newtown Bridle Lands Association’s (NBLA) Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace was promising light showers...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Jul 8, 2023
Camping With Your Horse For A Unique Adventure
The Newtown Bridle Lands Association hosted a very informative talk given by local equestrian Shelby McChord on June 20. The topic was...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Jan 29, 2023
Does Your Horse Like His Job?
The other day, I was chatting with my sister-in-law who has owned many dogs over the years. We were talking about how certain dogs really...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Aug 27, 2022
How Horses Experience The World, Part Two: Sounds, Scents, And Touch
In a previous article, this column explored how horses see the world. Their vision differs from humans in many ways including range of...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Jul 30, 2022
How Horses Experience The World, Part 1: Vision
Nature writer Ed Yong has been in the press recently with editorials and essays about how animals perceive the world. His best-selling...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Apr 23, 2022
The Other End of Horses: Manure, Black Gold For Gardeners
Every day without fail and up to 12 times a day, your horse presents you with a nice pile of manure, adding up to 30 or so pounds by the...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Mar 26, 2022
Donkeys And Mules — Lovable And Smart
Donkeys and mules are cousins of our much-loved horses and are highly regarded in their own right by owners around the world. There are...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Jan 23, 2022
Your Horse’s Tiny House — A Few Thoughts On Stalls
Some horses are outside 24/7 with only a run-in shed for protection from the elements. Others spend the day outside and only return to...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Dec 12, 2021
As Easy As Falling off A Horse… All About The Least Favorite Part of Riding
If a rider falls off their horse in the forest, and no one is around, does the cursing make a sound? Yes, it does, because darn that...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Oct 15, 2021
Forty-Two Years And Counting — Hunter Pace Is A Bridge To Our Past
The annual Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace (affectionately known as the FOTP) will take place on Sunday, October 24, with a rain date of...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Aug 22, 2020
Passenger or Partner? The Relationship Between Fitness and Riding: Part One
Are you a passenger on your horse or a partner? What is the connection between your fitness level and your horse’s physical and mental...
Tracy Van Buskirk
Jul 13, 2020
What’s The Deal With Miniature Horses?
I mean, they’re cute and everything, but you can’t ride them, so what’s the point? That was my opinion of miniature horses, more commonly...
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