The Mane Braid

08/20/2026

08/20/2026

I have been a horse husband for 22 years and have learned a few survival tips and tricks over the years in navigating the psychology/psychosis of your equestrian, an anonymous contributor writes. There is a helpline for people considering a relationship with a horsey person, and it can be found at 1-800-DOL-LARS.

The horse comes first.

I have witnessed my wife in an evening gown and high heels muck out a horse stall. Too many date nights and engagements have been rescheduled due to mysterious horse ailments that only the equestrian can see. “Something seems off with Pookie” means we are waiting for the vet. A horse will throw a shoe at the most inopportune moments. I suspect our horses know when we are going somewhere and have mastered the “sympathy limp.” Your horse will receive chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, new $250 shoes every six weeks, a new haircut when it is hot out, and a regular sheath cleaning. DO NOT COMPLAIN about any of these things, especially the sheath cleaning, or their costs, as you will lose this argument. Just nod sagely and go drink a beer.

“Can you help me for a second?”

This is a trap. It is never a second. Horse people have zero concept of time. There are cross ties everywhere and enough bailing twine to circle the earth in every barn. Holding a lead rope with a horse attached is an invitation to be mauled, stepped on, or nibbled at. The horse knows a noob when it sees one and will instantly haze you. Equestrians have superhuman strength they can utilize, but it can only be called upon while in a barn. They don’t need your help. You are there to offer empathy for any and all barn and horse issues of the day. Grab a beer, sit down, and listen while agreeing with everything said.

📎 Continue reading this article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2026/08/19/horse-husband-guidebook/
📸 © Lauren Mauldin

08/17/2026

The final four returned to Rolex Stadium after a storm delay Saturday night with the championship still up for grabs.

Jennifer Hannan and Cellestino made the last trip of the night count to win the $268,830 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, while Eleanor Rudnicki and Vex Freedom capped their winning weekend with the Tier II title.

Read the details at the link in comments.

📸 Winslow Photography

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

Some “luck” in the braids, sleeping beauties, the tiniest kissing spot ever and a beautiful sunrise in the Bluegrass.

Oh, and a USHJA Derby week mani!

08/15/2026

An estimated 70 to 80 percent of foalings occur at night, requiring breeding farms to maintain continuous surveillance during foaling season — a practice researchers say carries substantial labor, economic, and psychological costs.

Researchers in Japan say a combination of thermal imaging and artificial intelligence could eventually lower that burden.

Read more at the link in the comments.

08/15/2026

🍀 I may have sprinkled a little luck in those braids, lol 🍀

Congratulations to all!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CyTGJXHXX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Tori Colvin piloted Odette to a historic win on Tuesday during the USHJA Hunter Championship week at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, taking the 3'6"/3'9" Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship for the second year in a row. See link in comments for the details!

📸 Winslow Photography