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Articles by Amanda Ronan
That Horse is a Work of Art
Amanda Uechi Ronan#ART, #boston, #equestrian, #horse, #MFA Whenever I travel I fill my camera roll with photos of horses. These are in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. I like to call this first one, “Someone left the gate open and I was in the shower.” But actually it’s Automedon with the Horses of Achilles by Henri Renault (1868). Photo by Sydney Uechi Ronan One of my favorites in the museum, Dama a caballo, is a 1785 painting by Puerto Rican artist Jose Campeche y Jordan.
Horses of Japan: Archaeology, Racing, and Trading Cards
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #japan, #RACING #TRAVEL From religion to a thriving modern equestrian industry, the horse has profoundly influenced the traditions, beliefs and everyday life of Japan. Here’s what I saw on my recent trip to Tokyo. Japan late 17th–early 18th century. Public Domain. The first horses in Japan were 4th century imports, possibly brought in by invaders from northern Asia.
Horses of Japan: Samurai Warriors
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #japan, #TRAVEL, #travelblog From religion to a thriving modern equestrian industry, the horse has profoundly influenced the traditions, beliefs and everyday life of Japan. Here’s what I learned on my recent trip to Fujinomiya. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Public Domain.
Horses of Japan: Horse Girls and Shrines
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #HISTORY, #horse, #japan, #TRAVEL From religion to a thriving modern equestrian industry, the horse has profoundly influenced the traditions, beliefs and everyday life of Japan. Here’s what I saw on my recent trip to Kyoto. Kubo Shunman, Japanese, 1813. Public Domain. Fujinomori Shrine is an ancient place of worship founded 1,800 years ago by Empress Jingu, a legendary Japanese empress that ruled following her husband’s death in 200 CE.
Women’s History Month - Isabella Stewart Gardner
Amanda Uechi Ronan#boston, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #womenshistorymonth Eccentric art collector. Passionate traveler. Lifelong horse lover. Meet the woman behind one of Boston’s most unique museums: Isabella Stewart Gardner. Isabella Stewart Gardner was born in New York in 1840 into a wealthy family of linen merchants. She spent most of her childhood in New York, but also traveled through Europe, particularly Paris and Milan.
Women’s History Month: Isabel Anderson
Amanda Uechi Ronan#boston, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #women, #womenshistorymonth Philanthropist. War nurse. Political commentator. World traveler. Author. Horse lover. Car enthusiast. Let me introduce you to Isabel Anderson. On a recent trip to Boston, I learned about a woman I had somehow never heard of… Isabel Anderson, born Isabel Weld Perkins. Isabel Anderson by DeWitt M. Lockman, ca. 1915-1920. New Hampshire Historical Society.
We Must Choose Who We Want to Be: An Op-Ed and a Rant
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #NEWS, Op-ed Love the sport. Frustrated by the mess. Here’s my truth. This article contains the opinions of the author and should be read as such. Equestrian sport is built on a fragile contract. We ride and compete only because our horses allow us to. Yet year after year, case after case, the sport confronts an ugly truth… some riders put the horse first, and some clearly do not.
Jonathan Bailey and Sam Heughan Feud Over Stallion Named Jack
Amanda Uechi Ronan#bridgerton, #CELEBRITY, #equestrian, #horse, #outlander We all want to be Jack right now. Sam Heughan, best known as Jamie Fraser on Outlander, has spent a good chunk of his on-screen time in the saddle. Over the years, he’s developed a bond with a four-legged co-star … a horse named Jack. Meanwhile, Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton apparently didn’t want to settle for just any horse when he filmed Wicked. He specifically requested Jack.
Lewis Hamilton Trades Prancing Horse for Real One
Amanda Uechi Ronan#CELEBRITY, #equestrian, #horse He has seven world championship titles, but now he’s won all our horse girl hearts too. Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula 1 driver widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history. He made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 and won his first World Championship in 2008.
6 Reasons ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Would Have Been Better If Belly Were A Horse Girl
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #LIST, #tsitp I watched it. I regret nothing. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably realized by now just how much of a chokehold The Summer I Turned Pretty has on society. I was lured into watching the show by my 17-year-old daughter, who was herself baited in by TikTok. In the end, I think I enjoyed it more than she did… mostly because it’s a total homage to every millennial young adult TV show and rom-com ever made.
In Memory of Robert Redford
Amanda Uechi Ronan#CELEBRITY, #equestrian, #horse, #robertredford Equestrian Hollywood icon, Robert Redford, died September 16 at the age of 89. Redford grew up in Los Angeles, far removed from horses and the cowboy way of life. He told People We Know, Horses They Love, “My first time on a real horse was when I was five or six.
The Soldier Queen: Marie of Romania
Amanda Uechi Ronan#crosscountry, #equestrian, #europe, #girlboss, #HISTORY, #QUEEN, #queenmarie, #romania Declared to be the “only man in Romania” at the 1917 Paris Peace Conference, Queen Marie defied expectations, becoming the first woman to be named Commander of a Romanian military cavalry regiment. Marie was born into the British royal family Princess Marie Alexandra Victoria of Edinburgh in 1875. Her early years were spent in Kent, Malta and Coburg.
Horses of Greece: From Pottery to Pegasus
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #greece, #HISTORY, #horse I went to Greece for the views and the sunshine, but (not suprisingly) ended up on a tour of all things horse. Perched on a quiet hillside near the Acropolis, the Holy Church of Saint Demetrios Loumbardiaris is a 16th-century gem, rich with Byzantine charm and centuries of history etched into its stone walls.
Texas Flooding: How You Can Help
Amanda Uechi Ronan#NEWS, #RESCUE The recent flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas has torn through communities, leaving heartbreak in its wake. At least 104 people are dead across six counties. In Kerr County, officials reported 84 deaths — those of 56 adults and 28 children. Though the likelihood of finding survivors grows slimmer four days out from the devastating flood, rescue crews continue to comb through the region, searching for survivors.
Horses of Greece: Hydra Horsepower
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #mule, #TRAVEL, DONKEY I recently had the pleasure of visiting Hydra, Greece, and this little island is like stepping back in time. It’s only about an hour and a half away from Athens by ferry, but it feels like a world of its own. No cars. Instead, you’ll find an island where the primary modes of transportation are horses, mules, and donkeys. The first thing I noticed as soon as I set foot on the island was how quiet it was.
Horses of Greece: The Jockey of Artemision
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #greece, #HISTORY, #horse As a lifelong horse enthusiast and museum junkie, I’ve seen my fair share of statues, but nothing prepared me for the Jockey of Artemision. Picture this: I’m strolling through the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, minding my own business, when suddenly — BAM! — a bronze boy on a galloping horse bursts into my field of vision.
Five Years on Horseback: 1,000 Miles Done
Amanda Uechi Ronan#ENDURANCE, #equestrian, #horse, #horsetravel, #TRAVEL Olivia and Ben, a Canadian and an Aussie, are traveling on horseback across the Americas from south to north, following the famous Pan-American Highway that begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and ends in Alaska. Once a month, they’ll share notes from their life on the road. May 11th – Perito Moreno At last, we finally reached the last town that we’ll cross before leaving the steppes of Santa Cruz.
Saddles and Solidarity on Queer Horse-Tok
Amanda Uechi Ronan, Contributor#equestrian, #horse, #pridemonth As we celebrate the vibrant, diverse, and ever-evolving LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month, we’re also spotlighting voices that challenge the expected and ride proudly into new territory. This week, we’re thrilled to welcome guest contributor Numa. From Numa: It’s the evening after the presidential election and the big cattle ranch owners up the road throw a big cookout party as many Americans celebrate a win.
Memorial Day: Horses of War
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #HISTORY, #horse, #MEMORIALDAY From the thundering hooves on ancient battlefields to the ceremonial graves of warrior kings, the horse has been one of humanity’s most enduring military allies. Archaeology gives us a unique lens into this powerful relationship, revealing how horses not only shaped the outcomes of wars but also the structure of ancient societies themselves.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Amanda Uechi Ronan#asianamericanheritagemonth, #equestrian, #horse May celebrates the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans. Today we recognize a few equestrians. Kait Wilson runs the Instagram account @eyesupdarling, where she shares her life with her horses, Fluffy and Lexington. In addition to chronicling the highs and lows of eventing, the account also highlights issues of diversity and inclusion within the sport.
Happy Mother’s Day, Horse Nation.
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #MOTHERSDAY From avid equestrians to those who prefer to cheer from the sidelines, today we celebrate all the horse show moms out there. I spent thousands of hours riding horses with my mom, but the thing I remember most about her at horse shows is her not being there. Insert record scratch. I know. You’re like… what? Let me explain. From the moment I began showing horses, my mom would drive me to the event and then disappear.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Saddle Up for a Happier Mind
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #mentalhealth Horseback riding offers far more than just physical exercise — it can be a powerful tool for mental well-being. All jokes aside, every equestrian knows how powerful being around horses can feel. One of the most significant mental health benefits of horseback riding is stress reduction. Spending time with horses and being out in nature helps riders disconnect from daily pressures, promoting mindfulness and relaxation.
The Man From Snowy River Stockman’s Challenge
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #inthenews, #manfromsnowyriver, #stockhorse Possibly the coolest horse event to ever exist. The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong, Victoria, is a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich heritage, steeped in the traditions of the Australian high country. At the heart of the event is the Stockman’s Challenge. According to Select Sires, the event is grueling, consisting of six preliminary stages followed by finals.
Five Years on Horseback: Cold and Wind
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #TRAVEL, #travelblog, #worldfromahorse Olivia and Ben, a Canadian and an Aussie, are traveling on horseback across the Americas from south to north, following the famous Pan-American Highway that begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and ends in Alaska. Once a month, they’ll share notes from their life on the road. 28 February 2025 – Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego 4:30 in the morning, my first snooze.
In the News: Sensational Archaeological Discovery in Stuttgart
Amanda Uechi Ronan#archaeology, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #horse, #inthenews An excavation by the State Office for Monument Preservation uncovered more than 100 Roman horse skeletons in southwestern Germany. The animals belonged to a cavalry unit stationed at Hallschlag in Bad Cannstatt, one of the most important Roman military bases in the 2nd century CE. Horse skeletons were first discovered in the area during the construction of residential buildings in the 1920s.
In The News: Using AI to Police Horse Welfare
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #horsewelfare, #inthenews, #SCIENCE, #welfare In a 2024 study, researchers used machine learning models to predict emotional states in horses — an approach with potentially far-reaching consequences. Animal welfare is an increasingly hot topic, and equestrian sports are no exception. Numerous horse-riding practices are currently criticized for being detrimental to equine well-being.
Earth Month: Eco-Friendly Horse Keeping
Amanda Uechi Ronan#barnhacks, #DIY, #earthmonth, #equestrian, #horse Earth Month, celebrated each April, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action to protect the environment. But as horse owners, how can we contribute? Here are some top tips. Buy Green or DIY One of the biggest changes I made at my barn over a decade ago was eliminating most products containing toxic chemicals. Since then, I’ve switched to greener alternatives—and even started making my own.
Women’s History Month: Lozen the Apache War Prophet
Amanda Uechi Ronan#apache, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #nativeamerican, #womenshistorymonth Lozen fought against Mexican and American forces for 30 years, earning the nickname “Apache Joan of Arc.” Lozen was born around 1840 into the Chihenne Apache band of Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, during a time of constant conflict. At least seven Apache bands, spread across a vast area known as Apacheria, fought with each other as well as with the Mexican and American settlers new to the territory.
Five Years on Horseback: An Epic Journey Across the Americas
Amanda Uechi Ronan#ENDURANCE, #equestrian, #longdistanceriding, #NEWS Olivia and Ben, a Canadian and an Aussie, are crossing the Americas from bottom to top with horses, following the famously known Pan-American Highway that starts in Ushuaia, Argentina and finishes in Alaska. Tell us about yourselves! Benjamin is from the Australian Outback, where he spent the majority of his life working with horses, cattle, and working dogs.
Women’s History Month: The Pretty Horsebreakers
Amanda Uechi Ronan#bridgerton, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #womenshistorymonth The pretty horsebreakers of Victorian London mastered both horses and men, during a time when women’s role in society was extremely limited. In 19th-century London, Hyde Park’s Rotten Row was the place to see and be seen. Noblemen, women, and wealthy heirs and heiresses promenaded up and down the street negotiating business, marriages, and everything in between. Among the crowd were a few women who broke the mold.
Women’s History Month: Boudica
Amanda Uechi Ronan#archaeology, #celtic, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #womenshistorymonth The queen of the Iceni in the first century CE rebelled against Roman rule and burned down London. Born roughly 2,000 years ago, little is known about Boudica’s early life. We do know when she turned 18, she married the Celtic King of the Iceni tribe and lived in what is now modern-day East Anglia, one of the few remaining Celtic territories not yet conquered by the Roman Empire.
Women’s History Month: Scythia and Sarmatia
Amanda Uechi Ronan#amazonwarriors, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #sarmatians, #scythians, #Ukraine, #womenshistorymonth, #womenwarriors A fascinating blend of mythology and archaeological evidence, today we explore the legendary warrior women of ancient Scythia and Sarmatia, renowned for their equestrian prowess and fearsome reputations.
In The News: Court Orders Return of Cloned Polo Ponies
Amanda Uechi Ronan#clone, #legal, #NEWS, #POLO, #SCIENCE The ruling is being regarded as a landmark decision. Adolfo Cambiaso, often referred to as the “Tom Brady of polo,” and his legal team have successfully secured a final judgment for the return of cloned ponies that were sold without his knowledge. Cambiaso began cloning horses in 2010 following the tragic 2006 injury of his prized stallion, Aiken Cura.
Black History Month: In The Show Ring
Amanda Uechi Ronan#blackhistorymonth, #HISTORY, #SHOWJUMPING, #VAULTING, #weareallequestrians Black equestrians have shaped and continue to influence the equestrian world despite historical barriers. Black equestrians have played a significant yet often overlooked role in the history of horseback riding, both in the past and in modern times.
Black History Month: The Wild West
Amanda Uechi Ronan#blackhistorymonth, #HISTORY, #weareallequestrians One in four cowboys was black, according to historians. Cowboys are the trailblazing, sharpshooting, horseback-riders of American lore. If you picture one in your mind, you might think of John Wayne or Roy Rogers. But the reality is far more complex and interesting than Hollywood’s version. By 1860, millions of cattle roamed Texas, and 30% of the state’s population were enslaved people.
Black History Month: Thoroughbred Racing
Amanda Uechi Ronan#blackhistorymonth, #HORSE RACING, #horseracing Thoroughbred racing was dominated by Black jockeys for decades before being unofficially banned in 1904. In the late 19th century, Black jockeys were at the top of the sport, using horsemanship skills they had learned during enslavement. “It’s arguable that Black jockeys were really America’s first sports stars,” Dominique Mungin, chair of the USHJA’s Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Committee, told Chronicle of the Horse.
Horseback Riding Becomes A Part of You. It’s, Literally, Science. Maybe.
Amanda Uechi Ronan#archaeology, #HISTORY, #SCIENCE A new study reveals that horseback riding leaves evidence on our skeletons and has for thousands of years. Published in Science Advances, the study stops short, though, at definitively linking skeletal changes to horse riding alone. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder are comparing modern medical studies with archaeological data.
In the News: Gene-Edited Super Horses?
Amanda Uechi Ronan#clone, #inthenews, #SCIENCE Argentine biotech firm Kheiron have produced the world’s first genetically edited horses using a technique called CRISPR-Cas9. It was recently announced that five gene-edited foals were born last October and November in Argentina using genes from Argentine Association of Polo Horse Breeders Hall of Fame mare Polo Pureza. “We design their genome before they are born,” said Gabriel Vichera, co-founder and scientific director of Kheiron.
Putting The Hot Back In Hot Shoeing
Amanda Uechi Ronan#horse, farrier Let’s all take a moment to meet Samuel Wolfenden of SW Farriers. Here’s what we know. He’s been a farrier in England for 16 years. Sam went to work as an apprentice for his father when he was sixteen. The apprenticeship lasted for four years, after which Sam continued to work with his dad for another four years. Eight years later, Sam is a thriving entrepreneur and has his own apprentice named Tom… but he still collaborates with his dad. He doesn’t own a horse.
Cutting Event Closes New York Fashion Week
Amanda Uechi Ronan#bellahadid, #CELEBRITY, #cuttinghorse, #horse Horse Couture is here to stay. New York Fashion Week began in 1943, driven by American designers who couldn’t travel to Paris to attend French fashion shows during World War II. It’s now a biannual event held in Bryant Park featuring a wide range of designers.
Horses at The Met: Bring on the Chonks
Amanda Uechi Ronan#ART, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #horse, #horseart, #museum This summer I visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and what I found were some absolute units. Oh, they thic thicc. All About That Bass I love a good Renaissance levade. Bonita Applebum Booties big enough for a gooseneck hitch… apparently. Gotta Blame It On That Juice They know they cute. They’re the pudding in the proof. Go riding.
Friday Flicks: My Lady Jane (2024)
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #fridayflicks, #horse, #movie An alternate history retelling of the real-life English noblewoman, Lady Jane Grey. I watched it and I think you’ll want to. Starring Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel, the show is created and written by Gemma Burgess and based on the book of the same name by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. The Synopsis: “Lady Jane Grey and her husband Guildford live during the reign of Edward, son of Henry VIII.
Horses at The Met: Mare Glare and More
Amanda Uechi Ronan#ART, #equestrian, #FUNNY, #horse, #horseart This summer I visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and I was struck by two things. One, there are horses everywhere. Two, most of them are so over it.
Horses at The Met: Weird, Wonderful and Empowering
Amanda Uechi Ronan#ART, #equestrian, #HISTORY, #horse This summer I visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and what I found was that horses, in any form, intrigue me. The Weird An aquamanile is a jug-shaped vessel that usually contained water for the washing of hands (aqua + manos) over a basin, which was part of both upper-class meals and the Christian Eucharist, though there are many artifacts from Islam that predate Christian examples.
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself: An Op-Ed and a Rant
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, #horse, #inthenews, Olympics, Op-ed The muck hit the stall fan. Now we all have to figure out how to handle it. Amanda Uechi Ronan takes a moment to discuss how to move forward following the drama surrounding Charlotte Dujardin. Let me start this by saying this is not an insightful, well-balanced article. If you want that, head on over to Gwyneth McPherson’s piece posted last month. This is straight up one woman’s opinion and rant. So let’s rip the bandage off quickly.
Celebrity Equestrians: An Update on Bella Hadid
Amanda Uechi Ronan#CELEBRITY, #horse We check in with the model that’s single-handedly making “cowgirl couture” a thing. Back in January, we reported that Bella Hadid was becoming a serious contender on the Texas cutting scene, and she hasn’t slowed down since. After officially moving to the Lone Star State to be closer to her partner and cutting trainer, Adan Banuelos, Hadid has been a regular in the cutting arena and most recently was caught chasing cans at a local rodeo in Colorado.
Celebrity Equestrians: Xavier Legette
Amanda Uechi Ronan#CELEBRITY, #horse Carolina Panthers first-round pick wide receiver, Xavier Legette, rides to escape. Growing up in Mullins, South Carolina, Legette began riding at his uncle’s stable when he was five years old. It was his home away from home, especially after the loss of both of his parents. “That’s his getaway,” his aunt Chrystle Neal told ESPN. “He really wanted to be a veterinarian, but only if he could just take care of dogs and horses,” she said.
Summer School: The Last Wild Horses
Amanda Uechi Ronan#horse, #inthenews, #przewalskis Let’s talk Przewalski’s horses. First off, let’s address the elephant in the room. Last month, two different TikTok accounts claimed they rescued two Przewalski’s horses at two different auctions in two different states. The posts went viral, and the account holders named the rescued horses Fiona and Shrek. Then the muck well and truly hit the fan.
The 12 Types of Horses
Amanda Uechi Ronan#equestrian, HUMOR As depicted in a set of prints by Thomas Rowlandson in 1799. A prolific 18th-century artist and caricaturist, Thomas Rowlandson was known for his laugh-out-loud depictions of rural life and NSFW prints that made even the Queen blush. His 12-print series, Horse Accomplishments, showcasing different horse stereotypes, is still pretty accurate even today.
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