More on HorseShow.com, the online horse show site...

If you're a hunter rider, HorseShow.com is looking for you.  They've just announced two shows for hunters, the Landmark Hunter Challenge and Best of the Hunters--and over $12,000 in prize money for entering by video.  The entries will be judged by USEF "R" judge Beth Nielsen.

This new idea is touted as a way to keep costs down, continue showing during off-seasons, and get expert feedback from rated judges, thus helping you better prepare for the real thing.

What do you think about online video horse shows?  Have you ever entered one?

You KNOW your horse is the Coolest Horse in the World!  (Actually, MY horses are, but I don't want to brag.)

Let the virtual world know, too, with HorseShow.com's contest "Coolest Horse In The World".  There's still time to enter or vote for the Coolest Horse with this contest that will pay the winner (the horse with the most votes) $5,000.  And, if your horse is as cool as you think, he or she will surely share that 5 grand with you...right?? 

Of course, we all know that whenever we get money we spend it on our horses anyway. 

So, do tell--what would you do with $5,000 if you won it?

I am crazy about the value of silk as an insulating layer in winter.  Lots of people have misconceptions about wearing and caring for silk.  For example, you may think it has to be handwashed and treated as if it's very fragile.  Not so!  Silk is one of the strongest fibers there is.

You can wash your silk long undies in the washing machine (I do use a gentle cycle) and dry them in the dryer on low heat. Tumbling in the dryer actually helps the silk feel softer than laying it flat or hanging it to air dry.

Not only that, but silk is a really intelligent underlayer.  It wicks away moisture and keeps you warm when it's cold, but when you go inside where it's heated, smart silk breathes and lets you adjust to the warmth without getting too hot.  How does it know? ; )

I find good prices on silk long underwear at WinterSilks.com.  The only problem used to be, they only sold adult sizes.  Now, your kids can also get silk long undies in really fun patterns or colors, for their riding adventures during cold weather.  Check it out!

It's not too late to get in on the fun with Equine Journal. They're giving away a prize every day through Christmas!  Sign up here to enter: http://www.equinejournal.com/emailupdates/. 

If you sign up now you'll be eligible for Day 10's prize, A TuffRider Thermal Sheet.  Some prizes already given include a bridle, a Bit Blanket bit warmer, North Woods Animal Treats, and a Dark Horse Chocolate Trophy assortment. 

What's at the top of your wish list for the holidays?

I love what I get to do, riding and writing about it.  As I'm learning how to be a better rider and competitor in the show ring, I also like sharing that information with others through my writing. Or cussing and discussing the lighter side of being a horse person through humor.

If you're a high school or college student who likes to write about horses too, check out American Horse Publication's 2012 AHP Student Award program. 

Three lucky students and horse enthusiasts will get $750 in travel awards to attend AHP's annual Seminar in Williamsburg, VA May 31-June 2, 2012.   And one will win a $1000 cash award plus an all-expense paid trip to a Publishers Press Two-Day Customer Education seminar in Louisville, KY.

At AHP's Seminar, you'll:
Get an intensive three-day “short course” in equine publishing

Meet, mingle and participate with publishers, editors, advertising, production and circulation managers

Have an opportunity to discuss your talents and potential with the men and women who do the hiring

The travel award winners will also get a complimentary student membership to AHP, a complimentary registration certificate and a critique of their resume.

Here's a profile of 2011's winner, Stephanie Smolek. 

So hurry and apply, cause the deadline's January 16, 2012!

I'm sure you've done your Christmas wish list, but what would your horse ask for, if he could?  Toys?  Food?  More time with his buddies?  I had a good time imagining a show horse's list of requests to the Man in Red, in this month's Equine Journal Last Laugh.  Let me know what you think your horse would have put on the list.

And don't forget to visit the Shopping page here to order The In-Gate: A Parent's Guide to Horse Shows, or A Horseman's Night Before Christmas for yourself, your trainer or your horse-lovin' friends.  The In-Gate recently got a lovely review from The Old Gray Mare, aka Heidi Rucki, on WryteStuff.com.  Ms. Mare--oops, I mean Ms. Rucki--gives The In-Gate four out of five stars and says it's the "ideal resource".