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Taking Up the Reins | Barn Stories Ep. 81
The transition from horse girl to horse woman is a process with which many of us are familiar. In this episode, the writer takes us back to those formative days to explore the influence of horses o...
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Lost and Found in America | Barn Stories Ep. 80
Once upon a time a young woman, her horse and her dog journeyed across the country without even a cell phone or a GPS to guide them. What they experienced was truly inspiring and sure to resonate w...
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In Praise of Interim Horses | Barn Stories Ep. 79
Have you ever had an “interim” horse? They’re the ones we know for only a few days but that end up playing pivotal roles in our equestrian lives. In this episode of “Barn St...
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The Beauty of It All | Barn Stories Ep. 78
What breathtaking sight can absolutely terrify horses? Tune in to find out! This episode of “Barn Stories” is brought to you by My New Horse, your guide to becoming a horse owner.
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Home for Christmas | Barn Stories Ep. 77
The heartwarming story behind this episode really captures the spirit of the holiday season. In fact, it’s become a tradition at EQUUS. If you don’t already have a holiday podcast tradition, ...
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Of Solitude and Stall Cleaning | Barn Stories Ep. 76
There’s something profoundly centering—even meditative—about cleaning stalls that transcends the job at hand to provide peace after a stressful day. If you can relate, we think you will enjoy this ...
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The Stuff of Dreams | Barn Stories Ep. 75
For many young wannabe horse owners back in the day, tack catalogs were much more than a source for brushes and halters. They were a connection to a world for which they longed—a coping strategy an...
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Quality Time | Barn Stories Ep. 74
This episode may be short, but it’s poignant and powerful. Listen as a longtime contributor and friend of EQUUS lays out the fundamental truths about loving horses and how their roles in our ...
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Simple Pleasures | Barn Stories Ep. 73
What’s your favorite way to enjoy a gorgeous autumn afternoon? For many of us, there’s only one answer to that question. Indeed, some of life’s most transcendent moments are exper...
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Murphy’s Makeover | Barn Stories Ep. 72
In this heartwarming episode we learn of a trainer’s many trials as she prepares an ex-racehorse for the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. How will this “difficul...
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Old Soldier | Barn Stories Ep. 71
If you’ve ever had your own “heart horse,” you’ll understand the need to share stories like this one, to keep special memories of our beloved horses alive. Even if you’...
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One Last Gift | Barn Stories Ep. 70
What happens when a guy develops a passion for horses late in life–and brings his daughter and grandchildren along for the ride? Get ready for a bittersweet twist on the classic “patien...
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The Kindness of Strangers | Barn Stories Ep. 69
Loose horses: that’s a sight sure to trigger panic, especially if a dog is involved! But sometimes “it takes a village” to set things right, as you’ll learn in this episode....
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My Story Book Horse | Barn Stories Ep. 68
Did your love of horses start in the pages of a book? This episode will resonate with anyone who grew up reading the equine literary classics—books like “Misty of Chincoteague,” “...
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Standing Firm | Barn Stories Ep. 67
A good trail horse will respond promptly to your cues. But what happens if your trusty partner balks when asked to go in a certain direction? As we learn in this episode of “Barn Stories,R...
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True Beauty | Barn Stories Ep. 66
Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder? What about equine beauty? The author of the story that inspired this episode invites us to think about this in terms of horses we’ve known and lov...
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Grace and Gratitude | Barn Stories Ep. 65
Some gifts come at a price! In the story that inspired this episode, the author is given the perfect horse, snatching away her lifelong dream of shopping for that perfect horse. Is there a lesson h...
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Hanging in the Balance | Barn Stories Ep. 64
Awakened by a racket in the middle of the night, a horse owner discovers a horrifying scene in her barn. What happens next is a story well worth a listen. This episode of ‘Barn Stories’...
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Hard Bargain | Barn Stories Ep. 63
We’ve featured many essays about saying goodbye to a beloved horse, but … a favorite pair of chaps? Maybe a special piece of tack or riding apparel has become a “keeper of memories̶...
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Change Management | Barn Stories Ep. 62
Have you ever had a disappointing riding lesson? In this month’s essay, the author reflects on a particularly awful session while driving home from the barn. Are there larger life lessons to ...
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The Transformation | Barn Stories Ep. 61
How much can a horse change? How about a person’s opinion of that horse? In this episode, a woman makes a misguided assumption about a particular horse based on his breed and behavior during ...
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She’s Leaving Home | Barn Stories Ep. 60
Sometimes when horse people travel, they have to pack some emotional baggage. In this episode of “Barn Stories,” we hear how hard it can be to leave one’s horses behind–but ...
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Yesterday and Today | Barn Stories Ep. 59
When you lose a special horse, it can take years to connect with another. How long, then, can it take when you lose two special horses? Tune in to find out. This episode of “Barn Stories̶...
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The Next Step | Barn Stories Ep. 58
The long, quiet hours waiting for a colic to resolve provide an opportunity for thoughtful reflection. In this episode of “Barn Stories,” an owner uses that time to truly appreciate the...
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Moment of Truth | Barn Stories Ep. 57
Many equestrians dream of keeping their horses right in their backyards. In this episode, we learn what the reality of that arrangement can be. Is it worth it? Tune in to find out! Watch. Learn. Be...
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The Pony and Me | Barn Stories Ep. 56
How do you feel about ponies? If you’ve ever had a relationship with one of these pint-sized terrors … er, equines … you’ll want to hear this episode. Today’s episode ...
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To Challenge the Wind | Barn Stories Ep. 55
A trail ride with an old equine friend can bring on a flood of emotions. In this episode of Barn Stories, you’ll experience them all! If you’ve ever loved and ridden a horse into its twilight years...
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Abide with Me | Barn Stories Ep. 54
Watching your children grow up can be bittersweet. In this episode, we learn that watching your horse watch your children grow up can be even more so. Enjoy this wistful but joyful celebration of f...
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What Brings Me Back| Barn Stories Ep. 53
This episode is based on a love letter of sorts to a special leased horse named Court. Although he’s a little grumpy, Court becomes an emotional lodestar for the author during a time of great uphea...
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This Glamorous Life | Barn Stories Ep. 52
There’s nothing quite as glamorous as life with horses … said no real horse person ever! “This Glamorous Life” addresses that reality and explores why we continually return to the dirty...
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Sheepish | Barn Stories Ep. 51
When sheep turn into horse-eating monsters, it’s up to a compassionate owner to save the day. This episode of “Barn Stories” is brought to you by the American Quarter Horse Youth ...
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My Escape from Wildfires | Barn Stories Ep. 50
The story in this episode is an edge-of-your-seat thriller! With a wildfire bearing down, a barn owner has three equines to move—but only two spots in the trailer. Tune in to hear about their hair-...
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All’s Right with the World | Barn Stories Ep. 49
An epiphany during a trail ride helps a man understand his place in the world and among horses. This episode is sponsored by hard-working, grease-free UltraShield EX fly spray. Learn more at Absorb...
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More Blessings Than Stars | Barn Stories Ep. 48
When her beloved horse dies, a woman spends the night at his side, reflecting under the stars. Grab some tissues and settle in for this episode of “Barn Stories.” This episode of “...
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Reverse Psychology | Barn Stories Ep. 47
When does learning the wrong dressage test give you a competitive edge? Find out in this episode of Barn Stories. This episode of Barn Stories is brought to you bytop-rated, award-winning UltraShie...
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Echoes of Hoofbeats | Barn Stories Ep. 46
How can a former rider living in a busy city connect with the animals that helped shape her? Find out in this episode of Barn Stories. This episode is brought to you by 5/A Baker. The 5/A Baker bra...
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Small Victories | Barn Stories Ep. 45
Training horses doesn’t always happen inside a ring. In this episode of Barn Stories, training happens on a trip into town to buy sausages. This episode is brought to you by ColiCare by SmartPak. C...
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Daughters and Horses | Barn Stories Ep. 44
What happens when daughters reject the horsey lifestyle their mom imagined for them?Find out on this episode ofBarnStories. This episode is brought to you by ColiCare by SmartPak. Colic can happen ...
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From the Ground Up | Barn Stories Ep. 43
What can you learn about your horse by falling off of him? Find out on this episode of Barn Stories. Have you heard? For their 75th anniversary, our friends at Farnam are giving away a John Deere G...
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My Golden Mare | Barn Stories Ep. 42
After months apart, will a mare recognize the woman who savedherlife? Find out in this episode ofBarnStories. This episode is brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim. Learn more about their commitme...
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My Management Consultant | Barn Stories Ep. 41
When a tense corporate situation calls for delicate management, a woman relies on lessons she learned from a palomino mentor. If you’ve ever approached a work colleague like a spooky horse, you’ll ...
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Freeze Frame | Barn Stories: Ep. 40
In split second, a Hollywood stunt goes horribly wrong, putting the life of a horse and his rider in jeopardy. This episode ofBarnStoriesis better than any action movie you’ll see in theaters this ...
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BONUS: Temple Grandin Equine Center ft. Adam Daurio
In this special bonus episode, our friend and colleague Alex Cox chats with Adam Daurio, the director of administration for the Temple Grandin Equine Center, a groundbreaking facility that integrat...
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Scars and Strength | Barn Stories Ep. 39
A woman rehabilitates a horse after a disfiguring accident, and he repays the kindness by tending to her heart. This episode of Barn Stories celebrates the deep emotional connection that can develo...
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The Next Journey | Barn Stories: Ep. 38
Of all the journeys we can take with our horses, the ones at the end of their lives can be the most challenging. Grab a tissue and settle in for an emotional episode of Barn Stories. This episode i...
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The Power of Two | Barn Stories: Ep. 37
Here at EQUUS we talk a lot about how to care for horses, but let’s not overlook the horses who take care of us. In this episode of Barn Stories, we meet one such remarkable horse. This episode is ...
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Best Deal Ever | Barn Stories: Ep. 36
The plan was simple: Get a free horse, train it a bit and then sell it for a nice profit. What could go wrong? Find out in this episode of Barn Stories. Read the transcript here. This episode is br...
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Best Supporting Actors | Barn Stories: Ep. 35
In the Golden Age of Hollywood, highly trained horses gave performances that could rival any actor of the day. Learn more about these unsung equine entertainers in this episode of Barn Stories. Rea...
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Learning to Love Loki | Barn Stories: Ep. 34
His bloodlines were known for stature and elegance, but he was lazy and a little awkward. In this episode ofBarnStories, we learn how a horse named Loki earned his place in one family’s history jus...
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Redux: The Perfect Subject
Barn Stories will be going on a short summer hiatus. Before we go, though, we wanted to revisit one of our most popular episodes—it’s about a woman’s encounter with a wild horse on the ...
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My Little Barn | Barn Stories: Ep. 33
A barn doesn’t have to be fancy to be perfect. This episode of Barn Stories is a tribute to a humble structure that safeguarded one woman’s horses and happiness for years. Read episode transcript. ...
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Better than Black Beauty | Barn Stories: Ep. 32
Superheroes always have great origin stories, and so do super horses. In this episode of BarnStories, a woman sees her plain bay mare in a new light after learning about her fascinating past. Read ...
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The Golden Year | Barn Stories: Ep. 31
When is it too late for a horse to find their forever home? As we learn in this episode of Barn Stories, that depends on the horse, and the home. Read the episode transcript here. This episode is b...
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Dancing with Spirit | Barn Stories: Ep. 30
The perfect horse for an older rider is calm, predictable, and unflappable. Or is it? Find out in this episode of Barn Stories. Read the transcript: bit.ly/DancingWithSpiritTranscriptThis episode i...
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Reality Check | Barn Stories Ep. 29
A distracted moment, a charging horse, the crack of a bone. If you’ve ever been hurt around horses, you need to hear this episode of Barn Stories.Read the transcript: bit.ly/RealityCheckTranscriptT...
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Ep. 28 – Barn Stories – Saving Nugget
Why would anyone buy a skinny, neglected horse? Because, as we learn in this episode of Barn Stories, those can turn into the best horses you’ll ever know. This episode is brought to you by Wholeso...
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Ep. 27 – Barn Stories – Scenes from the Backstretch
For a youngster growing up at the racetrack, there are lessons to be learned during the early morning and late-night hours on the shedrow.This episode is brought to you by Wholesome Blends™ by Trib...
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Ep. 26 – EQUUS Barn Stories – Pure Gold
A horse lost in the snowy mountains of Wyoming has little hope for the future, or does he? Find out in this episode of Barn Stories.This episode is brought to you by Wholesome Blends™ by Tribute Eq...
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Ep. 25 – EQUUS Barn Stories – The American Dream
What could possibly deliver the American Dream to a young girl growing up in a communist country? In this episode of Barn Stories, you’ll hear how a horse did just that.This episode is brought to y...
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Holiday Bonus: Home for Christmas
In this special bonus episode (originally aired 2019), we’re revisiting one of our favorite holiday stories, where the Christmas spirit arrives at a frigid Pennsylvania racetrack, delivered b...
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Ep. 24 – Barn Stories – From December to December
How much can your life change in a year? I think none of us realized how much it can until 2020. In this episode, an author reflects on the winter she found herself in a place she could barely imag...
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Ep. 23 – Barn Stories – Sky’s Surprising Reserve
TW: If you’ve had a traumatic experience with a trailer accident this episode may be hard to listen to. A slippery road, a sliding truck and a trailer in a ditch. This episode of barn stories...
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Ep. 22 — Barn Stories — The Making of a Horse Show Mom
On the morning of a horse show, where was your mom? Was she in the car with coffee or bathing a horse in the wash stall? No matter which type of horse show mom you had, you’ll want to listen ...
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Ep. 21 — Barn Stories — Legacy of Love
Why kind of horse can touch the lives of millions? A racing superstar. A showjumping legend. How about a petting zoo pony named Coco? Hear her story in this episode of Barn Stories.This episode is ...
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Ep. 20 — Barn Stories — Saving Frankie
What options do you have when your horse is unsound and then unrideable by you? In this episode of Barn Stories, a woman faces that difficult situation and finds the perfect solution for everyone i...
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Ep. 19 – Barn Stories – The Perfect Subject
An encounter with a mustang stallion leaves a lasting impression on a wildlife photographer. She took his picture and he took a piece of her heart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
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Ep. 18 – Barn Stories – The Runaway Pony
Even on vacation, equestrians manage to find a way to involve horses. In this episode, a rogue pony, a busy Irish motorway and a shady looking bakery van give two horsewomen a vacation story for th...
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Ep. 17 – Barn Stories – Finding Athena
What would you do if you found out a special horse you’d sold had ended up in a bad situation? In this episode of Barn Stories, we find out just how far one woman goes to bring her mare back ...
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Ep. 16 – Barn Stories – Love the One You’re With
Sometimes, you just don’t experience love at first sight with a new horse. What can you do when you aren’t bonding? Find out in this episode of Barn Stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast....
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Ep. 15 – Barn Stories – The Convert
“I love her, Mom! Can we get her please?” If you’ve ever heard (or said) these words, you’ll appreciate this episode about the quest to find a suitable first horse for a you...
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Ep. 14 – Barn Stories – Skirting Disaster
Brave horses, quick thinking riders, and a storm for the ages—this episode of Barn Stories has it all. If you’ve ever set out for a relaxing trail ride that turned out to be anything but, you’ll be...
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Ep. 13 – Barn Stories – Terms of Endearment
Does your horse have a nickname that sums up his personality better than his real name? He’s in good company. In this episode of Barn Stories, we will learn the origins of the many nicknames ...
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Ep. 12 – Barn Stories – My Forever Horse
It’s a lucky person who has met and connected with a once-in-a-lifetime horse. You don’t have to own a horse to feel that powerful connection with it. The story we are featuring in this episode exp...
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Ep.11 – Barn Stories – The Seeing Eye Horse
A band of blind mustang mares relies on a stallion for guidance and protection. When circumstances threaten to split up the herd, a difficult decision has to be made. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
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Ep. 10 – Barn Stories – You Can Go Home Again
Sometimes the demands of modern life take you away from the barn, but it is possible to make your way back to the saddle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep. 9 – Barn Stories – Turning Point
As her mare recovers from an injury, a woman rethinks her show ring ambitions and rediscovers the simple pleasures of horse ownership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep. 8 – Barn Stories – Take A Friend
Sharing your passion for horses with people close to you can be messy and complicated. But don’t let that stop you. In this episode, Eliza McGraw joins us to discuss her essay on the topic and what...
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Ep. 7 – Barn Stories – Love Story
Once cool and distant, Bodie became a different horse when a mare named Mouse came into his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep. 6 – EQUUS Barn Stories – Moment of Truth
When a wildfire sweeps towards her farm, a woman has just seconds to learn whether her efforts to reform her hard-to-catch gelding have succeeded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
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Ep. 5 – EQUUS Barn Stories – Where He Belongs
Dru was the neighborhood pest, bothering people and animals alike, until he went out on the trails and found his true calling—and a new owner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
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Ep. 4 – EQUUS Barn Stories – Home for Christmas
In this episode, destined to become a holiday classic, the Christmas spirit arrives at a frigid Pennsylvania racetrack, delivered by a plucky claiming horse.episode sponsored by Nutramax Hosted on ...
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Ep. 3 – EQUUS Barn Stories – Frosty’s Fantastic Finale
In this episode of Barn Stories, a professional stunt horse ends his storybook career with the toss of the dice at a Las Vegas casino.Episode sponsored by SmartPak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...
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Ep. 2 – EQUUS Barn Stories – The Rockefellers Owe Me $2
This episode of Barn Stories features a story from a bygone era, but with a timeless theme: Things don’t always go as planned when horses are involved. And while a feisty mare causes her young hand...
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Ep. 1 – EQUUS Barn Stories – Looking for a Leader
For this first episode of Barn Stories, we’ve chosen a True Tale from our archives. True Tales are reader-submitted, true-life horse stories and we’ve published them since our very first issue in 1...
Equus Barn Stories