February Spotlight

Back Country Horsemen of America Represents You, Too 

By Sarah Wynne Jackson

Many of us dream of taking our horses out on wide expanses of untouched land, but the reality is that some of us reside in urban and city areas. Depending on where you live, “back country” might be a 50-acre town recreational area or an old railroad bed.

 

These front country lands are the only safe places some equestrians have to get their horses out of the arena and to experience a taste of traveling by horseback. Back Country Horsemen of America believes that every trail used by horses is valuable and worthy of the effort of maintenance and preservation.

 

If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member and help keep all kinds of trails open for others, visit www.backcountryhorse.com.

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Honda Generator Review 

by Karen Pickering

The Honda EU2000i generator is great for that extra power you need while traveling or camping remotely. The compact unit is great for charging up your RV battery, cooking a microwave dinner, or watching TV (for those who can’t live without). 

I found the generator simple to use and super easy to start. The instructions were good and we were up and running in no time. The unit snuggled nicely into my trailer’s tack room, right under my blanket rack near the water tank. It was easy to access, and because it was so lightweight, it was easy to get out for quick use. Overall, the model is safe, secure, and simple to use and store. Great for someone like me who does a lot of camping on my own. If I can figure it out, you can be sure it’s easy to use! 

I was certainly never short of people wanting to borrow it! This unit can be used to jump start your truck battery or run additional lighting for an event if you have the proper connections. It even ran music for us during a big event this summer. The motor is so quiet you hardly notice it’s running. 

I definitely recommend this unit for those who enjoy remote camping. I know I’m good for about three days of camping without a power source, but much more than that and I need to recharge. Having a generator makes an extended stay possible, and comes in very handy for so many uses at home and away. 

I would recommend a larger unit for trailers with high powered A/C that requires a little more wattage, but the tradeoff would be a loss of portability. If you're looking for something lightweight and practical to get the job done, the EU2000i fits the bill.

Learn more at www.hondapowerequipment.com. 

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Exotic Getaway: Sunsets, Saddles & Shiraz

Ever dreamed of the droving life, just you and your trusty steed, the red desert below and endless blue skies overhead? Sunsets, Saddles & Shiraz is a new authentic Australian Outback experience combining the rustic romance of cattle droving, gourmet food and wine, native wildlife and the breath-taking Flinders Ranges -- one of the most ancient, remarkable landscapes on earth. 

Expert drovers will match you to your mount, and before long you’ll be ambling along on horseback, feeling the sun on your back, seeing magnificent landscapes, and smelling the desert at dusk. You’ll learn to identify various animal tracks and native plants. You’ll enjoy a fresh packed lunch and billy tea in a shady creek bed. And you’ll tail the cattle until late in the afternoon, with the sinking sun guiding you into the station yards for the night.

To find out more about this unique equine getaway, visit www.prairiehotel.com.au and click on Sunsets, Saddles & Shiraz.

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The 2009 International Lusitano Collection Auction Gallops into Florida

During the weekend of February 19-20, 2009, members of the equestrian community and South Florida social scene will gather at the 111-acre Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, for the second annual Lusitano Collection Auction. The prestigious event will indulge guests with lavish cocktails and a gala dinner, courtesy of The Lusitano Collection. The event is open to the public for a fee.

Guests may view and examine over two dozen horses during the week prior to the auction as well as shop at various sponsors’ tents. While the Lusitano Collection is a trademark created by five premier world breeders of the Lusitano horse, this year’s collection will only include horses from Interagro Farms, the largest Lusitano breeder and exporter in the world, and Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga of Brazil.

For more information about the 2009 Lusitano Collection Auction, visit www.lusitanocollection.com.