Articles written by Amy Long

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About me - Amy Long

An avid horsewoman, I make my living giving horseback riding lessons, marketing horses on commissions, and breeding Missouri Fox Trotting horses and Paints. I love to crochet, quilt, write and trail ride in my spare time.

I have four children, lost one earlier

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Pets & Animals > Horse Care & Health How to help a horse gain weight: 2 of 12

As a horse rescuer, I often have to face the daunting task of putting weight on horses. There are many factors to consider. Every horse is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Breed, type, age, health conditions, use, and metabolism all play a part in the whole of what each horse will require to build and...
Relationships & Family > Married Life Building a strong foundation for a lasting marriage: 2 of 12

Every relationship worth having is worth working at. Nothing good comes easy, however, if you both are committed to it and love each other, your marriage can be a beautiful and happy institution. There are some basic components to every happy marriage that many relationships lack. Without these basics the marriage is doomed....
Pets & Animals > Horses (Other) Tips for finalizing a horse purchase: 3 of 8

Purchasing a horse can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it can also be loaded with headaches and problems. Here are some ways to help ensure a smooth and happy transition to horse ownership for both you and the seller. First of all, when looking for horses, be sure to be realistic about your experience level, and ...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Handling the fear of getting back in the saddle: 3 of 6

I hadn't ridden in years and as much as I wanted to ride again I kept making excuses why I couldn't. I was afraid of falling or of looking foolish. I had gained a lot of weight and it had been years since I had been in the saddle. Gaining weight definitely messes with your balance. It also reeks havoc on your self esteem. My...
Relationships & Family > Blended Families Is it possible to have a happy blended family?: 20 of 31

It is possible to have a happy blended family however it takes work and lots of patience. My husband has a daughter from a previous marriage. I have two children each with a different father. We have custody of my step-daughter's half brother. We lost a child of this marriage last year and are now awaiting the arrival of twi...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Miscarriage, a silent loss: 26 of 40

Nobody can understand the total loss and guilt a mother feels after losing her baby. It becomes a personal issue, even though you know in your mind you did nothing to cause, maybe even did everything to prevent it. Why did my body reject this little piece of us? What did I do wrong? Why do I have to lose my baby when so many...
Parenting & Pregnancy > Child Discipline Strategies Consequences of authoritarian parenting: 9 of 13

My son has been being raised by my ex-husband for the last five years. My ex-husband is an authoritarian parent, expecting complete acceptance of his rules, without emotion or argument. He was not one to hug, praise, or openly discuss anything. He expected our son to learn by his example, not by encouragement or assistance. ...
Pets & Animals > Horse Training & Riding How to mount a horse for the first time: 3 of 4

Horses are amazing animals, powerful, intelligent, graceful yet sensitive. They must be dealt with in a sane, logical manner. Getting on a horse for the first time is a very scary and intimidating experience for the horse, especially if not approached in a proper manner. First of all, before even getting close to that point ...
Pets & Animals > Horses (Other) Tips for finding the right horse for you: 10 of 13

As an equine marketer I am often called about a horse I have for sale. They will be interested in the price and looks of the horse, without reading about its training and disposition. When I suggest another horse may be better suited to their needs, they will get upset. Finding the right horse for you is often like trying to...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Teenage pregnancy: 17 of 22

The teen years are meant to be fun-filled and memorial, the best years of your life. When teens become parents, these years become something different. I was sixteen, and on a date with my eighteen year old boyfriend. There was a party and we got drunk. I was usually the one who cleaned up after everyone, but somehow I had g...