What got you interested in horses?

Audrey:
When I was very young, my father took me to a riding stable and put me up on a big palomino. Even though I was only about 6 years old, I vividly remember sitting in the saddle and being overwhelmed with excitement. Ever since that moment, I was obsessed with horses. I never got over it.

Eva:
How many horses do you own?
Can you tell us a little bit about them?

Audrey:
I have owned and leased a number of horses throughout the years. Right now, I'm leasing a little Quarter Horse/Morgan mare named Snickers, who I've been riding for the past 2.5 years. She is 14.2 hands, liver chestnut in color, and incredibly adorable! She's very affectionate, and just adores people. She's the type of horse that will lay her head against your chest and keep it there while you rub her forehead and coo to her.

I mostly ride Snickers out on the trail. She's a great trail horse, and enjoys our excursions through the hills of Southern California.

Before I started leasing Snickers, I owned an Appaloosa mare named Rosie. Rosie died in January 1997 at the age of 18 when she had to be euthanized because of severe health problems. She was the most wonderful horse I'd ever owned, and I was devasted when I lost her.

I plan to become a horse owner again in the not-too-distant future. In fact, I currently have a deposit on an Appaloosa mare named Dance Chyann, who lives in Indiana.

Eva:
What is the best aspect of owning a horse?
What part is the most challenging?

Paula Colvett is on Chico in the picture, a rescue horse that no one could ride and stayed sick all the time.  He's been perfectly healthy since I got him and I let my nephew and niece ride him, he's so slow, steady and dependable. essay by Paula on dog adoption

Audrey:
The best part of owning a horse is the bonding and companionship that comes with spending time with a favorite equine. I find that no matter how upset or stressed out I am about work or life in general, all the anxiety melts away as soon as I see my horse. Also, there is nothing like a quiet trail ride through the woods to calm frazzled nerves and help you reconnect to nature. I find horses to be very spiritual creatures, and being close to a very special horse helps bring me inner peace and comfort.

The greatest challenge in owning a horse is finding the time and money to properly care for the animal. Horses need regular exercise, and daily feeding and grooming. Their stalls need to be cleaned every day, and their needs constantly attended to.

Owning a horse can be an expensive proposition, especially if the animal gets sick. Horses are surprisingly delicate and prone to a great many illnesses. Vet bills can add up quickly, and the emotional strain of caring for a sick horse can be great.

Eva:
According to the book, you know an awful lot about showing horses. Do you show your horses? What advice would you give to a person who wanted to start showing horses?

Audrey:
I'm not showing horses right now, but I have shown in the past in a number of different types of classes, including equitation, drill team competition, and western pleasure.

It takes a commitment of time and money to be successful in the show ring.
Before you embark on a show career, you should find a good trainer to work with. A trainer can help you find the right horse (since not all horses are suitable for showing), help you figure out what kind of classes you want to show in, and then get you and your horse ready for competition.

The Showgoats
Vet-by-day, Musician-by-night
hosted by Joanne Spataro
Dr. Walker Meadows, a talented veterinarian, has a fun and unique hobby. When it’s time to call it a day, Dr. Meadows enjoys playing music in his band The Showgoats. It helps him unwind after his busy days taking care of animals. The Showgoats’ specialize in country tunes, complete with catchy lyrics and excellent music! Dr. Meadows was inspired to be a veterinarian when he was in high school. He was a stable hand for a carriage company. He enjoyed the regular visits a veterinarian made to check up on the horses. And so he became one.
about Dr. Meadows and "The Showgoats"

Meet the Author
Audrey Pavia
author of: "Careers with Dogs"
hosted by Eva Spataro, creator of Pet Corner


She has been the editor of Horse Illustrated magazine, managing editor of Dog Fancy magazine, Senior editor of the American Kennel Club Gazette, and dozens of various articles on animals. She is the author of so many books about animals that it would be hard to list them all. She has written book about dogs, horses, guinea pigs and more.

The Labrador Retriever Handbook

Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide
to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
more Dog books
more Dog training books

Dogs on the Web
(On the Web Series)
by Audrey Pavia, Betsy Sikora Siino

The 500 best dog-oriented Web sites are located, their contents are summarized, and each is evaluated as both a canine resource and a Web site. Any software requirements are spelled out so that even a beginning Web surfer can find a wealth of information on favorite breeds or become involved in dog activities, including breed-specific clubs and real-life and online shows.

Careers With Dogs
by Audrey Pavia

One of the first things people have to realize if they want a career with dogs is that they have to do it for the love they have of dogs. The licks from a puppy's tongue, the wag of his tail, the gratification of an owner, or the good work you've put into a piece of dog writing all work to give one more satisfaction than most people can claim to get from huge salaries. This is not a book to be missed by anyone considering working with dogs, or even the casual dog lover.

The Guinea Pig:
An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet (Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet)
by Audrey Pavia

A book devoted to the joys of pet guinea pigs. Proves guinea pigs are playful and fun--they don't just sit there. A joy to read--especially for those of us who remember Audrey when she was the editor of Horse Illustrated. Engaging, informative, helpful text written by a true lover of animals. The illustrations are also lavish, helpful, at times hysterical and heavy on cute. Also has a big listing of books, clubs and a tiny website listing--still, very accurate.