Latest News
Which Swarm Box Will Catch the First Swarm of Bees?
I put up four swarm traps this week in the hope of catching a swarm of wild bees. Of the four traps I put out – Walnut, Oak, Wisteria and Willow – which one do you think will catch the first swarm of bees?
How to Catch a Swarm of Bees
Last year, I built a swarm box, caught a swarm of wild bees, and installed them in a horizontal bee… Continue reading
How to Move Beyond the Pressure Box With Trust Technique Practitioner Julia Carpenter
My wife Julia recently became the first Trust Technique practitioner certified to work with horses on the East Coast. That’s a big deal and I’m so proud of Julia, especially since she’s already such an accomplished horsewoman.
A Half a Century With Horses
Julia and I grew up with horses, have traveled together with them (like the time we spent a month and a half riding them to Virginia and… Continue reading
Introducing Photo of the Day
I’m excited to add a new feature to RiverEarth.com. It’s called Photo of the Day and features a semi-random photo of my mules, friends, travels, and the life my wife Julia and I live in the mountains of western North Carolina – posted every few days to the home page.
The Hoof Boot Review: 3 Hoof Boots, 32 Days on the Trail
What’s the best kind of hoof boot for your horse or mule? My wife Julia and I rode from North Carolina to Virginia and back with three brands of hoof boots. This hoof boot review is what we… Continue reading
Queen Valley Mule Ranch Saddle Review
This is a review of how my Queen Valley Mule Ranch (QVM) Trail Lite saddle performed after I rode it 7 months and 2,300 miles from North Carolina to Idaho.
I may be calling… Continue reading
Filipe Masetti Leiti Rode a Horse 16,000 Miles. This is What he Learned.
“I’d never ridden more than 3 kilometers.” That’s what author, filmmaker, and Long Rider Filipe Masetti told me after riding 16,000 miles across North and South America. That quote will give you hope you can do whatever you’re dreaming of doing.
Interview With Filipe… Continue reading
Listen to Trust Technique Practitioner Julia Carpenter on “Today’s Horsewoman”
My wife Julia Carpenter recently gave a great description of the Trust Technique, along with lots of great examples, on the “Today’s Horsewoman” podcast.
The Trust Technique is a way of quieting the minds of people and their animals, whether they be equines, canines or other. This helps both to form a stronger bond and learn from each other. Click on the audio player below to listen.
Some More Links… Continue reading
Dogged: How Adeline Hallot Crossed the Pyrenees With Two Dogs, a Cart and a Cat: Part 1/2
Adeline Hallot lives in France. She owned two dogs, a cat, an old van and had always wanted to go to Spain. Then her van broke down. “I could have fixed my van but it was going to be too expensive,” she said. “So I sold everything I had, loaded my cart and started walking. I only got two kilometers the first day and couldn’t walk any farther.”
How I Broke my Vow to Never Feed Bees Sugar Water
This June, I caught a swarm of wild bees in a swarm box, put them into a horizontal hive that I built in my shed, and they settled into their new lives behind our cabin. I never imagined they might not get enough honey stored away before winter. Click on the video below to hear them buzz (more on what they’re drinking shortly).
Happy New Year 2024!
Are the wars, political unrest, and climate change making you nervous about what’s to come in 2024? This year, instead of paying attention to the bad news, you need to focus on improving your luck. For me, that means starting January 1 with Hoppin’ John.
Getting to Know Hoppin’ John
I first came across Hoppin’ John in Oriental, North Carolina, while writing for TownDock.net. A neighbor of… Continue reading
