Abigail Boatwright Communications

09/12/2025

Thank you Josie Fladager for inviting me to speak to your ag communications class at Tarleton State University about what goes into producing a magazine! I love getting to share about what I do with aspiring media professional students.

09/09/2025

A few weeks ago I visited Garmin headquarters for the launch of a new product: Blaze! Here's a story I wrote about this exciting equine wellness device for Horse Illustrated:

New from Garmin, Blaze Equine Wellness System tracks your horse’s health in real time. Learn more about this exciting product.

08/29/2025

The August issue of Western Life Today is out now! I love this cover, reminds me of tangerines!

Summer isn’t over just yet! The August digital issue of Western Life Today just dropped and it’s the perfect read while you cool down from a hot day ☀️

Read it here, and see what it includes below: tinyurl.com/ttj3wmxx

▪️ Sierra Shores’ The Rusted Roan Design Co. LLC
▪️ The new docufiction film East of Wall
▪️ Tessa Nicolet and Cohesive Horsemanship
▪️ Horsewoman, artist and professor Veronica Stewart
▪️ How youth can learn about horses through 4-H
▪️ Finding horses at ranch production sales
▪️ And so much more!

Cover Photo: Veronica Stewart and NeverThoughtIWould, by Jeni Jo Photography

08/15/2025

Visiting WESA to connect with brands and scope out Western trends for Western Life Today and Horse Illustrated! I feel so lucky to live in DFW where Dallas is just a short drive away to see what’s new and noteworthy for the western lifestyle!

08/01/2025

This , let's tackle the myth that owning the right arena equipment is all you need to create the perfect arena footing. Even the expert arena care sources in my book, Your Complete Guide to Arena Care, said there's much more to achieving good ground than your drag. You'll need to vary your drag patterns as well as use the drag correctly, among other factors. We talk about all of this, from choosing drag equipment, to matching your drag pattern to your discipline, to drag techniques, in my book! What is something you feel is important for creating good ground in your arena?

07/25/2025

This , I want to hear your thoughts on riding in different conditions. While ideal arena footing is helpful in keeping your horse sound and will aid achieving peak performance, there's also value in changing up where you ride. Training variation is "riding on a variety of surfaces, including more than one arena, varied natural terrain, quiet roads and riding paths." So tell me--do you like to put your horse on different surfaces? How do you add variety?

These tips and more are in my book, available at https://trafalgarbooks.com/products/your-complete-guide-to-equine-arenas

07/24/2025

Planning to visit Salinas, California, anytime soon? Here's an article I wrote for Western Horseman about the area and some of its cowboy attractions.

Visit this agricultural hub and home of the famous California Rodeo Salinas this summer.

07/14/2025

Check out this story I wrote about an enterprising high school teen for Denton County Magazine

Not everyone desires to be an entrepreneur, but for those with a good business plan and a strong work ethic, success can be in reach. Lake Dallas High School senior

07/13/2025

Wilder rode a horse yesterday for the first time ever! Both he and Felicity got to ride the Bernie pony. What a special day. This month they’ve been learning how to groom, bathe and lead Bernie, as well as clean stalls and do some barn chores. I love getting to introduce my kids to the world of horses I love so much. ❤️ thanks and !

07/11/2025

On this Let's talk about what we mean when we say an arena's footing is "good." While every discipline has its own set of specs that make the arena surface ideal, generally you want the surface to be consistent, with sufficient support, and include properties that aid in the horse's maneuvers.

Lots more on this topic in my book Your Complete Guide to Equine Arenas. I'm curious, what makes footing "good" in your chosen riding discipline?

Want these tips in your inbox? Sign up for my email list at https://mailchi.mp/abigailboatwright/your-complete-guide-to-equine-arenas-newsletter

07/04/2025

Let's talk about RACETRACKS! The chapter in Your Complete Guide to Equine Arenas about racetracks was one of the most interesting to research and write. Racetrack crews spend hours watering the track overnight, harrowing before morning works and before the races begin, in between races, and at the end of the day--as well as during days off.

Track crews pay close attention to weather reports to prepare for potential rainstorms. George McDermott talks about sealing off the track before the rain hits, which allows the water to run off instead of soaking in to make for sloppy footing. In dry conditions, the footing can take a tremendous amount of water to maintain the proper moisture. And if the nighttime temperature drops below 28 degrees, the footing will freeze. McDermott says the track crew will then need to manipulate the ground all night to keep it loose for racing the next day.

“Otherwise, it’ll freeze solid and it’ll be like a rock,” McDermott said. “You have to adjust to the climate that you have.

Purchase Your Complete Guide to Equine Arenas here: https://trafalgarbooks.com/products/your-complete-guide-to-equine-arenas?_pos=1&_sid=6850e3383&_ss=r

06/27/2025

Today is my first installment of , where I'll be sharing tips about equine arenas and news about my book, Your Complete Guide to Equine Arenas. If you'd like tips sent to your inbox, I'd love for you to sign up for my email list here: https://mailchi.mp/abigailboatwright/your-complete-guide-to-equine-arenas-newsletter

On to the tips! Horse Nation graciously published an article with an excerpt of my book. In this article, you'll learn some key definitions used to describe footing. Of the definitions in this excerpt, "shear strength" was a new term for me to explore with the book's arena experts. Which ones are interesting to you?

https://www.horsenation.com/2025/05/20/riding-on-the-right-surface-footing-considerations-with-your-horses-health-in-mind/

In this excerpt, adapted from Your Complete Guide to Equine Arenas, equestrian journalist and horsewoman Abigail Boatwright explains some of the key factors in ensuring our horses’ health, from the ground up. Grass surfaces have historically been used for horse training and competition arenas. How...