Equine Health, Journalism, and a Three-Legged Pony Named Molly, with Fran Jurga

In this episode, Elise talks with award-winning blogger and journalist Fran Jurga, who has devoted her career to writing about horse health, covering Olympic equestrian events and World Equestrian Games, and sharing delightful stories about veterinarians and farriers for her wildly popular – at more than 3.75 million visitors –  Jurga Report (for EQUUS Magazine and AIM Equine Network) and The Hoof Blog.    And then there's Molly, the abandoned three-legged pony who survived Hurricane Katrina. This courageous, little mare's life profoundly impacted Fran... as well as tens of thousands of people across the world whose hearts were touched by her story.   From horse healthcare to the use of whips in horse racing — Fran doesn’t shy away from covering timely stories her horse-enthusiast readers want and need. Whether the topic is treating lameness, concussive injuries among riders, cutting-edge sensory science — there is no mistaking Fran’s passion for her life’s work and for connecting with others who share her love for all things equine.    Topics of Discussion: [1:41] Did Fran always know what she wanted to do? [3:09] Where Fran’s interest in horses came from. [5:14] About Fran’s other work in museum conceptual planning and exhibit design. [8:36] Why Fran believes that the study of horses’ hooves is under-served in the horse world. [13:25] What Fran’s business, Hoofcare Publishing, means to her, and how it has evolved since its inception. [18:33] Some of the awards and recognition Fran has received from her work with horses, and what they mean to her. [21:54] The story of Molly, the abandoned, three-legged pony. [27:30] Reading listener feedback! [29:21] How Molly’s story helped inspire Fran during the impact of hurricane Katrina. [34:40] Where Fran’s courage comes from when covering controversial topics. [42:27] Fran’s insight on why horse-lovers can be emotionally charged. [48:35] About the endless amount of stories Fran hopes to write. [51:22] About Fran’s experience on the CD series “Inventing Your Horse Career.” [56:20] How do the stakes change when you’re a freelancer and how do you measure success when there are no clear-cut milestones? [1:00:43] The importance of the "small moments." [1:06:18] Where to find Fran online.   Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story! To recommend someone please send an email to [email protected].   Discover More About this Week’s Guest — Fran Jurga Twitter Accounts: @FranJurga, @EquiSearch, @HoofBlog, and @HoofHistory. Websites: The Hoof Blog, Equi Search, Hoofcare Publishing, and The Jurga Report on EQUUS Magazine   Mentioned in this Episode: The Jurga Report on EQUUS Magazine EQUUS Magazine AIM Equine Network The Chronicle of the Horse Hoofcare Publishing American Farriers Journal AAEP Molly the Pony War Horse (2011) “Inventing Your Horse Career” CD Series   Like what you hear? Because of Horses would love to hear your feedback! Please email [email protected] to send Because of Horses your thoughts.   To Support the Podcast: ● Donate on Paypal to help keep Because of Horses running — all amounts are welcome! ● Subscribe: RSS Feed, iTunes, Google Play, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Player FM