What is rec.equestrian?

Rec.equestrian is a newsgroup dedicated to discussion of things equestrian.

What is a newsgroup?

Newsgroups are actually on the Usenet and are accessed through the ISP's news server, much like e-mail is accessed through the mail server. There is no URL / web site for rec.equestrian, although some web pages retain FAQs or provide information regarding the newsgroup. A good web page to start looking for rec.equestrian information is http://users.why.net/mjjacks/receq.htm, but there are several others.

A newsgroup functions similarly to a public bulletin board, where a message is posted and others may choose to respond to that message. Note that there may be up to several days delay from the time a post (message) is generated and that post is viewed by others. Much depends on the programming of the various ISP's news servers. In some cases, news servers have minimum dedicated storage, and the incoming posts for different newsgroups may be limited.

Where can I take a look?

You can search any newsgroup by accessing DejaNews on http://www.dejanews.com/home_sf.shtml
From that site you also have the option of posting your own comments. The DejaNews process is rather cumbersome so it is not recommended as a primary newsreader, but it is a very good resource for researching previous posts.

If you want to see what kinds of web sites have been suggested as resources by different posters on rec.equestrian, check out http://www.phoaks.com/phoaks/rec/equestrian.

How do I sign up?

There is no "sign up" for rec.equestrian. All you need is news access. Most web browsers (Netscape, Microsoft Internet Explorer, etc.) include a method to access both mail and news. Other providers (like AOL) have their own method of accessing newsgroups, and include that option in their software. A browser typically has a news option to give access to newsgroups, and any actual online news service that is provided by that ISP (like ClariNet).

Using browser access for newsgroups normally requires the user to remain online. There is free "newsreader" software - and commercial versions - that allows off-line usage. Often the newsreader software (such as Agent) includes functionality for e-mail, which allows the user to keep all 'net oriented correspondence in the same software. A nice web site to compare options is http://www.stroud.com. This site provides software reviews, and gives a link to the appropriate download site.

Whichever software you choose to use may need to be configured to access your ISP news server (which is not the same information as the mail server). Contact your ISP tech support for the correct setup for news server access. Once you have news access, indicate in your software which newsgroups interest you. The software function to select specific newsgroups is often called "subscribe".

A little more about rec.equestrian

According to NIC web statistics, there are 26000 readers of rec.equestrian. Not all of them post! Rec.eq (rec.equestrian) typically has 150-300 new posts daily, but often some of those posts are delayed a day or two. It isn't unusual to read a response to someone's post before the original post arrives, which is why experienced posters make a habit of including pertinent portions of the original text in their own response. The attrib - name@access.com - should be included to identify the source of the previous post(s).

Rec.equestrian is open to the public around the globe, and is not a monitored newsgroup. This means that anybody can post anything. However, the purpose of rec.eq is to discuss subjects related to the equestrian world, and other topics are discouraged. Commercial advertising is also discouraged, but an individual may post something horse-related for sale. A common format in the subject line is FS: [breed/item] in [location], which allows people to skip past that post unless whatever is for sale interests them.

It is recommended that any person new to rec.eq (or any newsgroup) monitor - or "lurk" on - that newsgroup for at least a week to get a feel for newsgroup 'netiquette prior to responding to a "thread" (subject line topic) with any comments or posting a new topic. Often new posters will provide a brief introduction like "I'm a farrier" or "I'm a new horse owner" so others will have an idea of that individual's horse-related background or areas of expertise. Some posters will include credentials in their signature, like "Jane Doe, DVM", when they are responding in a professional capacity.

Rec.eq provides an excellent forum for sharing and learning. Courteous posts are typically met with courteous responses, but a few discussions degenerate to arguments since different posters will have strongly opposing opinions. Note that the majority of the posters are adults, and at times some of the "flames" (strong disagreement) may use language that some parents might consider inappropriate for their child. However, we also enjoy our own brand of horsey humor at times, so there are a few grins available, too.

For many of us, rec.eq has become like a global equestrian community.
If you are interested in equines, I hope you'll join us!

Jorene
just moseyin' down the California trails ... :)

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