Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

Adoptable Horse: Dakota, a 20-year-old, 14.2hh grade mare
Organization: West Virginia Horse Network, Elkview, W.Va.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Dakota

Dakota is a 20-year-old grade mare who is broke to ride and is an amazing trail horse that is up for any level of trail.

She has a very big trot and a smooth canter that would look nice in the arena as well. She is a little forward and needs more miles, so Dakota is not suitable for a beginner but not hard to handle.

Dakota stands to be groomed, bathed and great for the farrier. She loads on the trailer without a fuss and backs off the trailer. She has been exposed to multiple obstacles and handled them like a dream.

West Virginia Horse Network can’t say enough nice things about Dakota. Once she bonds with you, she is an extremely sweet girl that loves attention.

Dakota is much happier in a pasture environment and is a little higher in the pecking order but not mean to other horses. She can be a challenge to catch, but once you have her, she relaxes and is easy for all necessary care and handling.

Dakota had to have an eye removed recently but she is adapting fine.

Again, Dakota isn’t for a beginner and will need at least an intermediate adopter. She is used to being ridden in a hackamore.

West Virginia Horse Network is able to allow potential adopters to speak to both Dakota’s current foster as well as her previous adopter to give additional perspective and answer any questions. Dakota is currently fostered in Maryland.

Contact West Virginia Horse Network today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Dakota!

Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Dakota appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Jax, a 22-year-old, 14.1hh American Quarter Horse gelding
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Jax

Meet Jax, a sweet gelding who is ready to find his soft landing. This handsome gentleman is looking for a companion home or a family who would love to welcome him as a cherished pet.

Jax has the kind, steady presence that makes him a wonderful barn buddy. He would thrive in a home where he can enjoy turnout time with other horses, soak up attention, and simply be loved for who he is. Whether he’s keeping another horse company or greeting you at the gate for scratches and treats, Jax is happiest when he’s part of the family.

At this stage of his life, Jax deserves a peaceful environment where he can relax and enjoy his days. He would be perfect for someone wanting a low-pressure horse to dote on, groom, and share quiet moments with.

If you have room in your heart and pasture for a deserving gelding who just wants to be someone’s special boy, Jax is waiting to meet you.

Contact Wild at Heart Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Jax!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Jax appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Houston Humane Society

Adoptable Horse: Raven, a 26-year-old, 14.0hh grade Standardbred-cross mare
Organization: Houston Humane Society, Houston, Texas

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Raven

This sweet, older black Standardbred-cross mare is a gentle soul with a quiet, steady personality. Raven came to the Houston Humane Society as part of a cruelty case but has shown remarkable resilience. She has been steadily gaining weight and improving in condition, proving that with proper care, she will thrive.

Raven is broke to ride and has a calm, sensible demeanor under saddle, making her an enjoyable partner for relaxed riding. She appreciates a quiet, confident handler and does best with a steady routine. She loves grooming and is beginner-friendly, making her a wonderful choice for someone looking for a kind and forgiving partner.

In the meantime, she enjoys calm handling, consistent routines, and quiet time in turnout.

Raven would do best in a safe, kind home that can continue supporting her recovery and provide a comfortable, consistent environment. With the right care, she promises to be a loving, reliable companion for someone looking for a calm, steady partner to share her golden years.

Contact Houston Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Raven!

Photo courtesy Houston Humane Society

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Raven appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“Horse Illustrated and Young Rider are proud to continue participating at BreyerFest,” said Digital Manager Mary Cage. “As magazines dedicated to those who love horses, BreyerFest is the perfect fit for our audience, because we are all there for the same reason — to celebrate the horse.”

Giveaways available to enter at the Horse Illustrated and Young Rider booth include a horseback riding vacation to Unicorn Trails’ Yellowstone Ranch in Wyoming, and a 1-year subscription to Young Rider magazine along with a Young Rider backpack.

If you’re unable to attend BreyerFest, stay tuned to Horse Illustrated and Young Rider socials (@horseillustrated and @youngridermagazine) for live updates on all the fun.

About Our Publications

Horse Illustrated, Young Rider, Western Life Today, HorseIllustrated.com, YoungRider.com, and WesternLifeToday.com are part of the EG Media stable. Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers. Young Rider educates horse-loving kids ages 8-15 with a combination of English and western riding lessons, horse-care hints, and stories about real-life young riders, plus fun, interactive elements. Western Life Today is the premier publication for all things western, from fashion and entertainment to destinations and more. Visit www.horseillustrated.com, www.youngrider.com, and www.westernlifetoday.com to learn more. Contact us at 844-330-6373 or horseillustrated@egmediamags.com.

The post Horse Illustrated & Young Rider Magazines Return to BreyerFest 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Lollypop Farm

Adoptable Horse: Stephan (Real Sly), a 20-year-old, 16.1hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Lollypop Farm, Fairport, N.Y.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Stephan

Stephan (Jockey Club name Real Sly) came to Lollypop Farm with high praises. This sweet boy was loved on by his previous owner for most of his life, but due to unfortunate circumstances in the owner’s life, he is looking for another caring family to call home.

As a non-riding, companion only horse, Stephan gets to enjoy the rest of his life as a pasture pal. But he still deserves praise for how much he has done in his life — he raced, showed, trailered often, and has adjusted well to different homes. He is non-rideable due to conformational issues, including a club foot.

Stephan has been great for grooming, handling, vet, farrier, you name it! He is uitable for a beginner-intermediate handler.

His adoption fee is $300, or he is also eligible for the C.A.R.E Program.

Contact Lollypop Farm today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Stephan!

Photo courtesy Lollypop Farm

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Stephan (Real Sly) appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 45, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise banter about Susan’s new children’s book, Swirl: My Wild Island Pony, as well as Holly’s encounter with the mules of Santorini, Greece.

Next, they chat with Kendy Allen, friend of the late Marguerite Henry, just in time for the annual Pony Swim. Kendy is a Chincoteague Pony breeder who lives near the island and founded the world’s only Chincoteague Pony Drill Team.

Last up, Holly chats with Bonnie McRae, director of After the Races in Maryland, about DrinkWithTheStars (“Cosmo”), a gorgeous 7-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding who is a chill dude ready to take on any light career under saddle.

Don’t miss your chance to enter Horse Illustrated & Unicorn Trails’ giveaway for the riding trip of a lifetime at Yellowstone Ranch!

Click here to listen on mobile.

Kendy Allen, Founder of Chincoteague Pony Drill Team

Barn Banter episode 45 guest Kendy Allen with Misty’s Black Mist, great-granddaughter of Misty.

When she isn’t living her dream on the farm, Kendy Allen has been writing and telling her stories all her life. She has owned, trained, shown, and worked with Chincoteague Ponies for more than 30 years and loves them all for the very special ponies they are. She lives about half an hour from Chincoteague on a 100-acre farm with Chincoteague Ponies of all ages.

◆ Follow the Chincoteague Drill Team Facebook page

Adoptable Horse of the Month, DrinkWithTheStars (“Cosmo”)

Photo courtesy After the Races

DrinkWithTheStars is a coming 7-year-old, 16.1 hand, bay gelding that came to After the Races in partnership with Aftercare Charles Town. “Cosmo” raced 21 times and after racing, traveled down to the James River Horse Foundation where he spent a year in the care of Virginia DOC inmates.

While he has some changes in the upper joint of his knees, Cosmo has great range of motion, is very sound (even barefoot!). After the Races’ vet thought he’d do very well in any non-jumping career.

Cosmo has been lightly restarted at After the Races. He has an easy way of going and has been doing walk, trot, and some canter with (and has a lovely canter for a green OTTB). In addition to doing some ground poles, they’ve also taken him on his first trail ride at Fair Hill where he bravely crossed water and bopped around happy as a clam. They believe he’d do great in a pleasure home, low-level dressage home, and has the potential to make a great partner for trail riding.

Learn more about Cosmo here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 45, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 45 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Calgary Stampede

Full-sized horses not your thing? The Canadian National Miniature Horse Show offers halter, driving, jumping and obstacle competition. But if you prefer speed over size, don’t miss the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge. This western class focuses on speed: A rider must complete multiple obstacle challenges that showcase the partnership and trust between horse and rider.

The Calgary Stampede is notorious for its rodeo, which begins every afternoon at 1:30 p.m. and builds toward the finale: Showdown Sunday. With competition in barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc and bareback riding, over $2.17 million in prize money will be awarded.

Horses aren’t the only thing to do at the Stampede: Live music plays every night on a plethora of stages, parades keep the fun flowing and motocross, family friendly entertainment and so much more awaits!

Learn more at calgarystampede.com.

The post Event Preview: The Calgary Stampede appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy February Star Sanctuary

Adoptable Horse: Trip Sevens (Ace), a 5-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: February Star Sanctuary, Knoxville, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Trip Sevens (Ace)

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous gray? Trip Sevens, known around the barn as Ace, is a 5-year-old, off-track Thoroughbred that came to February Star Sanctuary from Aftercare Charles Town.

Ace is as sweet as he is handsome. He loves being around people, is a big fan of getting attention and affection, and is both calm and curious — he’ll probably be the first to greet you at the barn. Being the softy that he is, he can get spooked, so February Star thinks he’ll be best with an experienced, confident adopter who can help him learn groundwork and manners. He’s in the process of healing from an injury that will take about one year to properly heal, so at this time, he’s available as a companion horse. February Star does believe that with patience and correct management, he could eventually be a light trail rider.

Contact February Star Sanctuary today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Trip Sevens (Ace)!

Photo courtesy February Star Sanctuary

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Trip Sevens (Ace) appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Mochi, an 8-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Mochi

It’s time for Mochi to shine!

He’s a classic, distinguished-looking young Thoroughbred gelding who enjoys the process of learning new things, whether that is a new groundwork exercise or picking up a new trick.

He is the happiest when he is hanging out with his people receiving words of affirmation, snuggles and scratches.

Mochi was a part of a large seizure in Jefferson County, W.Va. in 2024. He had a body condition score of 1 — what a glow-up and transformation he went through both physically and mentally!

Upon further investigation with DEFHR’s vet, it was recommended that Mochi be adopted out as a non-riding horse due to some mild neurologic deficits. It is hard to even tell as he is a lovely mover and enjoys doing roundpen work (walk/trot/canter), as well as in-hand work. It is most noticeable during farrier visits where he is anxious about his hind feet being handled for long periods of time. DEFHR staff and trainer have put a lot of time into helping him be more prepared for the farrier and he has come a long way but he will need a farrier that understands that he may need more frequent breaks.

Mochi is a lovebug who loves being the center of attention — come meet him today!

Contact Days End Farm Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Mochi!

@daysendfarmhorserescue

Check out Mochi’s GLOW UP Learn more about Mochi and equine adoption at DEFHR.org #horserescue #transformation #glowup #beforeandafter #adoptable

♬ scott street – ☆

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Mochi appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by Christiane Slawik

In-Person Benefits

Chandler, whose experience with off-site instruction comes from virtual, video camera-based lessons, says that one benefit of continuing in-person instruction is that you have a real person standing there who can see more than you can see on a camera. As evidence, Chandler points to an issue with virtual lessons that a former client experienced.

“The instructor was missing some things because she could not see the whole picture all the time,” she says. “She could just see what the camera was focused on. The feedback from that was very limited.”

According to Chandler, safety is another drawback. “What if someone falls off their horse and the only other person present is a virtual riding instructor?”

She adds that the experienced eyes of a riding instructor, because they know the horse well, may also be able to detect a slight lameness that an inexperienced rider is not yet able to feel.

Finally, some riding instructors offer valuable insight into more than just riding technique, which Chandler feels may be lacking when taking lessons via an app. Helpful tips, such as changing to a different bit or advising clients to have their saddle fit checked, are just two examples of such feedback that you might get from an instructor versus an app.

Valuable feedback, such as checking saddle fit or changing bits, are an important part of in-person instruction. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Ridely App

But riding apps come with their own set of benefits. Ridely is one of today’s popular riding and education-based apps that seeks to fill the gap between riding lessons, or, in the absence of a regular instructor, provide riders with an opportunity to level up their riding skills from home.

“Ridely is a video-based educational platform app that can be accessed through the app or on your browser,” says Ridely’s U.S. Country Manager, Nicole Graf.

“It’s not master classes,” she says. “With our bite-sized content, you can learn a lot more in a smaller amount of time. Ridely’s approach helps riders learn easily—it’s a mobile-friendly educational app that fits seamlessly into your day.”

Graf says that no matter where you are, you can easily learn in short, two- to 10-minute videos that are designed to be quick and practical, meaning that you don’t need to spend hours in front of a computer to get valuable insights. She adds that the idea is that you can get specific information by watching a section on shoulder-in or on whatever it is you need.

“We’ve got dressage, jumping, hunter/jumper with some equitation, western, western dressage, and eventing,” says Graf. “We also have groundwork, horsemanship in-hand work, horse bodywork, sports psychology, and rider fitness.”

She adds that Ridely now has over 500 videos, which are all self-made by Ridely, and they are continually adding more content. To provide this amount of content, the app has partnered with 10 Olympians and 65+ trainers so far, including such experts as Carl Hester, Henrik von Eckermann, Lillie Keenan, Stacie Madden, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Lendon Gray, William Fox Pitt, Andrew Hoy, and more.

Ridely has partnered with 65+ trainers, including 10 Olympians, to create its video content. Photo courtesy Ridely

Despite their vast offerings, Graf does not feel that riding apps will replace in-person lessons.

“We feel that we complement [your] trainer’s lessons,” she says. “We are not a substitute. But for those people who don’t have access to a trainer, don’t live near one, or can’t afford to take weekly lessons, we can educate people like a trainer.”

Graf says that within the Ridely app, there is also an AI coach. The AI coach helps riders put together a lesson based on what they want to work on. A digital calendar in the app allows riders to track what they do with their horse every day, along with uploading photos, videos, and comments; a beneficial feature that allows riders and trainers alike to track progress.

This information can also be shared with anyone you wish who may be involved with your horse. Trainers can also use the app to assign videos and more as homework between lessons and track their student’s progress.

To address the need for feedback, there is a feature within the app called community groups.

“We have community groups of people with general topics,” says Graf. She says that you can create a private group that could include just you and your trainer, or you and people from your barn, where you can share feedback.

Ride iQ App

While taking a slightly different approach than Ridely, Ride iQ is another popular riding app seeking to fill the gap between in-person and technology-based riding lessons.

“At its core, Ride iQ is listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world’s best coaches,” says Ride iQ Co-Founder Kinsey Lux. “The reason behind building Ride iQ was to give riders all over the world access to quality education and quality coaching during their independent schooling rides. An important clarification that we always make is that Ride iQ is not meant to replace in-person coaching. It is meant to support you when you are riding alone.”

Ride iQ was founded by sisters Kinsey and Jessa Lux. Photo by courtesy Ride iQ

Even as their current offerings continue to grow, Ride iQ has over 500 audio lessons and hundreds of exclusive podcasts through partnerships with 26 coaches, including six Olympians, across the disciplines of eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumper. They also offer rider fitness lessons, sports psychology, conditioning, natural horsemanship, and more. (Rider fitness lessons are video rather than strictly audio-based.)

Like Ridely, students often find their in-person instructors assigning lessons from the app as homework.

“Coaches love it because the riders are making progress,” says Lux. “They are showing up to their lessons more prepared.”

For riders that have little or no access to regular instruction, Lux says that the app can also help riders continue to improve between clinics or even be used independently.

“We also have a number of coaches who are members,” she says. “They use Ride iQ not only when they are riding their horses and training client horses, but also to inspire their training. It gives them a different vocabulary and different ways of teaching concepts.”

Lux explains that some of the podcasts available within the app are particularly complementary of the riding lessons. One of these podcasts is Riders Unscripted.

“It’s all adult amateurs,” she says. “You don’t know who the adult amateur is, but these are one-on-one sessions with sports psychology coach Natalie Hummel. You get to hear [the adult amateur’s] full, raw story, and it’s really powerful.”

Ride iQ also hosts weekly question-and-answer sessions with experts in the equine community.

“When you’re trailering out to a competition for the first time, we want to be there so you can go into the Ride iQ app and search for trailering,” says Lux. “You have a whole wealth of options of things to learn, safety tips, and more. We’re trying to support every level of rider and every aspect of the journey.”

Currently, the app is adding e-book content and launching a beta for a coach’s program within the app.

How to Try a Riding App

Training via app can be a great supplement between in-person lessons. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Both apps offer affordable subscription fees, access to coaches that you may not otherwise be able to schedule a lesson with, and—should you seek to change up your daily routine—easy access to experiment with a new discipline.

The trial periods offered by both apps can help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Chandler says that despite the growing popularity and appeal of riding apps, she has seen no decrease in the number of in-person riding lessons being scheduled at Heatherfield Horse Park.

“My phone rings a lot,” she says. “The area where we live is growing and there is still a demand for them.”

This article about riding apps appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Are Riding Apps the Future? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.