Jessica Jo—“JJ”—Tate’s love affair with horses started early.

“I think it’s in my blood,” she says. “As a kid, from the backseat of the car, I would see horses in the field, and I wanted to run to them. I had Horse Illustrated posters on my bedroom walls.”

JJ Tate and Romeo steal hearts and 2nd place as reserve champions at the Developing Prix St. Georges in Wellington, Fla. Photo by Richard Malmgren

Starting Out

At 9, Tate began taking dressage lessons and got her first horse, a Saddlebred named Solo.

“Solo instilled in me what it’s like to be best friends with your horse,” she recalls. “Even now, as a professional working on becoming a world-class rider—that connection and why we do it—I always bring it back to what a wonderful horse Solo was. Horses gave me my self-worth. And for that, I will thank horses every day of my life by educating their riders to give back to these amazing beings. For me, that’s what dressage is about.”

Tate made her FEI (international-level) debut at just 16 years old, competes regionally and nationally, and won the Dressage at Devon World Cup Grand Prix in 2018 and the Global Dressage Festival CD14* Grand Prix Freestyle in 2020.

She humbly attributes much of her success to her cherished mentor since age 11: Charles de Kunffy, U.S. Equestrian Federation “S” dressage judge (retired) and author.

“I still ride with him online,” says Tate. “He has been this voice of reason, helping me bring out more than I ever thought was in my horses. Whatever it was, I would go through a session with Charles and he would build the horse up from the inside out by the rider outside in.”

Connected to Dressage

She says horses help us develop character and the discipline to be a good leader.

“I think it’s important that people get connected to dressage—correct, beautiful, classical dressage—because it’s a study of oneself and how that affects the horse,” says Tate. “I want to create something more beautiful in the horse by my presence in his life.”

She also allows the horse to hold us accountable.

“Horses are the mirror—not only of your body, but also your willpower and self-worth,” says Tate. “When you can get a 1,200-pound horse to do something simply by your breath, it’s amazing. Truly being in harmony with something that doesn’t speak your language and is built differently than you, that’s incredible. Nurture the spirit of the horse, never dampen it.” 

Upbeat Teaching Style

Tate works with horses from green to Grand Prix. She provides short-term instruction in her hugely popular clinics (which fill up fast) and long-term training in person or via Team Tate Academy.

JJ Tate and Summersby savor a perfect fall day. Summersby, now a broodmare, is a Hanoverian Tate purchased as a 4-year-old and successfully competed all the way up to Grand Prix. Photo by Richard Malmgren

An exceptionally gifted trainer and clinician, Tate loves teaching. Puckerbrush Farm in Newburgh, Maine, was thrilled to host her again for a three-day clinic. Riders and auditors listened, watched, and laughed as Tate used every ounce of her being to teach, inspire, and commend the riders, artfully employing humor and personal experiences to introduce new concepts. She tailored her approach to each rider and horse. No one was made to feel inferior—or superior—to anyone else.

And when Tate smiles, you can’t help but smile back. Her upbeat approach to her personal and professional life, a rock-solid work ethic, and a history of making healthy lifestyle choices shine brightly.     

Shocking Diagnosis

But sometimes, life throws an unexpected curve ball. Sometimes, it feels more like a boulder.

In 2021, Tate was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.

“I won the Grand Prix on a Sunday afternoon, and by Tuesday morning, I got a call telling me I had cancer,” she recalls. “And I was like, What? This is in my body?! But I’m one of the lucky ones. It was slow-growing, not aggressive. As any near-death experience does, it really changed my perspective to being so grateful for what I get to do every day, the gifts I’ve been given, and my love for horses.”

Tate researched treatments, adopted a plant-based diet, and 10 days after her surgery, she tapped into the healing power of horses.

“I had to get back on a horse,” she says. “I just walked and was super careful because I still had one drain in. And I was totally scared. Will I ever ride as good as I did before? Is cancer going to come back and kill me? Do I need to do chemo and radiation?” (She was able to opt out of both.)

Two months later, she scored a 74.7 percent in the Grand Prix Freestyle at regional championships.

“[On a horse who was] tough to ride, a little strong, and I had no chest power left. It was the most incredible ride ever; a standing ovation. Everyone was crying at the end,” says Tate. 

She also acknowledges the reality of discouragement.

“I always thought I’d go to the Olympics,” Tate muses. “I was going in for an MRI on the day my friend Steffen Peters and others were riding down center line at the Olympics. They were sending me beautiful messages. Your life can look so different. You think it’s going to be one way and then you’re like, I’m not at the Olympics—not that I was short-listed or anything—but I just always felt like I was going to do that.”

Take the Risk

Shifting focus and recognizing the greater power horses can help us connect to, Tate packed up her horses and spent the next two summers in Europe training.

“Life is short,” she says. “I’m going to do the thing and take the risk. And I’m bringing everyone along to share in the process. I think we become who we are through our struggles, helping each other navigate through those tough times—whether that’s a canter depart or a cancer diagnosis. And I have reason to smile every day when I walk into my barn and my happy horses are waiting for me.”   

For more on Tate’s clinics and Team Tate Academy, visit www.teamtateacademy.com.

This article about JJ Tate appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post JJ Tate: Healing with Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“He’s smart though, he learned with one eye,” my guide Brigitte says about the gray stallion. He turns his clouded eye toward us and pricks his ears forward in acknowledgement before losing interest.

Photo by Mitja Bozic

Lipizzaners may be the stars of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, but the breed’s origins lie across modern-day borders in Lipica, Slovenia. Over the centuries, the herd survived wars, occupations, and numerous exiles to Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.

When government funding declined, the Lipica Stud turned to tourism. In 1996, the stud was declared a protected cultural monument, and it’s now a premier destination for horse lovers of all ages.

The Hotel

The property’s recently renovated Hotel Maestoso, named after a historic stud line, is a large part of the wide-ranging appeal. Its futuristic style avoids appearing out-of-place by mirroring the farm’s uniform white fencing. A white membrane coats the structure, outdoor patios, and pools, and frames each room’s exterior.

The hotel’s futuristic renovation avoids seeming out of place by mirroring the white pasture fencing on the property. Photo courtesy Hotel Maestoso

Inside, barn chic décor nods to the hotel’s location. Black steel, iron, wood accents, and barn door separators are combined with luxury hotel touches, such as bright white sheets and creative lights. The glass door out to the patio opens to unique views of green pastures and mountains in the distance.

Guest rooms feature modern, barn-chic décor with black steel, iron, wood accents, and barn door separators. Photo courtesy Hotel Maestoso

Horse Activities

Tours of the property are available daily and cost 18 Euro (around $20 U.S. dollars), and you have all-day access to the stud as well as the Lipikum Museum and the carriage exhibition.

Tip: Visit in spring for newly born foals.

<<>>

Visit in the spring if you love to see newborn foals. Photo by Gabriele Boisellle

Alternatively, for 25 Euro ($28), you can purchase a ticket to an official show, which also includes a tour and access to the property. Shows are held Tuesdays (June-September), Fridays (May-October), and Sundays (April-October) at 3 p.m.

Official show tickets are a great way to see the world-famous Lipizzaners performing. Photo by Mitja Bozic

Trail rides can only be scheduled for experienced riders. You’ll need to have a membership card from a national equestrian association and be at least 15 years old. Two-hour rides cost 90 Euro ($102) and three-hour rides are 120 Euro ($136).

Carriage rides are also available for up to seven guests in a single cart. Costs range from 35 to 65 Euro ($40 to $74), depending on the length of ride and size of carriage. All activities require a reservation at least three days in advance.

Running Lipizzaners

In the distance, 40 or so horses all line up behind a gate one paddock over. As soon as the gate opens, the herd thunders toward me and the other spectators. As they canter across the yard onto the maple tree-lined path to the large pastures beyond, bathed in morning light, they disappear as quickly as they appeared.

You, too, can watch the release and return of the horses every day at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

You can watch the herd of 40 horses running at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day as they come in and leave the stables. Photo by Gabriele Boisellle

For non-horse enthusiasts in the group, there is a casino, a golf course, and tennis courts on property.

Know Before You Go

Tours of the grounds are available daily and include all-day access to the stud. Photo by Jošt Gantar

The nearest airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) or Trieste Airport (TRS) across the border in Italy. From either location, a car rental is best. Lipica is a little over an hour from LJU and 20 minutes from TRS.

If renting a car internationally isn’t your cup of tea, you can take a bus (1.5 hours) or a train (a little under 2 hours) to Sezana, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride.

For more information on the Hotel Maestoso, visit lipica.org/en/new-hotel-maestoso.

This article about visiting the Lipizzaners appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Just a few strands of mane or tail hair can open the gateway to facts about your horse you couldn’t otherwise know. So then the question arises: Just because you can DNA test your horse, should you? What are the insights you could hope to gain, and are they worth the cost of the test?

DNA tools have been used by breed registries for decades to verify the parentage of a new foal. But there are other potential benefits of performing an equine DNA test—and the resulting useful information that can fall into four basic categories.

Close-up of individual mane hairs pulled from the root that contain enough cells to send in for DNA testing. Photo by Daniel Johnson

Color Information

A DNA test can provide very reliable results concerning your horse’s coat color genetics. This is because horse coat colors rely on simple inheritance, with some very specific genes and modifiers are directly responsible for visible results.

What you can’t visibly see from looking at your horse are the nuts and bolts of his dominant and recessive coat color traits. For instance, a black mare might have the hidden ability in her genes to produce, say, a chestnut foal if the stallion also carries that gene.

DNA tests can also easily identify modifiers like dilute, roan, and gray. Knowing your horse’s coat color genetics is helpful when considering future breeding plans, as it will give you an understanding of what color the resulting foal might be. Additionally, coat color genetics are just plain fascinating, and can help explain your horse’s precise color.

A DNA test revealed that this colt’s base color is black, modified by one creme/dilute gene and one roan gene. Photo by Daniel Johnson

Health Information

Many equine health issues are unique to the individual horse and his environment. For example, genetics aren’t at play if a horse contracts a tick-borne illness.

But many equine diseases are genetic or have genetic ties. DNA testing can indicate whether your horse possesses the genes that could lead to that disease. It doesn’t necessarily mean your horse will ever display symptoms of the disease, but that the potential exists.

Other times, a horse is a carrier of a genetic disease, and while they’ll never actually develop the disease, they could pass it on to their foals. Sometimes a genetic disease is breed-specific; for example, you might test an Arabian horse for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), which can lead to foals with weakened immune systems. Quarter Horses may be carriers of the gene for hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), a muscle disorder. These are but two examples; you can test for many genetic equine diseases.

Breed Information

In the case of a grade horse with no pedigree information available, a DNA test can potentially determine the breeds of his ancestors, giving you at least a rough idea of what general mixture of blood he carries. While interesting, this information might not be all that helpful in some situations.

For one thing, it’s probably fairly apparent just from looking at your horse what might be in his background. A draft appearance, an Arabian flair, pinto markings, height, bone, head shape—all of these already provide clues to his unknown heritage. A DNA test might give you some more precision in this area, but the success of the DNA test in this manner hinges on the size and samples available in the testing lab’s database.

Additionally, many horse breeds have influenced others across history, such that equines as a whole share a lot of “horsey” DNA, making these tests challenging to interpret.

Fun Information

Finally, some DNA tests provide you with a dose of entertainment. Some DNA testing services offer “family” matching, where it might be possible to identify close relatives of your horse—cousins, aunts, uncles, et cetera.

Other DNA tests may offer performance information, such as indications of a horse’s potential athletic abilities, or whether they’re capable of a special gait like pacing or a running walk.

How Does DNA Work?

You don’t really have to understand how DNA works to see the benefits of a DNA test, but a basic grasp of the topic can be helpful.

DNA is a long chain of molecules inside every living cell, made of sugars, nitrogen, and phosphates. The exact arrangement of these molecules on the DNA chain determines how a living thing constructs proteins, so DNA can literally be thought of as a code or an alphabet that contains the directions to build a living creature.

Every cell in an animal’s body contains a complete set of instructions for building that individual. Different small segments of DNA—the genes—affect different physical characteristics.

These segments are inherited from each parent, so DNA tests can be used to identify relatives. Genes can be complicated, as there’s not always a single gene associated with a single trait, and the environmental factors that affect your horse throughout his life can play a big role in shaping who he is. So while DNA tests can teach us a lot about our horses, they aren’t crystal balls, either.

Key Takeaway

So, is there value in these tests? Absolutely—if the information is useful or entertaining to you. There is value to be had in color information, as it is highly accurate and can be helpful to breeders.

Genetic disease information can help you plan for your horse’s future. Insights into your horse’s heritage or even the geographic regions his ancestors lived in can be fun, though perhaps less useful. It’s mostly up to your curiosity level and your budget.

This article about equine DNA tests appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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“More people are becoming familiar with the Icelandic horse, its unique gaits, traits, and rich history tied to Iceland,” says Emily Potts with the USIHC. “The breed is a major attraction for tourists in Iceland, with many tour operators offering trail rides and horseback tours to explore the country. This growing interest is mirrored in the U.S., where USIHC membership has increased by nearly 18 percent since 2022. While registration numbers have grown more gradually over the years, the increase has remained steady.”

Currently there are 6,986 registered Icelandics in the United States, with just over half of them being born domestically; the rest are imported.

Photo by Mark Lawrence

A Breed for Every Sport

Icelandics are a hardy and agile breed that, while short in stature at around 13 to 14 hands, can handle almost any discipline or recreational sport. And their five natural gaits—walk, trot, canter, tölt, and pace—means a comfortable seat for their rider.

Potts says that Icelandics can be found excelling in many disciplines, including dressage (USIHC participates in the U.S. Dressage Federation All-Breeds Program), liberty, endurance riding, competitive and recreational trail riding, working equitation, archery, skijoring, and eventing.

The USIHC also puts on its own national-ranking shows and sport competitions. In 2024, they held 16 national-ranking shows and six world-ranking shows in the U.S.

Lucy Nold, owner and trainer at Five-Gait Farm in Eugene, Ore., has earned the Anne Elwell Breeding Award twice, in 2018 and 2022. She is on the USIHC National Team and is nationally and world ranked. She also works with youth at her own farm and has led many youth initiatives within the breed.

Youth rider Greta Alsauskas participates in classes that show off the Icelandic’s special gaits as well as in eventing. Photo by Kevin Zibart

“The Icelandic horse breed has an easygoing, willing, and forward temperament that makes them excellent riding horses for so many different activities,” says Nold. “The versatility of the breed makes them truly a partner for everything, and our competition horses make the best trail horses.”

Icelandics also make wonderful youth mounts, due to their size and temperament.

“I quickly fell in love with the Icelandic horse because of their sweet and willing nature and the supportive and caring community that surrounds this discipline,” says Greta Alsauskas, a youth rider who is both nationally and world-ranked among professionals. She qualified and participated in the Youth Cup for the U.S. Team in July 2024 in Münsingen, Switzerland. Alsauskas performs in special track classes that are meant to show off the Icelandic’s tölt and flying pace. She also does eventing.

The flying pace is the fastest gait performed by the Icelandic, and is displayed in special competitions to show off the breeds’ unique gaits. Shown: Heidi Benson and Strokkur frá Syðri-Gegnishólum. Photo by Laura Benson

In 2023, a team of five U.S. riders qualified for the World Championships in the Netherlands, the largest USIHC team assembled in several years.

Virtual Rides

Bred to carry adults over long distances at a fast and smooth pace, Icelandics truly excel at covering long miles. It’s no surprise that one of the most popular programs the USIHC puts on is the Sea 2 Shining Sea ride. A truly unique program, this virtual ride is a year-long quest that Icelandic riders can participate in.

“This 4,000-mile ride follows a different route each year, organized by committee members,” explains Potts. “Past routes have included the Pony Express Trail, historic Route 66, and Annie Wilkins’ journey from Minot, Maine, to Hollywood, California, as featured in Elizabeth Letts’ book The Ride of Her Life. Riders log their hours weekly and reach checkpoints and can compete individually or in teams of up to six.”

Scott Smith is one of these riders, who logged over 1,100 miles in 2024, and is in the Top 10 for the 2024 Sea 2 Shining Sea ride.

Scott Smith logged over 1,100 miles riding Icelandic horses in 2024. Photo courtesy Shelby Walker

The USIHC also holds virtual shows, which are very popular. These include both national-ranking classes and classes that are just for fun or schooling. Shows have a panel of five judges from around the world, giving riders a change to get feedback from top judges, no matter when they live.

Supporting the Icelandic Horse Breed

The USIHC continues to add new programs to support those who love the breed. In 2023, they launched the Virtual Education Series, which covers topics like shoeing, saddle fit, endurance riding, nutrition, gait analysis, breeding and conformation, trailering horses, and more.

In addition, they are developing a U.S. Trainer Certification System to help those aspiring to train Icelandics. The International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations tasks each member country with creating a system based on their education matrix. The USIHC launched their Fast Track for Level 1 Certification in 2022, and they’re now working on Level II Certification modules.

The Icelandic horse is a hardy, easy keeper that steals hearts as fast as it covers ground.

To learn more, visit icelandics.org.

This article about the Icelandic Horse breed appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Breed Portrait: Icelandic Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy of Breyer

Unexpected Start

Breyer Molding Company, then based in Chicago, released its first model horse in 1950 as a special order for the F.W. Woolworth Company. Known as the No. 57 Western Horse, this model was created specifically to embellish a mantel clock.

However, it was the horse—not the clock—that captivated buyers.

Consumer demand inspired the company to change course and launch the Breyer Animal Creations^® brand of model horses and accessories.

Reeves International, a prominent name in the toy industry that was founded by Swiss entrepreneur Werner J. Fleischmann in 1946, acquired the Breyer Animal Creations brand in 1984 and continued to expand it. Breyer remains the company’s signature brand, manufacturing and selling millions of models and accessories each year.

Sizes of Breyer Model Horses

Breyer models come in several sizes:

◆ Traditional Horses at 1:9 scale                                       

◆ Freedom Series/Classics at 1:12 scale                                        

◆ Stablemates at 1:32 scale

◆ Mini Whinnies at 1:64 scale

The Traditional model is the largest, most popular size. Known as “portrait models” when representing a real horse, these are packaged and sold in Breyer’s colorful window boxes.

From the 1950s to 1970s, Breyer Animal Creations not only produced models of beautiful horse breeds and well-known horses, but also of famous dogs, including Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Benji and Tiffany.

Storybook Inspiration

Through the years, Breyer has honored both fictional and real horses.

One of the earliest models inspired by literary equine heroes was Fury, released in 1962. Black Beauty became a model in 1979.

Marguerite Henry’s popular book, Misty of Chincoteague, was published in 1947, leading to the release of the longest-running model in the Breyer lineup. Misty of Chincoteague has been in continuous production since 1972, and it has appeared in numerous variations of coat pattern and color. Her foal Stormy followed in 1977. Misty and Stormy currently sell together as a gift set.

Numerous equine athletes have been memorialized as models: Favorites include Triple Crown champion racehorse Secretariat, show jumping legend Snowman, dressage great Valegro, outstanding Quarter Horse Wimpys Little Step, and many more.

Famous horses like dressage superstar Valegro are often made into Breyer models. Photo courtesy of Breyer

Selection Process

Breyer models currently represent over 190 different breeds.

Multiple factors play into how horses are selected to become portrait models. Proposals come from associations, fans, and owners. The company also does its own research and follows trends and stories in the equine industry.

Once a horse is selected, it takes about one year for that model to hit the market. Although new models are released throughout the year, special models are released every summer at BreyerFest.

The number of models made of each particular horse varies. Once a model is retired, no more are produced. In-demand models can sell for significant amounts after they’re out of production. Collectors often shop for these models online or at unofficial swaps held near the Horse Park during BreyerFest.

Model Creation

The manufacturing process starts with the creation of a clay (or sometimes digital) sculpture of the horse based on photos and videos.

“Breyer artists are specialists for their particular breed or discipline,” says Stephanie Macejko, vice president of marketing and product development for Breyer. “Some artists are passionate about Thoroughbreds, while others know all there is to know about American Saddlebreds.”

It takes about one year for a horse to go from sketch to store shelf. Photo courtesy of Breyer

All prototypes for each horse model, playset and accessory are designed at the company’s New Jersey location.

Using the original clay sculpture, a tooling pattern is cast and completed. A 1,000-pound steel injection molding tool is then created.

Breyer artists are experts in the breed or discipline of model horse that they work on. Photo courtesy of Breyer

For decades, artist Chris Hess sculpted many horses and other animals for Breyer. He also engineered the company’s original injection molding tools. Hess’ final sculpture for Breyer before his death was Secretariat’s model, which was released in 1987.

“Chris was a rare talent,” says Macejko. “He was able to see both the ‘positive’ three-dimensional horse, but also the ‘negative’ cavities that form the hollow shapes for each horse. There is a lot of art in the creation of the tooling to keep the integrity of the original sculpture.

“Breyer has had the privilege to work with some amazingly talented sculptors over the years,” she adds. “At this point, we’ve worked with at least a few dozen artists.”

To form each model, cellulose acetate is heated to liquid and injected into the molding tool where it forms the two halves of the model.

The halves are briefly cooled, then bonded together.

At least 24 hours later, each model is cleaned with Dremel tools, sanded, and cleaned again to remove any dust before heading to the paint department. 

Every model is hand-painted. Different airbrush artists paint base colors, manes, tails, dappling and other details.

“About eight to 10 painters work on each horse,” says Macejko. “From molding to pack out, about 20 different people have a part in the creation of each Breyer model.”

All About Alan

In 2023, Whitney Barnard of Paris, Ky., and her handsome mule, Alan A Day’s Work, became the first mule/rider pair to compete at a recognized jumper competition. Barnard just so happens to be the assistant managing director of education for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA).

Barnard and Alan A Day’s Work became part of a successful effort to allow mules to compete with horses in nationally recognized jumping events. Photo courtesy of Breyer

When Barnard bought Alan in November 2012, the timid 4-year-old was barely broke to lead. After much groundwork and time in the round pen, she was riding the 13.3-hand john (gelded mule).

Alan’s love of jumping was revealed the first time she pointed him at a low cross-rail. He hopped right over with good form. In time, Barnard began taking him to horse shows and hunter paces.

Alan’s unique name has a fun origin. Barnard’s husband, Joey, who was her boyfriend at the time, said her new mule “looked like an ‘Alan.’”

Barnard felt the name fit him, but she still needed a show name. She credits a witty friend she’s known since grade school for coming up with Alan A Day’s Work.

Eventually, Barnard and Alan became part of a successful effort to allow mules to compete with horses in nationally recognized jumping events. 

“Alan really loves going to different places and seeing new things,” she says.

Barnard had no idea Breyer was considering Alan for a model until she received an email in June 2023. After a Zoom call during which she shared Alan’s story, Barnard was informed that he’d been selected to be a Breyer model if she agreed.

“Of course, I said ‘yes,’ but I couldn’t tell anyone until January 2024,” says Barnard. “I had to keep that secret for six months.”

Barnard submitted detailed photos showing Alan’s unique coloring and pattern.

“I literally took photos of every inch of his body—even under his belly, his chin, and on top of his back,” she says. “They sent me photos of the rendering to review, and I looked to see if all the spots coordinated. He’s a roany Appaloosa, so I had to see if the artist rendering matched Alan.”

Whitney Barnard photographed every inch of Alan’s coat pattern to send to the model makers. Photo courtesy of Breyer

Barnard was thrilled to receive a finished model in late April. In May, members of the Breyer team came to Kentucky, met Alan in person, and took photos for the Breyer website and social media pages.

“When I was 10 and living in Columbus, Ohio, I had a bunch of Breyer models,” says Barnard. “I remember thinking it would be so cool to go to BreyerFest, but Lexington was so ‘far away.’ It seemed impossible then, and here I am! I really appreciate that Breyer included Alan.

“I don’t think Alan really thinks he’s different from other horses,” she adds. “If he does know, he doesn’t seem to care. I want him to be an advocate for equestrians who happen to ride mules and want to showcase their talents.”

Expect more equine heroes to be memorialized as models in the future.

Learn more at breyerhorses.com.

This article about Breyer model horses appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The World of Breyer Model Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Equestrians With Disabilities

When therapeutic riding centers wanted to find a way to recognize and celebrate their riders outside of their own arenas, they started looking for horse shows so their riders could experience the thrill of taking home a ribbon and their name called over the speakers.

In the early 2000s, the head of one such center approached the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) with a need for a national platform and standardized rules for equestrian competition for riders with physical or cognitive disabilities. It didn’t take long for the NSBA to organize a task force of equine professionals, judges, and therapeutic riding professionals to develop rules and standards for these classes. With that, Equestrians With Disabilities (EWD) was born.

“(The NSBA) began to promote the classes and encourage shows to include these classes in their showbills,” says Elise Sheard with the NSBA Foundation. The NSBA World Championship Show first hosted EWD classes in 2009.

EWD classes have grown tremendously since debuting in 2009, and are now held at major shows across the country. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Since then, there has been tremendous growth in EWD, with classes held at horse shows across the country. Many major shows now host classes, including The All American Quarter Horse Congress, Palomino World Show, Appaloosa National and World Championship Show, and the Dixie Nationals.

“There has also been significant growth on a more local level beyond the above major circuits,” says Sheard. “State Quarter Horse affiliates such as Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and many more regularly offer EWD classes at all of their shows. Any NSBA show can add EWD classes to their show approval.”

There are two divisions for EWD classes: Independent and Supported. The Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. There are specific rules regarding the roles of handlers, leaders and sidewalkers for the Supported division. Horses used in the EWD classes do not have to be owned by the exhibitor or their immediate family, and any breed of horse may be shown.

The EWD Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

EWD: Who Can Compete?

According to the NSBA’s Rulebook for Equestrians with Disabilities:

“In order to participate an exhibitor must have a physical and/or cognitive medically diagnosed condition that causes a permanent impairment that can be measured objectively. Examples of conditions, diseases or disorders that may lead to permanent impairment are: paresis, amputation (partial to full joint), ankylosis, upper motor neuron lesions, vision impairment, and intellectual disability. Eligible conditions include: amputation, arthrogryposis, Asperger syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, Batten disease, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), cerebellar ataxia, cerebral palsy, Coffin-Lowry syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, dwarfism, fragile X syndrome, Friedreich’s ataxia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hearing impairment, Hunter syndrome, microcephaly, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Prader-Willi syndrome, Rett syndrome, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, trisomy disorders and visual impairment. Additional diagnosis will be considered upon request.”

In order to compete in EWD classes, exhibitors must submit an official diagnosis form, a membership form to the corresponding national organization, an acceptable adaptive equipment form, and a riding ability form. The last two are completed and signed by a certified instructor or coach with PATH International, the Special Olympics, U.S. Para-Equestrian, Certified Horsemanship Association, or a certified instructor who is also in good standing with the host organization.

Classes available for EWD include showmanship, hunt seat equitation on the flat, hunter under saddle, trail, western horsemanship, and western pleasure.

Classes available for EWD include showmanship, hunt seat equitation on the flat, hunter under saddle, trail, western horsemanship, and western pleasure. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Para-Reining

When Para-Reining was first held as a class at a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) event, it was first called “adaptive reining.” NRHA Professional Jennifer Hoyt has been at the helm of the division since its debut in 2014.

“I had a young man that started to ride with me that had some disabilities,” explains Hoyt. “I was so impressed with how well our horses were broke to handle any rider.”

The intrigue of the brokeness of the reiner inspired Hoyt to see how well her horses handled riders with disabilities.

“It’s not that horses of other breeds or disciplines aren’t broke, but there’s just a way that reiners are settled and calm that makes them easier to ride, in general,” she says. “I knew NRHA needed to have a place for people with disabilities and to be all-inclusive.”

The difference between Para-Reining and EWD is that Para-Reiners must ride independently.

“With Equestrians With Disabilities, you may have individuals that need to be led or have support,” explains Hoyt. “When we created Para-Reining, we were adamant that this was an independently ridden event and the riders must be able to control the horse by themselves.”

The disabilities for riders in Para-Reining are more physical—riders might be missing a lower limb, or suffer some paralysis or another physical ailment such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, et cetera. Rider Holly Jacobson, for example, was injured in a car fire when she was 23.

“My right arm was amputated above the elbow, and I lost all of the fingers on my left hand,” she says. “I had several burns that required years of reconstructive surgery.”

The EWD Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Jacobson grew up riding horses and became involved in Para-Dressage after her accident before she discovered Para-Reining.

“When Para-Reining started, I migrated with a bunch of other dressage riders to help promote the sport, and several of us got hooked,” she says.

As with all reining, patterns for Para-Reiners are dictated in the NRHA Handbook, and they can be adjusted for specified grades of riders. However, like all reining patterns, there are some required maneuvers for Para-Reining. These include at least one sliding stop, one circle in each direction, a minimum of two spins to the left and two spins to the right.

Like all reining patterns, there are some required maneuvers for Para-Reining, such as at least one sliding stop. Photo courtesy NRHA

Riders don’t need to own their horse, but the horse does have to have a competition license through the NRHA.

Riders can use the following provisions when competing:

◆ Specialty braces and/or belts

◆ Audio communication equipment

◆ Trainer/handler present in the arena

◆ Boot adaptations

◆ Rein hand holds

◆ Rubber bands

◆ Saddle blocks

◆ Wedges and/or cushions

◆ Safety stirrups

◆ Seat savers

◆ Whips

Para-Reining competitors must ride independently, but provisions such as rubber bands, safety stirrups, and more are permitted. Photo by Waltenberry

The growth of Para-Reining has been organic, thanks to the passion of the exhibitors and professionals such as Hoyt. Any NRHA show can add the classes to their show bill if there is a request, but Hoyt has seen some hesitation between show managers and trainers due to concerns for safety for the rider.

“Trainers tend to be afraid if a rider with a disability asks about lessons,” she says. “They can ask the rider what their disability is; people with disabilities aren’t afraid to tell you. You just have to find them the right horse, or adapt to how a horse is trained, or any other necessity for that rider to be successful. But our horses are fully capable of being a suitable mount for Para-Reiners.”

Jacobson agrees.

“My talented, kind horse, Shiney Juice, is my heart horse,” she says. “He’s carried me to two Para-National Reserve Championships and the Dechra Championship title in 2021.”

A Horse for Everyone

Both programs are helping open the world of horses and competition to a larger audience. Approximately 22 million adults ages 18 to 64 have a disability (according to Humanity & Inclusion), giving both EWD and Para-Reining important roles among this special sector of American horse enthusiasts.

“Equestrians With Disabilities is awesome, Para-Reining is awesome,” says Hoyt. “They’re both great offerings for people to become involved. They just need to have someone take a chance with them.”

Jacobson sees it as a huge win.

“Anytime a sport opens up to disabled athletes, [it shows] how people adapt using some modifications to live a fully engaged life and what’s possible,” she says. “The horse is the ultimate equalizer between men and women, able-bodied and para.”

The post Para-Reining and Equestrians With Disabilities: A Ride for Everyone 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.

A crowd lines the hillsides overlooking Georgia International Horse Park’s Grand Prix Arena. It’s a steamy evening on July 5th, 2024, at the Georgia Quarter Horse Association’s Big A/Stars & Stripes Circuit, and feet, some clad in flip-flops and others still sporting boots with spurs that sing with every kick, dangle from the arena wall. A diverse sea of faces look out excitedly over the hallowed sand where Olympic dreams were made during the 1996 summer games in Atlanta.

A hush falls over the crowd, and both cowboy hats and caps proudly displaying military branches of service are placed over hearts as a cowboy on a striking palomino enters the stadium. He carries an American flag, familiar colors dancing proudly in the evening light as the golden horse’s gait quickens with the building climax of Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag,” poignant words shimmering across the summer breeze.

There’s an almost electric feeling of pride blanketing the stadium when the cowboy stops to present the colors. It’s a fitting opening for one sector of the horse industry’s tribute to the men and women of our armed forces: the Heroes Horsemanship Challenge (HHC).

The event opened with a cowboy carrying the American flag to Johnny Cash’s song “Ragged Old Flag” aboard an eye-catching palomino. Photo by Cody Parmenter Photography

How It Started

Inspired by the Heroes on Horseback Challenge held at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, North Carolina horse trainer Jake Hartman and his wife Ali were drawn to the idea of creating a similar event to honor our country’s service members. Former Army Ranger Ryan Bandy’s magnetic personality while offering encouragement to his fellow competitors at the Congress Challenge led Jake and Ali to conversation with Brandy and his wife, Kaylee, who has served almost 20 years in the Army herself.

Together, the couples decided to create a similar event that would level the playing field. Instead of running it as a pleasure class (where the horses are being judged), they chose to score participants on a horsemanship pattern.

This put the focus on the performance of the riders rather than relying solely on the quality of the horse, allowing more riders to be able to compete with a smaller number of horses needed to accommodate them. The first competition was held in 2022, and annually since then.

Camaraderie & Competition

The Heroes Horsemanship Challenge is a team event open to both past and current members of the armed forces and their family members. Riders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, with an attempt being made to evenly weight the combined experience level of each team.

When competition day arrives, each team is paired with a professional horse trainer, and they begin their preparation with a group clinic to go over the basics of the horsemanship class and the pattern they will be riding.

Each team is made up of past and current armed service members and their families, then paired with a professional horse trainer. Teams are evenly weighted by riding experience. Photo by Heather Glazer

From there, it’s time for the teams and their trainers to get down to business. The remainder of the afternoon leading up to showtime is spent meeting their mounts and learning how to translate the dots and dashes on their pattern sheet into a display of communication with their equine partners.

Though the spirit of competition is decidedly in the air, the opportunity for fellowship HHC provides for service members and their families is profoundly valuable. The military lifestyle comes with its own unique challenges, and the events surrounding competition day provide a venue for a wider portion of that community to come together. This can be especially beneficial for those who are no longer active duty.

“Events like HHC are so important because they provide validation,” says Army Lieutenant Colonel Kaylee Bandy. “Too often, our veterans feel stripped of their identity when they transition out of the military, and this same sense of loss affects their families as well. Military service provides deep personal connections and mutual understanding through experience. Much of that can feel lost to an entire family when a Warfighter transitions out of uniform—and the emotional, psychological, and physical effects can feel isolating and overwhelming. Programs like HHC are so much more than a head nod to our Warfighters. They’re platforms for genuine connection, shared experience, and public celebration of those who volunteer to keep our nation safe.”

Family members of veterans and active service members are invited to participate as well. Photo by Heather Glazer

Joe Conwell, a 2024 HHC competitor who spent 28 years in the Army National Guard, agrees.

“It’s a day out with people going through (or having gone through) similar situations in life, and a chance to have discussions, cheer each other on, and see the smiles on each other’s faces,” he says. “The camaraderie, competition, and support touch so many different aspects of what everybody’s going through and gives them a positive push to keep moving forward.”

Healing Through Horses

Although there are many programs geared toward honoring and strengthening the mental and physical wellbeing of our active duty military members and veterans, there’s something special about those like HHC that harness the therapeutic power of riding and interacting with horses.

“Horses hold no judgment, no preconceived notion,” says Bandy. “They don’t know their rider’s history of trauma, failures, guilt, anxiety, or fears. The relationship between our participants and their horses is unflawed and genuine.” 

Multi-year HHC competitor and 25-year retired Chief Navy Diver Michael Suzuki had very little experience with horses when he was introduced to the event by his niece. Though he was nervous during the first ride, Suzuki quickly learned that working through the pattern with his equine partner was a welcome escape. 

“When I ride, I’m not thinking about anything else, just me and that horse,” he says. “I’m still new at it, so it takes my full concentration—but that’s a good thing. It’s a stress, but a good stress.”

Retired Chief Navy Diver Michael Suzuki had very little experience with horses when he was introduced to the event by his niece. Photo by Cody Parmenter Photography

That mental focus is especially important for service men and women who have spent time on the frontlines.

“Someone who’s been in the combat zone basically remembers things from it almost 24 hours a day,” says Conwell. “When you’re multitasking and concentrating on getting a horse through the pattern, it puts that external input from your past to the side. It releases your brain for the amount of time you’re communicating with the horse.”

Teamwork is the foundation of many duties and operations within each branch of the military, so participants also find they’re able to apply the principles they use to tackle work-related tasks to something that feels much lighter.

“You’re doing the same process of working together to come up with an outcome, but it has absolutely nothing to do with military green suits, guns, and all of that,” says Conwell. “It relieves you of the military output, but you’re still doing the same things you’re trained to do.”

Completing their pattern in front of the cheering crowd also instills a sense of pride, accomplishment, and confidence in participants.

“Getting out there and doing their best on a regional stage, surrounded by seasoned professionals and industry champions, infuses our riders with confidence and satisfaction,” says Bandy. “They dismount holding their head a little higher and standing a little taller. They prove to themselves that they can do hard things, and that they’re worthy and deserving of joy and hope after hardship.”

Assembling the Ranks

Many members of the equine industry come together to make the Heroes Horsemanship Challenge happen, including professional trainers, the owners of the horses used in competition, and the Georgia Quarter Horse Association.

Various sponsors also graciously give monetarily or donate auction items to help cover the cost of a dinner for those in attendance, Harris jackets for every participant, and prizes such as belt buckles for the winners. Remaining proceeds from the event are given directly to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides scholarships to families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.

Members of the winning team are presented with a prize. Photo by Heather Glazer

For the trainers who coach each team, the experience has proven to be both humbling and rewarding.

“All of the trainers have a good time,” says professional horseman Carey Ready, whose team won the 2024 HHC. “It was a time to let down in the middle of a busy show—a fun thing. So it’s good for us too. It really helps us keep perspective in life, not just the horse industry.”

Trainer Carey Ready coached the winning team in 2024. Photo by Heather Glazer

“It’s really humbling for us,” adds trainer Duke Williams. “This is something I would do every time I possibly could because it makes us feel a little better too. That we did something, gave something. At the end of the day, it’s still not enough.”

The positive aspects of events like HHC aren’t limited to what the participants glean from taking part. As service members and their families gather each year, the horse industry inevitably adds new faces to its ranks. Several trainers recalled team members becoming new horse owners after their experience with HHC, and most participants feel they’ve found a new community to be a part of.

“After I participated, it changed my whole perspective,” says Suzuki. “It made me more interested in the horse industry and learning more about it. Now when I hear ‘horses,’ I talk too.”

2024 competitor Joe Conwell (in red) presented event coordinator Jake Hartman with a flag flown while he was serving in Kuwait. Photo by Heather Glazer

In future, the HHC team hopes to add an additional event at a different show and venue so they can honor even more individuals and their families who have made sacrifices to protect and serve our country.

“As veterans and members of the horse industry, it’s a privilege to be able to pair our patriotism with our passion while serving our brothers and sisters,” says Bandy. “They’re the protectors of our peace and represent less than 1 percent of the American population. It’s not lost on the HHC team that the sovereignty of the United States was mostly won on horseback. This is truly a ‘thank you’ to both horse and rider.”

Visit heroeshorsemanshipchallenge.com for more information about the Heroes Horsemanship Challenge, how to become a participant, and sponsorship opportunities.

This article appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Heroes Horsemanship Challenge appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“These insects make their appearance in the spring and become sparse in the cold winter months, but generally they remain active year-round, especially in places like Florida, contributing to the chronic causes of allergic skin disease in some horses,” says Caitlyn Henderson, DVM, of Peterson Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, one of Florida’s largest equine clinics.

The condition is often seasonal with chronic relapses, but horses in warmer climates may be affected year-round.

Photo by Bob Langrish

Clinical Signs of Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses

Horses suffering from IBH often present with recurrent hives and/or chronic itching (pruritus). Clinical signs of IBH can include:

◆ Circular areas of crusting caused by inflammation (bacterial folliculitis)

◆ Blisters (papules)

◆ Hair loss (alopecia)

◆ Raised, hard, thickened areas of skin

◆ Broken hairs with sores in mane and tail head

◆ Self-trauma from rubbing

◆ Pigmentary alterations

◆ Behavioral changes due to discomfort

“Signs can often start as very subtle, especially when under the mane or at the tail head,” says Henderson. “Broken hairs are easy to miss in the beginning.”

Intense itching can cause allergic horses to rub bald spots and sores into their manes and tails. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Skin lesions develop where insects feed. This is typically along the horse’s ventral chest and abdomen, under the mane, along the withers and back (dorsum), tail base, and inguinal areas (between the hind legs), as well as on the face and ears.

“These lesions all come with a degree of itching, which feeds the cycle of lesion development, eventually causing severe scarring, permanent hair loss, and depigmentation,” says Henderson.

Why It Happens 

With IBH, a half-ton horse can’t hold his own against tiny insects.

The horse’s immune system is triggered by proteins and enzymes in the insects’ saliva as they feed. The horse’s body identifies those salivary enzymes and proteins as foreign, which causes the allergic response.

“The immune system releases antibodies, specific immune cells, and inflammatory mediators that drive inflammation and cell migration to peripheral tissues near the bite site, which then drives itching and swelling,” says Henderson. “Histamine is also released from mast cells sent by the immune system at the bite site, and they release more enzymes that irritate nerves nearby, further driving the urge to itch.”

It’s a nasty cycle that will only continue unless the horse is treated and the cause addressed.

Diagnosing Insect Bite Hypersensitivity

Because IBH is often bundled with other environmental allergies, there isn’t a single test to definitively diagnose the condition.

 Veterinarians base their diagnosis on the horse’s history (including travel, exposure, housing, and environment), clinical signs, duration, severity, and frequency of those signs, previous treatment, and diagnostics. The goal is to rule out other skin diseases and determine the best response to treatment.

“Many practitioners will still reach for intradermal allergen testing to support their diagnosis, which is helpful if clients are looking for a more direct approach,” says Henderson. “Serum allergy testing has proven to be of little benefit for horses with their broad range of allergen exposure. It’s like sending your kiddo to daycare for the first time and then testing them to see what germs they picked up while they were there.”

Treatment Protocol 

There is no one-size-fits-all protocol. Medical treatment can soothe the irritated skin and provide relief, but fly control or insect avoidance is considered the mainstay of both treatment and prevention.

“No amount of bathing, fish oil, and cetirizine in the world will help a horse with IBH if we aren’t trying everything we can to reduce the insect population in their environment,” says Henderson. “It doesn’t matter how much Benadryl you give your child after playing in an ant pile if you don’t get them out of the ant pile first.”

Limiting places where flies can make contact with a horse through use of fly sheets, masks, and boots helps sensitive horses enjoy outdoor time. Photo by Christiane Slawik

She advises horse owners to prioritize reducing the insect population and limiting insect-horse contact. This includes:

◆ On-horse insect repellent containing 2% permethrin

◆ Fly masks with ear covers

◆ Fly sheet

◆ Fly boots

◆ Automatic fly spray systems in barns

◆ Fly traps (including sticky traps)

◆ Bug zappers

◆ Strong indoor fans

◆ Keeping horses stabled during peak insect feeding times

◆ Eliminating standing water in paddocks and barn area

◆ Diligent manure management and removal 

Strong indoor fans discourage flies from landing on horses. Photo by Terri Cage/Adobe Stock

Bathing the horse with medicated shampoo is recommended. Look for products that contain ingredients that support healthy coats and reduce dryness, as well as ketoconazole and chlorhexidine to reduce bacterial and fungal growth in the skin that can contribute to itching.

“Many veterinarians want to reach for systemic glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone or prednisolone, and antihistamines,” says Henderson. “There is little research that supports the efficacy of these drugs for horses with IBH, but anecdotally they show promise in limiting the itch-inflammation cycle. Cetirizine (Zyrtec), another antihistamine, also has little research supporting efficacy against itching and clinical signs associated with IBH, but it is considered safer for horses than systemic glucocorticoids. Regardless, your veterinarian should consider your horse’s general health, risk factors, and clinical signs when starting therapy.”

If you want to try an oral supplement, omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to improve skin lesions, but don’t help with itching.

Diligent manure removal takes away fly breeding grounds. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Secondary Infections 

IBH lesions disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and the population of healthy microbiota. When this happens, opportunistic bacteria and pathogens sometimes infect deeper tissues, causing secondary infections.

“Now, instead of just controlling the itch and giving the skin time to heal, you have to eliminate the bacterial infection before the itching resolves and the healing can finally begin,” says Henderson.

Skin lesions develop where insects feed, such as under the mane, and may not be noticed until the hair is rubbed out. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Immunotherapy

People get allergy shots, but do they work on horses?

Henderson says allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) has shown promise in horses when administered over a period of two years, but so far treatment protocols have not been standardized, so results vary.

“ASIT is especially beneficial for horses who cannot avoid their allergens or who are exposed to their allergens for extended periods, often resulting in further hypersensitization of the allergic response,” says Henderson. “Horses in Florida, for example, are exposed to mosquitoes and biting insects nearly year-round, so those horses that have moderate to severe IBH even in our peak ‘winter’ are good candidates for ASIT.”

It typically takes three to six months to see if the horse will have a positive response to treatment. In some cases, immunotherapy has resulted in remission of the allergy. Your veterinarian can determine if your horse is a good candidate for immunotherapy.

“Immune-modulating therapies, such as Cytopoint (lokivetmab), Apoquel (oclacitnib), and allergy shots are still undergoing safety and efficacy studies in horses,” says Henderson.

Finally, don’t subject your horse to the questionable suggestions you may find when searching for home remedies for IBH. Applying used motor oil, bacon grease, or similar concoctions to your horse’s mane, tail, or coat won’t cure the condition, and can end up increasing skin irritation. 

This article about insect bite hypersensitivity in horses appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Figure-8 Pole

The setup for this exercise is fairly simple. You just need four poles—bonus points if they have a center stripe—and two standards (or other jump supports that are safe to use).

Start with one pole on the ground with a standard on either side, and the other poles off to the side out of the way.

After a brief warmup, pick up a trot and begin a figure-8 shape that passes over the center of the ground pole. This figure-8 should be ridden with a straight line in between the circles so that you have an opportunity to change bend, similar to two capital letter D’s back-to-back.

Make the circles medium in size, large enough that your horse isn’t having to overly exert himself, but small enough that it’s easy to feel him driving from the inside hind leg. This is where the phrase “inside leg to outside rein” comes into play, as you must be sure to keep your horse on the same track each time and prevent him from falling in, keeping him correctly between the aids.

Allison demonstrates riding inside leg to outside rein. Photo by Lauren Terrell

As you change the bend, be sure to begin the new bend with your new inside leg asking your horse to bend at the ribcage. This prevents the common mistake of only riding a horse’s head and neck.

If your horse is struggling with one of the circle directions more than the other, take a moment to stay on a circle in the difficult direction until you find the amount of support he needs to keep from falling in or out. It is completely normal for one side to ride easier than the other.

Adding Canter & Cross-Rail

Once this is going well, move to a canter circle over the pole. Stick to tracking in only one direction, as we will add the need for lead changes later. This is another good test of inside leg to outside rein, as your horse will have more momentum and will need to stay balanced and rocked back onto his outside hind to avoid an accidental lead change over the pole.

Allison keeps Oakley straight over the ground pole. Photo by Lauren Terrell

After this has been achieved for two to four continuous circles each direction, put a cross-rail where the pole was, with two poles forming a chute leading to the center of the cross-rail on the takeoff side.

Now take a small break from focusing on turning to focusing on straightness, focusing on how riding so many turns and circles has tuned you in to your horse’s natural drifts and small unbalances.

The pair stays straight and centered over the cross-rail using chute poles on the takeoff side. Photo by Lauren Terrell

Pick up a canter somewhere closer to the landing side of the jump. Canter down the long side of the area, thinking about a balanced, uphill canter. Look over your inside shoulder to find a track that will bring you to the center of the jump and allow you to be straight beforehand for about four or five strides.

Keep your horse straight for approach, takeoff, and landing. After cantering straight for four or five strides on the landing, turn in the direction of the lead your horse landed on. If your horse heavily favors one side, you may need to consciously restart the exercise tracking the other direction—but still try not to influence the landing lead.

Jumping at an Angle

If you’re looking to level up, take out the pole chute on the takeoff side and practice some jumps at an angle. It’s important to remember that when jumping at an angle, you will still be jumping the center of the jump, and that straightness is still very much a factor.

Jumping the jump at an angle will require your horse to shift to a smoother, more traditional figure-8 shape, and to land on the opposite lead from takeoff.

Allison asks Oakley to switch leads over the cross-rail after jumping at an angle without the chute poles. Photo by Lauren Terrell

For example, if riding a right lead canter, you will look for a track that takes off from the left of center and lands to the right of center on the left lead. You will ride slightly past the jump, create a chute with your legs and reins to achieve straightness for approach and takeoff, then look left, pull your left shoulder back, shift your hips right, and gently squeeze the left rein to encourage your horse to land on the left lead.

It’s very important not to pull your horse off balance and cause him to fall on his left shoulder and off of the figure 8-track. If for any reason you or your horse are not ready for landing leads, simply halt on a straight line and then pick up the new lead from the walk or trot.

Mastering these exercises will help your horse become more balanced at the canter and land on the desired lead throughout your jump courses.

This article about exercises to balance your horse’s turns appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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