Many equestrian sports trace their origins to horses’ practical uses. The need for fast horses as transportation led to racing. Ranch work begat rodeo. The multipurpose training of cavalry mounts led to eventing. More recently, the diverse traditional duties...
Working a horse at liberty is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to train them. When a horse is free to do whatever he wants, but he chooses to stick with you, it gives a certain thrill...
Animal behaviorist and equine welfare expert Emily Weiss, Ph.D., reveals the key to solving any equine behavior challenge: positive reinforcement.
If you’ve ever wondered why your horse behaves a certain way, or why you’re having trouble solving an equine behavior...
For many riders, summer brings the most time to spend in the saddle. Days are longer and horse activities abound. This season is also typically when heat-related risks are highest. With intense exercise in hot weather, the horse’s internal...
Training a horse to show in hand can be time well spent. The most obvious reason is that it helps the horse show at his best in breed classes or inspections. But beyond that, it helps the horse and...
If you’ve been around horses long enough, you’ve likely come across at least one who actively tries to evade being bridled. Perhaps this horse tries backing away, raising his head far out of reach to avoid the bridle, or clamps...
Galloping along a sandy shore with the sound of hoofbeats and foamy waves crashing on the surf is a dream for most equestrians. While there are many opportunities to ride rental horses at tropical vacation destinations, riding your...
When training your horse, one of the ultimate goals is softness in his responses. But this softness should be not only in his face and head, but through the horse’s whole body. In this article, trainer Ben Baldus shares...
Have you ever found yourself looking forward to going to the barn, but not wanting to ride? Or maybe you convince yourself to get on, but the first time your horse flinches or sidesteps, you feel like you want...
Galloping is one of the most therapeutic exercises a horse can do, releasing tension and stiffness in the back and hindquarters.Skilled riding is often all it takes to improve a horse’s athleticism, performance, and overall well-being. But just as...
