Ranch riding tops the list as one of the most popular western show classes. The appeal? A class that riders can succeed in without expensive silver-adorned saddles or fancy clothes. Most any horse-and-rider team that prepares for the pattern...
In addition to finding the right personality and ability when searching for your next equine partner, oftentimes it feels like you need a Ph.D. to decipher horse-health records, old injuries, and how they might impact a horse’s future athletic...
Maybe you’ve seen dressage in person or in photos and video. Perhaps you’ve even dabbled in it yourself with some lessons or a bit of experimentation guided by an online tutorial or a magazine article. Either way, you’re drawn...
Preparing for a 100-mile horse ride is no small feat. I’ve trekked across Mongolia as an official for an endurance horse race, but that seems like a warm-up for The Tevis Cup, which spans across the Sierra Nevada mountains...
Trail riding is among the most popular equestrian pastimes, and competing on the trail was once something many trail riders enjoyed. But due to a variety of factors, two organizations that sanction competition on the trail have seen a...
Many equestrian disciplines require the horse to go on a loose rein, at least part of the time. But in dressage, there is a constant connection between the horse’s mouth and the rider’s hand, called contact.Developing and maintaining correct...
To score well in horse show trail classes, you must pay attention to details. Glancing in the wrong direction or allowing your horse to take an extra step between carefully measured poles can cost precious points. Top trainer Shaun...
You’ve been practicing your maneuvers and getting your horse ready to show off his moves in western classes. But now you need the best western show outfit. You want your clothes to be appropriate for each class without distracting...
Horse shows are filled with excitement. You eagerly await a weekend show day or an even more exciting overnight horse show with your pony. You agonize over your jumping rounds—breaking down every takeoff, landing, and turn. However, there’s still...
It was a really good week to have the last name Martin at the first-ever Maryland CCI5* at Fair Hill, with multiple eventing championships awarded October 13-18 in Cecil County, Md. The inaugural event hosted both CCI3*-L and CCI5*-L...
