If you’re worried about riding your horse over his first jump, you can always teach him on a lead. Remove the stirrups or run them up on the saddle. Either hold the reins or use a halter and leadrope....
If you are interested in teaching your inexperienced or young (at least 4 years old) horse to jump, low obstacles should be well within his ability as long as he is sound, physically mature and fit.Teaching a horse...
From April 26-30, 2012 the Kentucky Horse Park was host to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the only four-star eventing competition in North America. After the success of last year's Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup and Freestyle Reining World Championship,...
Showmanship competition reflects how a well-trained horse should behave on the ground. Every horse should be easy to handle, work effortlessly off his handler’s cues, allow others to approach and move around him without concern, and stand still when...
There is a lot to learn when you’re starting out in showmanship. It takes time and practice to become familiar with all of the skills. However, these 10 tips will help you avoid some of the common mistakes made...
Q: I am a very small adult rider so I can ride larger ponies. I recently started riding a 14.2-hand gelding and I’d like to show in the hunter division. He’s a good show pony, but as an adult...
Laura Kraut and Cedric, shown here at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, have joined their 2008 Olympic teammates Beezie Madden and McLain Ward the long list for the 2012 Olympics. Photo: Leslie PotterThe United States Equestrian Federation...
The sitting trot holds a unique, and perhaps even a little notorious, reputation. Many riders are of the opinion that the sitting trot is difficult to master and is punishing, too—jarring, bouncing, uncomfortable (regardless of how experienced you are)...
Would you be able to stop your horse if he spooked and took off? "Most of us prefer not to jump off a running horse,” says reining champion Stacy Westfall. "Being able to stop is a huge part of...
