At the famed Wimbledon tennis championships, a spectator's cell phone rang during a key moment in the finals. All eyes, including the players', turned toward "Mr. Bungle" as he scrambled to turn the phone off. And of course, all...
A half-halt isn't: pulling the reins. To start out, riding instructors often teach beginners very simplistic aids to take the place of certain skills until the rider's balance and body control improves. This is particularly true of the half-halt....
Horses are rescued for many reasons, including neglect, abuse and lack of handling. Each horse will react to life changes in his own way, yet there are basic steps rescuers take to bond with these special equines.
The following was...
By Cary L. Szuwalski
When you are preparing to travel with your horse, packing is an organizational challenge. Every horse traveling is more than likely to be accompanied by a mound of equipment. The key to efficient packing is to...
Like contestants in a Miss America pageant they strut and parade their exceptional beauty and perfect bodies. Their glossy coats reflect the sunlight like varnish, emphasizing every movement and highlighting the sinuous curve of muscle rippling as they walk...
The ideal western horse, according to trainer Patty Meek, is one that "gives to the bridle and is supple, giving both at the poll and to the left and right." Beyond responding just to the rider's hand, the horse...
Riding in an arena would be a lot easier if, once the aids had been given for the required gait, the horse simply responded by keeping one eye on the fence and merrily found his own way around. But...
Horse show season is in full swing, and it's time for me to plan the rest of the competition year. But being entrenched in our family's horse breeding business, I'm forced to gaze only wistfully this year at premiums...
As riders, most of our attention is usually focused on how well our horses go forward. In the show ring, our minds are cluttered with concerns: Is the jog too fast? Is my horse staying balanced at the lope?...
If you find yourself longing to compete at national shows, here are four tips that the A-circuit riders and trainers we spoke to agreed upon as prerequisites for venturing into the major leagues:Have a...
