Jasen Shelley, a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) hunter and jumper course designer, encourages riders at all levels to try a hunter derby, whether at a USEF-rated or local horse show.
"Course designers and judges are often looking for...
In the last few years, hunter horses have been overshadowed by their flashier, speedier counterparts in the jumper ring. With an easily understood judging system—the horse and rider who jump fastest without knocking anything down or refusing win—show jumping...
Breaking in tall boots can be a pain—literally. The backs of rider’s knees and ankles are especially susceptible to blisters and abrasions until the leather "drops” and breaks in, conforming to the leg.Keep in mind that not all...
Many dedicated hunt seat riders don’t have access to a stadium-sized jumping arena, yet they still want to improve their skills and school their horses. If you’re among this group, here are a few suggestions to make the most...
The United States show jumping community has lost one of its legends in Sapphire, the longtime partner of rider McLain Ward. Sapphire died on Sunday, June 22 due to complications from colic, according to the United States Equestrian Federation...
Heading into the show ring is stressful enough—the last thing you need is a wild ride in the warm-up ring beforehand. At hunter/jumper shows, the warm-up can be a crowded, chaotic place with horses and riders everywhere, going in...
Q: I’ve been jumping my gelding for around three years now, and we still aren’t in sync. I find myself frustrated and confused when he takes an extra stride right before the jump when I’m not expecting it. On...
Even if you can nail the distance to every fence, your hunter is sure to stay out of the ribbons if he can’t easily perform a flying lead change. The following tips will help you learn how to ask...
Baby pads aren’t for baby horses. They’re thin rectangles of
cotton (about 32” x 28”) that fit between your horse’s back and whichever other
saddle pad you’d like to keep clean and neat. Not to be confused with traditional
square saddle pads,...
As the sport of show jumping has grown, certain items of
tack that once looked peculiar have become more familiar to the average
equestrian. Such is the case with the belly guard. At first glance the belly
guard looks like a shield...
