Two common mistakes that I see in the back-up are poor timing of the release and asking the horse to go forward too soon afterward.
Proper timing involves releasing the pressure on the horse’s mouth while he is still...
When improving your horse’s stop, it is important to have more than one way to ask for it. I have three individual cues: saying the word “whoa,” pulling on the reins, or “releasing” my legs. Each of these cues...
When working with horses, we all know it’s important to have patience, but sometimes it can feel like a struggle. In most cases, you will find one of two causes for running out of patience: a lack of knowledge...
I’ve been busy. Horse show season has begun, and that means that I’m spending at least one weekend a month judging. I had a break during my last judging assignment while the jumping course was adjusted for the pony...
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...
Farewell frigid temperatures, frozen water buckets, winter blankets, gray skies and brown pastures. Hello, spring! It's what we've all been waiting for. Here are 20 things to kick-start the riding season.For you:
1. Take advantage of spring sunshine and daylight...
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...
Q: I want to trail ride, so my husband bought me a six-year-old mare. For the most part, she seems broke and quiet. The problem is that she goes great for my husband, but when I ride her she...
