Before You Go
1. Give new equipment a test run at home first to make sure it fits you and your horse comfortably. Some items, such as boots and saddles, require significant break-in time.
2. Tack cleaning should be part...
1. Do attend shows that offer classes appropriate for your level of expertise. Look for shows where you’ll compete against your peers. That way you’ll come home with a realistic evaluation of where you and your horse shine and...
Q: My mare had a serious ear infection that required weeks of treatment. Now she’s extremely head shy. It’s an ordeal to bridle her. If anything comes near her ears she panics. Otherwise, she’s a sweet, wonderful mare. Can...
Q: I'm planning on attending the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event for the first time! What do I need to know? What should I bring so I don't forget anything important?A: That's great, you're going to have a blast! There...
Q: My son is interested in becoming a farrier. How can he find a school or apprenticeship program where he can learn the trade?A: The American Farriers' Association, which offers its own certification program, is the best place to...
I finally got around to sorting through a stack of old horse photos. By putting them in chronological order I could relive much of my life with horses. Most of them are old horse show photos, which makes sense,...
Q: I take lessons at a busy stable and ride an older gelding. While he’s being groomed and tacked up he tries to bite whenever his girth area is touched. My instructor says to yell at him or smack...
Q: My 6-year-old horse is sound and well-behaved, but he doesn’t always pick up the correct lead when I ask him to. I’ve heard conflicting advice—turn his head to the outside rail as I cue him, or pull it...
Pleasure driving horse in a show harness with overcheck.The type of equipment you will need will vary depending on what type of horse you have and what type of driving you intend to do.
Pleasure driving classes are popular...
Few things can be more frustrating to a rider working with a green horse than trying to figure out and fix problems with head carriage. The list of evasive mouth issues is long. One example is a horse that's...
