Marked by fluid lead changes around a cone-marked course, western riding is a challenging class for all-around competitors. But with skill, preparation and careful navigation, you can guide your horse to a penalty-free score. Here, trainer Bruce Vickery shares...
We riders are bright creatures. We memorize long courses, process multi-part instructions, and generally do the whole patting-your-head-and-rubbing-your-stomach routine from the back of a thousand-pound animal with a mind of its own.Except when we can’t. Occasionally, your mental computer...
Developing a special partnership with a horse takes equal parts hard work, perseverance, and passion, but once formed, such a bond can last a lifetime. For Japanese-American cowgirl Miko Moriuchi McFarland and her American Paint Horse, Sparkle Grady One...
Few things will stand between you and successfully training your horse more than you and your thoughts when those thoughts are defeating and doubtful.
Limiting Yourself
Negative thoughts are often called limiting beliefs because they limit how much you believe you...
Originally established in 16th century England, formalized mounted fox hunting with hounds was brought to America in 1650. The first organized hunt club in the U.S. was established in 1766.Today, the traditional sport continues, but not without controversy. Animal...
A versatile ranch horse can do anything his rider asks—including pulling gear or livestock with a rope connected to the saddle horn. Versatility ranch horse competitions mirror real-life ranch tasks that include a rope-drag obstacle in the ranch trail...
"When you are suddenly faced with the realization of how short and precious life is, you decide what is most important,” Amanda Ableidinger shares. “I spent every waking hour thinking about what I would do with my life if...
The type of saddle you first sat in does not need to be your last. Changing riding disciplines can help you renew your interests and find new joy with the horses you love.“Everyone goes through a process,” says dressage...
When horses get bored, they sometimes get destructive, as many chewed stall walls and broken fence rails can attest. A bored horse is a horse looking for something to pass the time, and unfortunately, their ideas often cause damage....
The Thoroughbred horse is the fastest in the world, and it’s no wonder. Since the 1700s, Thoroughbreds have been bred for pure speed.First developed in England strictly for the purpose of racing, the Thoroughbred began with three foundation stallions:...
