Eitan Beth-Halachmy and Santa Fe Renegade performed at the 2006 and 2010 World Equestrian Games. Photo: Leslie PotterWestern and English riding have always had their differences in style and technique, but they find common ground in a new discipline...
Schooling your horse consistently can be frustrating. While yesterday’s ride may have been full of flawless lead changes, today your horse may give you sloppy transitions and temper tantrums.
It’s easy to forget some of the basic rules of horsemanship...
Q: I ride a 10-year-old gelding in my riding lessons. He always seems to pull towards the right. I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong, or if it’s him, but my instructor hasn’t noticed, so maybe it’s all...
Stacy Westfall and Whizzard's Baby Doll performed bareback and bridleless during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo: Leslie PotterPatience in Training Horses
When working with horses, we all know it’s important to have patience,...
Many people have difficulty in sitting the lope. Frequently this is caused by the rider’s lack of experience, although it can also be caused by fear or riding a new horse.
First, go back to the trot. Most riders...
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...
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...
