Preparing for a freestyle reining routine requires more than hitting play on a fast-paced tune. Here, champion-earning freestyle performer and trainer Sharee Schwartzenberger shares her tips for wowing the crowds and the judges.The lights dim and the fog rises...
In this inaugural podcast episode of The Horse Illustrated Episode of Horses in the Morning, sponsored by Title Sponsor Straight Arrow Products, hosts Glenn the Geek and Sarah Evers Conrad talk to Alyssa Mathews, who has the ultimate dream...
The winner at barrel racing horse riding isn’t solely the run with the fastest possible time. Today’s barrel racing competitions include five divisions, with placings for each one. The fastest time of all is first place in 1D. A...
So much happens in the middle of the reining arena: The center spot often marks where to change leads or spin. But the center of the arena is also the place to show off your horse’s downward transition when...
A “soft feel” can mean many things to a horse person. From the rider’s ability to communicate with the horse through rein and body cues, to the horse responding to those cues, this term encompasses the dialogue between both...
My name is Lenna Peterson, and I compete in barrel racing. I am from Watkins, Minn., and I am 9 years old. I’ve been riding since I was 2 years old. My mom Teresa and I learned barrel racing...
Enjoy this short story from Young Rider magazine involving barrel racing in which Emma’s perfect new horse brings out her riding flaws.Emma couldn’t believe she finally had a barrel horse of her very own. A big, beautiful bay Quarter Horse...
Will your horse allow you to pick up and swing a rain slicker? The noise and fast-moving fabric on both sides of his body can be spook-inducing. Whether you’re preparing for a trail class that includes the slicker as...
You’ve seen sleekly groomed western showmanship horses with expert skills move in sync with their handlers while outfitted in halters with shining silver. The horses stand at attention with their legs in perfect alignment. They walk, trot, pivot and...
The sidepass is a maneuver that shows up in most trail courses and some horsemanship patterns. Knowing how to move your western horse laterally in a sidepass (sideways) can help you with lead changes, opening gates and most of...
