Buckskin Color

The first unique horse coat color is buckskin. If you’ve ever seen the animated movie “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” or the Netflix original series “Spirit Riding Free,” then you’re already familiar with the most famous buckskin horses of recent history. Spirit’s color is one of the things that makes him so distinctive and able to stand out from the herd.

Buckskin horses are striking with the combination of a light coat and dark mane, tail, ears and legs. Many buckskins are cream-colored, but some are more golden or tan—it’s the dark points that count. Genetically speaking, a buckskin is a bay horse that has a cream gene, which lightens its base coat to that creamy buckskin shade.

It’s easy to get confused by the terms “dun” and “buckskin,” but duns often have additional dark markings called “primitive” markings. These can include a dorsal stripe along the backbone and stripes above the black points on their legs.

Buckskins can be found in many different breeds, but they can also be registered with the American Buckskin Registry Association, Inc. (ABRA) or the International Buckskin Horse Association (IBHA). Duns and grullas are also included. Grulla (pronounced “grew-yah”) is a mousy grayish-brown shade of dun.

Palomino Color

Our second unique horse coat color is palomino. The golden stars of the horse world, palominos always manage to catch your eye with their flashy coats and flaxen manes. It seems as if they were made for the spotlight. After all, palominos have long been a top choice for TV stardom: Trigger was cowboy Roy Rogers’ constant companion, and kids in the 1960s loved to tune in to watch the lovable Mister Ed.

Like buckskin, palomino is not actually a breed but a color, and palomino horses that meet the requirements can be registered with the Palomino Horse Breeders Association (PHBA).

In the olden days, breeders wanted to develop a breed of horse that was always born with a palomino coat, but they discovered that color genes just didn’t work that way. Remember how we said that a buckskin is essentially a bay horse with a cream gene? Well, a palomino is a chestnut horse with a cream gene.

Palomino coats can range in color from light buttery cream to a darker golden yellow. In fact, the PHBA says that “the ideal body coat color is approximately the color of a United States gold coin.” But I think we can all agree that any shade of palomino is a good shade!

Pinto & Paint Coat Color Patterns

Finally, our third unique horse coat color or pattern is pinto and paint. Be careful not to use these words interchangeably—even though pinto and Paint Horse markings look similar, there’s actually a distinction when it comes to bloodlines and registration. The American Paint Horse is a breed of horses known for their striking patterns of white markings that have Quarter Horse breeding, while the word “pinto” can refer to horses of many breeds (including Paints) that display patterns of white markings.

Like palominos and buckskins, pinto horses have their own registry, the Pinto Horse Association of America, Inc. (PtHA).

Pintos and Paint Horses display a variety of beautiful, colored coat patterns, but two of the most well-known are tobiano and overo. A tobiano can usually be identified by minimal white markings on the face, four white legs, and white markings on the body. Overos, on the other hand, often have a lot of white on their faces, sometimes even possessing completely “bald” (white) faces.

The PtHA registers horses and ponies in five different size classifications and six different type classifications, so there’s truly a pinto horse to suit anyone’s fancy!

Learn More About Unique Horse Colors!

Check out the groups that register, show and promote these colorful horses.

◆ American Paint Horse Association
◆ American Buckskin Registry Association, Inc.
◆ International Buckskin Horse Association
◆ Palomino Horse Breeders Association
◆ Pinto Horse Association of America

This article about unique horse coat colors originally appeared in the March/April 2019 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horses of Many Unique Colors appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

For the most part, horse breeds share common coat colors, like chestnut, bay, gray, and black. Likewise, most horses share the same type of white markings, such as star, blaze, socks and stockings. But one group of coat patterns—splashy spots, varnish roan, snowflakes and more—are made famous by the beautiful and instantly recognizable Appaloosa horse. Let’s take a closer look at this popular breed.

The Appaloosa Horse: An American Original

Spanish explorers and colonists brought horses to North America on ships about 500 years ago. Within a century or two, the descendants of those horses were widespread across the continent. It didn’t take long for innovative Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce, to put horses to good use.

The name “Appaloosa” is a fun example of the way words and language change over time. Originally, Appaloosas were known as “Palouse horses,” named after the Palouse River in the northwestern U.S. where the Nez Perce developed the breed in the 1700s. Eventually, Palouse horse became “a Palouse horse,” and then “Appaloosa.”

American explorer Meriwether Lewis (of the Lewis and Clark expedition) noted the spotted coat patterns of these horses when he visited the Northwest basin region of Washington as early as 1806:

“Some of these horses are pided with large spots of white irregularly scattered and intermixed with black, brown, bey [sic] or some other dark color.”

He also described the horses as “active,” “durable, “elegant,” and “excellent.” Sounds a lot like the Appaloosa today!

A Western Horse

Other horse breeds have influenced the Appaloosa, including American Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds and Arabians. In fact, the American Quarter Horse influence in the Appaloosa helps give some of the horses a decidedly “stock horse” appearance, and it is popular among western riders.

Appaloosas excel in western pleasure classes as well as other events like reining, cutting, roping and barrel racing. They’re also fine ranch horses. And of course, the Appaloosa wouldn’t be a true western breed unless it made a great trail horse—which it does! In fact, the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) even offers sanctioned trail rides.

Thanks to their natural athleticism and talent, Appaloosas can also shine in English disciplines, including hunter/jumpers, dressage and eventing. And you’ll even find some Appaloosas at work as driving horses, pulling carts for show or pleasure.

One Colorful Breed

The first pattern that might come to mind when thinking about Appaloosa horse colors is the spotted blanket, but there are other coat patterns, too. In fact, the ApHC recognizes several different coat patterns, along with 13 base coat colors. But some horses seem to defy the boundaries and display multiple patterns, which adds to the fun!

Some of the Appaloosa coat patterns you might find include:

◆ Blanket: This popular pattern involves a solid coat with a spotted blanket of white on the hindquarters.

◆ Snowcap: This pattern is much like the spotted blanket, but without the spots. It looks like the horse received a dab of frosting on his back!

◆ Frost/Varnish: These are two separate patterns that look similar; they feature white hairs scattered throughout the horse’s coat, presenting an appearance similar to roan.

◆ Marble: Imagine a spotted blanket that kept going and covered the horse’s whole body, along with a dash of roan, and you’ll have the marble pattern.

◆ Leopard: A striking color pattern that features a white base coat covered in dark spots—think the horsey version of a Dalmatian.

◆ Snowflake: This is basically the reverse version of a leopard pattern. This time it’s the base color that is dark and the spots that are light. There also may be fewer spots.

◆ Solid: It’s also possible for an Appy to simply be a solid color without spots. But many of these horses retain the Appaloosa characteristics of striped hooves, mottled skin around the face, or white sclera around the eye—all of which go along with the breed’s unique coat patterns.

Spotted and Smaller

Do you love the Appaloosa’s eye-catching coat patterns but want something a little smaller? You’re in luck, because the Pony of the Americas (POA) brings the flashy Appaloosa coloring in a smaller package. POAs were developed through a combination of Appaloosa, Shetland Pony, Welsh Pony, Arabian and other breeds.

Purebred Registry for the Appaloosa Horse

Because the ApHC allows outcrosses to Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and Arabians for registration, the International Colored Appaloosa Association (ICAA) was formed to preserve the breed and its heritage, to promote these versatile and athletic horses throughout the world, and to develop the purebred Appaloosa.

Using the accepted method of breeding strictly registered Appaloosa to registered Appaloosa with no outcrossing for eight generations, the ICAA’s goal is to one day achieve purebred Appaloosa horses.

Did You Know? ◆ The Appaloosa is the official State Horse of Idaho. ◆ Appaloosas generally stand 14 to 16 hands high. ◆ The Appaloosa Horse Club was established in 1938, and over 700,000 Appaloosas have been registered. ◆ John Wayne rode an Appaloosa named Zip Cochise in the 1966 film El Dorado.

This article about the Appaloosa horse appeared in the Winter 2021 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Appaloosa Horse Breed appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

PEQUANNOCK, NJ — From equine stars to “pony cars,” BreyerFest: DRIVING FORWARD is the fast track to family fun with something for everyone. The annual celebration returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, July 14-16, 2023. A mecca for Breyer model horses, the real horses that inspire them, and horses lovers of every age, BreyerFest’s unique “hybrid” format—attend in-person or virtually online—gives fans anywhere in the world the chance to experience the 3-day jam-packed event.

BreyerFest 2023’s theme, Driving Forward, is a tribute to how horses have shaped human history. From the days of charging chariots to journeys aboard a clanking chuckwagon, from leisurely drives along country roads to a thrilling, sleek sulky racing around a track, horses have driven us forward. This year’s Celebration Horse, international Combined Driving superstar Bravour 54, is the bay KWPN gelding who helped make owner Misdee Wrigley Miller the first woman to win Gold in Combined Driving at 2018’s World Equestrian Games. As part of her four-in-hand team, they earned the United States its first Gold Medal in the sport. Meet them and other celebrity horses at BreyerFest!

Whether you attend BreyerFest in-person or virtually, keep From the Horse’s Mouth handy. This First Timer’s Guide is a must read for everyone—the portal to all that’s happening! A guide to the in-person event and a guide to the online event are both available.

From the live horse demonstrations—see an American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft (What’s that? Find out!)—to meet-and-greet sessions with equine stars, there are photo ops abound. Take selfies with a rare Norwegian Fjord reminiscent of Sweetwater’s Zorah Belle (aka “Zoobie”), the first Fjord to represent the USA in any discipline. Now a Breyer model horse, Zoobie competed in the 2019 FEI Combined Driving Pony World Championships in Hungary.

BreyerFest is a bonanza of workshops, seminars, and contests (enter your diorama!). The cherished fan-favorite Breyer model horse shows have classes for kids to adults—even novices! Just sharing a moment painting a Stablemates model in the Craft & Activity tent on-site together with other guests imbues a special meaning to a perk included with every ticket.

Then, grab a seat for Friday and Saturday evening’s spellbinding Celebration of Horses spectacle in the Alltech Arena, produced and directed exclusively for Breyer by the world-famous Sylvia Zerbini, who again stars with her liberty horses and a dazzling cast of talent. Virtual attendees can watch it livestream both Friday and Saturday. Fun fact! Over 30,000 people come to the Kentucky Horse Park to experience BreyerFest in-person. Online, ticket holders from more than 100 countries attend virtually—a production feat Breyer first pioneered in 2020. BreyerFest’s online event is hosted by the beloved Kimber Goodwin.

“Our company is committed to visioning the horse world in timeless ways as we embrace new generations and old,” said Breyer’s Vice President, Marketing, Stephanie Macejko, who personally greets BreyerFest fans at Kentucky Horse Park’s front gate on opening day—often from the back of a horse. Her words have clout. Breyer won the nation’s Horse Industry Vision Award in 2021.

The ultimate family fest, Breyer’s gateway to horses holds endless intrigue. Yes, someone did say “Pony Cars!”  This July’s BreyerFest will delight the “alternate horsepower” enthusiasts of the family with a first-time car show featuring Ford Mustangs®, Pony Cars, and trucks! Ever-popular are returning attractions like select films from EQUUS Film Festival and Sunday morning’s BreyerFest 5K—the Sulky Sprint—happening in-person and virtually. No one ever leaves BreyerFest empty-handed with the shopping opportunities galore! All Limited Edition models, warehouse finds, BreyerFest merchandise and Breyer regular line products will be available at each BreyerFest Store location throughout the park.

DockDogs fans are in for a treat. Those incredible canines that love to run, jump, and swim are an added attraction this year. Meanwhile, music lovers will be tapping their feet to the sounds of top local bands, which change daily.

July 14-16th is trotting toward you! Attend BreyerFest in-person at Kentucky Horse Park AND online at BreyerHorses.com.

Considering online? Tune in to content—live or on your own time—and feel like you’re there at the Kentucky Horse Park. From live broadcasts with guest horse owners, hobbyists, and fans to the all-day coverage of equine demonstrations in the Covered Arena, you can enjoy the best of BreyerFest from the comfort of your home.  All online ticket holders get access to BreyerFest seminars and shopping—Virtual Marketplace and Virtual Artisans’ Gallery included—plus the evening Celebration of Horses show.

Giddy up and get your BreyerFest tickets!

◆ On-site tickets for the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington: $30-$90
◆ Virtual tickets, for anywhere on Planet Earth: $25-$65

Check out a sneak peak of the guest horses.

— Edited Press Release

About BreyerFest® 

Now in its 34th year, BreyerFest is a 3-day equine extravaganza bringing more than 30,000 fans together with 300+ live horses and thousands of model horses at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington each July. From model horse shows and hands-on workshops, to real horse demonstrations and equine celebrities, BreyerFest is the hub of the model horse hobbyist world—where creative animal lovers of all ages celebrate their passion. A hybrid event with online ticket options, enthusiasts from over 100 countries now livestream BreyerFest virtually from everywhere in the world. 

Discover everything straight From the Horse’s Mouth in the BreyerFest First Timer’s Guide, also available for Virtual First Timers.

About Breyer Animal Creations® 

One of America’s most iconic toy brands, Breyer Animal Creations is a division of Reeves International, Inc., a family-owned, NJ-based toy manufacturer and distributor that took home the nation’s Horse Industry Vision Award in 2021.  Celebrating its 73rd anniversary in 2023, Breyer has championed the horse and animals for decades. Breyer’s dedication to creating authentic, realistic model horses for play and collecting inspires a vibrant, devoted international community that considers Breyer far more than a brand. 

Learn more at www.BreyerHorses.com. 

The post BreyerFest®: Driving Forward is July 14-16 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

You’ve been practicing your maneuvers and getting your horse ready to show off his moves in western classes. But now you need the best western show outfit. You want your clothes to be appropriate for each class without distracting from your performance. Your choice of clothing will vary, depending on if you’re showing at a local open show or the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) World Championship show.

“Exhibitors should always look their best and present themselves as though they are the winner each and every time they enter the arena,” says all-around trainer Chad Christensen of Pilot Point, Texas.

We’ve put together some examples of blue ribbon-worthy outfits for three events, with options for showing at different levels of competition to help you suit up in style. Tammy Dyer of D. Designs created these pieces (next page), and she offers her advice along with Christensen.

Showmanship

Top: A well-fitting showmanship jacket should be long enough to cover the top of your hips; it can go down to mid-hip. You want your sleeves to hit 1 inch past your wrist bone with your arm bent. Underneath, most riders wear a camisole as well.

Pants: Your pants should complement your jacket. Aim a for tailored and well-fitting pant without any adornment or embellishment. The hem should hit just above the ground; avoid pants that are too short.

Boots: Chad says square-toed boots are in style right now for all classes. Avoid a round or pointed toe; they are outdated styles for these events. And stick to a “walking heel” versus a riding heel.

Hat: Your hat style is subject to preference. Many trainers have a particular shape they prefer for clients, but you can ask a hat shaper to shape your hat in the current style for the breed you are showing. Avoid a stampede string for any class outside of speed events. You can wear the same hat for any of these events mentioned, as long as it coordinates with your outfit.

Accessories: Tammy says small earrings that accent your outfit are nice, but to avoid oversized earrings. A small ribbon tied in neatly done-up hair is a good finishing touch. Your hair should be in a bun if possible and very neat and tight, without loose pieces or flyaways.

Entry Level Look: Your attire can be slightly more relaxed, but still respectful of the horse show atmosphere.

Upgrade: As you move up to bigger shows, Tammy says your clothing should become more elegant.

Boys: You’ll want to wear a well-tailored suit. Your jacket and pants should always match, and you should wear a nice tie. Finish with square-toed boots for the best western show outfit for showmanship.

Horsemanship/Western pleasure

Top: Tammy recommends a snug-fitting top that tucks into your pants, preferably one that zips up the back, although it can also zip up the front. The key is a perfect fit with square shoulders. For western pleasure, you’ll want to wear a nice jacket that complements the color of your horse. This jacket will be shorter than a showmanship jacket to avoid sitting on it when riding.

Pants/Chaps: Chad says to choose fringed chaps that fit you well and extend 2 inches past your boot heel in the saddle. You want a single covered button in the back for horsemanship.

Accessories: Horsemanship requires a snug bun, but in western pleasure, you can wear a ponytail pulled back tightly.

Upgrade: Wear an embellished jacket for extra sparkle.

Entry Level Look: Chad says a tailored button-down shirt with a scarf can be worn for both of these classes.

Boys: Wear a tailored shirt, chaps over jeans, and square-toe boots. Add a neck scarf for horsemanship.

Trail/Western Riding/Reining

Top: Wear a tailored and collared long-sleeve button-down shirt tucked smoothly into your pants. It does not have to be as form-fitting as horsemanship.

Pants/Chaps: You can wear showmanship pants or jeans under your chaps for these classes. Your chaps can have a two-tone yoke and/or a silver concho on the back.

Upgrade: To dress up your look, add a fitted and embellished vest.

Accessories: Your hair can be pulled back in a snug ponytail. A scarf is optional.

Boys: The same attire as for western pleasure is acceptable. Scarf is optional.

This article about creating the best western show outfit appeared in the Summer 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Dress to Impress in Your Next Western Show Class appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Horse shows are filled with excitement. You eagerly await a weekend show day or an even more exciting overnight horse show with your pony. You agonize over your jumping rounds—breaking down every takeoff, landing, and turn. However, there’s still one more very important class, the under saddle flat class, that makes up a division at a hunter horse show that you will want tips on how to master. At a hunter horse show, the under saddle class and the jumping classes make up a division. The scores from all of these classes combined decide who takes home the division championship ribbon that day.

Sometimes, in the scrutiny over the jumping trips, the under saddle class gets overlooked. However, this class could be the tie-breaker for champion or help you bring home your first ribbon of the day. With these tips on how to stand out, you will be able to show off in the under saddle, as well as your jumping trips.

1. Spend time on your turn out.

The under saddle class is a time to really make sure you and your pony shine. The judge is focusing on you, and you want to make sure that you put your best foot forward.

If your horse or pony is a gray or has white markings, you want to make sure there are no traces of dirt or manure. His coat should shine from a good grooming. Your tack should be spotless and fit you and your mount properly. In addition, your outfit should be clean and well-fitting, and without distractions.

Finally, always make sure that your back number is on correctly and securely before entering the ring. The under saddle class is the time for the judge to really study you and your horse, and every little detail counts.

2. Make your own path.

No matter how beautiful your horse’s trot or canter is, if it’s hidden in a clump of other competitors or stuck behind everyone else on the rail, the judge simply won’t see it.

Show yourself and your horse off by being smart about your path in the ring. Take advantage of trotting up the quarter line or making a big circle through the center of the ring, and think ahead in traffic.

Think just as carefully about your path in the under saddle as you do in your jumping trips, and you’ll be sure to catch the judge’s eye.

3. Be respectful of the other riders.

Horse shows are first and foremost about having fun and sharing a special time with your horse or pony. Remember, everyone is at the show to enjoy the sport, and you want to be mindful of that.

Don’t cut off other competitors in your under saddle class. Circling too close to them or cutting right in front of them can throw off their trot or canter step, and could upset their horse. It’s also not safe.

If a horse or pony has a red ribbon tied in his tail, or you notice a horse excessively pinning his ears or swishing his tail, be aware and give him the space he needs. This is one of those tips that applies to other divisions as well as the hunter under saddle flat class.

When lining up at the end of the under saddle, make sure you leave a safe and respectful distance between yourself and the next horse. Good sportsmanship goes a long way in the eyes of the judge, but more importantly, it helps make sure horse shows stay fun and safe for everyone.

4. Listen carefully.

Horse shows are busy and can be loud. In a flat class, you want to make sure you always have an ear on the announcer. You don’t want to lose an opportunity to win a ribbon because you weren’t listening to the announcer’s instructions and you were late in your canter transition. Stay alert and listen up so you don’t miss anything.

5. Don’t crowd the judge.

Making sure the judge notices you and your horse in the under saddle is key to being successful. However, you want to make sure that you don’t make the judge uncomfortable.

Don’t circle around or in front of her like a shark circling its prey. The judge will get dizzy watching you, and tight circles won’t show off your horse’s beautiful gaits. Ride a well-thought-out path, but give the judge some breathing room.

The under saddle class isn’t always the most exciting portion of your horse show experience, but it is important. It’s a great time to show off your horse’s beautiful movement and your thoughtfulness as a young rider. With these tips, you are sure to shine in the under saddle class and be the best competitor you can be.

This article with tips on how to show in the hunter under saddle flat class appeared in the Summer 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Shine on the Flat in the Under Saddle Hunter Flat Class appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Giving your horse a bath might seem like a simple task, but there is definitely an art and a science to doing a good job. Read on to learn how to bathe a horse AND find out the tips and tricks that pro grooms use. When I was a professional groom, I learned a ton by readying four horses for shows every weekend. (Hint: the gray horse took at least twice as much effort as the bays and chestnuts!)

STEP 1: Gather all of your bathing materials together. You will need: a bucket, sponge, rag, grooming gloves or bath mitt, shampoo, conditioner, sweat scraper, comb and a towel. If your horse is gray or has lots of white markings, invest in a separate whitening shampoo.

STEP 2: Heated water will make all the difference in your horse’s cleanliness and comfort, if available. Spray him from neck to hooves with warm water to thoroughly wet him down. Dunk your sponge into a large bucket of warm water, lightly wring it out, put about a tablespoon of shampoo on it, and get the suds going. Rub the sponge all over your horse, adding more shampoo and water as necessary.

STEP 3: Use your grooming glove or bath mitt to scrub the shampoo down to the skin; switch to whitening shampoo on the white markings and areas (and let those sit a little longer).

STEP 4: Rub some shampoo between your hands and work it into the crest of the mane and the tailbone.

STEP 5: The rinse is the most important step. Using warm water on the highest pressure stream your horse will comfortably tolerate, start at the top of his neck and go with the hair direction down his back and legs. Make sure to use your fingers on his mane and tailbone to get all the residue out. Repeat your rinse to get all the way down to the skin until no suds remain.

STEP 6: Run your sweat scraper from head to toe to squeeze the water out of the hair.

STEP 7: Massage conditioner into the mane and tail; re-suds the white areas and markings and let the soap sit for a few minutes if they still look yellow- or green-stained.

STEP 8: Use a sponge or rag to wet down your horse’s face. Don’t spray it with the hose! Suds up your sponge and gently massage his face, paying extra attention to white markings. Avoid the eye area.

STEP 9: Dunk a clean sponge or rag into water, wring a little water out, and wipe down the face a few times until no soap remains.

STEP 10: Rinse conditioner and remaining whitening shampoo off; follow up with the sweat scraper. Rub with a dry towel to get more water off if it’s cold or your horse has long winter hair. Carefully comb out his mane and tail.

That’s it! You’ve learned how to bathe a horse. Now graze your horse in the sun until he’s dry so he doesn’t immediately roll and undo all of your work. Put a sheet on him if he lives in a stall, especially if you want him to stay extra-clean for an upcoming show.

This article about how to bathe a horse appeared in the Summer 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post How to Bathe a Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Riding can be one of the most exciting and thrilling activities there is. There’s not much that can top galloping through the field on your horse’s back, soaring over a big jump, racing around a barrel, or gliding across the long side of the arena at a big, bouncy trot. But as most riders know, these thrills don’t come without a few spills. The time will come that you do hit the dirt, and this can really take a toll on your riding confidence. How do you regain confidence after falling off a horse? These five tips will help you to tackle your fear after falling off and get you back in the saddle with a smile in no time.

1) If you’re not hurt (and your trainer gives you the OK), get right back on.

Many people wonder what to do after falling off a horse. After you fall off, the top of your pony’s back can feel taller than the Empire State Building, and the anticipation of swinging your leg back over the saddle can seem like the scariest thing in the world. As long as you aren’t hurt and your trainer gives you the all clear to get back in the saddle, do it right away. This will help guarantee that you don’t have any lingering anticipation about mounting up. You don’t have to go right back to the activity that you were doing when you took your spill, but a few laps around the ring at the trot after a fall can go a long way toward kick-starting your confidence.

2) Go back and do something you’ve already mastered.

If you took a tumble while working on a new skill, take a step back and do something you already feel great at. If you had a hiccup while working on perfecting your flying change, take some time and go back to the trot-to-canter transition. If you lost your balance galloping on the trails, take a few outings at a relaxing trot through the woods. Practicing something you already know how to do well will help boost your confidence and keep nerves at bay.

3) Talk with your trainer.

Losing your confidence and feeling afraid after a fall is completely natural. While it may feel embarrassing to admit your fear to your trainer, talking with him or her about it can actually help keep your nerves from getting even worse.

Having an open communication going between you and your trainer will help him or her assess what you need to work on to get your riding and confidence back on track. This helps you to refocus and keeps you from getting sucked deeper into your post-fall worries. It is your trainer’s job to make sure you and your pony stay safe and to help you to achieve your riding goals, so keep anyone you work with in the loop on how you are feeling in the saddle.

4) Challenge yourself in other ways.

After a fall it can be tempting to start obsessing over exactly what, how, and why you fell off the horse. However, concentrating so heavily on the fall can start to take a toll on other physical and mental aspects of your riding.

In your rides following your spill, try to keep your mind busy and challenge yourself in different ways. Make a goal to try to do the first 10 minutes of your ride without stirrups, or ask your trainer for a longe line lesson where you ride the whole time without your reins.

Setting attainable goals that challenge your mind and body will help keep your focus centered on the ride you’re currently having, instead of the fall that happened last weekend.

5) Remember, falls happen to all riders.

Falling off a horse is just one step along the way in your journey to becoming the best rider you can be. Every great rider has fallen off—lots and lots of times. Riding is a fun and challenging sport that will definitely come with a few bobbles along the way. Don’t beat yourself up and don’t give up, and you’ll be back to feeling like a superstar in the irons before you know it.

Falling off can be scary and can definitely take your confidence down a few pegs. While it’s a normal part of riding, it’s also normal to feel some fear after you hit the ground. These five tips will help ease your worries and help improve your riding confidence until it’s better than ever!

This article about getting over fear of falling off a horse appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Overcoming Fear After Falling Off a Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Envision this scene: a glorious black Arabian stallion swims powerfully through the ocean in the aftermath of a shipwreck, pulling you to the safety of a deserted island where you later learn to ride him.

That might happen if you’re Alec Ramsey in The Black Stallion movie and book, but even if you’re not shipwrecked on an island with a wild stallion, you’ve probably seen Arabian horses at the stable or at horse shows. The Arabian is a beautiful breed capable of many different jobs.

What Are Arabian Horses Known For?

A light horse breed that stands between 14.1 and 15.3 hands (although 15.1 is more common on the tall end), Arabian horses have been prized for centuries for their stamina and versatility. But Arabians are also famous for their distinctive beauty and presence. What is it about the Arabian’s appearance that sets it apart from other breeds?

Part of the reason is surely the Arabian’s sculpted head, which sports a heavily dished face and large eyes that are prominently set on the sides of the face. The Arabian’s muzzle is small, but the nostrils are flared, which also adds to this breed’s dramatic look. There is an unmistakable elegance about the Arabian that contributes to its distinctive type, stemming from its arched neck and graceful body.

You’ll find Arabians in four different coat colors: bay, black, chestnut and gray, sometimes with occasional roaning caused by coat patterns like rabicano. Gray is something of a classic Arabian color, and many foundation stallions were gray, including the imported Raffles and Skowronek.

How is an Arabian’s Skeleton Different?

If you study the conformation of many horse breeds, you might notice that the Arabian tends to have a shorter back than other breeds, as well as a high-set tail and a level croup. There is a good reason for this: most Arabians actually have a slightly different skeletal structure than other horse breeds.

In addition to having a higher bone density than other breeds, Arabians usually have one less rib and only have five lumbar vertebrae in their backs instead of six, which results in a shorter back. Additionally, their tails are missing two vertebrae, which might contribute to the Arabian’s tendency to lift their tails high when excited.

How Versatile is an Arabian Horse?

The spirited Arabian has no shortage of talent when it comes to competing or performing. Arabians are used in racing, and also compete in endurance riding, where horse and rider complete long-distance rides of 50 or 100 miles.

And whether it’s a local open show or an Arabian breed show, you’ll find Arabians competing in hunters, western pleasure, English pleasure, dressage, jumping, saddle seat, reining, cutting, and many other disciplines, in addition to in-hand conformation and showmanship classes. Even though you might first think of Arabians as riding horses, you’ll also find some that compete in pleasure driving.

Arabians excel outside of competition too, whether it’s a quiet ride down a trail or a low-key ride around the outdoor arena.

Are Arabian Horses Good for Beginners?

If you’re interested in Arabian horses and would like to learn more about them, you might be interested in the Arabian Horse Association’s Discovery Farm program. This program is an opportunity for beginning riders to meet Arabian horses and learn from informative farm owners who are willing to share their knowledge of Arabians.

For thousands of years, people have cherished their alliance with the Arabian horse. And when you ride or watch an Arabian, remember that you’re participating in that connection and helping to write the latest chapter in the Arabian’s story.

This article about the Arabian horse breed appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Breed Spotlight: Arabian Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Horse Illustrated and Young Rider magazines have a lot to be proud of in 2021 after the American Horse Publications (AHP) Equine Media Awards were doled out at the 2021 AHP Back in the Saddle Conference in Irving, Texas on September 18, 2021. The AHP Equine Media Awards are the premier awards within the equine media industry. It was the first in-person AHP conference since the pandemic started, but it was a repeat performance of last year for both publications as they picked up awards yet again in editorial and photography categories, and the biggest award for Horse Illustrated was Honorable Mention in the General Excellence Self-Supported Publication (circulation 15,000 and over). Horse Illustrated captured the top honor in this category in 2019.

“It takes a lot of work in conjunction with our fantastic freelancers to pull together each issue, and being recognized with AHP awards is truly an honor that makes it all worthwhile,” said Editor Holly Caccamise. “Receiving the runner-up award for General Excellence, especially after winning this category in 2019, tells us we are on the right track in delivering a high-quality product to our subscribers.”

The judges shared the following comments about Horse Illustrated’s entry in the General Excellence category: “Horse Illustrated is a magazine that is inclusive of all breeds of horses and all disciplines of horsemanship…The introductory covers are luminous through splendidly sunlit images. The powerful masthead and colorful groups of cover lines add excitement. Inside, the magazine design has a refreshing cohesive feel; it is the stylized typography in the headlines, along with the black-and-brown color pallet and skillful use of white space that create this good experience. The photos that complement the stories are narrative and well-positioned.”

Horse Illustrated captured the following awards out of entries that were submitted by the publication:

• Honorable Mention in General Excellence Self-Supported Publication (circulation 15,000 and over) for the January 2020 and June 2020 issues of Horse Illustrated (out of 10 entries)
• 2^nd place in Editorial Action Photograph for “Horses From Above” by Shelley Paulson (out of 7 entries)
• 3^rd place in Self-Supported Publication Feature Single Article for “Shining a Light” by Amy Hempe in the October 2020 issue (out of 34 entries)
• 3^rd place in the Instructional Single Article for “Clicks and Flicks” by Daniel Johnson in the June 2020 issue (out of 16 issues)

Freelance contributors received the following honors for their work published in Horse Illustrated and Young Rider:

• 2nd place in Freelance Wrtier Equine-Related Journalism Article for “Becoming a Trainer” by Jennifer Bryant in the Summer 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine (out of 6 entries)
• 2^nd place in Freelance Editorial Action Photograph for “Horses From Above” by Shelley Paulson (out of 6 entries)
• Honorable Mention in Self-Supported Publication Horse Care Single Article for “The Retiree’s Workout Regimen” by Kara Stewart in the October 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated (out of 24 entries)
• Honorable Mention in Self-Supported Publication Horse Care Single Article for “Scratch That” by Allison Rehnborg in the September 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated (out of 24 entries)

The 2021 Equine Media Awards competition for material published in 2020 included a total of 643 entries in 56 classes by 98 members, 33 Publishing Media members, 19 Media Professional members, and 14 Business members. The complete results are available online in the awards program (PDF format) and video of the winning entries at www.americanhorsepubs.org/ahp-awards-contest.

For a complete list of awards won by Horse Illustrated and Young Rider over the years, visit www.horseillustrated.com/horse-illustrated-awards.

The post Horse Illustrated and Young Rider Magazines Recognized for Excellence in Equine Media at 2021 AHP Equine Media Awards appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

We’ve all experienced the disappointment of preparing for a ride or a show only to find out that your horse has lost a shoe or is lame. While the horse’s hoof may seem small, it’s a very complex structure. Healthy hooves are critical to the horse’s well-being and soundness. If the hoof and associated structures aren’t healthy, you and your horse won’t be going anywhere! Some horses simply have poor conformation and structure in their feet.

Any farrier will tell you that although many hoof diseases can be helped, it’s difficult to try to fix feet that have been badly damaged over time, either by poor hoof care, improper use or poor breeding. The best way to help a horse have healthy hooves is to prevent problems before they start. Also, avoid purchasing or breeding a horse with bad feet.

Parts of the Hoof

What should a healthy foot look like? Ideally, it will have a strong hoof wall, a hoof and heel angle that are roughly parallel to each other (see diagram), and the foot should be balanced.

The outer part of the horse’s foot is made up of the hoof wall, coronet band, sole, heels and frog. All of these work together in a healthy foot. Your farrier can help educate you on how to look at a foot and tell the difference between a good foot and a bad one.

Good Management

You should pick out and examine your horse’s feet and check his shoes (if he wears them) every day. Horses can pick up rocks and other sharp objects that can injure their feet, and shoes can come off or get bent.

Horses should be on a regular trimming (or shoeing) schedule, typically every four to eight weeks. As your farrier gets to know your horse, he will recommend how often the feet should be maintained, as some hooves grow more quickly than others.

Hooves that are regularly allowed to become overgrown will distort painfully over time; the hoof wall can split down to sensitive tissues. Overly aggressive trimming can also make the horse sore and weaken the hoof.

Common Hoof Problems

Wet and dirty stall bedding or pasture footing can cause conditions like thrush, an infection that can cause lameness if untreated. Thrush has a bad smell and looks like black goo in the grooves of the horse’s sole. There are a number of medications that treat thrush, but it’s better to prevent it in the first place by keeping your horse in a clean, dry environment and picking his feet out daily.

Hoof abscesses can cause sudden and dramatic lameness. This will scare the wits out of you as you fear that your horse may be badly injured. If I’m called to see a horse that is acutely lame, the first thing I’ll look for is an abscess, although there are other causes, too.

Abscesses are common and generally straightforward to manage. They’re caused by dirt and moisture working their way into the hoof through small cracks or punctures. This can create a very painful infection in the sensitive tissues inside the hoof.

I see hoof abscesses most often when the environment has been dry for a while, then suddenly turns wet and muddy—or when the snow begins to melt.

Occasionally the horse’s leg will swell up, and you can usually feel an area of heat in the hoof. Your veterinarian should always come out if your horse is lame for any reason. I like to have the farrier there too so we can work together to solve the lameness problem.

By having some general knowledge of hoof anatomy, being aware of common problems, and offering a clean environment and good hoof management, you can keep your horse’s feet as happy and healthy as possible.

This article about how helping your horse have healthy hooves appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Happy Feet: Helping Your Horse Have Healthy Hooves appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.