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English Saddle Fitting Checklist

 

There is a lot to saddle fitting. However, knowing the basics will help you to select the correct saddle for your horse, or to adjust the one you already have so that your horse feels more comfortable. Continue reading English Saddle Fitting Checklist

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Problem Solving: Biting

Biting can mean a variety of actions. Horses are known to bare their teeth, swing their head with an open mouth, nip at your clothes, beg you for treats with his face in your pocket, nibble on you, and everything else around the barn. Continue reading Problem Solving: Biting

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Desensitizing Part 2: Plastic

Now that your horse is comfortable with pressure from your rope and stick it’s time to move on to plastic bags. Exposing your horse to plastic gives both you and your horse confidence. You never know when a piece of frightening plastic will fly into your path while on the trail or in the arena. These lessons will teach your horse that plastic is nothing to worry about and give you tips on how to desensitize him properly. Continue reading Desensitizing Part 2: Plastic

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Leading

A few holes in your horse’s training can turn an easy stroll from the barn into a fight when your horse decides he doesn’t want to go and plants his feet. Despite all of your pulling and coaxing he still won’t budge. You may also have the opposite problem, when your pony morphs into a race horse charging ahead and dragging you around instead of you leading him. Regardless, any leading problem can be solved by going back to the basics. Continue reading Leading

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Mounting Problems

The horse is tacked up, the sky is clear, and the trails are calling your name. You and your horse are all set to go, but right as you go to mount up your horse walks off preventing you from beginning your ride or any ride for that matter. Continue reading Mounting Problems

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Barn Sour Behaviors

Horses who throw a fit every time you try to leave the barn by refusing, turning back, or even rearing are barn sour and rather be at the comfort of the barn or with his buddies instead of riding with you. Horses can also exhibit a barn sour habit by rushing toward the barn on your way back from a trail ride. Here I will give you some exercises to cure your horse’s barn sour behaviors. Continue reading Barn Sour Behaviors

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Feeding Time Frenzy

Does your normally good mannered horse turn into a monster come feeding time, pinning his ears, kicking out or otherwise acting aggressively? You may be causing the behavior by feeding a horse with a cranky look on his face in your hurry to finish barn chores without even knowing it. Here I will help you prevent that from happening by giving you a few tips to keep your horse respectful during feeding time. Continue reading Feeding Time Frenzy

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Is Your Horse Right For You?

Finding the perfect horse is similar to dating. You may have to try out a few different ones before you find the perfect match, or you may stumble upon the right one the first time. Nevertheless, if you are having second thoughts about you and your horse’s compatibility revisit your wants and goals to make sure you have the right partner. Continue reading Is Your Horse Right For You?

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Tying 101

All horses need to learn to tie safely. No matter what discipline you ride in, having a horse that stands tied in any environment is essential. Knowing how and when to tie a horse is just another part of good horsemanship. Continue reading Tying 101