This question is very common and there isn’t a general answer that works for every horse or situation. Knowing what type of conformation your horse has and what sport he is suited for will help you decide when to start him. Continue reading When Should I Start My Young Horse?
Combination fences can be challenging, and require you and your horse to be athletic and adjustable. These fences also allow you to show off your riding skills and your horse’s ability. Lots of practice is necessary to master combinations as they are fast, fun, and can make or break your course. Continue reading Combination Fences
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
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
Now that you and your horse have mastered walking through a series of poles, it is time to continue building your skills by trotting through them. Trotting poles brings your control, timing, and rhythm to a new level. Continue reading Pole Progression: The Trot
Many horses can have issues when it comes to hoof handling. These issues can range from resistance to sensitivity and anxiety about lifting the feet. Here I will discuss a few different methods to get your horse comfortable and confident about having his feet handled before the next time your farrier arrives. Continue reading Hoof Handling
Loading a horse on the trailer can be one of the most frustrating experiences you can have with horses. Fortunately it doesn’t always have to be like that. There are many easy, stress-free ways to teach loading the key is to think like a horse. The first loading technique works best for horses who have been loaded into a trailer before and now have a mild resistance to it, or horses who have never been loaded such as foals and yearlings. If your horse has a serious loading problem trailer loading method two or three may give you better results. Continue reading Trailer Loading Method One
The turn on the haunches, hindquarters, or spin which are all essentially the same movement at different speeds, bend, and degrees on a circle. For clarity, I’ll refer to the movement for this article as a turn on the haunches. Training the horse to turn on the haunches benefits all riders and horses. Reining is all about body control, as is dressage, therefore any maneuver featured in these two disciplines will be helpful to all riders. Continue reading Turn On the Haunches
Maintaining a consistent speed and changing directions at the cue of the rider are two basics that all horse should know and respond to. However, many horses will anticipate what the rider wants, or worse completely ignore the rider’s cues. Sometimes cues may be confusing to the horse such as constant contact on the reins, yet the horse is expected to stop when pressure is applied. This pattern will separate specific cues, making the correct response easy and the wrong one hard. Doing so allows the horse to figure out exactly what is wanted of him. Continue reading A Pattern For Speed and Directional Control
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?