Welcome to the next installment of Thoroughbred Logic. In this weekly series, Anthropologist and trainer Aubrey Graham, of Kivu Sport Horses, will offer insight and training experience when it comes to working with Thoroughbreds (although much will apply to all breeds). Come along for the ride as she offers her logic on the importance of trail riding. (more…)
“…thus began the process of learning many, many things that I did not then know about an essential but often left-out element of horse ownership: saddle fit.” (more…)
“Especially when dealing with the ‘out of arena’ form of cross training, I hear a lot of ‘but we’re not ready.’ When riding intentionally … folks will regularly talk themselves out of the fun and back into circles at one end of the arena.” (more…)
“Intentional riding cannot be a rigid thing — plans and responses must be flexible. Critical thinking and smart training kicks in here. It is enormously important to, first, be able to recognize when what you are doing is not working, and second, pivot, adjust, or change.” (more…)
If you’re looking for a saddle pad that will hold up to heavy use, keep your horse cool, and look snazzy, the Iconic Equestrian Original 2-in-1 Saddle Pad is the one for you. Read what Aubrey Graham has to say to it after putting it through its paces at Kivu Sport Horses. (more…)
“For most young/green Thoroughbreds… too much leisure and unfocused hacking can be a contributing factor for distraction, and all sorts of ‘bad’ behavior. Yes, knowing how to mosey about is good, but repetitive schooling without intention can get dicey for these horses.” (more…)
Aubrey Graham has brought home a number of fresh-off-the-track Thoroughbreds. In this week’s edition of Thoroughbred Logic, she discusses how she helps them make the transition to her facility. (more…)
Last week’s Thoroughbred Logic centered on typical post-track Thoroughbred feet and their commonly long toes and low, under-run heels. This week’s article centers on a more extreme case: Mountain Holiday and his horrible hooves. (more…)
To shoe or not to shoe? That is not the question in today’s Thoroughbred Logic. Or, more accurately, it may be the question, but the answer isn’t so simple. Each horse has its own set of needs. Learn more. (more…)
“If they are going to go, best to set them up for success and go forward with them. There’s trust to earn there. Hold them back, and you may add to the worry, anxiety and fear. At the end of the day, they simply weigh more, and they’ll go despite you.” (more…)
“Just like his transitions, progress is incremental. We might take a few steps back before we go forward, but if communication stays clear, slowly but surely, accuracy will take the place of anxiety.” (more…)
Many horse owners try to calm their horses’ nerves to make them more manageable through supplements and sedatives. However, for trainer Aubrey Graham, addressing a horse’s nerves is more about rider relaxation and equitation than chemicals. (more…)
“The only way forward is through, the only way through is forward.” In this week’s Thoroughbred Logic, Aubrey Graham discusses the importance of going forward. (more…)
“The trick with showing in the early days of training is to keep your bar low – sometimes really low. ‘Stay in and stay on’ is a perfectly fine motto.” (more…)
Aubrey Graham loves the first post-track rides. They often are simple versions of “let’s see how you move and what you know,” but they also can be exciting tests of rider skill and tact. First rides are a simple way to gather information on the horse’s history and gauge their potential. (more…)
“And while I go trotting or cantering along, I might be hoping for a walk, but I’m not pulling for it. Instead, I work to get their brains engaged, craft a steady rhythm and semblance of straightness, and then aim towards a functional bend and good hind end engagement.” (more…)
This week trainer and Anthropologist Aubrey Graham discusses getting her horses accustomed to the mounting block. Find out how she teaches them to be good citizens. (more…)
It’s Makeover week at the Kentucky Horse Park. Staff writer Aubrey Graham is there competing with her Thoroughbreds. We’re wishing her a great week and a lot of laughter. (more…)
A college project led Sara Yarger to develop the Magna Halter, a halter designed to make haltering horses more accessible for dexterity-challenged individuals. (more…)
The holiday season is well upon us. Are you still looking for a gift for your favorite rider? Check out these somewhat last-minute suggestions. (more…)
“At 42, there is finally no more embracing ‘the suck,’” explained Navy Veteran, Ryan Hinkle. “I no longer wake up on Monday and say, ‘shit, I have to go to work’… now I wake up and say, ‘cool! I have to go see my horse.’” (more…)
“It is hard to explain… with the horses you form a connection that you didn’t know you could. It is something I had never felt before… I had previously never formed this kind of trust and, in a way, this kind of relationship.” (more…)
