“There is logic there… The logic is that a happy horse who is matched with a job that it can successfully do will also keep the humans who pay its bills happy. And with that, the horse will have a better shot of long-term quality care in each of its future homes.” (more…)
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Does riding a horse in a tie down/standing martingale help him balance?
“I’m not sure how much more motivation I need than my nine-year-old niece beating me on my own horse — and making sure I know it. Do I want to whoop on a nine-year-old? Yes. Am I anywhere close to being able to do it? No, I don’t think so. But, it’s fun trying…”
Happy Thanksgiving, Horse Nation. Today, we’re celebrating by highlighting some Thoroughbreds with Thanksgiving-themed registered names. Check them out below:
The holidays officially are here. If you have a hard-to-buy-for equestrian in your life, here are some awesome, sometimes-practical, sometimes-frivolous, downright accurate gift suggestions. (more…)
Fall is here. The days are getting shorter. And in many parts of the world, the competition season is winding down. However, that doesn’t mean your work with your horse needs to as well. Here are three things you can do to make the best of the most of the off season: (more…)
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Do horses only stretch their necks when they have a sore throat?
Meet Fern, the Mare Nobody Wanted. She was purchased at an auction for $10 by a known kill buyer. Fortunately, she was saved by someone who thought there might be another option for her. We’ll be following along on her rehabilitation journey. (more…)
“That trot — the overly big one, where power isn’t quite perfectly controlled yet — that is where you can really see potential AND build good strength and muscle. So with a soft hand and slightly more upright back, I ask them to hold that big trot as long as they can.” (more…)
“No matter which horse I’ll be riding, I’m counting down the days until this cowgirl can get back on her horse. It just doesn’t feel right that the main ride is a knee scooter.”
“I’m here to argue that even if you own the equine version of the love of your life, you should still hunt down opportunities to hop on different horses… they will not only help to expose your challenges, but also they will make you better, stronger and more confident for your own horse.” (more…)
Happy Halloween, Horse Nation. Today, we’re celebrating by highlighting some Thoroughbreds with Halloween-themed registered names. Check them out below:
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Can a horse’s heart rate influence a human’s heart rate and visa versa?
“These horses are bred to have ‘go’ and to have the heart to be able to reach into the deepest depths of their beings and pull out even more ‘go’ when the rest has been exhausted. And even then they are able to dig deeper and pull out even more than that.” (more…)
“Everyone wants a good warmup. Everyone wants a cooperative horse. But sometimes you just have to accept what you have and ride the horse you have that day. Sometimes a 20-minute warmup gets you where you need to be, and sometimes it simply doesn’t. Pushing past their brain’s cut off and over-riding rarely helps.” (more…)
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Do sport boots hurt horses more than they help?
This week’s editorial is a follow up to my previous article discussing the proliferation of the consumption of talent rather than the training of it to further develop it for the competitive sport of dressage.
“Part of my job — and where the joy lies — is in finding the definition of ‘safe’ in order to promote the fun. Not everyone needs the upper level horse that jumps the moon, nor does everyone need the super duper cute easy-going plodder. But some absolutely do.”
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Do horses have a preference in water temperature?
“Stability coupled with soft, educated movements help the horse go best and understand the ask. But how do we create stable contact if we’re trying to be light?” (more…)
This week’s AI question is, “What do different horse breeds look like?” P.S. – The grade horse looks the best and the Morgan horse photo is a total glam shot.
“When we as second-career trainers and riders hop on, we are bringing heavier tack, often heavier humans and different muscle control to the canter than your average jockey… this means is that horses who are accustomed to soft flowing gallops … are met with a lot more pressure on their backs.” (more…)
