#TRAINING
Cognitive Dissonance: Why Horse People Have Such Strong Opinions
Callie King explores why it can be so difficult for people to change — even if that change means positive strides for them and their horses.
First Impressions Matter
“If you expect a one hundred percent return, you have to give it a one hundred percent effort every time, not just when it matters the most!” Being prepared means treating every competition like it’s the big one.
23 Lines From “The Princess Bride” That Double as Comments From Your Trainer
You’re in the arena and you’re feeling pretty good. Then you glance at your trainer and see her face. You can just hear her thinking, “Inconceivable!”
6 Ways to Reap the Benefits of Hill Work This Spring
Whether your horse has had the winter off or has been relegated to the indoor arena, chances are he needs some long, slow conditioning miles. Hill work is a great way to build strength and fitness: here are six ways to use hills to your advantage.
Chakras & the Training Pyramid: Part 4
Impulsion and the heart chakra.
Chakras & the Training Pyramid: Part 3
Contact and the solar plexus chakra.
Chakras & the Training Pyramid: Part 2
Balance, rhythm and the sacral chakra.
Chakras & the Training Pyramid: Part 1
Relaxation and the root chakra.
‘Started From the Bottom Now We Here’
The bottom of the training pyramid, that is.
Slow Down in December With Ground Work
With the holiday crunch, limited daylight and a hundred extra responsibilities piling on our shoulders, our riding time might be a little rushed. Melanie O’Neill shares some basic ground work exercises to help us all slow down this season.
Back to Basics: Trot Lengthening With the Less-Than-Gifted Dressage Horse
Dressage has universal benefits for all horses — even those that aren’t classic “10” movers. Biz’s “Back to Basics” column returns, breaking down trot lengthening for the less-than-gifted horse.
Mustang Makeover: Family Edition
The Mustang Makeover welcomes horsemen to try their hand at gentling and training a wild mustang. Meet a mother and son team working towards the March Makeover in Oregon!
4 Things To Do With a Horse That Gets the Winter Off
Riders with access to indoors or good all-weather riding places can keep their horses in work all winter long — but for those who have to give their horses the winter off, there are still plenty of ways to keep those horses engaged.
Why You Should Choose the Best Trainer You Can Afford (& Maybe the One You Can’t)
Mel Harms-Grossman shares her thoughts on choosing the best trainer for your money (and more importantly, for your horse).
‘Horse Sense For the Modern World’: A Conversation With Chris Irwin
Biz Stamm takes a closer look at Horse Lifestyle TV’s new production featuring the unique and pragmatic Chris Irwin, and speaks with the trainer about his approach to horsemanship.
6 Virtual Horse Trainers to Check Out Online
In the internet age, valuable resources sit right in the palm of your hand. Contributor Stephanie Warner introduces us to six “virtual” horse trainers with great online resources readily available.
No Fear: Training a Horse Through Relaxation
Creating a true partnership with your horse doesn’t have to involve long sessions in the round pen or on the lunge line, argues Melanie O’Neill. She presents an alternative: working a horse to relaxation rather than exhaustion.
Gaining Confidence with Sunny Hale
International polo phenomenon, Sunny Hale, takes us through a few steps to build confidence.
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Can a ‘Grassroots’ Trainer Compete With a ‘Top Tier’ Trainer?
It takes all kinds of kinds to keep this equestrian world turning. But do big-name trainers have an unfair advantage when it comes to competition against the “grassroots” trainers? Mel Harms-Grossman shares her thoughts.
Respect Begins on the Ground
Mel Harms-Grossman explains groundwork principles to develop a safe partnership with your horse.
Hang ‘Em Up, Horse Nation: No-Stirrup November Starts Today
I have a dream, Horse Nation. A dream about thighs. Strong thighs. Mighty thighs. Your thighs in 30 days from now, if you accept this challenge. (more…)
Starting the Young Horse Under Saddle: The Buck Stops Here
A horse’s first time under saddle needn’t be a stressful or dangerous occasion — and it won’t be if you lay the proper groundwork first, says Kristen Pierce. (more…)
Trail Obstacles to Improve Your Jumping
Simple, low-stress trail obstacles incorporated into your weekly training routine could improve your jumper’s style, ability and attitude. (more…)
Subtle Abuse: When Aids Become Weapons
“When your horse doesn’t understand, yelling the same thing louder isn’t the solution,” writes blogger Anna Blake. (more…)