Ever watch a champion pole bender make a winning run? The horse seems as if he’s only shifting his shoulders, not even turning around the poles, while the rider guides him with invisible cues. Ever watch a beginner run...
By some American standards, the Paso Fino is a relatively new breed, having only been introduced to the United States in the 1940s. But this horse, whose name literally means “fine walk,” actually began its journey to the Americas...
“Why doesn’t the judge like me?” Most competitors have asked themselves this at one time or another. If we could only get in the judge’s head and know what we did wrong. Well, here’s your chance. Three top saddleseat...
We all know that appearance should be secondary to performance, but looks do have an effect on first impressions. Research in humans has found that the first impression is made in three seconds. With such little time to make...
The better you care for your saddle, the longer it will last. This is a simple fact of horse life. Like most tasks related to caring for your horse, there are no shortcuts when it comes to caring for...
I once heard an old horseman say, “Horses have a designated place to die and they spend their entire lives looking for it.” And it does seem that some horses have extremely hard luck and are very prone to...
Which of these scenarios is your worst nightmare when it comes to an emergency threatening the safety of your horses?• The worst wildfire in state history has consumed more than 100,000 acres, and the fire is burning toward your property.
• A...
While there are times when you and your horse need to put ground behind you, a prompt pace isn’t always what you want. Whether you’re presenting a western pleasure horse to a judge or looking for a smooth cruise...
Go to a horse show on any given weekend and you’re bound to see it at least once: a frustrated owner and a distraught horse at odds over loading into a trailer. Proper loading is not just about convenience;...
Verticals, oxers and a cast of imaginative jumps are just waiting to test your skills and the training level of your horse. But does your approach often leave you and your horse struggling for lift-off? Here are some tips...
