You’ve likely heard that many top athletes are doing Pilates. What is this magical workout, and how is it so effective in improving performance—including in the saddle? Read on to find out how Pilates can be helpful for equestrians.Pilates...
When working with horses, do you ever notice feeling rushed or tense? Maybe you find you’re holding your breath. Or, maybe you feel centered, calm, and present. You might observe these same things on the yoga mat while dialing...
Horse showing can be a double-edged sword. When it goes well, it’s the best; but when it goes wrong it can really go wrong—and have long-lasting effects on your confidence and self-esteem.Once you’ve been rattled, it’s hard to calm...
Mental skills and mental toughness are as much a part of riding as horsemanship and training. Whether you need help moving past a bad experience or leveling up in competition, a riding coach can help you remove obstacles in...
Depending on the availability of indoor arenas, lights, and safe footing where you live, riding throughout the winter can be a challenge. But peak show and trail riding months are arriving quickly, so it’s time to put a plan...
A high-risk pregnancy became a health wake-up call that touched every area of Kylie’s life, including her riding and equestrian endeavors, leading her to a weight loss journey.I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. At...
The following is an excerpt from Winning with Horses, by Adam Snow and Shelley Onderdonk, DVM, about preparing for competition through some self-reflection.Why is the mental state of the human so important to a sport commonly calculated as 80...
By using correct visualization techniques, you can improve your riding performance in the show ring without any extra miles under saddle.One of the biggest challenges you can face as a rider is trying to effectively incorporate your practice sessions...
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 16, hosts Susan Friedland and Raquel Lynn discuss saddle fitting and an important announcement from Raquel. Then, they chat with Ifa Simmonds, a certified fitness performance...
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reassess our wellness regimens as equestrians, as well as determine how we’d like our horsemanship to look in the new year. It can be easy to buy into...
