The bit is one of the most important and sophisticated pieces of equipment a horse owner will choose, but it is often selected with the least thought. “It was suggested by my friend. It’s what all the horses in my...
Pelham: There are rings for two reins on a Pelham bit. One is near the mouthpiece and is meant to function somewhat like a snaffle, using direct rein aids. The other is at the end of the shank, which...
Kimberwick: A kimberwick (also called a kimblewick or kimberwicke) is a curb bit for English riding that functions much like a Pelham only it is designed to be used with just one rein that exerts leverage action. The reins attach to D-shaped...
Wander the aisles of any tack store or browse the pages of a horse care catalog and you’ll be overwhelmed with the multitude of leg wraps and boots offered for sale. There must be a reason why there’s such...
The Green Horse
The green horse is inexperienced, suspicious, lacks confidence, is gawky and spooks at everything. He needs some fairly conventional grid work to help him realize that jumping can be fun. He also needs a rider with the...
When you’re focusing on your horse, it’s easy to forget about your position in the saddle. Adjust your stirrups to a length that hits your ankle bone or slightly above when your foot is...
Do you desperately wish for an elaborate jump course to practice on at home or at your boarding barn? After all, how can your horse be ready for the tricky turns and combinations at a show if he hasn’t...
Denice Klinger and Lido competing in a hunter breeding class. Photo courtesy picsofyou.com.It seems like western breeds get all the breaks when it comes to logging show miles at an early age. Endless halter, showmanship and longe line classes...
Young equine athletes seem full of such promise, offering you a chance to finally own your dream horse. Yet somewhere between Intro to Saddle 101 and Advanced Show-Ring Skills the learning curve of a young performance horse can take...
