I’ve always come to the science of horse training from the empiric perspective, meaning I learn it from a practical standpoint first, usually only discovering its scientific significance later. Over the years, I’ve had many behavioralists and mental health...
Showmanship at halter is a class that showcases the harmony between a horse and his exhibitor, and the showmanship pivot is a key point in your performance. It’s a maneuver that requires precision and cooperation as you guide the...
What do hyenas, meerkats, hippos, rhinos, lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, llamas, zebras, goldfish, orcas, sea lions, Beluga whales, walruses, and dolphins have in common with horses? They can all be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. And nobody knows this...
In the 11th episode of The Horse Illustrated Episode of Horses in the Morning, sponsored by Title Sponsor Straight Arrow Products, hosts Glenn the Geek, Holly Caccamise and Sarah Evers Conrad chat with sports psychologist Laura King, clinician Jason...
Horses don’t naturally lie down to be mounted, much less stand back up with a rider, on cue. But horse trainer Nadia Heffner has trained a couple of horses to perform this difficult maneuver. And the mobility this move...
Anyone can benefit from going to a horse clinic. One of the advantages is the quantity of information you will be exposed to; you’ll be bursting with new riding or training techniques and want to rush home to put...
Side reins can be extremely beneficial, when used correctly, to improve a horse’s understanding of rein contact, as well as help him to correctly develop his topline. Of course, the key phrase here is “used correctly.”Why side reins? The...
Baby pool water obstacles are common in trail classes. Plus, splashing in a baby pool is a great way to introduce your horse to water crossings if you’re surrounded by dry land. (Plastic pools should only be used with...
Lack of riding time is a common complaint among adult amateur equestrians. Between professional careers, family commitments, and an often-overwhelming number of other responsibilities, riding for a short time, even a few days a week can be tough to...
The round pen used to be a rider’s best friend when it came to dealing with a horse that was deemed naturally hyper or easily excitable. The longe line was a common tool in the trailer at every show,...
