Tik Maynard has never been one to shy away from a challenge. He spent much of his twenties competing full-time in the sport of Modern Pentathlon—which includes running, swimming, shooting, fencing, and show jumping. He won the Canadian National...
For most of us, “trauma-informed horsemanship” likely brings to mind the plethora of equine-assisted therapy and learning programs in which horses help humans heal. But these days, we are witnessing a rise in approaches that apply the term to...
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 27, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with respected horse trainer Monty Roberts, known for his natural horsemanship methods. To...
Chris Irwin really gets horses.Watch him at work—communicating with a horse—and you can see why Ireland’s Equestrian magazine boldly stated, “Chris Irwin is more horse than human.” As a world-renowned horseman, professional trainer, riding coach, and author of the...
Luke Gingerich gives some pointers for anyone interested in starting out in the appealing discipline of liberty work, which both horses and handlers can enjoy.A lone horseman stands in the spotlight. He gives a signal and his equine partner,...
Sometimes horses, like people, need a leg up in life. That’s where Joe Misner comes in. Growing up in Alaska for much of his boyhood, the creator and director of the Wild2Ride Academy is no stranger to wild country....
It’s a scene riders dread: A tense, strong horse ignores your cues, moves straight ahead then begins bucking and kicking out. Your horse’s body is tight and you are out of control. How can this scene be avoided for...
Groundwork exercises that check communication between horse and human are a crucial part of my evaluation of a new horse or new horse and rider pairing. If broken down to its most simple form, riding is comprised of asking...
Seven Games are the basis of true communication with horses. Everything you ask your horse to do—in or out of the saddle—is one of, or a combination of, these Seven Games from Pat Parelli. After learning the basic techniques...
"Our bodies are our temples, and horses lead us to the altar.” ~ Beverley Kane, M.D.What brings you that feeling of peace when you are around horses? Is it the moment when you step into the barn and smell...
