Q: My horse is afraid of ditches, so I’ve only been able to show where I know the cross-country course won’t have one. How do I school them properly so that he accepts them and gets over his fear?A:...
Getting a feel for your Miniature Horse’s stride can be helpful when it comes time to introduce him to jumps. Kim Sweatt, who competes her Miniature Horses in in-hand hunters and jumpers, starts by observing a Mini’s natural movement...
A Thoroughbred at a full gallop is an impressive sight. To fully appreciate the strength and power behind that action, you’ve got to watch it in slow motion. That’s the idea behind this clip from the BBC’s Earth Unplugged...
Horses are experts of the swift getaway. When danger is perceived or fear is felt, instinct emblazons the word "PANIC” across the horse’s brain. His mind then commands his body to engage muscle, tendon, heart, and lung at maximum...
One of the easiest ways you can improve your horse’s athleticism and fitness is to exercise him on various surfaces throughout the week. This not only fine-tunes his proprioception (the message system of his sensory and motor nerves) but...
If your ultimate goal is to ride without a bridle, you’ll need to make sure you have precise cues that don’t involve reins for every movement you’ll request of your horse. He’ll need to know what you’re asking for...
Q: How long should my stirrups be for flatwork and jumping?A: Stirrup length, as it turns out, is a very variable and personal choice. Some riders feel more secure with stirrups that would feel jockey-length to other riders....
Q: I have a 6-year-old American Saddlebred mare that I currently ride saddle seat. I’m thinking about switching to dressage, but I’m unsure about the transition for my horse. How can I make it easier for her?A: "I made...
Q: My horse will not trot, canter or gallop without me applying lots of pressure. When she does this, she is very uncollected and sour. How do I fix this?Using a leading rein can help encourage your horse...
Trotting fences can seem like a bit of a guessing game if you’re just learning to jump or are a timid rider. Seeing any distance (let alone the right one!) can seem impossible. The urge to throw yourself up...
