Learn what western pleasure judges are looking for and see some of the common faults of gait that you should avoid with your western pleasure horse.
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Q: I have a gelding that I bought for trail riding. Unfortunately, his previous owner used to gallop him a lot on the trails, so he constantly wants to bolt off. His mouth is dull too, which makes matters...
The canter’s rocking-horse, three-beat rhythm presents a problem for novice riders trying to master their position at this gait. In trot, the rider’s body position remains stable since the horse’s head and neck don’t move in this two-beat gait....
Q: I am working with a Thoroughbred hunter/jumper prospect. When we jump crossrails, he’s fine. But when we try small verticals he bolts to the jumps and then kicks his heels in the air. How can I help him...
Regina Mayer, a then-15-year-old resident of Lauffen, Germany, could not have a horse. Her parents said no. This is a story all-too-familiar to many young aspiring equestrians, but Regina's story takes a turn. Since she couldn't have a...
Knowing when it's time to replace a helmet is as critical to rider safety as wearing one. Even with limited use, a helmet's hard foam lining can break down over time, says Drusilla Malavase, co-chair of the Equestrian Headgear...
It can be tempting to saddle up your horse on the first warm day of spring and go for a long ride. However, assuming your horse has been out of work all winter, he’s not only lost muscle tone,...
Ever wondered how some riders enter the arena without a single hair out of place? Learn how to get the polished, professional appearance that horse show judges appreciate. Sarah Coleman, Executive Director of the Equine Scholars Program at Georgetown...
Q: My eight-year-old, affectionate Belgian/Canadian gelding that I have had for a year is nervous of noises, especially behind him, when we are riding.He doesn’t get grain. I use a curb chain when out on a trail so I...
Shifting the shoulders at the trot to correct a horse that overbends at the neck
Ellen demonstrates how to get better control of your outside rein and stop pulling on the inside rein by turning the horse’s shoulders. She moves...
