Everyone wants a gorgeous tail in the show-ring. Once you get to the bigger stock-breed shows, tail extensions are common. Check with your association’s rules, however, before you spring for a tail extension. Arabians and Morgans, for example, must...
Regardless of age or background, I begin all horses’ training in the round pen. As far as I’m concerned, the round pen is the safest area for you and your horse to initially build a relationship because you’re not...
The half-halt is elusive to many dressage riders. Performed correctly, it remains nearly imperceptible to onlookers, while providing necessary balance and connection to the horse. Fortunately, this technique is not as complicated as it sounds.
American Grand Prix dressage rider...
When people talk about teaching their horses to do tricks, they usually mean their horse can bow, or "count” by pawing the ground, or maybe do some liberty work. We’ve even seen horses play soccer. But this might be...
While the dress code for schooling shows
is more casual, your goal is to look as neat, tidy and workmanlike as
possible. Here is a suggestion of what might be appropriate at a
schooling show. The entry form or show rules might...
Two happy campers, Kristin and Bellinger in the summer of 2014 after their first Prix St. Georges test at Virginia Horse Center. The pair went on to win the USDF Region 1 Jr/YR Prix St. Georges Championship that year....
Q: I have a 3-year-old filly that has been started under saddle. However, her natural inclination is to move backward, not forward. When she wants to evade a request, she slows down her movement and eventually pops up in...
Q: My western pleasure mare travels canted along the rail and bent to the outside of the circle. I’m only walking and jogging now. How do I fix this so I can move on?A: Often, a horse is...
"Loose horse!”
It’s the shout heard at farms across the land that lets our barn brethren know an equine escapee is heading their way. On occasion our horses get away from us for reasons mostly accidental and unintentional. However,...
Q: I’ve ridden western for many years, but I really want to ride English and jump. Is it hard to switch from western to jumping? Do you have any pointers?A: While I’ve spent decades competing over jumps, I have...
