Blistering turns and smokin’ straight-a-ways mean big wins at gymkhana events. It’s also incredibly fun! On the other hand, top speeds and tight turns put extreme demands on your horse’s body. Running patterns frequently puts undue stress and strain...
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting your horsemanship journey, bits are a complex science. It can seem daunting to choose the right one from the wide array of western bits available, but armed with information about the...
Q: How do I get my western pleasure horse to slow his lope without four-beating?
A: Repair your horse’s lope over the span of two to four weeks, beginning with the extended jog and long-trot. They are excellent tools...
Does your horse seem clueless when you ask for a flying lead change? Then you have my sympathy. Whether your riding goals are connected to hunters, reining or other riding sports, few challenges are more frustrating than working with...
Like many trainers, Nikki Egyed finds great joy in rehabbing & re-training off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). But where many others guide their new charges into new careers in English disciplines—dressage, jumping, hunters, eventing—Egyed has discovered their enjoyment of and talents...
Squaring up your showmanship horse is a deceptively simple concept. How hard can it be for a horse to stand evenly over all four feet? But this simple requirement can be a challenge to achieve consistently, and a flaw...
"Keep a straight line from elbow to bit,” is something that most equestrians hear in their riding careers. It’s simple advice but it’s also a guideline that carries quite a bit of weight both literally and figuratively. A horse’s...
That rush of adrenaline powers you through the cloverleaf pattern, knowing that just a hundredth of a second will make all the difference— every move must be flawless.Champion barrel racer Michele McLeod has experienced many such perfect runs, winning...
Q: I ride a high-energy gelding, and every time I ride him, I cannot seem to keep a steady walk. He is always jigging and I cannot keep him down to a simple, slow walk. Any suggestions?
A: The likely...
Western riding often looks effortless, but it’s hard work and good horsemanship that creates that impression. Whether you have a trainer or are trying the DIY approach, here are a few pointers to better western riding from American Quarter...
