Poor saddle fit can cause pain and trauma, which often manifest as a training issue or poor performance. Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS, author of The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle Fit Book, The Western Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle...
Make sure you have the opportunity to test ride a saddle on your horse before committing to a purchase. Follow these basic steps when checking saddle fit: Set the saddle on your horse’s back without a saddle pad or...
The money barrel, the first one in a barrel racing pattern, sets up your entire run. Success depends on how well you make the first turn.Fallon Taylor of Dynasty Equine in Whitesboro, Texas, is a five-time National Finals...
At first glance the saddle of cowboys doesn’t appear to be a precision instrument. But despite its rustic appearance there is intrinsic refinement behind its functionality. Even slight flaws in fit can impact the comfort and effectiveness of a...
When you hear the word "supple” in relation to a western horse, you likely picture an athletic horse that moves gracefully and in balance, willingly responding to the rider’s nearly imperceptible cues. But how do you recreate that image?
Suppleness...
Q: I’m having trouble teaching my horse to sidestep. He starts turning instead of walking sideways. How can I correct this?A: This is a great question, and a training situation that comes up fairly often. Under saddle, lateral...
When Jolli Pressler rode down the centerline at the first-ever western dressage world championships in November 2012, her primary goal was to remember to breathe. Everything else would be icing on the cake.
"I’m as nervous as can be,” said...
You’re in the alley ready for your barrel run, and your horse is just as excited as you are. But although you thought you were prepared, your horse starts slow from the alley, or he tips a barrel. Maybe...
Q: My 16-year-old Quarter Horse mare refuses to sidepass under saddle. Whenever I push on her with my heel, she thinks that I want her to go faster. What can I do to help her understand what I want?
A:...
Q: My 4-year-old horse is usually very laid-back about everything. However, when we start loping, he starts bucking. I have checked my tack and nothing seems to pinch him, so maybe he is just young and excited. How can...
