Do you ride western? Are your stirrups too long or too
short? Western stirrups that are too long will undermine your sense of
security. If your stirrups are too short, you’ll pop up and down in the saddle with
every stride. So...
Q: I have a six-year-old gelding
and I only ride him on the trails. I can’t get him into a comfortable,
controlled lope. He’s basically very slow, and if I push him with my legs to
speed up, he’ll just do a...
The hinged port curb is popular among riders and trainers of western pleasure horses. The additional joint in the center of the bit, usually hidden under a sleeve or roller, provides a great deal of flexibility in the mouthpiece....
Similar in function to the English standing martingale, the western tie-down prevents a horse from raising its head above a pre-determined level. When adjusted properly, the tie-down allows a horse to carry its head freely in a natural position....
Q: I need help finding a credible trainer who won’t bankrupt my budget. I’ve heard so many horror stories. What should I look for in a good trainer? What questions should I ask? What’s a reasonable amount to pay...
Even the most experienced trail horses will resist some types of water crossings because their instincts tell them it is unsafe. These might include:Steep descents into the water
Thick mud along the...
Does your horse act as if he’ll go down like the Titanic if he has to cross a water puddle? Would he rather scale a cliff than cross a creek? If so, here’s your ticket for a safe passage...
Q: I have a great little all-around horse: he goes English and western and even jumps well. Everything about him is smooth and flowing except for his canter/lope. If he’s working in the center of the arena or jumping...
Watch as trainer Anita Howe explains the Tennessee Walking Horse's running walk.The running walk is the same basic footfall and carriage as the flatfoot walk, but tempo and speeds are extended to range from 7-10...
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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