Arena work is essential for all types of training. A controlled environment with good, level footing allows horse and rider the opportunity to perfect form, balance, rhythm and timing without worrying about unexpected wildlife encounters, hardpan, ruts or rocks....
The average resting heart rate of a healthy, mature horse is between 30 - 40 beats per minute (bpm). When your horse starts sweating and blowing, you know he is working hard. But respiration isn’t the most reliable means...
There are countless different styles and types of bosals available, and quality will vary as much as design. The bosal should have a balanced feel, some give in the cheeks and a shape that conforms well to a horse’s...
It seems impossible that woven strips of leather and hide would have any influence in guiding a creature as powerful as a horse. As ineffectual as it may appear, the hackamore is in fact a very effective means of...
DoPractice developing an even, cadenced lope away from the poles.
Make sure your cues are clear and your horse is listening before working on lope-overs.
Practice over poles and away from them.
Keep an even, motivated pace throughout the...
Who would have thought negotiating an obstacle course could draw so much attention or be so much fun? Across the country, at shows both large and small, more and more riders are entering trail classes. Many of these riders...
Molly Powell is a top barrel racing competitor and clinician and holds the title of 2004 World Reserve Barrel Racing Champion. Powell offered her insight on controlling a barrel horse before and after a run in the January, 2009 issue of...
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Tired of your horse’s western headstall looking like every other off-the- rack bridle? Try adding some flair to your horse’s humdrum headstall by sliding a couple of conchos onto the browband. Since conchos are available in a variety...
It can be a bit nippy in the morning when you head out on a trail ride, but by midday things often warm up and you need to shed your sweatshirt. Rather than tie it around your waist,...
Q. My horse, Duke, is generally well behaved, but some days all he wants to do is run when we get on the trails. I end up spinning him in circles to calm him down and then make him...
