Q: I was told to use a tie-down because my horse is high-headed. Is this a commonly used training correction for a green horse? Does it work?A: Your horse’s head may be exactly where it needs to be at...
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...
Wet, humid conditions can lead to a tack room full of moldy saddles and bridles, not to mention saddle pads, blankets and wraps, as well.Moldy tack is not only an unsightly nuisance; because mold is a living organism, it...
Q: I am new to riding dressage, but am wondering how to adjust the noseband. Should it be tight or loose?A: It’s important to know the rules of competition in any discipline so you can apply them at...
When it comes to riding a horse, using a bit is standard fare. But a bit is not the only way to send messages to your horse through the reins. Western riders have been using hackamores—a type of bitless...
Q: I grew up riding stock horses but have transitioned to gaited horses. I now have a Fox Trotter gelding that I ride in a snaffle bit, but other gaited riders tell me that I shouldn’t. He has a...
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 great thing about trail riding is that it’s truly a universal pleasure—all kinds of riders can enjoy it. It doesn’t demand a horse with a fancy pedigree, flashy tack or a special dress code, and you can take...
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...
