Sometimes the toughest question trainers, instructors, and equestrians of all levels of experience may face is how to approach interacting with an unfamiliar horse. In a word, the answer is “Courtship.” Have you ever courted a cat? it’s usually done by, in one’s very sweetest voice, repeating several times, “Here Kitty, here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty.” […]
Have you ever watched a horse show and the unspeakably beautiful horse who just entered the arena appears to be lame? Everyone, including the judges, sits in silence as the lovely creature bravely soldiers on, doing his best to please his rider. Sometimes he even wins a ribbon! But no one comments on the real […]
Like the elephant in the living room, there is an ever-present but unspoken subject that affects every horse-person: Where is the boundary between right and wrong in our relationship to horses. About five thousand years ago mankind embarked upon a journey that continues to the present: the domestication of horses. By domestication, I mean, a […]
In our quest to keep our horses relaxed, focused, and confident, we must understand involuntary reflexes and distinguish them from voluntary actions. Although involuntary reflexes are essential to horses’ survival, they certainly impact equestrians as well. Some equine involuntary reflexes keep us safe as we ride our horses. Other involuntary reflexes, such as spooking and […]
Whether on the race-track, in the arena, or trekking cross-country, the search for excellence in equitation has been going on for thousands of years. It is no easy task to balance the interests of two different species. Fortunately, scientific research has provided the horse community with in-depth studies to make the task easier. Recently, […]
The brains of all mammals, horses and humans alike, contain three circuits, the pleasure circuit, the punishment circuit, and the behavioral inhibition circuit. All horse training involves activating one of these circuits. The pleasure circuit, is set in motion when an animal is rewarded for a certain behavior, this causes the animal to want […]
A fall from a moving horse can leave emotional scars long after the bruises and bones have healed. It is those scars that most riders dutifully hide while hoping for no further episodes. Unfortunately, the very act of hiding emotional scars can lead to new ones. When accidents occur, honest reflection on the events […]
Like humans, horse temperaments can fluctuate between curious, brave, timid, and easily frightened. As horse owners, it is our responsibility to help our horses tackle new experiences with confidence. A dear friend’s horse was the obvious high-point winner at a well-recognized dressage event until the horse spooked when a spectator opened her parasol. Another […]
Does your horse stumble or buck when you initiate a walk, trot, or canter transition? If so, learning to utilize the half halt may be the solution. It’s the half halt that allows all mobile creatures to make smooth transitions. Half halts are easy to learn as they are as natural as walking itself. Horses […]
For at least five-thousand years, the equine world revolved around herding, hunting, farming, freight, and war; and was considered a man’s domain. The secrets surrounding training and riding these huge beasts were carefully passed from man to man since long before Greek General Xenophon wrote his book on the handling and care of warhorses over […]
Both are always exciting, a fresh horse and a fresh start. Sometimes it’s a brand new horse. Learning how to communicate with each other and become new best friends can be a little intimidating. Sometimes, it is a horse you know well but the relationship has been less than friendly and you would like to […]
Many equestrians have experienced riding the “All go and no whoa” horse who gallops for miles; mane flying in the wind. While other riders prod their horses into a trot, the riders of these energetic horses are hanging on for dear life as they try to gain control. In fact, it is that hanging on […]
Indiscriminately offering treats can transform a lovely horse into a beggar, mugger, and biter; and the horse owner into a candy dispenser. This article will teach you how to use treats in a way that will improve rather than harm your horse-human relationship. I will use some technical terms in this article, so be […]
We all have a circle of trust; that invisible circle that contains our loved ones, those we can depend upon through good times and bad times. Sometimes, the only person in our circle of trust is ourselves. Horses, also, have a circle of trust. At birth, the circle of trust contains two individuals, foal and […]