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, […]
Many riding problems can be solved before you sit on your horse. For instance, do you consistently lose your left or right stirrup? Does your saddle seem to always slip to the same side every time you ride? When your horse halts does your body fall forward over his withers? Does your riding instructor […]
Constant tugging on the reins to keep a horse straight is a common response to a common problem. However, straightness is often caused by an imbalance of the horse or the rider. There are several solutions that, used together, may resolve the problem permanently. Straightness is often treated as the horse’s problem rather than inquiring […]
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 […]
Does your horse toss his head, lean on the bit, rear, gape his mouth, go above or below the bit, refuse to perform, bolt, rear, buck, refuse to be bridled, or switch from sweet on the ground to monster once you are mounted? Have you resorted to stronger bits, flash nosebands, martingales, spurs and […]
Trail-riding is probably the most popular of all equestrian activities. This compilation of tips from old-time trail-riders with many decades, and thousands miles of trail riding under their belts can make your time on the trail safer and much more fun. Before you go • Trail riding is for horses that are physically fit, calm, […]
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 […]
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 […]