Part of becoming a good horseperson involves learning how to navigate conflicting advice, and realizing that the “right way” is often in the middle. Here are a few tips to help you gain some HorseSense from a confusing situation!
Before you can fairly ask a horse to do anything for you under saddle, you’ll need to make sure his hooves are healthy and happy – see my top tips for creating happy horse feet!
Let’s start with a common misconception, that an English-trained horse can’t be ridden Western, or vice versa. There are slight differences, sure, but at a basic level, it’s not quite true, because good equitation is the same no matter which saddle you ride in!
An equestrian athlete knows that how she treats her body has a major impact on how well she succeeds. In addition to practicing, reviewing video, and working on her mental game, she prioritizes time for fitness and for developing healthy habits.
Unfortunately, many equestrians cause their horses stress, discomfort or even pain without knowing it. That’s why if you love your horse, one of your top priorities should be fitness for horse and rider.
If you really love horses, being the kind of student your riding instructor will love is a joy instead of a job. I thought I’d use my knowledge to give you the inside scoop on how to win your instructor’s heart.
Sometimes I see humans get a little mixed up about what horses really need during the winter, so here’s some HorseSense for you on cold weather care, straight from the horse’s mouth.
If you’re doing stuff, and interested in what you’re doing, you’re always learning – even if there’s no grade or quiz. Horses understand this, which means we’re constantly learning something from you when we interact.
Since my job description as a lesson horse is to help you make your dreams come true, I thought I’d share a few tips for setting goals – and actually reaching them,
Groundwork goals: Instead of asking, “What can my horse do for me,” ask yourself, “What can I do for him? What can we learn together?”
Feeding horses can be complicated… the right answer will always depend on your individual horse and his living situation. This means you’ll need to Level Up your HorseSense and learn as much equine nutrition as you can.
Whether No-Stirrup November is good for horse and rider depends on how thoughtfully you practice it.
Cookie Monsters don’t actually know that they’re behaving badly. They just learned the wrong set of rules about treats. Which is a shame, because food rewards have been scientifically proven to accelerate a horse’s learning and increase motivation.
Horses are pretty straightforward about relationships. We judge you based on your actions toward us, and how safe you make us feel.
Hi there, human! My name is Heaven’s Fire, aka The Dragon, aka the greatest horse that ever lived. Technically I am a pony, but they say attitude is everything, and I’m sure you’ll agree my attitude is quite large enough for a full-size horse. I’ve been asked to start this blog by my Girl, who … Read more
You know what they say about mares. We’re moody, we’re unpredictable, we’re difficult to get along with. But I know a little bit about mares, being one myself, and I think mares are just like any other horse, only better about telling you what they like and don’t like! I bet you’ve got your own … Read more
Want to get in touch with a real person – not a call center in faraway lands? Drop us a line with your question or comment and we’ll do our best to respond quickly.
Like you, we have horses and students and dogs and cats and families to manage, but we check email several times a day so you should hear from us within 24 hours.
We have been blessed with many talented photographers over the years: students who voluntarily stood out in a sweltering/ freezing arena – or slogged up and down our hilly pastures – capturing lifelong memories of camps, clinics, and shows. We’re grateful to all of them!
One such student, Delaney Witbrod, is now a professional photographer with a gift for animal portraits – see more of her fine work here.
You’ll also find illustrations throughout our online courses and printed materials (like study guides) graciously donated by Rhonda Hagy, who is a student and lifelong friend. Contact us for information about her work.
Are we lucky or WHAT?!