An idea begins to form in your mind: there’s something off with your horse. You can’t say where exactly this hunch is coming from because your horse isn’t thrashing or wriggling in pain. A quick once over doesn’t turn up anything obviously wrong. But you’re sure that everything isn’t as …
The realities of owning a horse: the good, the ugly and the dirty truth
There are few things in life that equal a rein-swinging walk to the rhythmic beat of horse hooves lulling you into a calm, meditative mood. A long trail ride is an excellent stress-reliever that quiets all those little coversations in your mind and puts you firmly back in the present …
A look at western riding: from cowboy necessity to competitive sport
Western riding is a style of horseback riding that originated in America. It is a popular equestrian sport and has gained worldwide recognition due to its unique techniques and styles. Western riding has its roots in the working ranches of the American West. As early as the 1600s, Spanish explorers …
Improving your horse riding skills: tips for training and riding techniques
As a horse rider, your ability to train and ride your horse effectively is crucial for your own safety as well as the well-being of your horse. Horses are powerful and intelligent animals, and without proper training and handling, they can become difficult to manage and even dangerous to ride. …
5 basic exercises for beginner riders to improve strength and balance for horse riding
Horseback riding is a fun and exciting sport that requires not only skill but also physical strength and balance. As a beginner rider, you may find it challenging to stay balanced and in control while riding – it’s not as easy as it looks! Despite your enthusiasm, you might find …
10 essential questions answered: a beginner’s guide to horseback riding
You’ve always had a fascination with horses, ever since you were a child. The way they move with such grace and power, the way they seem to communicate with their riders without even needing words – it all intrigues you. So, when you finally have the opportunity to learn how …
Jumping through history: a look at the evolution of equestrian jumping
Jumping is a thrilling and exciting equestrian sport that involves a horse and rider navigating a course of obstacles, including fences and jumps. Jumping is one of the most popular equestrian disciplines, though it is a relatively new equestrian sport. Horses and their riders have been jumping over natural obstacles …
The art of dressage: a quick look at the history and practice of equestrian ballet
Dressage is an equestrian discipline that is often described as the “ballet of horse riding.” It involves a series of precise and controlled movements that showcase the horse’s athleticism, obedience, and training. Dressage is one of the oldest equestrian disciplines, with a rich history that dates back several centuries. The …
The health benefits of horseback riding: how riding can improve your physical and mental well-being
You love animals and being outside, but finding a hobby that combines both seems impossible. One day, while browsing online, you stumble upon an ad for horseback riding lessons. You are nervous but excited to try something new. The first few lessons are challenging as you learn the basics of …
Everything you need to know about keeping your horse’s hooves healthy
Horses evolved to run. That’s why your horse has the legs of a runner. To survive, they needed to run fast, and this was the driving force of their evolution. Your modern horse walks on just one digit (toe), where her ancestors walked on as many as four toes. If …
How long do horses live?
There’s a lot that will affect how long a horse will live. With good care, many horses will live well past the age of 30. Some senior horses are even ridden or driven lightly to keep in good health. Considering that a horse’s skeleton takes 6-8 years to fully grow, …
What are horseflies and how do you prevent them from biting your horse?
What is a horsefly, you ask? It’s a biblical curse on wings, is what it is. But biologically speaking, it’s a stoutly built fly, the female of which is a bloodsucker and inflicts painful bites on horses and other mammals, including humans. Adult horseflies typically eat nectar, but the females …
Why dress up your horse like a zebra? Research shows the zebra pattern is the most effective in deterring biting flies
People aren’t just dressing up their horses as zebras for fun, there’s actually some science behind it! And it all starts with one simple question: why do zebras have stripes? There has been scientific interest in the function of zebra stripes for over 150 years. There have been many theories …
How to use chickens as natural pest control at your stable to keep flies away
Too often I’ve seen stables with lots of flies and all people do is try to spray their horses. Trapping is one way you can keep bug populations low, but there’s a really low-maintenance, natural way to control bugs around your barn that is mostly overlooked. I’m talking about chickens! …