One thing that I always keep my eyes out for is how people lead their horses. I remember when I was learning, in riding school, we were routinely taught to lead horses by holding the reins or lead rope as close as possible to the horse’s jaw. And while I …
The language that we use can colour the way we see things, this is why I advocate being mindful of the language we use, especially around horses. The word “discipline” can carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context and individual perspectives. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the …
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for horse riders is the helmet. The right helmet helps protect against head injuries in the event of a fall or other accident. However, finding the right horse riding helmet can be a daunting task. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand …
Working with horses can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate about these magnificent animals. Horse enthusiasts can pursue a range of career options that allow them to interact with horses on a daily basis, from caring for their basic needs to training and competing with them in …
If you’re considering donating your horse, one option to consider is donating them to a veterinary school. Veterinary schools use donated horses for a variety of purposes, including teaching students and conducting research. Horses are an important part of veterinary education because they are large, complex animals with unique healthcare …
In the realm of things we do with our horses, there is a practise that we must stop: the shaving of our horses’ sensory hairs. Your horse has special tactile sensory hairs, known as whiskers. Her whiskers play an important part in her awareness of the world around her, filling …
Just like when learning any new thing, there are those typical challenges that beginners tend to cycle through as they’re improving their skill. These are all things I’ve done myself, I’ve discussed with other riders, and have encountered over and over again when teaching someone how to ride. These are …
Your horse is full of pressure points that he regularly uses to communicate with other horses. It’s incredibly beneficial for you to know what these points are and how to use them for more effective communication with your horse. Let’s first talk about volume. This is similar to how you …
For many horse owners, mounting their horse may seem like a simple task that requires nothing more than a little leg power and a saddle. However, mounting your horse without the aid of a mounting block can have serious consequences for both you and your equine companion. What are the …
When I was younger, I had two riding instructors that were like day and night. One was nicknamed “The Whip,” and she liked to bark and yell at me constantly. She would shout at me from across the arena, where she’d stand sipping her coffee, nitpicking every little thing I …
The Mustang is a breed of feral horse that is native to the western United States and it holds a unique place in the history of the United States. Mustangs are known for their hardiness, agility, and stamina – traits that they have developed over generations since their ancestors arrived …
Unfortunately, there are only a small number of sports where men and women compete against each other equally, regardless of sex. In these sports, the physical differences between men and women are deemed not to have any effect on the outcome of the competition. Equestrian sports in the Olympics are …
