If you’ve ever ridden a horse or received advice from a riding instructor, you’ve probably been told to relax and not be tense on the horse. However, that’s easier said than done. The most common areas where riders hold tension are the shoulders and upper back, fingers and hands, legs, …
Horses are one of the most loving and affectionate animals around, and they often show their love for their human counterparts in various ways. I know, I know, this title is typically held by dogs, but just because you can’t have a horse sit on your lap, doesn’t mean you …
Mutual grooming, or allogrooming as it’s also known, is when two horses scratch each others’ backs by nibbling. This is a super common behaviour among horses because it’s a way to form and strengthen social bonds. Horses will stand next to each other and groom each other on the back, …
Ponies are small equines that belong to the same family as horses. They are characterised by their diminutive stature, typically measuring less than 14.2 hands (58 inches or 147 centimetres) at the withers (the highest point on the back, located between the shoulder blades). However, the exact height cut-off to …
In a nut shell, two main pigments are responsible for horse coat colours are eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow). The chestnut or red coat occurs due to the absence of extension gene (‘e’) while black is produced by the presence of extension gene (‘E’). Black, gray, bay, and chestnut are …
Buying a horse is an exciting and rewarding, but can be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. You might find yourself plagued with numerous questions, from where to buy a horse to understanding the costs involved to selecting the right horse, finding the right trainer, and ensuring proper care …
As a rider, you may have developed the habit of gripping with some part of your leg, such as your thigh, knee, or calf. Although you might think that gripping can help you stay on the horse or keep the horse moving, it can actually hinder your riding in several …
Are you dreaming of becoming a horse owner? Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a novice rider, the prospect of bringing a horse into your life is exciting. However, before you can saddle up and ride off into the sunset, you’ll need to decide where you want to start looking …
At its best, riding appear as a graceful art, a seamless bond between human and animal. But to get to this level of connectivity with your horse, you have to learn and master a whole array of techniques and equipment designed to facilitate communication. A riding crop, often referred to …
Choosing the perfect name for your horse can be an enjoyable and meaningful process. Here are some steps and tips to help you pick a name that suits your equine companion: Remember that the name you choose will be a part of your horse’s identity, so take your time and …
Horses have been an integral part of human history for thousands of years, serving as reliable work partners and skilled athletes. Being closely linked with humans has affected how modern horses are. While I’m not suggesting we’ve significantly altered their evolutionary make-up, horses have been bred for all kinds of …
Groundwork exercises for horses are an essential aspect of horse training that every equestrian should utilise. Groundwork involves working with a horse on the ground to establish trust, respect, and communication between horse and handler – and I mean both ways. It’s a great way to strengthen the relationship with …
