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 …
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 …
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 …
Tying is a crucial skill that every horse should learn. Tying is an essential skill for grooming, tacking up, and when the vet, physiotherapist or farrier come to work on your horse. Tying your horse refers to the act of securing your horse to a stationary object, such as a …
Starting your journey with a new horse can be both daunting and scary. With so much information out there, it can be hard to filter through what advice is the best for you and your horse. Bringing a new horse into your life can be exciting, but it can also …
Ground tying is a valuable skill to teach your horse. It is a technique that can benefit both the horse and the owner. Ground tying is a way of training a horse to stand still in one spot without being tied up or held by anyone. In this article, I’ll …
Oral injuries caused by bits are a painful equine welfare problem. Despite being such a common problem it isn’t something that’s widely discussed or acknowledged in the equestrian world. The conversation around it has become deeply polarised, with the bitless camp crying bloody murder every time there’s a photo posted …
As a flight animal, your horse’s body will inherently strive to hide any signs of pain for as long as possible. A little pain doesn’t usually result in big changes and it can be really difficult to spot. It’s important that you know your horse well and can spot the …
Flat racing, is a physically demanding sport and even with the best training, many racehorses end up with career-ending injuries. While some horses end up with injuries serious enough to require euthanasia or full pasture retirement, many horses can be retrained – with a lot of time and treatment – …
To have a better relationship with your horse you need to have a better relationship with yourself. As long as you’re not grounded and genuinely connected to yourself, you’re never going to have the kind of relationship with your horse that will blow your mind. To have the kind of …
