One of the first pairs of boots you would have got when you were a child and started your horseback riding lessons would have been paddock. A good rule of thumb to follow is if your horse is still overreaching despite the hooves being trimmed and their gait being its best – go grab a […]
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Every year, I have a kids camp where I teach children about horses, what makes up the different parts of the horse, and what contributes to making up a whole horse. Children and many parents who attend are stunned by just how complex a horse is. When explaining a horse’s anatomy, it should be clear
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Horseback riding is one of the best physical activities you can engage in daily. In addition to being great exercise, it is also an incredible connection between rider and horse. To get that connection, we use various tools, from our riding tack and aids to our bodies, voice, and energy. Your riding tack can be
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Recently, I had to make a difficult call to one of the older ladies at the barn to tell her that she needed to consider her horse’s failing health and that it was time to let him go. As manager of the facility, it’s my least favorite duty. Yet, the horse was starting to really
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Recently, I moved to a homestead of my own. My dream home with a lovely parcel of land is a bit further from where I had been living with my horses, so my farrier couldn’t come out for regular maintenance as often. Luckily, she was happy to teach me a few basic trimming techniques so
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When you first bite the bullet and purchase your first horse (and there will probably be more with time), you enter the scary world of horse boarding. If you live on your own land with large fields and white picket fences to complete your dream, you probably don’t worry about boarding costs. However, if you’re
Horse Boarding Guide: A Closeup View of the Four Main Boarding Types Read More »
Horse retirement is something most people have probably never heard of or even fully understand. Horses may get retired for many reasons, whether because of injury, age, health, or financial reasons. If the retirement is permanent, choosing a suitable horse retirement facility is essential to give you peace of mind when letting others care for
Retiring a Horse Guide: My Best Advice for Retiring A Horse Read More »
When you’re still learning how to ride, you probably think of the saddle, stirrups, and the horse’s bit as essential elements that keep you on the horse. However, the reins are just as important for safety and riding prowess. A good set of reins can make a difference between a great ride and a terrible
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Not all horses do well on a bit. If you are into natural horsemanship, you may prefer to school your horse to accept a bitless bridle or ride in a horseman’s halter or rope halter. However, there is an in-between option, too—a hackamore. Unlike other bitless bridles, a hackamore is similar to a bitted bridle.
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One of the first tack items a horse is introduced to as a foal is their halter. Later, as an adult and fully grown horse, the halter remains a valuable piece of equipment. Further, a halter can help improve in-hand training, leading ability, and gaining the horse’s trust and respect. When I wanted to buy
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