“I’m here to argue that even if you own the equine version of the love of your life, you should still hunt down opportunities to hop on different horses… they will not only help to expose your challenges, but also they will make you better, stronger and more confident for your own horse.” (more…)
Happy Halloween, Horse Nation. Today, we’re celebrating by highlighting some Thoroughbreds with Halloween-themed registered names. Check them out below:
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Can a horse’s heart rate influence a human’s heart rate and visa versa?
“These horses are bred to have ‘go’ and to have the heart to be able to reach into the deepest depths of their beings and pull out even more ‘go’ when the rest has been exhausted. And even then they are able to dig deeper and pull out even more than that.” (more…)
“Everyone wants a good warmup. Everyone wants a cooperative horse. But sometimes you just have to accept what you have and ride the horse you have that day. Sometimes a 20-minute warmup gets you where you need to be, and sometimes it simply doesn’t. Pushing past their brain’s cut off and over-riding rarely helps.” (more…)
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Do sport boots hurt horses more than they help?
This week’s editorial is a follow up to my previous article discussing the proliferation of the consumption of talent rather than the training of it to further develop it for the competitive sport of dressage.
“Part of my job — and where the joy lies — is in finding the definition of ‘safe’ in order to promote the fun. Not everyone needs the upper level horse that jumps the moon, nor does everyone need the super duper cute easy-going plodder. But some absolutely do.”
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Do horses have a preference in water temperature?
“Stability coupled with soft, educated movements help the horse go best and understand the ask. But how do we create stable contact if we’re trying to be light?” (more…)
This week’s AI question is, “What do different horse breeds look like?” P.S. – The grade horse looks the best and the Morgan horse photo is a total glam shot.
“When we as second-career trainers and riders hop on, we are bringing heavier tack, often heavier humans and different muscle control to the canter than your average jockey… this means is that horses who are accustomed to soft flowing gallops … are met with a lot more pressure on their backs.” (more…)
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Should hot horses be walked until they’re completely cooled down?
“Despite all they have seen at the track, big atmospheres can be challenging for baby Thoroughbreds and so many others. Besides getting them out as often as possible into similar spaces, I need a better plan next time. I need to bring normal with me as a way to create focus and the relaxation that comes with the familiar.” (more…)
“The silly thing about this metaphor is that it tends to work. It is super useful for getting folks to feel the win in the middle and be less discouraged as things don’t always continue an upward trajectory towards the end.” (more…)
Happy Labor Day, Horse Nation. Today, we’re celebrating by highlighting some Thoroughbreds with Labor Day-themed registered names. Check them out below: (more…)
“In contrast to humans, a horse’s agency is perhaps more circumscribed by the situations, hands, tack, health, and living situation they find themselves in . . . They are not going to be the same creature for every rider or at every home. Some will bring out the best in the horse, some simply won’t.” (more…)
“I think the main idea is to step out of one’s comfort zone, hop on new horses and little by little learn to quietly ride through the potentially nerve-inducing behavior… Be effective and stay safe, but also under-ride until you know what the perfect, bespoke ‘just-enough ride’ feels like on each new horse.”
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Is it safe for horses to eat grass clippings?
“Sometimes the antidote to an unsteady head and contact is not just a softer hand, but a steadier one. There are horses … who will let you know anytime you f*-up on your contact. These horses do not just encourage you to become a better rider, they demand it.” (more…)
“All told, the only people who will stay are those who want it. Because everyone could make more money and be more comfortable working at a fast food joint.”
