If you’re tired of having non-horsey neighbors, an equestrian community can solve that issue. But before you look into moving in, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of life in an equestrian community. Is an equestrian community right for you?

Safety

One of the major advantages of living in an equestrian community is the safety that it…

Does your horse hate to leave his friends behind when it’s time to head out on a ride? Riding a herd-bound horse can be a challenge, but there are steps you can take to help make separation from his buddies less stressful for your horse.

Understand Why Your Horse Is Herd-Bound

When working with a herd-bound horse, it’s important to remember that this…

We've all heard the saying, “No hoof, no horse.” Your horse’s hooves are the literal foundation to his soundness and athletic capabilities, so it’s important to take care of them properly. Want to help keep your horse’s hooves in great shape? These important approaches will help.

Regular Farrier Work

Your farrier is your closest ally in your horse’s hoof care,…

A truly American breed, the Missouri Fox Trotter originated from crossbreeding various popular breeds of horses. What resulted is a unique horse whose “fox trot” gait provides a smooth and comfortable ride.

History

The Missouri Fox Trotter originated in – you got it – Missouri. The breed was the result of the crossing of many different breeds, including the…

As the show season progresses, it’s easy to get caught up in competition and your goals of advancing through the levels. However, it’s back-to-school season, and both you and your horse can benefit from it. Taking a few rides to focus on the basics can make your more advanced riding even better. Here’s why you might want to take your…

Have you ever walked into a barn only to discover that your horse was apparently rubbing his tail all night long? Tail rubbing can quickly cause major damage to a tail that can take a long time to regrow and restore. Horses typically rub their tails for a few common reasons. If you identify the right one, you can treat your horse and have him comfortable and back to normal…

Galloping your horse along the surf, water splashing up around you as the sun sets – it’s on any rider’s bucket list. As summer draws to an end, some beaches will once again open up to horses. If you’ve never ridden your horse on the beach before, it’s an experience that you’ll definitely want to have at least once. Here are some ways to ensure that your first ride on the beach…

From August 23^rd through September 7^th, top equestrians and their equine partners will descend on Normandy, France to compete at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Participation in the World Equestrian Games is an accomplishment in…

Carrying proper weight in your heels is the foundation to a secure seat when riding, but many riders struggle with getting their heels down deeply enough. If you’d like to be able to drop your heels down further while in the saddle, we’ve got some great exercises you can try.

Check for Proper Leg Alignment and Stirrup Length

If you’re riding with an improper…

If your horse just has too much energy and is too excitable, your first impulse might be to put him on a calming supplement. But before you reach for that supplement bucket, there are a few other things that you should try first that can make a big difference in your horse’s energy levels.

Increase Turnout Time

Too much time in a stall  can lead to excess…

Tying up, also known as exertional rhabdomyolysis, or ER, is a syndrome that affects the horse’s major muscle groups and tissues. When a horse is tying up, he can present as being unable to walk or move, since his body cannot control what would be normal muscle contraction and…

Have you heard of Erin Go Bragh, the talented pony stallion who was a top eventer during his prime? Erin Go Bragh competed at the Advanced level with Carol Kozlowski in 1998 and 1999, and Breyer Animal Creations made a model of the bay stallion in 1998. Holding his own against the larger eventing horses, Erin Go Bragh, a Connemara Pony, is just one example of the incredible talents of this…

Many riding camps offer campers the option of bringing home a camp horse at the end of the summer. Camps save on the upkeep costs of their horses, and some lucky campers get to enjoy having “a horse of their own” for the year until it’s time for the horse to return to the camp in the early summer. But is bringing home a camp horse a good option for your…

Is your horse's topline lacking? A good topline both improves a horse's appearance and makes it easier for him to carry himself properly. If you're looking to develop and strengthen your horse’s topline, these exercises can help you do that.

Before You Start

Before you begin working on your horse’s topline, remember that for these exercises to be…

Are you envious of other horses at your barn with long, full tails? While some horses and breeds are genetically predisposed to having thinner tails than others, there are a number of ways you can encourage fuller, healthier tail growth on your horse.

Start With Nutrition

The quality of your horse’s coat and his tail hair are closely linked to his health…

The horse world was vastly different in the early 20^th century. Warrenton, Virginia was famous for breeding and show hunters, and equine enthusiasts traveled to the area for the quality horses that were bred and trained.

In 1899, Warrenton horsemen Julian Kieth and Charlie Smith decided to hold a Warrenton horse show. They…

If you have a horse who "gets fat on air" in your barn, then you are well acquainted with the "easy keeper." Making sure that your easy keeper stays at a healthy weight can become a particular challenge during the summer, when pastures are lush. Need some help? Here are some ideas. Use a Muzzle

Lush pastures and an easy keeper generally mean an overweight…