It’s well known that any horse, no matter what discipline, can benefit from dressage. But putting your horse into full dressage training isn't practical for many riders. So we’ve decided to bring the dressage to you: this new series of mini-lessons will give you dressage exercises you can work on with your horse at home to better develop his performance in your regular…

Have you ever encountered hock sores on your horse? Hock sores show up as irritated areas on your horse's hocks where the hair has been rubbed off, and sometimes where the skin has been rubbed open. Resulting from your horse’s hock pressing into or rubbing against the ground or the bottom of his stall when he lies down, hock sores are sensitive and may even…

Have you ever been lucky enough to meet a Percheron? Standing next to these gentle giants is inspiring and moving. The Percheron is an incredible breed that originated centuries ago.

History

While the Percheron originated in France, its exact ancient ancestry is unknown. There are a number of theories as to the breed’s origin, including that Muslim invaders may have…

To buy or build: that is the question. Whether or not to buy an existing barn or to build one to meet your specifications is a question that every barn owner has faced. There are advantages and disadvantages to each route, and ultimately the decision needs to be based on your own situation, needs, and wants. Are you trying to decide whether to build or buy a barn? You’ll…

There are all sorts of exercises designed to make you a better rider. From riding in two-point to riding without stirrups, the varieties are endless. But have you ever thought about riding bareback instead? Bareback riding has its own unique set of advantages that can help with your development and improvement as a rider. Here’s why.

Develop the Right…

Putting your horse onto someone else's trailer to be shipped cross-country can be worrisome at the least. When hiring a cross-country shipper, it’s important to hire someone who is experienced, reliable, and trustworthy. But there’s more that goes into the package. Looking to hire a long-distance shipper for your horse? Here’s how.…

Olympic-caliber horses and riders will return to New York City this August for the first time since 2001. The first-ever Central Park Horse Show is scheduled to run from September 18^th through September 21^st. During that time the competition will feature a variety of…

Are you looking for a new horse? Adopting a horse from a horse rescue can be a great idea, depending on just what you’re looking for in your new horse. Have you considered adopting a rescue horse? Here are a few reasons why you might want to do just that.

Help Horses in Need

When you adopt a horse from a rescue, you’re providing a good home…

Do you find yourself wanting to give a new discipline a try? Making the leap to a new discipline is an exciting, and sometimes stressful, time. If you’re toying with the idea of changing to a new discipline, here are some ways to help make the transition go smoothly.

Evaluate Whether Your Horse Can Go With You

Do you dream of trying a new…

Do you have an extra saddle sitting around in your tack room? Chances are there’s a rider out there who could put that saddle to good use while putting a little extra cash in your pocket. Thanks to the internet, selling a saddle online isn’t particularly difficult. These tips will get you started.

Clean and Evaluate Your Saddle

Before you list your…

Have you ever heard of the Trait du Nord? This beautiful draft breed originated in the 1800s, yet it is endangered today and its future remains uncertain.

History

The Trait du Nord originated in the grasslands of the southern Netherlands, northern France, and throughout Belgium. Its…

When you’re building a barn on limited acreage, planning the layout of your property is all the more important. You can keep horses on limited acreage, but you will need to be sure to make good use of the space. Working with a small piece of land? These tips will get you started.

Decide How Small Is Too Small

While you can certainly keep horses on…

Have you ever ridden to music? At first glance, riding to music might seem like an unnecessary distraction for the rider, but it actually has a number of advantages. So whether you have speakers in your arena or would have to rely on your iPod (use external speakers, not ear buds, when riding), here’s why you might want to start up the tunes when you…

You've just purchased a new pair of tall boots – congratulations! Now the oh-so-fun process of breaking them in begins. Breaking in tall boots is uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and even a bit frustrating. It takes some time. However, there are a few things you can do to help speed the process along.

Wear Heel Lifts

It’s generally recommended to…

Whereas many racehorses are renowned for their incredible winning careers, there’s one racehorse who is known for just the opposite. Zippy Chippy, a 1991 Thoroughbred gelding, lost an incredible 100 races during his racing career, the 100^th race being at the Northampton Fair in Northampton, Massachusetts on September 10,…

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…