Imagine the lecture I heard on the way home.

Yesterday the Minnesota Monsoon stopped long enough for us to take little spin in Wolsfeld Woods. A spring foray into nature’s beauty promised a relaxing hike through the trilliums. At least that’s what Madam intended, until we met with the first surprise. It was then I remembered that spring trail riding was a bit like a good poker game, dandy…

Hi Julie,

I came across a book recently that talked about the comfort snaffle. I was surprised to learn that snaffles are not exactly what they are supposed to be and some bits that I thought were snaffles (like the Tom Thumb) are not snaffles, nor are they mild. I have noticed at times some of our horses pulling on the reins and opening their mouths. From what I read it was saying that…

So you've tried dressage, maybe even attended your first dressage show, and now you're hooked. It’s one of the fastest growing events in equestrian sports, so you are not alone. When it comes to making the switch to dressage, not all horses are created equal. Some are better suited conformationally and in…

Dear Julie,

I am currently schooling and riding in a D-ring snaffle bit. I want to start training for Western Pleasure. What kind of shank bit do you recommend for the transition?

Thanks,

Kim





Kim,

In most rule books, horses six years old and up are required to show Western in a curb bit. Horses five and under can be ridden two-handed in a snaffle. As the horse advances in his training and you are doing more advanced stuff, your horse will probably work…