What Is Cross-Training for Horses? Cross-training involves varying a horse’s routine by incorporating different exercises and environments to keep things interesting. It provides physical and mental benefits that can enhance your horse’s performance and overall well-being. Improved Fitness Doing the same routine day after day can cause a horse to plateau. Cross-training introduces new challenges […]
The Social Nature of Horses Horses are highly social animals that form close bonds with members of their herd. ###They seek companionship and become stressed when isolated from other horses. Your horse depends on you and considers you part of its herd, so spend plenty of quality time with your horse every day with grooming, […]
Choosing the Right Horse for Trail Riding Find a Steady, Experienced Mount For enjoyable trail adventures, choose a horse with experience riding on rough or uneven terrain. A steady, older horse will handle obstacles and scary situations much better than a younger, spookier one. Look for a horse advertised as a “seasoned trail horse” or […]
Identifying Common Riding Problems Lack of Balance If you find yourself constantly tipping to one side or the other, you likely have an balance issue. This can make stopping, turning and changing speeds feel unstable. Work on exercises like riding one-handed, weaving cones and figure eights to improve core strength and coordination. Poor Posture How […]
Spend Time With Your Horse Daily The simplest way to build trust with your horse is by spending time together each day.### Make a habit of visiting your horse. Head out to the stables at the same time daily to feed, groom, and chat with your horse. Horses are creatures of habit and will come […]
Those First Unsteady Steps: Your Foal’s First Year The First Few Days: A World of Discovery Those first few days of your foal’s life are filled with many firsts. Fresh from the womb, everything in the world is new and exciting. Their unfocused eyes slowly adjust to the light while their wobbly legs struggle to […]
The Origins and History of Dressage Dressage has a long and storied history spanning over 2,000 years. The earliest known riders rode without saddles or bridles, communicating with their horses through subtle shifts in balance and weight. ###The Ancient Greeks were the first to develop an early form of dressage riding as part of their […]
Finding the Right Instructor for Riding Lessons Look for experience and credentials. When searching for an instructor, make sure they have extensive experience teaching beginners and are properly certified. Ask about their background, how long they’ve been teaching, and what certifications they hold. The ideal instructor will have years of experience and be certified by […]
Recognizing Common Horse Injuries Lacerations and Cuts If your horse has a cut or laceration, check how deep and serious it is. Minor surface cuts can be cleaned and bandaged, but deeper cuts require veterinary attention. Look for swelling, bleeding, or visible fat or muscle tissue. Call the vet immediately if it’s on the legs, […]
Understanding Equine Stress: Causes and Signs Horses, like humans, can experience stress for many reasons.###Common causes of stress in horses include: Environmental changes: Moving to a new stable, loss of a companion, or disruption of routine can stress out horses. They are creatures of habit and prefer stability. Health issues: Pain, illness, or injury can […]
