In every issue of Horse & Rider you'll find articles on training by the country's leading experts, the latest on equine health care from top veterinarians, trail riding tips from savvy back country riders, and much more!
When I’m working with a young horse, there are several fundamentals that I like to work on before I ever attempt working a cow. One of those things is making sure that my horse is following his nose and freed up in his shoulder when I ask him to turn. To work on that, I like to incorporate a circle drill into my routine that teaches my horse to listen to my hand, leg, and body cues, while also teaching him to follow his nose and move his feet. While the focus of this drill is on the turn, it also gives me a chance to check in with my horse to see how he guides in a circle. I can see where he wants to lean on me, and…
When it comes to competition, some people purchase prospects with the goal of competing in certain age events with them. For example, the National Reining Horse Association has an event for 3-year-old horses that’s considered to be one of the top reining competitions in the country. So it’s very common for people to look at yearling and 2-year-old prospects with the goal of competing at that event. However, it’s also important to let your horse develop at his own pace. While he might be showing potential early in his life, it’s never a good idea to try to push him past what he’s physically and mentally capable of doing so you can compete at an event. Understand Your Horse Just like people, each horse learns differently. You need to study…
With good reason, trail riders are preoccupied with spooking. Some ask for a “spookproof” or “bomb-proof” mount. When I’m faced with that particular request from a prospective buyer, I have to choke back sarcasm. I want to say, “Wouldn’t you rather have a spooky horse that’s actually alive?” As prey animals, horses have survived only because of their ingrained instinct to spook. Their ability to jerk all their muscular capacity into a nearly instantaneous response to a perceived threat is their stock in trade. Besides, you spook, don’t you? Humans may be predators rather than prey, but when someone sneaks up behind you wearing a Halloween mask and lets out a great scream, you jump. That’s a spook. Adrenalin rushes into your body, and your heart rate jumps. What you…
Why do colts, and some fillies, act out? A young horse’s behavior can cause injuries to you, other people, and himself, and becomes more dangerous as he grows. Learn what’s behind these behaviors and what can be done about them while staying safe. With great anticipation and hopes for the future, we welcome young horses into the world and into our lives. Getting that youngster from newborn foal to reliable riding partner is a journey requiring time, effort, knowledge, patience, and in many cases, fortitude. A young horse will test you, and if you’ve never raised one before, you’ll need to be prepared. As horses are all individuals, your experience with your youngster may vary from some others, but there are a few behaviors you are almost certain to encounter…
