Innehållsförteckning för Summer 2025 från Horse & Rider

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO take a few steps back before you can move forward. That’s what I kept telling myself after a day of riding with Devin Warren. I’d been talking to him about how well things had been going with my horse—until they weren’t. Suddenly, we were butting heads over things that hadn’t been an issue in months, maybe even years. It felt like we’d hit a wall. Slow It Down The first thing he told me to do was slow everything down. Two weeks earlier, I’d been working on spins and sliding stops, but now all I was focused on was loping a circle. There was a lost in translation happening, and before I could go back to the fun stuff, I needed to take it a step…

Finally, summertime! It’s time to enjoy adventures and shows with your horse. But first, you have to get there. Traveling with horses during the summer months can present a unique set of challenges. While it may seem as simple as throwing them in the trailer and hitting the road, heat and humidity can affect your horse’s health and comfort, particularly when confined for extended periods. Before You Hit the Road The journey begins before you load your horse onto the trailer. Here’s how to set the stage for a safer, more comfortable trip: Schedule travel wisely. Avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or late evening departures can keep you from traveling during the hottest parts of the day. Plan stops along your route to break up long…

Be Gone, Bugs! Flies aren’t just annoying, they can cause stress, discomfort, and even spread harmful diseases. The Equinavia Brisk Fly Sheet ($79.99; equinavia.com) offers effective, full-body protection during peak fly season. Its breathable micro-mesh fabric acts as a barrier against biting insects while allowing air to circulate, helping prevent irritation and overheating. The extended drop, tail flap, and secure fit offer full-coverage protection, so your horse can enjoy turnout without constant swishing and stomping. And the detachable neck cover is easy to add or remove as needed, offering targeted protection when flies are at their worst. More Fly Fixes Essential products to keep your horse protected from pests, head to hoof. 1. Smart Fly Defense This water-based formula works differently from traditional fly sprays by disrupting the insects’ homing…

PRIVATE LESSON / PROBLEM SOLVED / CONFIDENT RIDER / RAISING RIDERS / CONFORMATION CLINIC SUMMERTIME MEANS more time spent out on the trail. But sooner or later, you’ll come across an obstacle your horse isn’t too sure about. Do you know how to handle those spooky situations? In this article, we’ll walk you through how to safely approach intimidating trail obstacles, like water crossings, to keep both you and your horse confident and secure. Having control of your horse’s feet is key to staying safe on the trail. When your horse is unsure or spooked by an obstacle, not having that control can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. That’s why I like to simulate trail scenarios at home, so I can work through them with my horse in a…

When a family faces a sudden loss, friends—and even friendly strangers—step up to help pick up the pieces. At the end of January 2025, Ximena Herriges-Dalsing received a call from Ashley Early. Early’s lifelong family friend had succumbed to cancer, and the family didn’t know what to do with the horses left behind. Being newer to horses herself, Early looked to the barn owner and operator where her niece takes lessons for insight. “I’ve never owned a horse, but I’ve always loved them,” Early shared. “My niece’s coach suggested Vindicate Horse Rescue & Training. They were amazing—I couldn’t have done this without them.” The eastern Washington winter didn’t make it easy to get the horses to their new temporary home at Northwest Trails in Deer Park. “We were in a…

TRAVEL Las Vegas, Nevada WHAT National Stock Horse Association Vegas Show WHEN August 19-25, 2025 Watch Stock Horses Shine Under Bright Lights of Vegas The highly anticipated National Stock Horse Association (NSHA) Vegas Horse Show will take place August 19–25 at the iconic South Point Equestrian Center. The event draws some of the top riders in the country to compete for big money in reined cow horse events, including the fence work, a crowd favorite (nationalstockhorse.com). TRAVEL Nevada Held under the Vegas lights, this event features riders from across the country, competing for a check in a variety of classes. With a futurity, derby, and open class, expect to see a field of horses varying in ages and training, as they slide, stop, turn, and cut a cow. Among the excitement…

1. Leather Halter This soft, padded-leather halter brings together premium craftsmanship and standout style. Handmade by skilled Amish artisans, it features high-quality leather, durable hardware, and soft contrasting padding for comfort on sensitive areas. With adjustable fit points and a variety of color options, it’s designed to match your barn colors. $109.95; smartpakequine.com. 2. Oak Leaf Spur Straps Shaped like an oak leaf for a one-of-a-kind look, these spur straps are crafted from natural skirting leather with quilted tooling, checkerboard dye, and dyed edges. Stainless-steel buckles and adjustable sizing ensure a secure fit on any boot. $119.99; martinsaddlery.com. 3. Handcrafted Headstall Handcrafted from rich chestnut leather, this headstall features an intricately carved floral design highlighted with black stain for added depth. Genuine cowhide and stainless-steel hardware ensure durability. $53.99; weaverequine.com.…

Bridling is a basic part of everyday riding, which might mean you don’t pay much attention to it. However, when you lose focus on even the most routine task, it can lead to bad habits that grow into big problems. Here I’ll share a few common bad habits I see and then detail proper bridling technique that keeps your horse in a positive frame of mind for the ride ahead. Minor Mistakes = Big Problems At its base, bridling is simple. Grab the bridle, take off the halter, put on the bridle. The problem can come in your approach and subtle technique adjustments that annoy or even cause your horse discomfort and irritation. Don’t rush the process. Just because you failed to plan and are in a hurry doesn’t mean…