Innehållsförteckning för Fall 2023 från Practical Horseman

When I read “50 Tips to Be a Better Horseperson: Training Edition” (page 25), the very first tip from legendary rider Rodney Jenkins stood out for me. Rodney explains that when going around a corner on course, horses’ strides shorten and riders usually wait too late to ask them to lengthen. This was the case with a hunter, Viewfinder, whom I rode years ago. He was a wonderful Thoroughbred who jumped with his knees near his eyeballs, especially over oxers at the ends of the lines. But sometimes on landing, when “Boris” was particularly pleased with himself, he sped up quickly toward the ends of the arena in racehorse mode. As you can imagine, I became hesitant to put my leg on him around the short side. One day a…

Brought to you by The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, held July 19–July 23, 2023, is a destination event for riders, trainers and spectators. Held in view of Glacier National Park, the event allows many to compete and then vacation in one of the U.S.’ most beautiful areas. With shopping, food trucks and children’s activities, the event is also a great local draw for families. Beyond that, the competition is a fundraiser for the Halt Cancer at X Grant Program. In memory of The Event’s founder, Rebecca Broussard, her daughter Sarah Broussard launched the charitable initiative in 2012 to raise funds for breast cancer research. At the end of the competition, it was announced that Montana Equestrian Events, which manages The Event, has awarded over $1 million in…

I ronically, one of the worst starvation cases Aiken Equine Rescue has taken in arrived I at the organization’s South Carolina farm in November 2020, close to Thanksgiving. The staff and volunteers named him Pilgrim. Pilgrim’s gaunt frame was covered in rain rot and infection. He had open sores and large scabbed areas over his entire body. He had so many issues related to starvation, weakness, decreased immunity, hypothermia and gastrointestinal problems, which led to severe bouts of colic. He suffered from extreme dental problems as well as hoof deterioration. Physically, he was struggling and very uncomfortable. Mentally, Pilgrim feared humans and was difficult to handle. The staff and volunteers offered him kindness and slowly built his trust. Dental problems made eating traditional feed difficult, but Pilgrim slowly improved. As…

Since launching in 1973, Practical Horseman has been bringing readers knowledge on riding, training and care from some of the biggest names in the sport of show jumping. PH has followed these experts’ achievements in the most prestigious competitions worldwide—the Olympics, World Equestrian Games and World Cup. In turn, they’ve shared insights into their systems. These have included how they troubleshot training challenges and developed the horses that got them to the top. PH has always included a wide variety of educational stories—whether it be how to ride a winning jump-off, prolong a horse’s jumping career or simply build a better partnership. Olympic Ups and Downs • The October 1984 issue reported on the Los Angeles Olympics, where the U.S. secured its first ever team gold medal in show jumping.…

"It’s good, but you can make it better.” This was a phrase heard repeatedly from Steffen Peters at a two-day clinic at Raven Hill Farms in Florida, New York. The five-time Olympian coached a group of talented horses and riders, but his keen eye for the details and refusal to compromise helped them develop even more quality. There were some common themes among the rides with tips and perspectives that can be utilized regardless of the horse and rider’s level of training. Mindful Training Throughout the event, Peters stressed thinking like a horse instead of like a human. Often, things are logical to a horse that the rider may not consider. For example, after doing exciting canter work or flying changes, the horse may need some time to settle into…

This is a very unusual column. Normally I comment on a picture to help and find ways for a successful future. Sadly, Kristie Lutz and Kennedy cannot do this. As Lutz wrote, “Kennedy was an 11-year-old American Warmblood and my best friend. I lost her to health issues a few months ago. She was schooling Fourth Level and showing Third. She was my heart horse and the most amazing mare I’ve ever had the experience of enjoying. She was an orphan foal (Premarin® baby) and came a long way from the rescue she was. I hope we can be chosen for your submission photo. It would mean so much to me to honor her memory.” But understanding and learning from the past is one of the keys to life. It…

• “Trick For a Trim Looking Tail,” (at right) was one of the first grooming articles geared toward show jumpers (May 1973). • An August 1973 article entitled, “Show Jumping: Where Is It Heading?” featured a discussion on the “rapidly expanding sport of show jumping.” Part of the article focused on modeling grand prix jumping after competitions in Europe. Experts interviewed included trainer Jerry Baker, who introduced grand prix show jumping to the United States and created the American Gold Cup. Another interview was with Harry Gill, the owner of the most successful string of jumpers in the U.S., including Idle Dice. The article also featured Leonard King, a “new breed of men entering the horse show world as investors.” • The “practical” in Practical Horseman has been evident throughout…

Focusing on the details of riding correctly shaped 20-meter circles is important for two reasons: Firstly, if you don’t ride accurate 20-meter circles in your dressage test, you’re throwing away points. The less accurate the shape of your circle in competition, the more the dressage judge will penalize you. Secondly, riding a correctly shaped 20-meter circle helps your horse achieve the right balance for his level of training (see “The Right Balance,” page 44, for more on balance). I have an exercise that I use with my less-experienced students and young horses to give them the feeling of riding accurate 20-meter circles. It involves setting markers at four points on a 20-meter circle. I also use two additional markers to delineate the corners. This helps riders feel the difference between…

I magine the bit being in front of your horse’s mouth. Instead of pulling back, you want to push him forward into the bit for a softer, springier horse.—Phillip Dutton Seven-time Olympic eventer Phillip Dutton won Olympic team gold medals at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics and individual bronze at the 2016 Games. He has competed in seven World Championships and won two U.S. team Pan American gold medals in 2007 and 2015. He is based out of True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania, and Buck Ridge Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida.…