It presents step by-step training programs and showing advice from recognized experts in hunters, jumpers, equitation, dressage, and eventing, along with money- and time-saving ideas on health care and stable management.
About a year ago, I changed my eating habits because I’d been feeling lethargic and unfocused. Following a system based on improving a person’s blood-sugar level, I limited sugar and carbohydrates and increased vegetables, protein, good fat and water intake. In a short period of time, I felt significantly better—I had a lot more energy and felt more clear-headed. The changes made me realize just how much my diet impacts my health and general well-being. Though it probably should have occurred to me earlier, when I read this month’s article “Fueling the Sporthorse,” page 48, I realized that just as diet affects how I feel, it can also significantly affect horses, especially in terms of how they perform. In the article, Drs. Katie Young and Karen Davison share the complicated…
It is with the highest respect that I submit a minor correction to the September 2015 issue’s Jumping Clinic with George Morris. The second “narrow-barreled Appaloosa” is, in my eyes, an excellent example of a Pony of the Americas. As an amateur adult owner of one of these athletic and affable ponies, I consider myself a proud proponent of this breed. These ponies have been bred for generations to be the ideal child and family horse and help build on the principle of introducing children to horses in a fun, positive way. They are not little Appaloosas. I believe the pony featured is a lovely example of what POAs have to offer. Adrienne Brant-Ruther, via email I just received my issue of Practical Horseman with the Salute to the Thoroughbred…
George H. Morris is the former chef d’équipe of the U.S. Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Team. He serves on the USEF National Jumper Committee and Planning Committee, is an adviser to the USEF High-Performance Show Jumping Committee and is president of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. 1 Crossrails have two training advantages: They are low and they invite the horse to jump the center of the fence straight. A rider can work on many things—position, finding the takeoff spot, rhythm, etc. Our first rider should continue to work over them until she solidifies her leg. Her heel is up and she is pinching with her knee, causing her leg to swing back. She needs to practice trotting and cantering low fences in two-point putting her heels down. In the…
To learn about Julie’s evaluation philosophy and to see an example of how to best present your horse for this column, visit www.PracticalHorsemanMag.com. Whether I am judging a model class, evaluating a prospect for a client or sizing up the yearlings at home, I first stand back and look for an overall impression of balance and symmetry. My ideal horse “fits” in a square box. By that, I mean he is defined by matching and equal parts, both front to back and side to side. This allows for athletic ability, soundness, trainability and longevity in the job. A horse who fits in a box will have a body that is made up of one-third shoulder, one-third back and one-third hindquarters. I like to see the withers and point of croup…
Based at Fox Covert Farm, in Upperville, Virginia, Jim Wofford competed in three Olympics and two World Championships and won the U.S. National Championship five times. He is also a highly respected coach. For more on Jim, go to www.jimwofford.blogspot.com. Your first lessons on horseback are typically difficult, but after you get a few hours in the saddle, they are usually fun. There are few greater pleasures than applying a new skill or technique to a riding situation and getting the desired response from your horse. However, there are certain learning speed bumps in all three classic disciplines that you are likely to hit as you develop your skills. Let’s talk about these speed bumps, how to get over them and how to speed up your learning curve again. You…
An equestrian mental skills coach and A-circuit competitor, Tonya Johnston has a master’s degree in sport psychology. Her book, Inside Your Ride: Mental Skills for Being Happy and Successful with Your Horse, is available in paperback or e-book edition. For more info on Tonya’s work, go to www.TonyaJohnston.com. Have you ever had a fabulous day where you felt in sync and confident with your horse, and the very next day scrunched your face in exasperation when it felt like you couldn’t ride your way out of a paper bag? It may feel bewildering to go so quickly from one extreme to another. The thing to remember is that your preparation, inspiration and focus all help to create those great days; they don’t just happen when the stars align or because…
