When a horse breathes out rapidly through its nostrils and makes a light snort sound, they’re likely happy. This is often a sign that a horse is relaxed and satisfied. The horse may make this sound while they’re being ridden or interacting with a person or another horse. Pay attention Read more…
Horses are gentle, smart animals. Stunningly beautiful and with an air of dignity, they have been valued by humankind for many centuries now. Whether used as means of transportation, in agriculture or in competitions, horses have proven themselves to be loyal and hard working creatures. Are horses nice to humans? Read more…
A few hours of riding can leave your body feeling tired and sore. 6 Ways to Recover and Relax After Riding Treat Yourself to a Warm Bath. Reduce Muscle Fatigue With Gentle Yoga. Have a Nutritious Snack. Drink Plenty of Fluids. Take a Rejuvenating Nap. How do you get rid Read more…
Did you know… that horses are actually incapable of “respecting” you? They can learn to not rear, bite, kick etc… but “respect” plays no part in the equation. Respect is a human state of mind, a human attribute. A horse learns what works and doesn’t work, a horse does what Read more…
Horses Are Expensive Horses require many expensive accessories. While buckets, brushes, saddles, and reins are fixed investments that will last for quite some time, there are other costs that will be ongoing such as lodging, food, horseshoes, and veterinary care. What are the pros and cons of horses? The pros Read more…
Quarter horses have easy-going personalities and are highly trainable. Friendly and loyal, they make great family horses. What is the most trainable horse breed? Breeds like Morgans and American paint horses tend to be attentive and easier to train—essential characteristics that suit novice riders. What is the most well behaved Read more…
A. Soring is the unethical and illegal1 practice of deliberately inflicting pain to exaggerate the leg motion of horses to gain an unfair advantage in the show ring. How do you sore a horse? Soring involves the intentional infliction of pain to a horse’s legs or hooves in order to Read more…
Illness, Discomfort, or Infection Sometimes horses bite because they’re ill or uncomfortable. Before administering punishment for biting, make sure your horse is healthy, especially if this behavior has come on suddenly and is out of character for your horse. Why has my horse suddenly started biting? Horse Biting Out of Read more…
Horses can develop stereotypies because of fear, frustration1, genetics, or due to a disorder of the nervous system2. Behaviours that are reinforced and goal-directed are not stereotypies. What is a stereotype in horses? Stereotypies are repetitive behaviors with no apparent goal or function. Common stereotypies include crib-biting, weaving, and stall-walking. Read more…
Most riders agree that bits can cause pain to horses. A too-severe bit in the wrong hands, or even a soft one in rough or inexperienced hands, is a well-known cause of rubs, cuts and soreness in a horse’s mouth. Dr. Cook’s research suggests the damage may go even deeper Read more…