Turnout is the act of taking a horse from its stall to a dedicated pasture or field. Turning out your horses on a regular basis allows them to maintain their health through exercise, play, and social interaction with other horses. Why is horse turnout important? Turnout provides ample time to Read more…
4 inches. A horse’s height is measured in ‘hands’ which is a measuring unit of 4 inches. The horse is measured from the ground to the highest point of the withers. What does 14 hands mean for a horse? In English–speaking countries, horses are measured in “hands,” or four–inch increments, Read more…
If you decide that working the horse is the best course of action, do lots of walk work and stretching on the ground. I generally don’t ride a stiff horse unless I can get him close to normal first. Yield his shoulders and haunches a few times. Note where the Read more…
Trailers – if travelling one horse, load them on the right-hand side of the trailer. If travelling two horses, the heavier horse should be on the right. What side should horse be on in trailer? If you are only hauling one horse in a two horse straight load, put him Read more…
7 Tips to Ride with a Soft and Following Hand Follow the horse with your hands (literally) Always Keep your Hands At or Above the Withers. Hold the Reins Correctly. Never Cross the Neck-line with Either Hand! Find the Feel to Ride with a Correct Following Hand Position. Use a Read more…
Reins are items of horse tack, used to direct a horse or other animal used for riding. They are long straps that can be made of leather, nylon, metal, or other materials, and attach to a bridle via either its bit or its noseband. Does it hurt a horse when Read more…
The rein back is useful for teaching the horse to engage the hind end and carry more weight behind, which is key to improving the general way of going. It’s also a good test of whether the horse understands and accepts the basic leg, seat, and hand aid, which work Read more…
Steering a horse means walking or running with your horse. Like riding a bicycle, you have to move your body to control how your horse will walk or run. Every movement you make while on the horse determines what your horse will do. Can you steer a horse without a Read more…
The moment your horse pins his ears, say “NO” in a sharp, stern tone. Take charge with your voice, then immediately physically make him do something else, such as a gait change, to redirect his concentration and change his focus. Why does my horse pin her ears at me? A Read more…
Steering a horse means walking or running with your horse. Like riding a bicycle, you have to move your body to control how your horse will walk or run. How do you steer and stop a horse? To control and steer a horse using your seat and legs, relax in Read more…