When my grandson visits, he helps groom our horses. He recently asked me to teach him how to care for his horse’s hooves, so I did, and I also decided to put some information together for other new horse owners. We groom our horses every day, including caring for their hooves. Thorough daily grooming helps …
If you’re buying a riding helmet for a child, I wouldn’t start with color or price. I’d start with certification, fit, and whether the helmet is actually sized to suit your child’s head. Look for ASTM/SEI certification and a helmet that fits your child’s actual head measurement – not simply the smallest version of an …
Ariat makes several steel-toe work boots that look similar at first glance, but they do not wear the same through a long day. The wrong pair can leave your feet hurting on concrete, feel too heavy for everyday barn chores, or wear out faster than you expected once mud, manure, fencing, and farm work get …
A friend brought her teenage daughter over to ride one of our horses. She had ridden before, but that day she was nervous. The horse acted differently with her – less willing to move forward, more fidgety, and harder to steer than usual. Afterward, her mother asked me a question I have heard plenty of …
As someone who wears cowboy boots daily, I’ve experienced the challenge of finding a pair that fits comfortably, especially with wider feet. To assist others facing this issue, I’ve conducted extensive research, consulting reputable sources and drawing from personal experience. In this guide, we’ll explore top picks from well-known brands like Tony Lama and Ariat, …
When my daughter finally got her own horse after six years of asking, she wanted to know whether saddles are actually bad for horses. It’s a fair question – plenty of people saddle up because that’s what horse people do, without stopping to ask what the horse feels underneath it. A well-fitted saddle isn’t bad …
The first time most people feel their heel lift in a new pair of cowboy boots, they assume something’s wrong. It usually isn’t. A little heel lift is normal in a new pair of cowboy boots. Your heel may lift slightly as you walk while the sole begins to flex and the leather starts to …
Dressage is built around progressively training a horse to perform movements that show balance, obedience, suppleness, and collection. But some practices used in the sport have created real, documented welfare concerns. After decades around horses, including time watching dressage shows and training sessions, I have learned that the better question is not “Is dressage cruel?” …
Most horse owners who suspect fleas are actually dealing with lice, mites, or ticks — the symptoms are nearly identical, and fleas are the least likely culprit of the four. Knowing which external parasite you’re actually dealing with matters because the treatment differs significantly for each one, and some require a prescription. Do horses get …
My grandson pointed to the inside of our mare’s leg and asked what that hard, crusty patch was. It was a good question, because most horse owners notice chestnuts long before they know what they are called. The hard, leathery patch on the inside of a horse’s leg is called a chestnut. An ergot is …
