Blog

Horses

What Should You Pay for a Horse?

Picture of a trail riding horse. Average horse costs for these type are typically more reasonable.

Are you thinking about buying a horse and wondering how the numbers work? Before you base your decision on price alone, remember that the horse with the lowest asking price isn’t always the bargain. A calm, sound horse that suits…

Miles Henry

Draft Horses

From Draft Teams to Ranch Horses: Which Breed Fits the Job?

Say “work horse” and most people picture a team of Belgians leaning into a plow. But a Quarter Horse sorting cattle, a police horse on a city street, and a pack horse hauling gear into the backcountry are working horses…

Miles Henry

Cowboy boots

Flat Feet? What I’d Check Before Buying Cowboy Boots

Finding cowboy boots for flat feet takes more than a quick try-on in the store. A pair that feels fine at first can leave your arches or insteps aching a few hours later. The trick is finding a comfortable fit…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

How Much Is a Real Cowboy Hat? What It Costs and What’s Worth Buying

How much is a real cowboy hat, and how do you tell one from a costume-shop knockoff? It comes down to the material and how it’s built — straw vs felt, cheap vs expensive, and which one actually makes sense…

Miles Henry

Cowboy boots

What Are Real Cowboy Boots? A Comprehensive Guide

Real cowboy boots, essential for any horse rider, are distinct from other equestrian footwear. Characterized by high shafts, they offer protection against brush and saddle chafing, while their heels prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrups. Often adorned with…

Miles Henry

Horses

The Horseman’s Guide to Lunging: What Every Owner Should Know

Picture of an equestrian lunging a horse.

I use lunging to start young horses, settle fresh ones, and check how a horse is moving before I ever put a rider on. What does “lunging a horse” mean? Lunging is a groundwork exercise where a horse moves in…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Pommel or Cantle? Which Saddle Bag Fits Your Trail Ride?

Pommel and cantle bags give you a place to carry water, snacks, and a hoof pick on a trail ride. But which style fits your saddle and the gear you need? If you ride English, there’s no horn to hang…

Miles Henry

Horses

Horse Commands Every Rider Should Know

Picture of a girl working on horse commands.

Basic horse riding cues are the way you use your seat, legs, hands, and voice to tell the horse where you want him to go and how you want him to carry himself. When a horse understands these signals, transitions…

Miles Henry

Horses

Ready to Canter? How to Feel Balanced on Your Horse

Picture of a horse traveling in a canter.

Cantering for the first time can feel intimidating. Your instructor says you’re ready, but you’re picturing yourself tensing up, bouncing, or grabbing the reins. Knowing what to expect—and how to follow the horse’s movement—can help you feel more prepared. Quick…

Miles Henry

Racehorse Health

Cooling Sheets for Horses: Real-World Summer Cool Down Guide + Barn Tips

This July, a three-year-old Thoroughbred filly came back from a five-furlong breeze looking like she’d been swimming. The temperature was 102°F, with a heat index north of 110°F, and the humidity was so heavy that sweat just sat on her.…

Miles Henry

About Horse Racing Sense