When a riding barn asks whether you want English or Western lessons, it can sound like you’re being asked to pick between two completely different sports. And if you’ve ridden one way for years, you may be wondering what really changes when you switch saddles. Quick answer: English riding typically uses a smaller, close-contact saddle …
You find yourself watching young riders at an equestrian facility. A sense of excitement and nervousness wash over you as you contemplate – learning to ride a horse. You’ve always dreamed of participating in equestrian events. But you can’t help but wonder – is horse riding really as hard to learn? Horse riding can be …
After completing a horseback ride, my niece mentioned experiencing muscle soreness in areas she was previously unaware of. Despite this, she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and now wishes to ride horses regularly. She has asked me for suggestions on exercises to help improve her riding form and ways to learn the proper seat position while …
The high price of gas has everyone in a panic. I even heard some jokes about getting a horse to ride around to save money. But horse owners know that no matter how high gas is, it’s still cheaper to fill up a car than own a horse. So, what makes horse riding expensive? Horse …
If you are in the beginning stages of horse riding, you may wonder why it’s important to post in the trot, you may be lucky enough to have an older horse that sits as comfortably as a sofa, and you can easily sit the trot. Still, I have ridden many different horses, and not all …
There is a big debate in the horseback riding community about whether or not you should wear sunglasses while riding. Some people swear by them, while others say they are dangerous and can cause accidents. So, what is the truth? Can you wear sunglasses while horseback riding? Wearing sunglasses while horseback riding is a great …
The anticipation is palpable as you walk up to your horse, leading it with a gentle tug on the reins. You spent many hours training your horse for what will surely be an unforgettable first ride. You’re almost there, so take one more deep breath and get in the saddle. To ride a horse for …
What was once an exclusive sport for the rich, horse polo, is now accessible to the average person. But why should anyone want to get involved in the sport in the first place? This article highlights several essential health benefits of playing polo. Playing polo has many benefits; aside from obviously burning calories, polo is …
A horse is a prey animal, so carrying a rider on its back is not natural — it is learned behavior built through gradual exposure, clear cues, and a relationship the horse accepts over time. This article combines equine research with more than 30 years of hands-on experience starting young horses in a Louisiana racing …
For many horse owners, pregnancy brings up a hard question: can I still ride my horse? You may know your horse inside and out, feel balanced in the saddle, and have years of uneventful rides behind you. But even the quietest horse can trip, spook, slip, or react before a rider has time to prevent …