There was a time when the American West was wild and lawless. Cowboys roamed the land, pushing cattle, and defending their territory. Their lives were rough, and they depended on their horses to help them survive. So, what kind of horses did cowboys ride in the old west? The American Quarter Horse was the breed …
I was leading my new horse from the walker to the barn when a came around the corner. The poor thing was so scared that he reared up and started pulling me. I know horses are skittish when they get to a new home, but I still wonder why they are so easily spooked. Horses …
India’s native horse breeds are more than just animals; they are living symbols of the country’s rich history and diverse cultures. Though vital to their native regions, many of these breeds remain unknown internationally, and some are at risk of extinction. This article explores distinctive breeds such as the Marwari, renowned for its loyalty and …
Should I feed my horse once or twice a day? I often get asked this question, and it’s not easily answered. There are basic horse feeding principles, but you have to be flexible because some horses’ dietary needs are different than others. Feeding a horse grain once a day is fine, but horses need a …
I recently went to a local rodeo and saw something interesting—a horse with a curved back racing around barrels and winning. This got me thinking: Why do some horses have curved backs, and is there a way to prevent it? Some horses have backs that curve, which is also known as “lordosis.” This can happen …
I avoid feeding hay in bulk because I fear it will mold and my horses won’t eat it, or if they do eat it, they’ll get sick. But some horse owners disagree with me and put round hay bales in their pastures. I decided to find out if horses will eat moldy hay and whether …
“Do horses need baths?” was one of the first questions my friend asked me after buying his first horse. I advised him to hold off on the baths for the winter season and decided to write a post on the topic to help him and others wondering the same thing. Horses do not need regular …
Our riding horses are gentle and walk to us as we approach them. When we tack them, they stand still and wait patiently. Knowing they could easily escape from me made me wonder why do they let humans ride them? Horses let humans ride them because of a relationship of trust developed through hard work, …
My friends were talking about the most dangerous types of horse-riding activity when someone suggested dressage, and everyone burst into laughter. This moment made me think: Is dressage dangerous? Dressage, like all equestrian sports, carries inherent risks, including potential injury to both horse and rider. Injuries can result from improper training techniques, inadequate safety equipment, …
My grandson is a big fan of dressage competitions. He loves the stunning sight of rider and horse in sync, performing before large crowds. Recently he has developed an interest in dressage training, which prompted me to research this topic. Horses are trained for dressage in a thorough, systemized process that usually starts when they …