Cowboys in the old west rode whatever the land, the rancher, or the region provided. On a Texas cattle ranch that meant compact, fast, cattle-smart working stock. In the Pacific Northwest it might mean an Appaloosa bred by the Nez Perce. On the open plains, a caught and started Mustang was as practical as anything …
I was leading a new horse from the walker to the barn when a car came around the corner. The horse reared up and started pulling — scared out of his mind by something that barely registered to me. I’ve seen it at the track too: a perfectly trained Thoroughbred that handles the chaos of …
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 …
Swayback, also known as lordosis, is a noticeable downward curvature of the spine that affects a horse’s topline and posture. This condition can lead to misconceptions, such as the belief that swayback horses are unsuitable for riding or have limited potential. However, with proper understanding and management, horses with swayback can live full and comfortable …
You open a bale of hay you paid good money for and find mold. Do you throw away the stack, remove the bad flakes, or risk feeding it to your horse? For horse owners, this is a common and expensive problem. After years of buying hay for my horses, I’ve learned that mold doesn’t mean …
“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 …
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 …
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 …