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 …
Are you considering hobbles for your horse, or have you seen someone use them and wondered what they’re for – or whether they’re cruel? Used the right way, horse hobbles are a practical piece of equipment. Used carelessly or on an unprepared horse, they can create a dangerous situation. Horse hobbles are restraints that connect …
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?” …
Why are ponies mean? Ask around any barn, and you’ll hear the same jokes about stubborn, pushy, occasionally nippy ponies – usually delivered with real affection, but there’s genuine truth behind it too. If you’ve been nipped or crowded by a pony that seemed to know exactly what it was doing, you’re not imagining things. …