Horsey people talk about horse bodies the way mechanics talk about cars, which is why knowing the correct equine terminology and equestrian terms is important. Learn to recognise the difference between a snip and a stripe or a sock and a stocking
Horse not interested, are you and your horse in a rut?
Just as with people, horses get tired of doing the same old thing over and over. Some bored horses will anticipate your aids if they are schooled too much in the same pattern. I’ve seen horses in the show ring that learn the pattern of gaits and then simply go through the motions without the riders help
Owning and Using a Horsebox
Very few of us consider the practicalities of owning and using a horsebox or trailer before we buy one and if we are honest quite a few of us expect that our horse will instantly recognise a horsebox
Getting Your Horse Fit for Work or Competition
Whether your intention is to simply hack out, compete at riding club shows or to progress up to advanced equine eventing, it is important that your horses’ fitness is increased in a gradual and consistent way. Slow and steady is the key to getting your horse fit for the job you want it to do.
Competing in Horse Shows can help you enjoy a full life
It doesn’t matter were they’re placed or how well they do, competing in horse shows is an excellent way for young riders to develop confidence and improve their horse riding abilities. Equestrian competitions are were they learn good sportsmanship and how to cope well with success and failure
A few useful riding tips ...
Useful horse riding tips and equestrian advice including homemade horse treat recipes and different ways to think while riding. Plus resources to help you and your horse become a better partnership, and hopefully some that will save you a little money
Lunge Lining, an essential part of all good horse training programs
Lunge lining is a method of horse training that involves driving your horse in a circle on a 20-meter rope called a lunge line, while using your voice and body language to control the horses movement and direction. It is an essential part of all good horse training programs.
The Basics of Horse Hoof Conformation
Horse hoof conformation is the result of 50 million years of the evolution of the horse and both wild and domesticated horses share a similar hoof shape even though they live in quite different conditions
Horse Saddles for each Equestrian Discipline
A guide on using the appropriate horse saddles in your preferred equestrian discipline. The uses and differences in saddles ranging from the general purpose saddle to the specialist dressage, racing and side saddles
Why Grooming Your Horse is an Essential Part of Horse Care
Properly grooming a horse is essential particularly when your horse is stabled. Grooming not only picks up immediate problems that might become serious if left undetected, but also strengthens the bond between you and your horse
Horses Feet - 30 Facts to ensure you have a sound horse
Do you know that your horses feet have a landing side and a loading side or that your horses front feet should never be steeper than your horses hind feet? Or that your horses hoof quality is directly related to its moisture content, or the main essential functions the hoof performs? No! well isn’t it about time you did.
The Ideals & Affects of Good Horse Neck Conformation
A good equine neck conformation is advantageous in every equestrian sport. The horses neck should be flexible and work well for balancing the horse. The horse owner should look for a horse with a neck that is neither too bulky or to thin, long, or short. While taking breed characteristics into consideration.
The Challenges & Joys of Getting Back in the Saddle
Jumping on a horse and going hell for leather over a cross country course is fine when you’re young and fit, but getting back in the saddle when you’re older can offer some challenges. Older re-riders are a growing part of horse shows and equestrian centres are slowly recognising the need to cater to them. So, what are you waiting for?
Maintaining Your Horsebox
Breaking down on a small country lane or on the motorway in the pouring rain with one or more horses in your horsebox, isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. The next time you’re organising your show schedule or busy checking your horse or pony, give a thought to your horsebox maintenance
The Double Bridle: not recommended for novice horses or novice riders
Before tacking up with that double bridle consider whether it is really necessary and if you know how to fit the bridle properly and use it as it was meant to be used. Riding in a double bridle is not for the novice horse or rider
A Quick DIY Dressage Arena Layout Guide
A Quick DIY Dressage Arena Layout Guide … How to layout a 40m dressage arena in the middle of a field quickly and accurately using two cheap 50m surveyors tapes and four tent pegs
Really Simple Exercise Equipment... The Exercise Ball
Just sitting on an exercise ball at some point during the day, is a form of simple exercise and it helps to strengthen the core muscles that support your spine. And, that will get you fit to ride and improve your riding.
Cross Country Obstacles in Equestrian Eventing
Modern equestrian eventing competitions include a wide variety of cross country obstacles and as event riders are becoming better and better, the course designers are incorporating more and more unusual obstacles and decorations
Properly Grooming a horses mane ... It's important
Plaiting and grooming a horses mane helps to show off the line of the neck and emphasis the neck conformation and overall look of the horse. Different types of mane pulls or cuts can be applied to different types of horse or even for competing in different types of horse shows or equestrian competitions
How To Improve Your Seat In Horse Riding
Whether a novice or experienced horse rider we can all benefit from improving our seat position. A good seat can solve a lot of problems from wobbly legs to your hip collapsing on one side and problems with insecure rein contact