Category: Horses

  • How Mules Combine the Best of Horses and Donkeys

    How Mules Combine the Best of Horses and Donkeys

    Mules are marvelous in every way. First their very existence is a marvel. As horses and donkeys have a different number of chromosomes one would not expect them to be able to breed together and produce live offspring. Mules are about the only animal that can be bred to order. When the mare is bigger […]

  • Developing Confidence is What Makes Horses Trainable

    Developing Confidence is What Makes Horses Trainable

    As you likely know already, horses have at least 10 times our strength. If they also had our intelligence, they would probably be riding us instead of us riding them, but fortunately, horses cannot reason like human beings. Since they don’t have reasoning abilities, horse training can be challenging because it requires the trainer understanding […]

  • How to Stop Your Horse From Rearing and What to Do if He Does

    How to Stop Your Horse From Rearing and What to Do if He Does

    There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be very aware of. It’s when a horse “rears” or stands up on his back legs. This problem can be quite dangerous and cause severe injuries to the rider and/or horse. Rearing is perhaps a horse’s most effective defense against the rider. It is dangerous in […]

  • The Importance of Riding in Rhythm with Your Horse

    The Importance of Riding in Rhythm with Your Horse

    Have you ever heard this? It is said if you put a bunch of clocks with pendulums in the same room, they will eventually tick-tock at the same time. I truly don’t know if it’s true, but I’ve heard it said again and again. If it is true (which I think it is) then what’s […]

  • Stress-Busting Tips For Your Pet and You

    Stress-Busting Tips For Your Pet and You

    Animals are good for our health. Research studies have confirmed that connecting with an animal whether stroking a cat or walking a dog or grazing a horse can not only improve our physical condition but also enhance our sense of well-being. But did you know that it’s a two-way street that what we experience and […]

  • How to Evaluate a Feeding Regimen for Equine Training

    How to Evaluate a Feeding Regimen for Equine Training

    Optimal nutrition of the performance horse hinges foremost on the exercise it performs. Just as the diet of a human bodybuilder is dissimilar to that of a marathon runner, most horses are fed with performance goals in mind. Therefore, accurately assessing the level of work performed by a horse is essential in determining the amount […]

  • 6 Things to Avoid When Photographing a Horse That is For Sale

    6 Things to Avoid When Photographing a Horse That is For Sale

    If you are trying to sell your horse, you probably understand the importance of taking good photos. Unfortunately, many sellers post poor quality photos of their horses for sale, turning away potential buyers, and reducing the value of their horse. Here are several common faux pas of equine photography to avoid. #1. Not Grooming Your […]

  • The Importance of Habit and Repetition During Horse Training

    The Importance of Habit and Repetition During Horse Training

    You’re out feeding your horse. You’re petting her, talking to her, and admiring how beautiful she is. Suddenly, you get the urge to get on her and go for a ride. The only thing is, you don’t feel like getting the saddle and bridle, so you just jump on…bareback. Now you’re sitting on her. Her […]

  • How to Get an Abused Horse to Trust You

    How to Get an Abused Horse to Trust You

    It is far more enjoyable to ride a horse that trusts you rather than one who does not. But getting a horse to trust you is a difficult task, especially if the horse has a history of past abuse. It is indeed possible to befriend a horse who is shy and reticent but does not […]

  • How to Know When to Upgrade Your Bit

    How to Know When to Upgrade Your Bit

    If you have been riding for any length of time, you will have seen it. A rider is struggling with her headstrong horse, and the coach steps up and suggests trying a stronger bit. The coach comes out with a twisted snaffle, or even a kimblewick, and soon the rider is back to work, hauling […]