by Marilyn Pineda One of my favorite accomplishments in horse training is being able to execute a nice side pass. It demonstrates several basic ground training achievements: subtle bending in the neck; yielding to subtle pressure; moving the front quarters in both directions; moving the hindquarters in both directions; and … Read More
Part One: Seeking Balance by Alice Trindle First off, I am quite excited to be writing for the Northwest Horse Source once again. When I look back over the volume of articles and topics discussed in articles written for this publication over the past nearly 10 years, I am … Read More
Begin on the Ground to Safely Jump from the Saddle by Mark Bolender Recently, while riding near Mount St. Helens in WA State, the trail came up to a washout. In order to continue on without a lengthy back track, I needed to get my horse to jump up … Read More
A Tale of Two Rescues Article courtesy of Horse Play Ranch Nestled in the picturesque McKenna Forest Reserve near Yelm, WA is a peaceful little plot of land named Barb Apple’s Horse Play Ranch. People often say the ranch has a special feel to it. Indeed, the horsemanship motto here … Read More
by Brent Rollins If you have been keeping up with my last two articles, your horse is now plenty desensitized and has become much braver. Your next step is the first saddling and ground driving. These are the tools you will need to be successful: a rope halter, two … Read More
by Allison Trimble Verbal cues are common in horse training and usually stem from the rider’s desire to guide the horse with the softest of commands. In performance horse training, highly athletic maneuvers should be performed with precision and grace. This is not something that can be achieved by … Read More
by Marilyn Pineda I love teaching trailer loading here at Fire Mountain Trail Course! There are so many types of communication and elements of confidence that come into play when a horse is comfortable with trailers. In my Riding Well Grounded article about impeccable timing I discuss loading a … Read More
by Brent Rollins Now that you can lead and touch your mustang, it is time for groundwork. With groundwork you will be addressing all areas of desensitizing. Flagging is an excellent desensitizing method that uses a small flag attached to a training stick or whip. When flagging, don’t put … Read More
Prepare Your Horse to Cross Frozen Puddles by Mark Bolender When trail riding in the winter, early spring, and/or late fall, you can expect to find frozen puddles. The crackling sound of breaking ice often catches horses by surprise, putting the rider at risk of being dismounted when it … Read More
by Marilyn Pineda We often hear the phrase “be the alpha mare” when given the description of how to relate to our horse if we desire its respect. But what does that mean, and why is it important? Are you the “alpha” with your horse and, if not, how can … Read More
