Building an International Sport by Mark Bolender YOU DON’T OFTEN FIND the western horse next to an English style horse in the same competition. This also goes for seeing multiple breeds competing together — Arabians, Peruvians, Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, minis, warm bloods and even mules. Mountain trail is different. … Read More
Lessons on Re-growing a Forest after Wildfire by Robert Eversole The summer of 2015 was a rough one in the Pacific Northwest. The 2014/15 winter “that wasn’t” conspired with an even drier spring to fuel the wildfires that have scorched our region. From the Pasayten’s Newby Lake fire to … Read More
Master these Basic Skills to Improve Safety and Scores by Mark Bolender To improve their mountain trail scores it’s important to master nine basic skills. These skills can also be returned to, again and again, to master the variety of obstacles found on course. Ability to move the shoulders … Read More
A simple, safe and cost effective way to use a high line The last weekend in August found me at Firemountain Trail Course in Sedro Woolley, WA. I love this place and Marilyn is a perfect hostess. She rides, trains and promotes trail safety at her place. She hosts many … Read More
How to Communicate with Color on the Trail by Robert Eversole Ribbons are for more than wrapping gifts. These colorful pieces of fabric can be purely decorative, utterly functional, or a combination of both. In the equine world, ribbons can go far beyond the cerulean hued that signifies a … Read More
Why Obstacle Training is Good for Every Horse by Mark Bolender Your horse’s mind is an amazing place, but understanding the basics is an absolute necessity in order to effectively train it. The reality is I want to change the horse’s natural instinct, reaction, and teach it to think … Read More
Six Reasons You Need a Map on the Trail by Robert Eversole There are many tools that are commonly used to help find your way happily down the trail. While the single most important element in your equine travel toolbox is you, a map of where you’re riding is … Read More
Create Your Own Challenge and Learn Easy Tips for Mastery With a little know-how, a rock obstacle is easy to construct and easy to master. I love this obstacle because it teaches a horse to slow down and think. It will teach the horse to carefully pick up and place … Read More
Ten Tips to Ensure Safe and Happy Trail Riding People often ask me why I’m a trail riding enthusiast. That’s easy. Horse trails are found in beautiful places— places with sunsets tinged with purple; snow-covered peaks piercing the horizon and skies so clear and blue they merge into black. On … Read More
How Horses Teach Us to Be Better Leaders by Mark Bolender It never ceases to amaze me how consistently the horse remains a forgiving creature. I can’t tell you how many mistakes I have made in training, and how many mistakes I have observed being made, that the horse continues … Read More
