Perhaps you have a new horse that needs finishing and you’re asking for recommendations for a good trainer to send it to. Or maybe you’ve hit a plateau in your progress with your current mount. Whatever the reason you’re searching for a trainer, my number one recommendation for how to … Read More
It started the way it usually starts. Either the horse looked to the side or the rider pulled on her horse’s face. It’s the fundamental disagreement; the rider thinks it’s her right to control the horse and the horse doesn’t like having metal jammed on his jawbone. A common miscommunication, … Read More
The horse is relaxed and soft, volunteering his best answer to the rider’s quiet cues. Whether a competition horse or your trail horse, a sweet and successful partnership requires two-way conversations. Find a deeper connection with your horse by listening to his calming signals—the subtle body language horses use to … Read More
This month I want to talk to riding instructors — people who teach other people to ride from the middle of the ring — as opposed to trainers who teach the horse. Whether your client is horse or human, a key ingredient in training or riding is timing. The skilled, … Read More
Do you want to train your horse to work cows, but you’ve never worked cattle before? Maybe your horse is an off-the-track Thoroughbred or does dressage or western pleasure and has never seen a cow. Maybe he tends to be flighty. All that is okay, and you should be excited … Read More
So, it’s time to get that horse-crazy child of yours a four-legged creature affectionately known as a “pony”. How do you go about deciding what’s right for this next phase of life? What do you look for? As a father of a horse loving 7-year-old boy, I’ve had to answer … Read More
Direct Your Horse and Let Him Do His Job By Evan Bonner Does your horse take the initiative in his work? Why should we ask our horse to be responsible? Do you allow your horse to be accountable for his actions, and how do you do that? I believe … Read More
Training Success Comes When We Control a Horse’s Feet By Evan Bonner Most horsemen today know the importance of training a horse through quality groundwork. But I think it’s important to have a deeper understanding of why groundwork prepares a horse to be ridden. With every horse I plan … Read More
Ask the Expert — Donna Kelleher By Donna Kelleher Imagine turning your horse loose on a wide-open beach with crashing waves, and he stays right with you. Creating a bond with your horse has a lasting and valuable effect on your relationship. A horse bonded to you will stay … Read More
Bending Aids and an Exercise By Lynn Palm Last month I described what correct bend is, and the aids to achieve it. In this article I’ll review the key points and give you an exercise to help train your horse to bend correctly. Review of Bending When a horse … Read More
