Ride the Right Way—Safely! Tack and equipment play an important role in equine safety. Selecting the correct tack is only the first step—you must also regularly inspect and clean your tack to maximize its useful life. The Selection Process Each horse has unique preferences and needs, which is why tack isn’t one-size-fits-all. Properly fitting tack and equipment is essential for a safe, comfortable ride. As horses grow, mature, age, or fitness levels change, you may need to re-adjust, replace, update, or re-fit your tack. JS Horsemanship put together a helpful video about bits, bridles, and r ..read more

How to Successfully Select a Stunning Show Saddle Pad There are many things to consider when selecting a Western show pad. From color and design to class shown and even customer service, selecting a new show pad can be complex. You’ll want to start with which Western class (or classes) you’ll be showing in. Then, set a realistic budget. From there, you can consider a variety of other show saddle pad scenarios. Consider your horse—select a pad that pops with your horse’s color and coordinates with your outfit. Pad dimensions and thickness may also factor into your decision. Plus, customer serv ..read more

Learn the Lingo of Equine Psychology I decided to study equine psychology because I wanted to understand more about what was going on in a horse’s head and use that knowledge to develop more effective training methods. I didn’t go into it expecting to find a job as a horse shrink, but equally, I knew it would help me achieve other goals, and open other doors. People study equine psychology for all sorts of reasons and future uses. Equine behaviorists may opt to study psychology to unravel and correct behavioral problems. Horse trainers may rely on this study of behavior as the starting point ..read more

How to Safely Get Your Horse Back in Shape We have more in common with horses than you may think, especially when it comes to getting in shape. A well-structured fitness program is key to getting your horse back in top shape after some time off.  Conditioning is all about how your horse’s body adapts to exercise. Whether your horse has had time off due to weather, vacation, or injury, he’ll need time to get his fitness back. It’s important to increase his workload slowly, starting with lots of walking. There are several factors to consider when starting your horse in an exercise program ..read more

Equine Lameness for Rookies Lameness: a word all horse owners fear. Lameness is a symptom, not a condition, so knowing what to look for can help pinpoint the cause and get your horse sound again. Lameness is a change in gait due to pain. Lameness can stem from muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, skin infections, bones, or hooves. We’ve compiled an overview of lameness causes (including arthritis, laminitis, and kissing spine), as well as the most common symptoms. Most causes of lameness can be treated through various means (including stall rest, shockwave therapy, and cold hosing), while co ..read more

Wintec All-Purpose Saddle Product Review Finding the right saddle can be just as difficult as finding the right horse. Regardless of your saddle needs, Wintec All-Purpose Saddles have you covered. Wintec is the world’s leading synthetic saddle maker. Their saddles are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. You can use them for any discipline, from dressage to jumping to trail riding. I love that they’re affordable, comfortable (for you and your horse), and fit a range of horses. Source: Natalie Gasper Wintec: An Overview The Wintec brand is owned by Saddlery Brands International. Bates i ..read more

Top Safety Gear for Horses & Their Riders If you’ve spent time around horses, you’re probably aware of all the various equipment and gadgets designed to help keep both you and your horse safe in and around the barn. But what is a “nice to have” versus a “need to have?” And what equipment can be considered “safety equipment?” We’ll review a complete list for both horse and rider, highlighting some of our favorite products from years of experience with equines. Source: Canva “Need to Have” Safety Equipment for Horses Tons of gear has been designed to help keep our equines safe. From breaka ..read more

Choosing the Right Horse for YOU! To ensure a safe, happy, and productive relationship, you need to choose the right horse for you. Sometimes it takes time and adaptation (from both parties) to build a good relationship. In other cases, a match might just not work out. Finding the “right fit” leads to happier horses and humans! Source: Canva Equine Personalities Equine physiology influences equine psychology, and both can contribute to equine personalities. For example, some horses are more dominant than others. It is important to understand your horse’s personality and behavior so you can l ..read more

Equine Physiology and Psychology for Crystal-Clear Communication In order to successfully (and safely) work with horses, we need to understand how their bodies and brains work. Physiology and psychology influence each other and will be discussed concurrently. Physiology is the branch of biology that studies the mechanisms of living things. Equine physiology includes skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, as well as how the entire body functions.  Equine psychology is the science that attempts to predict behavior under different circumstances and then ..read more

A Good Farrier: Hard to Find? Back in the 1908’s, Feargal Sharkey thought a good heart was hard to find, and others have written stories about how hard it is to find a good man/woman. As far as I’m concerned, both those challenges are a lot easier than finding a good farrier. When I say a “good farrier,” I mean one that’s qualified, experienced, and passionate, so, yes, it is a pretty tall order. A good farrier should treat each horse as a unique individual, adapting their hoof care and shoeing techniques to meet the singular needs of that specific horse. They should be able to communicate c ..read more