Many horse enthusiasts are also fond of dogs and may own one too. Some often bring their dogs along when visiting their horses, and it might even seem like your horse and dog are good friends. This exact phenomenon has been explored by a team of researchers. Their research revealed that the two different animal species actually understand and trust each other during play. Read also: We need to dare to think outside the box when we train with trailers ABOUT THE STUDY The study was conducted by a research team in Italy at the University of Pisa, where they aimed to investigate the relations ..read more

Safety is something many of us riders sometimes take for granted. We tend to forget how big the horse is and the forces that can be at play. There's a huge difference in our physical appearance, even though the horse is one of the beings you know best. Horses are much stronger than us and instinctively act as flight animals. Due to this, accidents can easily happen, even if they were never intended. Therefore, various safety aspects must be taken into account. This can help to prevent injuries to horses and riders. In this article, we will focus on safety when loading your horse in t ..read more

Have you ever felt as though your horse can read your mind? That it performs actions you're merely thinking of without any visible cues from you? While it may seem like magic, research suggests that this almost telepathic connection stems more from shared experiences and the ability to sense each other in a harmonious and meaningful partnership. YOU SEND UNCONSCIOUS SIGNALS TO YOUR HORSE The body is ingeniously designed. Your intentions are automatically transmitted to your muscles, which react without conscious thought. A rider's thoughts about changing pace or direction are automatically sen ..read more

Sitting down in the saddle and following the horse’s movements with ease and harmony is among the most challenging aspects of dressage riding. Dressage is certainly not easy. Many dressage horses today are bred to have significant back swings and a robust gait, which can pose quite a challenge for the rider to follow. Nevertheless, it is entirely possible to master this with continuous practice. Read also: Don’t forget your own body! Following the horse’s movements as softly and effortlessly as possible provides the best conditions for fine and correct interaction with the aids. Therefore ..read more

THE MORE INDOORS, THE LESS RESILIENT It is a fact that the more a horse is kept indoors, the more enthusiastic it generally is about finally being let out. Unfortunately, the more a horse stays indoors, the less resilient its limbs become to the antics that excitement often brings. This is because when horses are outside, their bones, tendons, and muscles are strengthened, which reduces the risk of injury. Therefore, even if the weather is gloomy, it's best to let horses be outside as much as possible. Simply put, pasture time can help extend your horse's lifespan. Here, we will try to explain ..read more

Some might say that Mattsson's Riding Club has a companionship that goes beyond the usual. When we entered the courtyard, we were greeted by the weekly champagne club in the rider's lounge and a middle-aged man in riding gear, who told us that he had visited everyone in the rider's lounge, and so had the others. As per tradition, port wine is consumed in quantities that other riding clubs can seldom match, and the place is teeming with people, horses, and dogs even on a Friday morning at 10. But what makes the relations so special at this red and white painted riding club near Copenhagen?  ..read more

Are you amazed at how some pairs dare to jump over massive tree stumps, huge logs, and deep ditches out in the terrain? Or how eventing riders dare to head towards the large solid obstacles at what seems like more than just full speed on the back of their spirited horses? Moreover, if you're worried about having to go out and confront these solid obstacles in the nature, we're quite sure you're not alone – and we understand you well. Jumping over solid obstacles is certainly not without danger, and one must do their best to know what they are doing. If done right, it can lead to entirely new a ..read more

We live in a time where sustainability is more important than ever if our descendants are to live somewhat the same life as we have lived. We need to lift together, and everyone must take responsibility. This is something we as horse people can do with small initiatives in our daily life in the stable and with the horses.  Therefore, we asked our readers what you do to become a bit more sustainable in the stable. Here are your best tips!  Pasture and weather Lisa Holst Nicolajsen: "We make to allow for nature to grow wildly. This provides rich plant- and animal life in the paddocks ..read more

Are you crafty with a sewing machine, would you like to save a little bit of money, and do you maybe want a specific color or fabric? If so, fashioning your own DIY stirrup covers might be a perfect choice.  Protecting your equestrian gear so it stays in good condition and extending its longevity is particularly important when it comes to your saddle. Stirrups, especially ones with little spikes for better grip, can potentially damage your saddle if you pull the stirrups up after riding. Addressing this concern, there is a cost-effective and engaging solution, and Malgré Tout presents a c ..read more

It is common knowledge that physical wellbeing is connected to mental wellbeing, so keeping the body intact and feeling good is an important fundament for mental state of mind. Most of us focus immensely on the wellbeing of the horse and its body. Many horses receive several types of body work, such as massage, physical therapy, chiropractic, light therapy, craniosacral therapy – the list goes on. But what about our own bodies? Do we sometime override the need for body work, that is so essential for mental wellbeing?  Whether you strive towards good performance, a comfortable horse or reh ..read more