3 Takes on Training: Collection, Part 1

By Jess Hallas-Kilcoyne - How do we define collection? According to successful show jumping rider and trainer Brian Morton, “Collection is the shortening of the horse’s outline and stride with increased engagement from the hind end.” Why is collection important? “The horse’s ability to collect comes from the increased engagement of the hind legs, the lowering of the croup, and, as a result, the shift in balance from his forehand to his hind end,” explains dressage coach, trainer, and international level competitor Andrea Taylor. “This adds to the ease and self-carriage of the horse and makes him more pleasurable to ride.” What does collection feel like? Top reining trainer and competitor Loris Epis answers: “To me, collection is a well-balanced feel of softness and control through the horse’s entire body.”

Canadian Cowgirls performing

2013 Readers' Choice Awards Winner - With their intricate choreography, exceptional equestrian skills, and eye-catching costumes, the Canadian Cowgirls elite precision drill team has been delighting audiences across Canada and the U.S. for a decade. Outfitted from hat to hoof in red and white, their maple leaf flags hoisted high as they ride, the Cowgirls are the living embodiment of Canadian pride. “We pride ourselves on promoting patriotism across the country,” says Team Captain Terry Jenkins.

horse trailer accidents

By Kevan Garecki - The need for safe driving should always be preeminent, even more so when we have precious cargo on board. Keep in mind that there is nothing in a horse’s instinctual response mechanism that will help him in the event of a crash; this makes us wholly responsible for our horses’ welfare.

horse rushing the jumps

By Georgia Hunt - It's easy to get excited or nervous about jumping and turn your energy level up a notch without even being aware of it. To counter act this, give yourself a list of jobs to focus on.

Dealing with your horse's lack of appetite.

By Dr. Nerida Richards, PhD - There is nothing more frustrating or worrying than a horse that won't eat. Horses go off their feed for a variety of reasons, which can include illness, unpalatable feeds, or gastrointestinal disturbances such as hindgut acidosis. Thankfully though, there are some things you can do to get a horse eating again. Here are some useful tips for maintaining appetite.

Dealing with Equine Emergencies

By Dr. Erica Koch - Could you save your horse if your trailer overturned on the highway? How about if he was stuck in a ditch? Would you know what to do in a barn fire? Course participants at the Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER™) course, taught by Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez and hosted by the Atlantic Veterinary College, in Charlottetown, PEI, in early July 2012 learned how to better prepare themselves for everything from small scale emergencies, such as freeing a large animal stuck in mud, to larger scale emergency situations and natural disasters.

EquiNews

Canadian Olympian Jacqueline Brooks of Cedar Valley, ON, has been named the Dressage Canada Red...

The Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, held June 6 to 9 in Bromont...

Have you ever wondered why some horses can naturally excel at a certain discipline while others...

Dressage Canada is pleased to announce the successful athletes selected as recipients of the...

With the blessing of Robbie's family the BCGRA would like to auction off the prize package to...

By Jonathan Field - There is nothing more fun and productive for me and my horses than when we have a real purpose. Whether it is gathering the cows, jumping a log,...

By Stan Walchuk, Jr. - We all have expectations for our horses. With trail horses those expectations are based on the way we use them, which is very different from...

By Jess Hallas-Kilcoyne - In the previous article, we covered the general principles of a good warm-up and the reasons why it’s an essential part of every ride. Now...

By April Clay, M.Ed., Registered Psychologist - Okay, so training means the obvious: attempting to learn, and scheduling time for that learning. This we all know very...

By Stan Walchuk, Jr. - Walking into a tack shop and looking at a wall covered with bits can send a neophyte bit buyer into a cold sweat. We can simplify types of bits...

By Shelagh Niblock - The past century has seen big changes in the role of horses in our society. Prior to World War I, horses were an essential part of our lives and...

By Kentucky Equine Research - Normally, foals receive passive immunity to disease through intake of the mare’s colostrum in the first hours of life. Newborns that...

Performance horse

By Jess Hallas-Kilcoyne - Despite their strength and grace, horses can be notoriously prone to a range of injuries, from torn tendons and ligaments to fractured bones...

By Kentucky Equine Research - Do you ride all winter, no matter how deep the snow gets, or do you hang up your saddle at the first cool breeze in autumn? If the...

Braid and Band Like a Professional

By Lindsay Grice - Braiding and banding can be done in a way that has both a professional quality as well as appearance. Following are some ideas that have helped me...

Beyond the 9 Points of Saddle Fitting DVD

Reviewed by April Dawn Ray - Saddle fitting is both an art and a science, and can often be quite intimidating for the average horse person. Certified Master Saddler...

By Cassidy Nunn - Never wear a backpack while horseback riding – especially in 35 degree heat when you’re going for a seven hour ride through the sand-blowing desert...

Lane and Shiner at 2011 NAJYRC

By Emily Penn - Lane Wilson was born into the world of horses. His father and sister are both successful reiners and Lane has followed in the family footsteps. The 17...

By Kathy Smith - Suddenly, the concept of advertising value has come into the spotlight more than ever before. With the recent slower economy, most people are looking...

By Karen L. Weslowski, LL.B., Litigation Lawyer - Written contracts are becoming more common in the purchase and sale of horses as well as the provision of services...

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Horse Health, Barns & Properties, Tack & Gear

  • Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
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Our demo team of mules at the Mane Event in...

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From innovative products to the latest news, Emily Penn comments on interesting developments in the equine industry. This...

Why do horses do what they do? Is it me or my horse? Coach, judge, speaker, and equine behaviourist, Lindsay Grice helps...

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