Start Rewiring Early - Habits are mental shortcuts created by our brain to reduce the need to make conscious decisions every moment of the day, which would require far too much time and processing power. By associating certain events and experiences with specific actions and responses, our brain can respond quickly and efficiently without our conscious “input.” For example, when a horse pins its ears and shifts its weight, we typically have moved out of harm’s way before we have had time to think about what we are doing.

Worsening wildfires in recent seasons have left horses and people breathing polluted air filled with smoke and microscopic debris. These fine particles can settle in the lungs and airways, triggering irritation such as watery eyes, nasal drainage, and respiratory infections like bronchitis. They can also worsen pre-existing conditions like asthma, emphysema, congestive heart failure, and other lung or heart issues.

Stepping into the competition ring means accepting one simple truth: things won’t always go according to plan. In equestrian sport, unpredictability is part of the experience. Riders are working with a 1,000-pound animal that doesn’t think or react like a human, while also navigating judging preferences, changing footing, unpredictable weather, new venues, and constantly evolving patterns or courses.

Equestrians who pay close attention to their horse’s feeding program may have noticed a growing conversation around iron levels in equine diets. Concerns about “iron overload” are easy to uncover online, often linked to buzzwords like “oxidative stress” and “free radical damage.” Many blogs and nutrition forums point to high iron intake as a factor in various equine health concerns—from metabolic challenges and poor immune function to weak hooves, dull coats, and growth issues in foals. Numerous websites offer advice, and many promote supplements or detox products claiming to address excess iron. But what exactly is iron overload in horses, and is it something the average horse owner should be concerned about?

When you think about injury prevention, tendon strengthening, joint lubricating, and health supporting interventions for your horses, do you also consider improving their proprioception? Supporting this often-overlooked aspect of function can be a game-changer for our horses.

Over the past few years of shoeing rodeo horses with heavy competition and training schedules, I have noticed patterns emerge. Commonly, roping and barrel horses spend a decent amount of time barefoot during the off-season, and are put back to work for several weeks before being shod. These generally small and flat-footed horses can end up lame.

Do you think I should I try a different bit? This question is familiar to me as a coach, launching me and the rider I’m working with into a bigger conversation. My answer will be shaped by the reasons why the rider is considering another bit option.

Often overlooked, the fence post is the backbone of any fencing project and a vital element in agricultural and equestrian settings. It plays a crucial role in managing secure pastures, safeguarding livestock and crops from predators, marking property boundaries, and enhancing land value.

Have you ever felt stuck in your riding, unsure how to bridge the gap between what you want to achieve and what you’re actually achieving? You’re not alone. Equestrian sport is often one of slow progress, long learning curves, and many setbacks. Success and progress come easier when equestrians harness the power of mental tools to build strong skills, such as confidence, focus, and emotional regulation.