It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a horse show — the impeccably groomed horses, the polished riders, the vibrant atmosphere, the thrill of victory. A ribbon passed from one hand to another becomes a shining testament to hours of dedication, passion, and commitment. Amidst the buzz, it might also be easy to overlook the lady holding the basket of ribbons, who is smiling ear to ear as she celebrates your victory. You might not realize that it is her victory, too.

For many, the idea of buying real estate is an enticing one, often conjuring images of a quaint home with a welcoming front patio and a classic white picket fence. For equestrians, however, the dream expands significantly. It's about vast green pastures, a barn that exudes luxury, secure fencing, and a space perfectly suited for horses.

Immobilization or stall rest is sometimes necessary for a horse's injury to heal, especially in cases of severe tissue damage (such as tendon or ligament damage and fractures), but other times keeping horses moving is actually a better approach. The key is choosing the right exercise for the type and location of the injury. We cannot just tell horses, for example, to engage their core. We have to design exercises that achieve the desired result.

Winter riding—just the thought of it might make you shiver. Gone are the sunny days when you couldn’t wait to get outside. Now, the couch is calling, and motivation is nowhere to be found. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Equine sports medicine and rehabilitation is a comparatively new veterinary specialty. Sarah le Jeune, DVM, DACVS, DECVS, DACVSMR, certified equine acupuncturist, and Jessica Morgan, DVM, PhD, DACVSMR, both specialty clinicians at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, provided some insights into this topic.

Each year, I host a unique and transformative event with one simple idea: variety creates purpose. Purpose camp at James Creek Ranch introduces diverse experiences into our horses’ training keeps them engaged, confident, and willing to learn. Repetitive drills can lead to sour attitudes, but when exercises have meaning, both horse and rider benefit.

One day in the 1980s, Lindsey Serafini’s grandfather was watching his Standardbred horses getting shod.
“The farrier was shoeing with hoof pads and my grandfather said, ‘I could make those,’” says Serafini, who is a fifth-generation owner of Castle Plastics.

Are you striving for a balanced and effective riding posture? We can help you find success. A key checkpoint while riding is ensuring your ears, shoulders, hips, and heels align. Can you maintain this posture in the saddle? If yes, you’re on the right track to refining your skills. If not, don’t worry; consistent practice with the right rider alignment exercises will strengthen your position over time.

Helping horses load into a trailer with confidence is a common challenge, and I am often called upon to assist with both young horses learning to load and those struggling with trailer anxiety. Over the years, I’ve shared insights on horse trailer training, covering why it’s essential and how to approach it with the right techniques. However, this time, I want to shift the focus away from technique and explore the underlying factors that influence a horse’s willingness (or refusal) to load.