Other

Tight Nosebands Compromise Equine Welfare and Affect Movement

Updated:

April 10, 2026

noseband tightness horses, equine welfare research, horse stride length study, riding tack pressure, horse biomechanics, equine performance Canada, horse training welfare, ISES noseband guidelines

A recent study confirms that tightening a horse’s noseband may do more than change appearance or control the mouth — it may also affect the horse’s movement.

Horseback Riding in the Canadian Backcountry: Are You Truly Prepared?

Updated:

April 2, 2026

backcountry horse riding Canada, equine first aid Canada, wilderness horse safety, trail riding risks, horse riding preparation, Canadian outdoor riding tips, equine emergency preparedness, backcountry safety horses, horseback riding mountains Canada, wilderness survival horse riding

Over the years I’ve spent working in the backcountry, one thing has consistently stood out: how often people head out with the mindset, “It’s just a short trip—I don’t need much.” My background spans time in the infantry, earning a Bachelor of Applied Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership from Mount Royal University in Calgary, working as a professional adventure guide, and teaching Wilderness and Remote First Aid and survival skills. Alongside that, I’ve spent years as a horseman and now instruct Equine First Aid. Through all of this, I’ve witnessed significant changes in how people approach the backcountry.

Turn Pushy Horses Around with Three Simple Lessons

Updated:

February 14, 2026

Jonathan Field pushy horse, how do i control my horse, how do i stop bad horse behaviour, horse to behave, hold and wait horse, horse yield

You are who your friends are. That adage can apply to horses, too. How we treat them will often be reflected right back at us - for good or bad. Sometimes the difference between a harsh cue and an appropriate one can be subtle. Pressure can be effective, but intensity and timing can make all the difference.

Sidepass and Backing Obstacles: Benefits Beyond the Show Ring

Updated:

December 1, 2025

workin equitation side pass, rein-back horse, leg yielding horse, horse seems stuck, Sidepassing a horse, horse crossing legs, horse soft contact, lindsay grice horse training, backing obstacles with horses, sidepass obstacles with horses

The popularity of obstacle disciplines is growing. These include Working Equitation, Mountain Trail, Show Trail, Ranch Trail, and Extreme Cowboy. Riders tell me the appeal of obstacles is a change and challenge from dressage circles or the Western pleasure rail. Others are opting out of jumping for a less risky challenge. An eventing coach friend calls Working Equitation her “Senior Eventing” — the three-phase format with the precision of obstacles in place of jumps, and yet with the fun of a speed phase. Many obstacle events offer in-hand options so folks can get out with younger horses not yet ready for ridden obstacles.

Do Good Racehorses Make Good Eventers?

Updated:

November 19, 2025

choosing an eventing horse, off the track thoroughbred rescue, rehoming thoroughbred racehorses, equine science update

Many Thoroughbreds face the question of What Next? when their racing careers come to an end. A large number transition into new disciplines, with eventing being a popular second career. But does success on the racetrack translate into success on the cross-country course, in the dressage arena, or over show jumps? Understanding what makes a good eventer is central to both equine welfare and effective rehoming strategies for retired racehorses.

Single Pole Exercises

Updated:

October 24, 2025

exercises for horses, jec ballou riding exercises, training horses with poles, pole exrcises horses

One pole? There is still plenty to do - Simple exercises can sometimes be the most effective because riders are apt to practice them more consistently. And when it comes to movement and fitness, consistency matters above all. I often use the following single pole exercises in clinics because they offer an easy way to derive the postural benefits of pole work without the logistics and effort involved in setting up more complex routines. When you are short on time or dealing with poor weather, these exercises offer a convenient way of ensuring you do not miss the calisthenics your horse needs.

Keep Your Horse Fit During Time Off

Updated:

September 25, 2025

winter horse, riding in winter, training in winter, conditioning horse, keep horse fit winter, horse stretches, carrot stretch

Time off is an inevitable part of a horse's life, whether due to bad weather, personal schedules, or other factors. However, how horse owners manage these breaks can significantly affect their horse’s health, soundness, and performance over time. Research by veterinary colleges and experts on movement science reveals that large fluctuations in fitness can harm a horse’s well-being, especially for those beyond the middle of their teens. Extended periods of low activity—especially those spanning a month or more-can weaken supportive tissues and muscles crucial to posture. When training resumes, horses may use improper substitutive muscles and positions, leading to poor performance, injury, or a lack of training progress. To help you optimize downtime and keep your horse on track, here are three essential guidelines to coordinate breaks effectively and even use them to enhance your horse's training.

Ron Turcotte, Hall of Fame Jockey Who Rode Secretariat to win the 1973 Triple Crown, Dies at 84

Updated:

September 11, 2025

ron turcotte obituary, ron turcotte death, statue secretariat, scultpure of secretariat with ron turcotte, eddie sweat groom sculpture, Ron Turcotte riding secretariat, ron turcotte at belmont stakes, secretariat racing, triple crown winning jockey, young ron turcotte

Ron Turcotte, the Canadian jockey whose name is forever linked with Secretariat’s historic Triple Crown victory in 1973, has died at age 84. His family, through longtime business partner and friend Leonard Lusky, said he passed away of natural causes on August 22, 2025 at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick.

The Case for Lightness with Horses

Updated:

September 1, 2025

horse exercises for lightness, lateral poll flexion exercises, schaukel horse training, jec ballou horse trainer, ground pole exercises horses, improving contact with horses

While it might often be spoken about in artistic, aesthetic, or even philosophical ways, lightness — both of movement and also of communication with horses — is more than an abstract ideal. In many ways, it measures a horse’s current physiological capabilities.

The Enduring Art of Bridle Horse Training: From Spanish Cowboys to Today’s Horsemen

Updated:

July 25, 2025

bridle horse riding, tania millen, martin black horse trainer, spanish cowboys, stefanie travers horse trainer, straight up bridle, bosal two rein, roping

Over five centuries ago, Spanish horsemen—known as vaqueros—arrived in North America, bringing with them a deep horsemanship legacy that continues to shape today’s Western riding culture. Their influence can be seen not only in commonly used words like “chaps” (derived from chaparreras) and “rodeo” (from rodear), but also in the foundational principles of horse training and stockmanship.