Trail

Racial Bias and Ethnic Diversity in the Horse Industry

Updated:

November 19, 2020

racism in horse industry, discrimination horse industry, black horse riders canada, canadian horse industry diversity, margaret evans

Let's Talk - On May 25, 2020, 46-year-old Black American George Floyd was killed while in police custody, after it was alleged he passed a counterfeit bill. A Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while Floyd lay face down, handcuffed, and pleading repeatedly that he couldn’t breathe. Floyd ultimately succumbed. The tragedy struck a chord and protests flared against police brutality and racism — I can’t breathe their rallying cry, leading to an ongoing resurgence of the global Black Lives Matter movement.

Horses or Mules?

Updated:

November 16, 2020

why do most people ride mules and not horses? what are the anotomic differences between horses and mules? comparing horses to mules

If mules are so wonderful, why do most people ride horses? If even half the heralded testimony from mule owners is true, we should all be riding mules. But wait… how gallant would Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger have looked perched atop mules?

Trail Horse Training in the Off Season

Updated:

October 28, 2020

Stan Walchuk, Jr, trail horse training, off season trail horse, desensitize horse, bomb proof horse, horse trail riding tips, winter horse training

Trail horses are like kids; they need structure, direction, and appropriate discipline. Strong foundation training is built by the exercises and habituation that we provide. Metaphorically speaking, grade one is everything for a trail horse.

The Psychology of Concussion

Updated:

October 20, 2020

horse rider Psychology, horse rider concussion, overcoming traumatic riding accident, overcoming concussion horse riding

It had been three months since Laura, a junior rider, had sustained a simple concussion during a fall from her horse. Her parents were becoming increasingly concerned that she was not progressing in her recovery. Laura was having difficulty focusing at school, disrupted sleep patterns, and intermittent headaches. Fearful of creating any further escalation in her symptoms, she had not returned to riding or any activity.

Understanding Horse Bits

Updated:

October 11, 2020

riding gear, horse bits, types of horse bits, how to find the right bit for horse, stan walchuk

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 putting them into two categories: snaffle bits and curb bits.

Love Your Horse, but Riding Scared?

Updated:

October 8, 2020

Love Your Horse, but Riding Scared?, April Clay, M.Ed., afraid of horse, fearful of your horse, anxious horse riding, overcoming horse riding stress, breaking up with your horse, make up or break up with your horse

If you have been riding for some time, chances are you have come across a mount that challenged you. Or maybe he scared you. Perhaps the horse forced you to face that very difficult question: Is this the wrong horse for me… or is it just me? What can you do when fear cripples your riding experience?

First Aid for Trail and Home, Part 2

Updated:

October 3, 2020

This article is the second in a two part series about equine first aid for the trail and home. In Part 1 of the series, we focused on vital signs, first response, care of wounds, and home remedies. In this article we’ll be looking at what to do if your horse comes up lame, sustains a head injury, suffers rope burns or saddle rubs, or comes down with the flu while you’re out on the trail.

Trail Tips: 9 Keys to a Trail-Savvy Partner

Updated:

September 3, 2020

Life as the Blue Creek Trail Riding/Packing Clinic instructor is always interesting, never boring, and often as much a learning experience as a teaching one. The personalities of humans and horses always make for a lively program, and this was especially evident this year when some guests brought their own horses.

How to Train on the Trail

Updated:

July 7, 2020

jec a ballou training exercises, trail riding exercises, core exercises horse, jec a ballou

Students who ride primarily on trails often ask me what kinds of exercises they can do to benefit their horses. If they don’t plan to be in an arena anytime soon, does that mean they can’t give their horses the gymnastic and core exercises that optimize their bodies and comfort?

Trail Tips: The Pushy Horse

Updated:

June 14, 2020

pushy trail horse, how to manage a stubborn horse, horse misbehaving on trail, stan walchuk

It is extremely important that your horse respects your space. Any number of situations could arise: the horse moves toward you and steps on your foot or clips your heel, or you go to halter or bridle him and he pulls his head away or pushes it toward you, causing you to lose your balance.