How-To

How to Tie a Basket Hitch

Updated:

March 21, 2020

Stan Walchuk Jr, tying Basket Hitch, horse trail riding, trail riding tips, Horse Camping Trekking

As explained in previous articles, there are two categories of hitches: those that hang the load on the horse and those that wrap the load around the horse in a secure package. The barrel hitch and the basket hitch are the two most common hanging type hitches, and of the two the basket hitch is likely the most used and most versatile.

How to Prepare Rider, Horse and Gear for the Trail

Updated:

March 21, 2020

Stan Walchuk Jr, Equine Preparation trail riding, horse trail riding, Saddle Bag Trail Gear

This article is a checklist of things that one should do to get ready for trail riding. I would put “getting ready” in at least three categories: preparing ourselves, preparing our horses, and preparing our tack and gear.

How to Keep Your Horse from Rushing the Jumps

Updated:

March 13, 2020

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.

How to Tie a Quick Release Knot

Updated:

February 5, 2020

how to tie quick release knot, quick release knot, horse rope knot, equine knot

It’s fast and easy to tie, but the true value of the quick release knot lies in its ability to be quickly and easily untied in the event of an emergency.

How to Get Your Lazy Horse Move Forward

Updated:

December 17, 2019

Get Lazy Horse Move Forward, Jane Savoie, 6 steps horse driving aids, lazy horse, forward horse, energetic horse, horse training, dressage horse, Jane Savoie, dressage training, horse riding aids, sensitize horse

By Jane Savoie - Are you sick and tired of doing all the work while your lazy horse plods along without energy? Remember that a horse can feel a fly on his side, so logically there's no reason for him to be dull to your legs.

How to Set Attainable Goals

Updated:

August 30, 2019

Have you considered what you want to be doing with your horse in five years’ time? Or settled on your primary goals for the coming year? Or thought about the progress you want to make before your next riding lesson?

How to Care for Your New Foal

Updated:

April 14, 2019

By Mark Andrews, DVM - You have waited eleven months for your foal to arrive. Now he is here what can you do to ensure he gets off to the best possible start in life? First thing's first. Make sure that the foal sucks. A normal foal should stand and drink from the mare within two hours. If the foal is having difficulty sucking, or is not interested, he may have serious problems. Call an experienced horse vet sooner rather than later.

How to Master the Sitting Trot

Updated:

March 8, 2019

Master sitting trot, Sandra Verda-Zanatta, fit to ride, equine Hip Flexor stretch, equine quadriceps Stretch, equine hamstritng stretch, equine abdominal mini crunch, equine hamstring stretch, equine interval training, improving equine flexibility, equine hip roll, equine Spine mobility

Ah, sitting trot – the nemesis of so many riders of all ages, levels, and disciplines! In order to develop a balanced, independent seat that does not hinder the horse, but rather allows him to move with maximum ease and efficiency, the rider needs to have flexibility and suppleness through the legs, hips, and lumbar spine (lower back), stability in the pelvis, and strength in the core. These qualities allow the rider to maintain an upright posture that is firm and supple, not rigid, as riding is dynamic and requires a constant repetitive series of muscle contractions.

How to Choose Horse Feed Supplements

Updated:

March 5, 2019

Choosing horse Feed Supplements, Kentucky Equine Research, Dr. Peter Huntington, equine Protein deficiencies, equine supplements, horse minerals, equine electrolytes

For retired horses standing in the field all day, grass may supply all the nutrients needed for energy and tissue maintenance. If a horse does much more than this, however, it might need feed supplements to make up dietary deficiencies related to training, performance, or reproductive state.

How to Green the Horse Barn

Updated:

February 26, 2019

environmentally friendly horse stable, composting horse barn

Everyone everywhere is finding ways to go green and for horse owners that includes the barn. After all, going green should mean going lean on the pocketbook no matter whether it’s an eco-home or a hayshed. Trendy or basic, the goal is the same: lower greenhouse gas emissions and benefit from cost savings.