Chelsea Shaffer
Chelsea Shaffer is the new editor-in-chief of Horse&Rider. She started her career at H&R in 2010, before moving on to Spin To Win Rodeo and American Cowboy magazines. She’s edited The Team Roping Journal for the last two years and will continue that role as she takes on responsibilities with H&R. She lives with her husband Tory and daughter Elise, 2, in Fort Lupton, Colorado, where they raise and train American Quarter Horses.
Yup, He's Gonna Buck.
Can you see a buck-off coming? Here are the signs to watch for—and to teach your kids to see—in a horse that wants to buck.
5 Details Every Horse-Owning Kid (and Adult!) Needs to Notice Every Day
Horsemanship is all in the details, and taking notice of the smallest changes in your horse's health or routine can mean the difference between a healthy, happy horse and a monstrous vet bill or disastrous ride.
The Bit in the Mailbox
We received a very special piece of mail in the Horse&Rider office.
Training Barns and COVID-19: Keeping Horses Worked and Humans Healthy
How our Resistol RideSafe Safe Start trainer Casey Branquinho is addressing the COVID-19 crisis in his boarding and training barn.
What Your Kid Should Wear for His or Her First Horseback Riding Lesson
That first riding lesson is a BIG deal for your kiddo. Here's what gear he or she needs to wear to make that critical first experience in the saddle a safe one.
Parenting Through Horses, Devices, and Distractions
Devices and horses can be a recipe for disaster.
What Your Kid Needs to Know About Riding Horses That Nobody Can Teach
Wet saddle pads are just as good for the rider as they are for the horse. Here's why.
Where You Should NEVER Tie Your Horse
A tied horse can be a dangerous horse if tied to something less-than-secure.
Your Horse's Fitness is About A Lot More Than Winning. Here's Why.
No matter what equine discipline you prefer, your horse's conditioning and fitness matters to keep them safe and sound. How do you get your horse in shape? Reined cow horse trainer Casey Branquinho shares his methods.
Why "Doing As You're Told" Is Rule Number-One for Kids in the Barn
Following directions and accepting that you don't know everything is the first key to safety around horses.
Introducing: The Safe Start
A new online column from H&R Editor Chelsea Shaffer on the perils and joys of raising kids in the saddle and around the barn.
I Sold My Good One Today
How saying goodbye to your best horse, even on your own terms, can break your heart.
5 Cheap and Easy Ways to Improve Your Horse's Health Right Now
Do you have a free morning to spend with your equine partner? Here are five ways to make him feel his best, on a budget!
The Pony’s Prayer
On this Mother’s Day, I wrote this poem as an ode to the pony who is making my job as a mom a little easier.
STOP! Why Feeding Horses Bulk Grass Clippings Causes Gastric Distress
Feeding horses fresh grass clippings is a mistake that could cause your horse serious pain and cost you an arm and a leg in vet bills, and that's if you're lucky.
Watching My Senior Horse Age is Breaking My Heart
Watching a life-long partner in her last years is a hard pill to swallow.
Why Owning Horses in a Blizzard is a Ball of Fun
How and why winter horse ownership tests our limits.
5 Hard Realities of Being a Toddler Mom in the Horse World
How being a mom changed everything in my horse life.
The Newspaper Pony
Horse&Rider introduces you to our new editor-in-chief, Chelsea Shaffer
We'd Love to Own: Teddy Terrific
Learn why "We"d Love to Own" pole-horse great, Teddy Terrific.
JL Dash Ta Heaven
Learn about the horse Horse&Rider would "Love to Own" from the April issue.
Horses We'd Love to Own: Katie
From dude ranch to therapeutic riding center, this unregistered Appaloosa mare has found the perfect second career as a therapy horse.
Horse Blanket Hood-Fitting Do's and Don'ts
Does your horse need a hood to accompany his blanket, and how should it fit? Find out here.