Western Horse How-To

Health and how-to advice every horse owner can use. Here are horsekeeping tips, horse-handling guides, and hauling hints, plus rider-fitness routines and riding-confidence boosters. 

The Latest

Ben Baldus working cattle horseback.

Feelin’ Cowy

Jason Irwin working with his horse.

Train Your Horse to Come to a Voice Cue

After evacuation from a wildfire, a bay horse looks at the smoky surroundings in his new, temporary stall-with-pen.

Wildfire—Go! Advice from the Horse-Evacuation Front Lines

An anxious gray horse is acting up in his pen. Is your horse too hot to handle?

4 Reasons Why Your Horse Is Too Hot to Handle

Cartoon horse ponders true or false

Trivia Challenge: Balance in the Saddle—Do You Have It?

Cartoon horse ponders true or false

Trivia Challenge: Will You Know How to Choose a ‘Step-Up’ Horse?

A woman is silhouetted galloping her horse across an expanse. Is she experiencing fear in the saddle?

Gallop Poll: Are You Ever Fearful When Riding Your Horse?

Cartoon horse ponders true or false

Trivia Challenge: Do You Know How to Beat Your Riding Fears?

Woman horseback.

Tell Resistance From Defiance to Be a More Confident, Effective Rider

Cartoon horse ponders true or false

Trivia Challenge: Do You Know What Makes a Good Topline?

Brad Barkemeyer working his horse in an arena.

The Perfect Circle

On a warm summer day, a woman wearing a safety helmet rides her horse bareback into water deep enough for swimming.

6 How-To Tips for Swimming Safely With Your Horse

Close up of a calf with a woman horseback behind.

What to Know Before You Bring Cattle to Your Horse Barn

A palomino horse is ridden bareback into water deep enough for swimming.

Gallop Poll: Have You Ever Gone Swimming on a Horse?

1. Begin working at a standstill, with the slack removed from your reins.

A Fix for Head Tossing

Woman writing a journal near a horse in a stall.

Manage Your Emotions