All-around

This episode of The Ride brings you a profile on social-media sensation Alex Bauwens!

A one-rein stop is a useful tool to have in an emergency. Warwick Schiller shows you how to achieve a better one-rein stop.

Master these milestones to get your horse ready to tackle all-around classes with advice from APHA Professional Horseman Mike Hachtel.

Whether Alex Bauwens is shooting arrows off the back of a horse or sliding to a stop, she’s documenting it on social media to connect with like-minded riders.

Training and problem solving become easier when you use methods that build connection and trust with your horse.

Many amateur and youth riders struggle with slowing from a lope to a jog or walk, especially in the show pen when their nerves can get the best of them. A rushed transition always looks sloppy and costs you points on your scorecard. I’m going to share with you a simple method for acing your downward lope transitions every time. You can practice at home to master it, then put it to use in the show pen. Soon it’ll become second nature.

Unhappy with your horse’s lazy backup? Activate his hind end to solve this frustrating problem.

Is your problem a horse that lopes too fast? Learn why he does it and how you can slow down a fast lope.

Negativity in your riding will keep you from reaching your goals.

When done properly, an L-shaped back-through in a trail pattern should look almost effortless. Acing this type of maneuver requires hours of practice, teaching your horse to back with ease and cadence while listening to a combination of your hand, leg, and seat cues.

The difference between first and second place in horsemanship classes lies in the details of your horsemanship position. One of those small items that’s easily overlooked when you’re showing is your upper-body position—especially your free arm and hand and both of your shoulders. Keeping these small details top of mind every time you ride means they’ll become second nature in the saddle.

It takes time to learn all the skills required for showing your horse well. Find success faster with my five recommendations.

Learn how to control your horse’s speed and direction with subtle riding cues.

Use this exercise to prepare your horse to stay straight through all of your lead changes.

Carol Metcalf has earned her reputation as a top performance horse trainer with talent, determination, and hard work.

If you show in the trail class, you’re probably quite familiar with the rope gate obstacle. It’s easy for show management to transport and set up, and it’s forgiving when it comes to working the obstacle. But now we’re seeing the metal trail gate return to the show pen, which adds another item to prepare to face in a class.

Is your horse calling the shots in the show pen? A multiple world champion tells how to correct and prevent this frustrating behavior plus improve the overall longevity of your show horse.