General Training

There’s a common misconception among horses and humans that what we want lies somewhere else. It’s why horses graze on the other side of a fence when the grass is just as green and lush on their side. And why humans long for something—tangible or not—that we don’t have. I call focusing on that other place or thing we want “destination addiction.” Here I’ll discuss why destination addiction can hamper your training and riding progress and how to move away from it once and for all.

Looking for a new event for the entire family? Consider mounted shooting. With its fast pace and levels of competition, it’s an event you can enjoy together. But before you can hit the course, you must safely expose your horse to gunfire. World champion gunslinger Kenda Lenseigne explains the steps to help your horse accept the unfamiliar sound of gunshots with the help of a group of experienced horse-and-rider pairs—what Lenseigne calls “the beehive method.”

Here’s how to take charge and build a better, more responsive trail partner for safety and control.

Try this quick exercise to boost your control while encouraging forward motion.

Use this chart to calculate how many calories you're burning at the barn. From the editors of Horse & Rider magazine.

Use this chart to calculate how many calories you're burning at the barn.