Horsemanship

Soft, feeling hands are a key component of good horsemanship. Learn exercises that will improve your hands and help you become a better rider.

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.

Is your horse starting to cut corners on his maneuvers? Nip this behavior in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem.

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.

Learn to ride with impulsion and confidence as you encourage your horse to drive from behind at the lope.

A runaway horse is a serious riding hazard. These three concepts can prevent or solve this dangerous problem for you.

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.

Working equitation is a fascinating equestrian sport imported from Europe. Try this fun exercise to give you and your horse a taste of what it’s all about.

Bridleless riding, where your horse wears no headgear at all, is an exercise that can solve problems and help you become a more effective rider.

Kids and horses make the perfect pair for valuable life lessons.

In today’s world, horses may be one of the best tools ever for fostering healthy, well-adjusted children.

When you’re having a horse problem, avoid insanity by thinking creatively. Try something new instead of just drilling the same old maneuver.

Perfect your horse’s turnaround with these helpful tips and troubleshooting pointers.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, ride trails or rails, effective speed transitions are an essential part of your horsemanship. Controlled, smooth changes of gait make for a more enjoyable ride for you and your horse—less bouncing around, fumbled cues, and confusion for your horse. And they net you a better score if you compete. Here I’ll explain how one of my young riders works on her transitions to eventually make them effortless and almost invisible.

It’s easy for you or your horse to become dependent on the rail when you’re riding. Break out of your comfort zone and ride off the rail with these exercises.

Learn to open and close a trail gate without dismounting for safety, efficiency, and control.

Balky horses have reasons for their behavior. Here’s how to recognize root causes and overcome the different varieties of balkiness.

Talent, instruction, the right attitude—even with all these, you may not reach the top level without this “secret” of champion riders.

Your horse has mastered techniques, but how do you keep him ready to compete without overtraining? Use these strategies for success.

Use this schooling technique for the right reasons and in the correct way to improve your horse’s rundown and stop.

Try a new approach to a familiar trail obstacle.

Sidepass an ‘L’ with your horse’s hind feet inside the obstacle.

Break free of five fitness inhibitors that keep you from being a better rider.