Horsemanship

Should you use certain tack items with your horse or not? Get professional input on seven commonly used pieces of horse equipment.

Learn five strategies for problem-solving when your horse is having a bad day…or…What to do when your ride goes wrong!

The ranch riding lopeover can bring riders to grief. Here’s how to set yourself and your horse up for success over this obstacle in the show ring.

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

These are four common mistakes I've seen parents or coaches making with their kids' tack and gear that are doing a disservice to their kids' horsemanship.

Make these actions and attitudes habitual and your proficiency as a rider will soar.

Learn nine key ways to improve your horsemanship by avoiding the blunders that sabotage training and make your horse unhappy.

“LADIES’ HORSE.” “PREFERS MALE RIDERS.”“HATES MEN WITH A PASSION!” These descriptions, all taken from real Internet ads or Web sites, are but a handful of the ways we humans describe a phenomenon that might be called gender bias in horses.

Challenge yourself! Have fun and test your knowledge of horse behavior and horseback riding with Horse&Rider’s Trivia Challenge, featured in The Ride newsletter.

Test your knowledge of basic horse-safety know-how with this true/false quiz from clinician and educator Clinton Anderson.

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.

Turn your trail-balker back into a willing trail companion with these techniques.

Challenge yourself! Have fun and learn interesting tidbits about horses and horsemanship with Horse&Rider’s Trivia Challenge, featured in The Ride newsletter.

Tips to help senior riders choose the right horse and be smart about time spent in the saddle, so they can continue to enjoy riding at any age.

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.

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

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.