Are you dreaming of becoming a horse owner? Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a novice rider, the prospect of bringing a horse into your life is exciting. However, before you can saddle up and ride off into the sunset, you’ll need to decide where you want to start looking …
At its best, riding appear as a graceful art, a seamless bond between human and animal. But to get to this level of connectivity with your horse, you have to learn and master a whole array of techniques and equipment designed to facilitate communication. A riding crop, often referred to …
Choosing the perfect name for your horse can be an enjoyable and meaningful process. Here are some steps and tips to help you pick a name that suits your equine companion: Remember that the name you choose will be a part of your horse’s identity, so take your time and …
Horses have been an integral part of human history for thousands of years, serving as reliable work partners and skilled athletes. Being closely linked with humans has affected how modern horses are. While I’m not suggesting we’ve significantly altered their evolutionary make-up, horses have been bred for all kinds of …
Groundwork exercises for horses are an essential aspect of horse training that every equestrian should utilise. Groundwork involves working with a horse on the ground to establish trust, respect, and communication between horse and handler – and I mean both ways. It’s a great way to strengthen the relationship with …
Horses are herbivores, meaning that they eat plants. They eat grass, hay and haylage. Salt, supplements, concentrates, vegetables and fruits enhance their diets, depending on their energy requirements and amount of work they do. Your horse has an extremely long — and sensitive! — digestive tract that requires him to …
Imagine going to mount your horse and as soon as you put your foot in the stirrup, the saddle gives a great big squeak. You settle into the saddle, thinking, “Phew! Glad that’s done!” and pick up your reins. But as soon as your horse takes a step, that bloody …
Your saddle is an essential piece of equipment used to provide support, stability, and comfort to both you and your horse. The saddle serves as a platform for you to sit on and helps distribute your weight evenly across your horse’s back, allowing for better balance and communication. A broken …
You’ve been searching for months to find the perfect horse. You’ve scoured online listings and visited countless barns, but nothing quite felt right. You’re starting to lose hope, until a friend recommends a horse agent. At first, you’re sceptical. Why would you need someone else to find your horse? But …
One thing that I always keep my eyes out for is how people lead their horses. I remember when I was learning, in riding school, we were routinely taught to lead horses by holding the reins or lead rope as close as possible to the horse’s jaw. And while I …
The language that we use can colour the way we see things, this is why I advocate being mindful of the language we use, especially around horses. The word “discipline” can carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context and individual perspectives. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the …
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for horse riders is the helmet. The right helmet helps protect against head injuries in the event of a fall or other accident. However, finding the right horse riding helmet can be a daunting task. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand …
