riding - Good Horse

girl standing with tacked up chestnut pony

How working with horses can help those with learning disabilities

September 22, 2021 health, riding

Discover how horses can be part of a healthy lifestyle and benefit those with learning difficulties.

Should I lease a horse?

August 28, 2020May 6, 2021 equestrian, riding

Leasing a horse can be a wonderful and educational experience. Here are a few considerations before you take the next step on your equestrian journey!

Five favourite stretches for improving your riding

April 19, 2020 riding, rider fitness

Become a more effective (and more comfortable!) rider with these simple hip and leg stretches.

On showing empathy to other riders

March 17, 2020March 17, 2020 equestrian, riding, confidence, showing

A thoughtful post on showing our fellow equestrians understanding in what can be a very harsh and critical sport.

For the love of the horse!

January 22, 2019 human emotion, equestrian, horse sports, riding

We all have bad days sometimes! The important thing is to always remember why we do what we do and to hang on to our love of the horse!

Managing Your Anxiety in the Saddle

December 24, 2018 fear, training, equestrian, riding

Two strategies to help you deal with riding-related anxiety and nerves.

What makes a great riding student?

December 24, 2018 fear, training, equestrian, riding

Have you ever wondered what your riding instructor expects from you? These are the things that I think make a great riding student.

What makes a great riding instructor?

November 24, 2018December 24, 2018 training, equestrian, riding, instructing

Is there any more to it than knowing when to shout “heels down”? Here are some qualities that I think help make a great riding instructor.

Should I change my horse’s bit?

July 20, 2018July 20, 2018 communication, training, riding, bits

Are you struggling to find that perfect bit that your horse will work well in? This common problem often has a simple, but counter-intuitive, solution.

3 Tips for Fearless Riding

July 20, 2018July 20, 2018 human emotion, horse sports, riding, confidence

Do you lack confidence in the saddle? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! Here are 3 simple things you can do to help you work through your riding fears.

The Rider Weight Debate: What can the latest research tell us?

March 12, 2018March 12, 2018 health, equestrian, riding, welfare

Rider size often comes up in discussion and debate but there isn’t much conclusive research on the topic. A recent pilot study may promise future insights.

Calculator: How much weight can my horse carry?

October 21, 2017October 21, 2017 health, riding, welfare, weight

Use this calculator to work out your horse’s weight carrying ability. User friendly, easy to understand and backed up by the latest research.

Calculator: Which horses can carry me comfortably?

October 21, 2017October 21, 2017 health, riding, welfare, weight

Use this calculator to work out what size horse is suitable for different sized riders. User friendly, easy to understand and backed up by the latest research.

Why you should mount your horse from both sides

September 17, 2017May 7, 2021 care, riding, biomechanics

Most people are taught to get on their horse from the left side – but there are unwanted consequences to this tradition. What should we do about them?

Sea Lord and Silva Martin dressage in racing silks

In praise of the Thoroughbred horse: seven ways Thoroughbreds have shaped the equestrian world

March 22, 2017March 22, 2017 equestrian, horse sports, riding, Thoroughbred

Thoroughbreds sometimes get a bad rap but they deserve more recognition! Here are 7 awesome ways Thoroughbreds have helped shape the equestrian world.

Clark Montgomery and Universe, fall at Bramham in 2014

Risk vs. welfare in horse sports: Finding the middle ground

March 17, 2017October 20, 2017 equestrian, horse sports, riding

Polarised opinions dominate discussion of high-risk equestrian sports. But finding a middle ground is important and paves the way for better horse welfare.

Should children learn to ride on horses or ponies?

March 12, 2017March 14, 2019 care, riding, pony, children

Do you remember the first horse you ever rode? Choosing the best equine partner for your child can be really difficult. Here are some thoughts on how to make that decision.

Am I too big for my horse?

January 22, 2017March 12, 2018 health, riding, welfare, weight

Do you worry that you might be too big for your horse? Find out about your horse’s weight carrying ability and the science behind it.

Two horses looking relaxed wearing bridles with snaffle bits and cavesson nosebands.

Introduction to: Types of Bit

January 21, 2017April 27, 2017 training, riding, bits, equipment

There are so many different bits available – how do you choose the right one? Learn the main differences between common bit designs and how they work.