training

Non ridden activity generator

November 4, 2017 care, health, training, fun

This generator selects a random non-ridden activity idea from an ever-growing pool that fits into the selected category. It is intended to inspire you and help you come up with new things to do with your horse besides riding.

Ridden work for building topline

October 21, 2017April 16, 2020 training, topline

Building topline is all about exercising the right muscles. Here are a few ridden activities to help your horse’s physical development.

The hanging cheek bit: does it apply poll pressure?

October 21, 2017October 27, 2017 training, bits, misconceptions

Hanging cheek bits are sometimes confused with leverage bits. In reality, they relieve poll pressure and can be a good choice for sensitive horses.

Know your equipment

September 22, 2017October 21, 2017 training, welfare, equipment

Understanding your equipment is a big part of becoming an accomplished horse person. Do you know how all your equipment works and what it does?

Choosing a first horse: Avoiding behavioural problems

August 6, 2017October 20, 2017 training, equestrian, horse sports, new horse

Everyone has ideas about what they want their first horse to be like… Prioritise what is most important to set yourself up for a successful partnership.

Good training can be passive!

July 1, 2017July 1, 2017 training

Sometimes ‘active’ training is not the best approach. Good horse trainers understand when to take a more passive approach for long-term success.

You are ALWAYS training – whether you like it or not!

June 10, 2017July 2, 2017 horse psychology, training

We tend to think of “training” as something distinct from other things we do with our horses, but this is a very human mindset…

Gadgets: the equestrian world divided

May 3, 2017October 20, 2017 lunging, training, equestrian, outline

The use of gadgets splits opinion but it is important to take a step back from the broader debate to carefully evaluate specific equipment and methods.

horse throwing head up in air while galloping at liberty

My horse won’t put his head down. Should I force him?

April 30, 2017October 20, 2017 lunging, training, outline, topline

Does your horse do giraffe impersonations and refuse to lower their head? Find out why ‘shortcuts’ to solving this problem can easily backfire.

What should I feed my horse to build their topline?

April 30, 2017April 16, 2020 care, health, training, outline

Read about the science behind this question and what you need to do to help your horse gain muscle.

Help! My horse thinks he’s a giraffe!

April 28, 2017February 12, 2019 training, horse sports, outline, dressage

Does your horse go around looking like a giraffe wannabe? Do you struggle to get your horse ‘in an outline’? Find out what we can learn from zebras – and giraffes – to help tackle this very common problem.

horse runs away but sees carrot and considers negotiating cartoon

One simple tip for difficult-to-catch horses

April 21, 2017May 16, 2017 training, treats, positive reinforcement

Do you wonder why your horse doesn’t want to get caught? Here is a simple tip that will help change your horse’s opinion!

Saddle fit: a video guide

March 30, 2017May 17, 2017 care, health, training, horse sports

This 9-part series of videos presented by Jochen Schleese is a good way to start learning about the complex topic of saddle fit and saddle design.

Two wild Chincoteague pony stallions on Assateague island in a parking lot tussling with each other. Still from video.

Wild stallion shows off his Spanish Walk

March 3, 2017March 3, 2017 training, stallion, positive reinforcement, spanish walk

Watch these two stallions tussling in a parking lot. Do any of their movements look familiar? Some of the things we train horses to do have surprising roots in wild horse behaviour. The best training takes into account both the horse’s understanding of a behaviour and their physical ability to perform it.