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Less is More

Horse and Rider

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Bonus Issue 2023

Riding in fewer classes at an all-day horse show has many benefits for both horse and rider.

- MARK SHERIDAN, WITH ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

Less is More

This is a difficult topic to talk about. But I'm going to make the case for not overshowing your horse. You probably ride your horse for 30 minutes to an hour a day when you're at home, or you take an hour-long lesson. But some competitors get to a show and end up riding 10, or even 15 hours a day. They start first thing in the morning and show all day till late at night, only to get up and do it again the next day.

A flat fee day rate with unlimited entries seems like a great deal for a budget-conscious competitor, but it's not always best for you or your horse to enter in so many classes. Here, I'm going to talk to you about how to make the best choices of classes to show in a day. But ultimately, you must think of the well-being of your horse more than your pursuit of trophies.

Why Not Go All Day?

In a nutshell, it will save your horse. It'll save his legs, and it will preserve his longevity. Just because a horse is stronger than us, doesn't mean he'll be able to handle that kind of workload.

WEITERE GESCHICHTEN VON Horse and Rider

Horse and Rider

Ranch Sorting Drills For a Dull Horse

Some horses are born eager to hunt a cow, while others—no matter how broke—would rather conserve energy and hang back. A horse that's dull to your leg or slow to react can make working a cow frustrating and unproductive. The goal isn't just to get through the run—it's to teach your horse to drive up into a cow with purpose and maintain forward momentum without constant kicking or nagging from you.

time to read

3 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

Horse and Rider

Foundation Focus

To boost confidence, Eric Priest takes the horse and rider back to the basics.

time to read

3 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

Horse and Rider

Old Habits Die Hard

Learn now traditions in the horse woria may not simply be outdated but can actually be harmful to your horse's health.

time to read

8 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

No Trainer? No Problem.

Four do-it-yourself non-pros share how they balance work, budgets, and barn time—and still find success in the show pen.

time to read

8 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

Horse and Rider

2-Year-Old Quarter Horse Mares

Evaluate and place these 2-year-old reining mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.

time to read

3 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

Rehabbing a Foundered Horse

Founder can feel like a four-letter word for horse owners, and it's one of the toughest conditions to try to rehab a horse from. Laminitis, the medical name for founder, occurs when blood flow to the laminae is disrupted, weakening the bond inside the hoof. If left untreated, there can be rotation or sinking of the coffin bone. This is typically when it's referred to as founder, and when riders begin to worry that their horse is either permanently unrideable or will be in too much pain to continue living.

time to read

2 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

Horse and Rider

Winter Fun With Horses

When the weather keeps your child out of the saddle, here are tips to keep their interest and knowledge growing.

time to read

2 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

Horse and Rider

Making 'Magic' Happen

A terrible situation led to one woman finding the magical bond she'd been seeking.

time to read

5 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

Against the Odds

RIGHT BEFORE THIS ISSUE WENT TO PRESS, I had the opportunity to go to the Snaffle Bit Futurity finals and watch some of the top 3-year-old cow horses in the world compete for the prestigious title of Snaffle Bit champion. As I watched John Swales complete his fence work run, I couldn't help but tear up. John wasn't just on any horse—he was riding Bowie Nights, a horse trained by his sister, Veronica Swales. Veronica was involved in a serious accident at the National Stock Horse Show back in August and is currently unable to compete, but she knew that if anyone could step in and show her horses to their full potential, it was her brother.

time to read

2 mins

Winter 2025

Horse and Rider

Horse and Rider

Small Arena Hacks

When weather doesn't cooperate, don't let a small indoor arena stunt your growth.

time to read

2 mins

Winter 2025

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