Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Finding the First Horse
Horse and Rider
|Spring 2020
A child’s relationship with his or her first horse can make or break the rest of their equine careers.
Finding a safe, enjoyable mount that’ll serve the needs of a young, inexperienced rider is a tall task, though. Just how broke does a kid’s horse need to be, what type of training should he have, and what degree of soundness issues can you manage?
Charlie Cole, of Highpoint Performance Horses in Pilot Point, Texas, is an American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horseman. He’s helped hundreds of riders get their start in the arena, and he knows a thing or two about gentle horses. Here are the elements he demands in a kid’s first horse.
Safety First
This story is from the Spring 2020 edition of Horse and Rider.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM 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.
3 mins
Winter 2025
Horse and Rider
Foundation Focus
To boost confidence, Eric Priest takes the horse and rider back to the basics.
3 mins
Winter 2025
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Learn now traditions in the horse woria may not simply be outdated but can actually be harmful to your horse's health.
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.
8 mins
Winter 2025
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.
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.
2 mins
Winter 2025
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.
2 mins
Winter 2025
Horse and Rider
Making 'Magic' Happen
A terrible situation led to one woman finding the magical bond she'd been seeking.
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.
2 mins
Winter 2025
Horse and Rider
Small Arena Hacks
When weather doesn't cooperate, don't let a small indoor arena stunt your growth.
2 mins
Winter 2025
Translate
Change font size