Animals-and-Pets
Horse and Rider
WESTERN VERSUS WESTERN
There's no denying that all-around and ranch classes are evolving. While it might seem like one is pushing out the other, the truth is, they need each other.
7 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
Horse Life
A veritable all-around cowgirl event, the 2025 Top Hand Cowgirl Challenge takes place at Randolph, Minnesota's Simons Arena Oct. 15-19, beginning with two multi-event clinics—one for the “Everyday Cowgirl,” the other a “Masterclass” with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Craig Johnson and all-around AQHA judge and competitor Amy Marx.
2 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
Confidence Over Obstacles
Instilling confidence in a young horse isn't easy, but repetition and clear instruction can set you up for success.
2 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
Improving Body Control
Body control is an essential skill for every rider.
3 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
Sorting Geldings
Evaluate and place these ranch sorting geldings. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.
3 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
Saddling for the Long Haul
Your saddling habits can lead your horse to love or resent his job. Your actions choose the path forward.
2 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
Independence at the Barn
How will you know when your child is ready for more responsibility and freedom at the barn?
2 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
Young Horse Health Check
Buying a weanling or yearling? Here's what to expect when it comes to health and development milestones from birth to age 2—so your young horse grows up strong, sound, and ready for the ride ahead.
2 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
The Role of Horse Rescues
Rescues play an essential part of the horse industry, across all disciplines.
4 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
It's Not Just in Their DNA: How Care Shapes a Horse's Future
When it comes to developing a great horse, how much credit goes to DNA and how much to the humans who raise them?
7 min |
Fall 2025
Horse and Rider
Down and in Danger
Does the mere mention of a downed horse give you nightmares? If not, it should. In this article we'll help you be prepared if your down horse nightmare ever becomes reality.
8 min |
Summer 2025
Horse and Rider
BACK UP TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE SORTING PEN
Logan Wolfe’s drills have you start backward to move forward with precision, collection, and body control in the sorting pen.
7 min |
Summer 2025
Horse and Rider
Performance Mares
Evaluate and place these performance mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.
3 min |
Summer 2025
Horse and Rider
Crossing Water
Having control of your horse's feet is key to staying safe on the trail. When your horse is unsure or spooked by an obstacle, not having that control can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.
3 min |
Summer 2025
Horse and Rider
The Lucky Seven
Following the loss of their owner, a herd of seven horses would've faced uncertain futures without the intervention of a family friend and a local rescue.
2 min |
Summer 2025
Horse and Rider
Your Child's First Clinic
A clinic can be a great way to learn, but before you invest, consider these tips.
2 min |
Summer 2025
Horse and Rider
Bridling Bad Habits
A simple task can develop big problems when not done correctly every time.
2 min |
Summer 2025
Horse and Rider
Navigating Nerves
No matter if it's the horse or the rider that's nervous, setting up a plan for your ride is key to a successful partnership.
2 min |
Summer 2025
Horse and Rider
Building Confidence in the Box-Drive
Learn how the box-drive class can build your confidence and refine your skills before tackling full fence runs. Get ready to drive, box, and position your way to success in the arena with help from reined cow horse trainer Shadd Parkinson.
7 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
FULL SEND
Andrea Fappani is the quintessential example of a reining professional, and now, he's all in in the reined cow horse arena.
8 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
Routines to Bookend Your Ride
Success in the show pen starts before you ever enter the arena. Learn how consistent warm-up and cool-down routines can improve your horse's performance, support his recovery, and keep him sound for the long haul.
2 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
7 Steps to Better Sleep
Find out why a good night's sleep is important for your horse, and learn how you can make sure he gets the rest he needs at home and on the road.
7 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
Performance Mares
Evaluate and place these performance mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.
3 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
Two-Rein Dos and Don'ts
Use the two-rein setup correctly—at home and in the show pen—to fully transition your horse to the bridle.
2 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
Be Safe in the Warm-Up Pen
A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping a young rider safe.
2 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
Fun Focus
A fun, safe run in the ranch sorting pen depends on a rider's confidence in themselves and in their horse.
2 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
Ride & Train
WHEN IT COMES TIME TO COMPETE, you need to be able to communicate with your horse using the subtlest of cues. This is why I love having non-pro riders include my \"Follow My Gaze\" drill into their daily riding routine. Read on to learn how you can use your eyes to improve your connection with your horse and ace your maneuvers in the show pen.
3 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
Speaking Horse
BARRY DENTON SAYS IT’S a good thing that I'm not a dog trainer. My dog is spoiled, coddled, and refuses to come when called. She'll come to anyone else, but not me.
2 min |
Bonus Issue 2025
Horse and Rider
TECHNIQUES FOR THE TRAIL
THERE'S NO TELLING WHAT YOU'LL RUN INTO ON THE TRAIL, BUT KEN MCNABB'S TIPS FOR NAVIGATING ANY TERRAIN WILL HELP KEEP YOU AND YOUR HORSE SAFE.
6 min |
Spring 2025
Horse and Rider
Into the Arms of Love: Buttercup's Story
When Buttercup, the palomino mare, stepped off the trailer in April 2022, she felt a shift in the air.
2 min |