Fostering A Passion

In this new section, we’ll explore how horsemen and -women have introduced children to the horse world. In our first installment, National Finals Rodeo barrel racer Shali Lord discusses how she and her husband have developed a love for horses in their two children, Slade, 8, and Stealy, 3.

Improve That Walk

Ranch riding events and pleasant trail rides call for a horse that walks out smartly. Learn how to use alternating legs to improve your horse’s walk.

Develop A Relationship

Use this basic groundwork drill to establish a good, confident relationship between you and your horse.

Healthy Skin Healthy Horse

Learn how to give your horse a healthy glow with a back-to-basics skin-care routine.

Real Riding: Guest Ranches Catering To Equestrians

If you imagine slow, nose-to-tail rides when you hear the term ‘guest ranch,’ think again. We’ve tracked down six top ranch resorts with programs designed for experienced riders.

Groom To Win

From forelocks to fetlocks, good grooming is in the details.

Skill Set Unlocked

Master these milestones to get your horse ready to tackle all-around classes with advice from APHA Professional Horseman Mike Hachtel.

#nofilter

Whether Alex Bauwens is shooting arrows off the back of a horse or sliding to a stop, she’s documenting it on social media to connect with like-minded riders.

Thoroughly Modern Cowgirl

She grew up on Arizona’s famous Bar U Bar Ranch and has been riding and showing great horses ever since. Today, Laurel Denton lives the ultimate Western life while excelling in the sports she loves.

Loping Out Loud

If you get breathless and jittery at the lope, try this to substitute enjoyment for anxiety.

BraveHearts Brings Adopted Mustangs And Veterans Together

On a back road in Illinois, just south of the Wisconsin border and hidden among fields of corn and soy, sits a horse farm.

Ride For Life

Stay in the saddle the rest of your life by focusing now on posture, balance, and core strength.

Tend Your Oldster

Have a senior horse in your herd? Here’s how to keep him in the best possible shape throughout his teen years and beyond.

Lessons Learned

AS MUCH AS I wish I could, I can’t seem to shake my stubborn streak of cowboy pride. Sometimes it manifests itself in a positive way—doing a job right or not backing down in the face of a challenge.

Junior Paint Geldings

Evaluate and place these junior Paint geldings. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge’s.

Under-Saddle Aggression

Aggressiveness in a ridden horse should never be ignored. Learn the causes plus some fixes you can apply from the saddle.

Let Him Lope!

This ‘passenger exercise’ trains your horse to maintain a relaxed lope as you learn how to trust him and ‘let go.’

Riding Outside The Circle

Family Style

Simplify The Turn

Use a snaffle bit, and ride two-handed to begin. You can go to the bit you regularly ride with and use one hand as you gain confidence and control. Return to the snaffle bit when you feel like your horse needs a tuneup or special attention to any of the parts of the drill. Pay attention to how your horse learns in any drill so you can tailor your methods to get the best response. 

Get Snaffle-Bit Smart

This simple, go-to piece of tack has more going for it than you might know. Learn about proper use and different styles of snaffles.

feel good work for your senior horse

check out these tips for exercise strategies your old guy will enjoy and benefit from.

Leadership, Purpose, And Partnership

Leadership, Purpose, And Partnership

Let Your Senior Shine

Mindful management can extend your senior performance horse’s career and enjoyment of his life.

Hoof Makes The Horse

Use my hoof-maintenance and trail-prep tips for a safe, fun ride.

Arizona Trails

Snow on the ground? Give your trail horse a break, and enjoy the rustic elegance of a Tucson guest ranch.

Rest & Relaxation

Choose the right retirement facility for your senior horse with this step-by-step guide.

30 Is The New 20

ADVANCES IN EQUINE HEALTH CARE HAVE EXTENDED YOUR HORSE’S POTENTIAL LIFESPAN. WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT AS HE GROWS OLDER?

Let's Talk Tape

Learn about Kinesiology tape and why its becoming a popular alternative therapy for your equine partner.

Correct Lead-Change Anticipation

 All-around trainer Leslie Lange provides exercises for a reader who’s having trouble with her gelding anticipating lead changes in horsemanship and western riding.

Less Me, More We

I SPENT THE past 20 years or so as a magazine editor, observing and writing about horsemanship, rodeo, and cowboy culture. When that phase ended, I decided that rather than write about people doing interesting things, I wanted to do interesting things.