CATEGORIES

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.

Magical 'Madigan Squeeze'

This newborn foal wouldn’t nurse. Then an odd new method worked exactly as described.

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.

The Biggest Mistakes Nonpro Riders Make

Being a non-pro/amateur rider is challenging. But it can be easier if you avoid making these seven common mistakes.

To Breed to Breed? Or Not

Learn the crucial questions you should answer before deciding to breed your mare.

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.

Be Trail - Tack Savvy

Follow these expert trail-tack guidelines for optimal safety, fit, comfort, and control.

Why Kids Should Ride

In today’s world, horses may be one of the best tools ever for fostering healthy, well-adjusted children.

Catch Fall Color

Ready to ride through spectacular fall color? Here’s how to plan your trip, and stay safe and comfortable on your ride.

Southwest Solitude

Discover history and beauty in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Good Everyday Gear

Use quality tack in your day-to day riding to keep your horse comfortable and performing well.

Black, White, or Shades of Gray?

Learn details about five-panel genetic testing and its positive influence on breeding decisions.

Blind Horse TLC

A horse with little or no vision can live a fully satisfying life if you make just a few tweaks to your horsekeeping routine.

My Collection

The Collector:Bob Avila Temecula, California

Create A Confident Mindset

When you feel uneasy on your horse, these strategies will help you ‘fake it ’til you make it.’

Aged Paint Horse Mares

Evaluate and place these aged Paint Horse mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge’s.