Clinicians | Ride Magazine

Crossing an Obstacle

Many of us ride trails that cross creeks that may be dry in summer and fill with winter rains. Also, you never know when you will encounter a dead fall that blocks a trail. If your horse balks at a creek or any other obstacle, you need to get him comfortable with crossing.

To teach a horse to go over obstacles the horse must already understand certain things and we must have control of the horse. You must be able to control your horse’s nose, shoulders and hind quarters. The horse must know how to lunge on a 12 or 14-foot line and give to pressure. You need to have established a strong go-forward cue with your horse and be able to stop his feet and change direction.

Dealing with the Death of a Horse

by Julie Goodnight | | Julie Goodnight

It’s never easy to witness. There’s something about their power… their free spirit… the image of running like the wind, that makes it especially hard to watch a horse go down. Seeing a happy and carefree horse suddenly fall ill and struggle to survive or watching an old beloved friend suffer and grow weak… these are some of the hardest issues horse owners face. The death of a horse is not something we like to think about, but death is a part of life and when it comes to horses, it’s best to be prepared.

Dealing with the Death of a Horse

by Julie Goodnight | | Julie Goodnight

It’s never easy to witness. There’s something about their power… their free spirit… the image of running like the wind, that makes it especially hard to watch a horse go down. Seeing a happy and carefree horse suddenly fall ill and struggle to survive or watching an old beloved friend suffer and grow weak… these are some of the hardest issues horse owners face. The death of a horse is not something we like to think about, but death is a part of life and when it comes to horses, it’s best to be prepared.

The Best Place to Keep Your Horse

by Charles Wilhelm | | Charles Wilhelm

Is it better for a horse to be kept in a stall, a paddock or a pasture? Sometimes we don’t have a choice but when we do, it is best to consider what is right for your horse.

My Trail Horse Spooks and Lacks Focus

by Julie Goodnight | | Julie Goodnight

Dear Julie, I have a 10-year-old horse that was born on my farm. From day one has been an...

Daily Wellness Check for your Horse

by Lynn Palm | | Lynn Palm

Keep your Western Dressage horse in top health by paying close daily attention. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That old saying especially applies to your horse’s health and safety. You can head off many potential problems—or catch them early—by doing a daily wellness check. When you do a daily check, you can often catch the “little things” before they turn into serious, expensive issues.

The Need for Chiropractic and Dental Care

by Charles Wilhelm | | Charles Wilhelm

I have had a lot of horses come into the barn and have received many telephone calls related to horses that buck. There are many reasons that a horse will buck. It may not be a broke horse, or the freshness may not have been taken off of it before it was ridden. There may also be medical or saddle issues. Medical and saddle issues can be one and the same.

The Magic and Mystique of Horsemanship Clinics

by Julie Goodnight | | Julie Goodnight

For some, attending a horsemanship clinic with a particular clinician, is a bucket-list item that they work toward for years. For others, attending horsemanship clinics with teachers who are leaders in the field is a way to further their careers and boost their horsemanship. And then there are the “clinic junkies,”

Riding With Light Hands

by Charles Wilhelm | | Charles Wilhelm

I remember growing up and hearing that we must always ride with light hands and not pull on our horses. But what if the horse does not respond to a light rein and he pulls the reins through our hands? I believe this means we are not communicating with the horse. So, through lack of education and knowledge we end up making our horses heavier by pulling harder on the reins.

“Western Dressage: A Closer Look at Tack”

by Lynn Palm | | Horsemanship, Lynn Palm

Any time you are getting into a different discipline, it is important to know what tack is allowed in competition. The smart rider will research ahead of time to learn all the rules about what tack is permitted and what is not.