Pain That Kills

Pain That Kills

Laminitis can be fatal. Learn why this deadly disease is so dangerous and what you can do to prevent your horse falling prey. I love horses. As an equine veterinarian, it is … Read more

5 Horse-Containment Options

Horse Containment

These handy containment options will keep your horse Houdini safe in camp. Horse camping adds an extra dimension to your trail riding experience. After a long day exploring the wilderness, contentment … Read more

How to Organize Your Feed Room

Feed Room

Horse & Rider’s May 2006 issue features a tour of Richard Klimesh and Cherry Hill’s meticulously organized tack rooms. Cherry gives some organizing tips for the feed area. Cherry Hill and … Read more

Chaps by Discipline

Chaps by Discipline

You can confidently buy your next pair of chaps using the guidance from four experts and get tips from a chapsmaker. Chaps are an essential part of any rider’s attire. Chaps … Read more

Teach Your Horse to Neck Rein

Neck Rein

Horses should learn neck reining. This helps you feel confident in your horse’s ability to control. You can also use it to open gates, grab an item from your saddlebag or point … Read more

Horsenality: It Makes Your Horse Unique

Makes Your Horse Unique

Is it possible to decode the personality of your horse and discover his unique traits? Linda Parelli, educator and clinician. People are unique. Are horses capable of having “horsenalities?” Linda Parelli, a clinician … Read more

3 Great Ways to De-Spook Your Horse

De-Spook Your Horse

Horses are naturally spooky. Some horses more than others. Experts will show you how to reduce the spook-o’meter. According to the old saying, horses are only scared of two things. “1. Things that … Read more

To Play or Not to Play?

To Play Or Not To Play

You might be able to play with your horse without causing any harm. However, playing with horses can cause problems. Here’s why. Is it okay to play with your horse? Owners may think … Read more

Why Kids Should Ride

Why Kids Should Ride

Horses may be the most effective tool in today’s world for raising healthy, well-adjusted kids. Jennifer Paulson My mom introduced me to horses when I was a small child. I was … Read more

Endurance Riding 101

Endurance Riding 101

This series is from Lari Shea (owner of California’s Ricochet Ridge Ranch), endurance champion and trail guru. This issue: An eight-step guide for endurance riding competitively. Lari Shea, a seasoned endurance … Read more

Decoding Horse Conformation

Decoding Horse Conformation

Learn the basics of horse conformation from an expert horse-judging judge so that you can’see’ horses like a pro and master judging terminology once and for all. Your horse-loving friend … Read more

Get a Handle on Hackamores

Get A Handle On Hackamores

Learn the basics of traditional hackamore and improve your horse-headgear skills. A handsome, well-made hackamore is the most Western of all Western things. A bitless setup, which includes a bosal and … Read more

Surviving Green + Green

Surviving Green + Green

It’s the “forbidden” match, a green rider riding on a green horse. These strategies will help you to be successful and safe if you find yourself in such a situation. You … Read more

Sarcoid Tumors: On Alert!

Sarcoid Tumors On Alert

These common skin cancers can be easily identified and treated. The flat, hairless region of skin near the horse’s eyes was something I mentioned to my client the first time … Read more

Understanding Horse Cinches

Understanding Horse Cinches

To ensure that every ride is safe and enjoyable, brush up on your front-cinch knowledge. A Western saddle must have a front cinch. Without it, the saddle will not stay … Read more

Running Martingale

Running Martingale

Are you using your running martingale correctly? Compare your habits with my tips. Many people don’t understand the purpose of a running marstingale for the Western horses. It is not meant to … Read more

Diarrhea: Is It Serious?

Diarrhea Is It Serious

Learn how to distinguish between potentially fatal diarrhea and loose manure, as well as how to protect your horse from such conditions. These four words from a client made my … Read more

Locks of Love

Locks Of Love

These do’s and dont’s will help you unravel the secrets to your horse’s silky tresses. People usually react to the long tail and mane of Smart And Shiney (above) with … Read more

Get Snaffle-Bit Smart

Get Snaffle Bit Smart

This easy-to-use piece of tack can have more to it than you may realize. Find out how to use snaffle bits and the different styles. Here are four types of snaffle … Read more

Thoroughpin—Should I Worry?

Thoroughpin—should I Worry

Horse owners wonder what the hock condition is and whether there are any remedies. Q My 10-year-old part Arabian gelding seems to have a large thoroughpin within the web of his … Read more

Mount from the Right

Mount From The Right

Your horse will allow you to mount or dismount from either side. It is just a tradition to mount from the left. Learn why your horse should allow you to mount from … Read more

Fix That Cycle

Mare's Cycles.

To ease hormonal issues associated with estrus and to plan her breeding, regulate your mare’s cycles. You can regulate your mare’s fertility by determining when she should have that foal. … Read more

How Does Twitching Affect Horses?

How Does Twitching Affect Horses

While lip twitching can have legitimate uses, ear twitching should be avoided. Q Just bought my first horse. Do you think lip- or ear-twitching is effective in distracting horses or subduing them? Is … Read more

Barefoot or Shod?

Barefoot Or Shod

With the help of a barefoot expert, three experienced riders and their insight, you can make the right decision for your horse. Ever wondered why your horse is shod? Do you … Read more

Bits That Go Ouch

Bits That Go Ouch

Learn about three common problems bits that can pinch, poke or make your horse wince. For a happier ride, learn how your bit affects your horse’s mouth. Are you familiar with … Read more

Your Horse’s Lumps & Bumps

Insect Bites

Should you contact the vet if your horse is experiencing a blemish? Make the right decision by being informed. Our editorial staff has selected the products we feature. We may be compensated … Read more