Articles by Laura
How to Keep Retired Horses Active: Exercises and Activities for the Senior Horse
Keeping retired horses active is quite a challenge. The senior horse requires exercises and activities to keep him mobile and engaged.
How to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance in Horses: Ensure Antibiotics are Effective for Treating Equine Infections
Antibiotic resistance in horses is a serious issue that affects all horse owners. Caused primarily by overuse of antibiotics, there are several ways to prevent it.
How Much Pasture Space Does a Horse Need?: Dimensions of Paddocks and Pastures for Horses
Horse owners are often confused about the dimensions of paddocks and pastures. How much pasture space a horse needs depends on numerous criteria.
How to Adopt a Horse: Equine Adoption from Public and Private Sources
Although not free, equine adoption is an inexpensive way to purchase a horse. Both public and private options exist to adopt a horse.
Horse Melanomas: Identifying and Treating Skin Cancer in Horses
Although horse melanomas are most common in grey and red roan horses, they can happen to any equine. Fortunately, they are rarely serious.
The Importance of Ground Manners: Why Training Horses on the Ground Matters
Ground manners are the foundation for the horse – human relationship. Therefore, it is important for horse owners to start training horses on the ground.
Common Problems for Beginner Riders: Horseback Riding Pitfalls to Avoid
Every rider has to start somewhere, but it helps to know where problems most frequently occur. Some mistakes are common for most beginner riders.
Types of Horse Boarding: Pasture and Board Options for Horses
Horse boarding is a serious business for those who own barns and stables, and sometimes horse owners don’t realize they have pasture and board options.
How to Ride Without Tack: Riding Bridleless and Saddleless on Horseback
Many horseback riders have become obsessed with the idea of riding brideless and saddleless. It is true that it is possible to ride without tack, but it can be dangerous.
Blue Ribbon Horse Shows: Improve Performance in Equine Competition
Blue ribbon horse shows might seem few and far between, but it is possible to improve performance in every equine competition.
Expert Grooming Tips for Show Horses: Renowned Groom Kelly Lambert Shares Industry Tricks
Who better than a professional groom to teach frustrated riders how to keep their show horses sparklingly clean? Kelly Lambert offers several grooming tips.
Working with Horses in Film: Job Possibilities for Horse Lovers in the Movie Industry
Many movies either involve horses or are about horses, which means that professionals are needed to work with horses in film.
Training the Older Horse: Tips for Retraining Senior Horses
Whether it’s bringing a horse back to work after a vacation or starting over in a new discipline, training the older horse is a challenging experience.
How to Ride a Circle: Riding Even Circles on Horseback
One of the most common frustrations in horseback riding is turning a circle. Riders often have trouble riding even circles while keeping their horses bent correctly.
Five Steps to an Organized Barn: How to Organize a Horse Stable
Barn owners struggle with dirt, dust and clutter on a daily basis. Taking steps toward an organized barn will mean healthy horses and better productivity.
Training the Timid Horse: How to School a Nervous Horse
Some horses are more timid and nervous than others. This lack of confidence can be a major impediment to training if horse trainers do not address it directly.
Guide to Horseback Riding Clothes: Choosing Riding Attire
Finding horseback riding clothes can be a challenge for riders who aren’t familiar with their options. From trail riding to horse shows, what should riders wear?
Treating a Horse for Fungus: How to Eliminate Fungal Infections in Horses
Fungal infections are common in horses during the summer months and whenever precipitation increases. Treating a horse for fungus is necessary to avoid complications.
Slow a Horse’s Gait: Slowing Down the Speedy Horse
Some horses are faster than others, but horses that try to race can be difficult to control. To slow a horse’s gait, the rider has to focus on deliberate movement.
Energizing a Sluggish Horse: How to Speed Up Slow Horses
Some horses just won’t go, no matter how hard the rider kicks. These tips for energizing a sluggish horse will help riders gain a little speed.
How to Deal with a Striking Horse: Correcting Horses that Strike at Humans or Animals
A striking horse is a danger to all other horses as well as the humans with whom he comes in contact. A horse that strikes should be corrected immediately.
How to Tie a Horse: Safety Concerns When Tying Horses
Sometimes it just isn’t convenient to lead a horse where the rider needs to go, but it is important to know how to properly tie a horse.
Understanding the Canter, Lope and Gallop: Differences Between the Three Fastest Equestrian Gaits
When first learning to ride a horse, gaits are one of the primary lessons. The three fastest gaits are the canter, lope and gallop, but how does one tell them apart?
Horse Facial Markings: Understanding Marks on a Horse’s Face
Horse facial markings are one way to distinguish same-colored horses from one another and to follow distinctive color patterns.
Common Horse Diseases: Guide to Illnesses Often Found in Horses
Horses can get sick just like people, and some diseases are more common than others.
Where to Find Horse Jobs: Resources for Equestrian Professionals
From web sites to local resources, there are plenty of places where equestrian professionals can find excellent horse jobs.
Understanding Equine Emotions: How Horses Think and Feel
Many horse owners wonder about equine emotions. Do horses feel? Do they have preferences? Are they unique in personality?
Fencing Options for Horses: Choosing a Fence for a Pasture or Paddock
Fencing is a serious issue when it comes to caring for horses. A pasture or paddock needs a strong, sturdy fence to ensure safety for the horse inside.
Buying a First Horse: Guide to Purchasing Starter Horses
Buying a first horse is an exciting event in one’s life. When purchasing starter horses, it is important to consider several factors.
Improve Balance on Horseback: Exercises and Techniques for Better Stability in the Saddle
Balance is one of the most important aspects of horseback riding. To build better stability in the saddle, there are several exercises and techniques a rider can try.
Top Five Horse Jobs: Best Careers for Working with Horses
There are hundreds of different ways in which people who love horses can find horse jobs. Following are five of the best careers for working with horses.
Learning Horse Anatomy: The Most Important Parts of the Horse
It is nearly impossible to learn how to ride a horse without also learning horse anatomy. Once a rider understands the parts of the horse, commands are easier to follow.
Parasite Control for the Horse: Preventing Bots and Worms in Horses
Parasites are just as dangerous for horses as they are for people. Parasite control means knowing how bots and worms infect the horse and treating it regularly.
Horse Trailer Safety: Equipment, Loading, Hauling and Unloading
When taking a horse from one place to another, it is important to consider horse trailer safety. This includes loading, hauling and unloading the horse.
Recover from a Horseback Riding Accident: Get Your Equestrian Courage Back
A horseback riding accident can diminish a rider’s courage for a long time. If you fall off, though, the first step is to get back on.
Principles of Natural Horsemanship: Building Relationships with Horses
Natural horsemanship is as old as the hills, though it has only recently become popular. The principles are very simple and can be applied to any discipline.
Improve Barn Security: Keep Your Horses and Equipment Safe from Thieves
Barn security is something that most of us don’t consider. However, thieves can strike anywhere, so take precautions to keep your horses and equipment safe from thieves.
Starting a Horse Business: Making a Career Working with Horses
A horse business is one of the most exciting types of careers in the world, and just about anyone with a love of horses can make this dream a reality.
Cleaning a Horse Stall: Keeping Your Horse’s Environment Free of Manure and Urine
When horse owners do not correctly clean a horse stall, the build-up of manure and urine can lead to a wide range of health problems.
Therapeutic Uses for Horses: Equestrian Therapy Can Mend Lives, Bodies and Souls
There are several different therapeutic uses for horses, each of which is valuable. Chances are, just about everyone knows who can benefit from such a program.
Talking to an Equine Veterinarian: Knowing What to Say to the Vet Makes the Process Smoother
When a horse is sick or injured, knowing how to talk to an equine veterinarian can make all the difference, both for peace of mind and efficiency of vet visits.
Riding in the Snow: Safety Tips for Winter Riding
Taking your horse for a long ride in the snow can be as invigorating as it is relaxing. However, certain safety precautions are advisable for the best results.
Prevent Horse Theft: Keep Your Horse Safe from Thieves
Horse theft is something most people attribute to the Old West, but it still happens today. Using technology rather than six-shooters, horse thieves are still at large.
Training a Sensitive Horse: Adapt to Your Horse’s Sensitivity Level When Riding
Unlike Goldilocks, most horseback riders have to try more than just three horses to find one that’s “just right”. Horses are either too sensitive or not sensitive enough.
How to Ride with Spurs: Using Spurs Correctly with Your Horse
Spurs have earned quite a negative reputation, but they do have a purpose. If you use spurs correctly with your horse, you won’t do any damage.
Organize an Equestrian Drill Team: Exhibit Precision and Beauty on Horseback
Equestrian drill teams are a major part of rodeo culture, but other venues are available. You can organize an equestrian drill team for performances and competitions.
Working with an Off-Track Thoroughbred: Tips for Retraining Race Horses
An off-track Thoroughbred has very limited experience. He knows only how to circle a track at full speed, so retraining such horses from racing can be difficult.
Evacuate Horses in a Natural Disaster: Moving Animals Quickly and Safely
All horse owners should have a plan for moving their horses should a natural disaster occur. Quick, strategic planning is essential to keeping your animals safe.
Stop Your Horse from Cribbing: Guide to Breaking a Bad Habit
Horses, just like humans, are capable of developing poor habits that lead to damaged property and poor health. One of the most common bad habits is cribbing.
The Basics of Dressage: Understanding Movements and Purpose
Dressage is one of the most beautiful equestrian disciplines in the world, and requires a great deal of communication between horse and rider.
Teaching Flying Lead Changes: A Guide for Performance Horses
Balance, forward momentum and horse-and-rider communication are all vital parts of teaching your horse flying lead changes.
Safety Equipment for Events: Keeping Horse and Rider Safe for Three-Day Eventing
Three-day eventing is sometimes considered the most dangerous of all equestrian sports, which is why riders must have all the necessary safety equipment for events.
Preparing a Mare to Foal: Getting a Mother Horse Ready to Give Birth
With a newborn foal ready to make his entrance, owners of a pregnant mare have quite a bit to accomplish.
Understanding the Half-Halt: Get Faster and More Accurate Responses from Your Horse
If you’re having trouble keeping control of your horse or achieving perfect unity, the half-halt might be the missing component.
Why Horses Cough: Possible Causes of Coughing in a Horse
Horses, just like people, cough every now and again. However, chronic coughing in a horse is often reason for concern.
Automatic Watering Devices for Horses: Waterers Versus Water Buckets in the Barn
Automatic watering devices are certainly more convenient than buckets for horses. However, all barns are not suitable for automatic waterers.
Basic Foal Training Tips: Working with Newborn Foals
Foal training is one of the most exciting experiences for anyone who loves horses. Working with newborn foals requires patience, consistency and tenacity.
Understanding the Horse Boarding Contract: Fundamentals of the Board Agreement
Before choosing a barn or stable, horse owners should understand a typical horse boarding contract and what it means.
Fun Play-Day Horse Games for Kids: Creative Exercises for Children and Their Horses
Riding ’round and ’round an arena can get boring, especially for kids. Fortunately, there are lots of fun play-day games for children and their horses.
Help Children Overcome Fear of Horses: Creating Positive Experiences Between Child and Equine
Parents and equestrian professionals can help children overcome fear of horses through positive experiences. All it takes are time and effort.
Preventing Horse Leg Injuries: Protect Horses’ Legs with Boots, Wraps and Other Tricks
A horse’s legs are the most fragile part of his body. Horse owners work on preventing leg injuries whenever they ride or work with horses.
Eyewear for Horseback Riders: Riding Horses with Eyeglasses, Sunglasses and Contacts
Many horseback riders need some degree of vision correction, and others worry about eye protection while riding horses. Which is best?
How to Mount a Young Horse: Common Mounting Problems and Safety Tips for Green Horses
Mounting problems abound with green horses because youngsters do not yet know how to behave. Safety is the priority when mounting a young horse.
Salaries for Horse Careers: Determine Income Potential for Jobs Working with Horses
Those who want to pursue horse careers are likely curious about salaries. What is the income potential for jobs working with horses?
How to Get Horse Show Sponsorship: Tips for Riders Who Need Competition Funding
Horse shows are not cheap. Riders who want to become professional showmen must learn how to obtain competition funding, also called sponsorship.
Avoid Horse Dealer Scams: How to Spot a Scam Artist When Buying Horses
Horse dealer scams have become increasingly common. When buying horses, consumers must know the red flags so they can avoid scam artists.
Footing for Riding Arenas: Choosing the Surface for an Engineered Arena
An engineered riding arena is one in which the surface is spread with some type of equine-friendly footing. The surface used depends on a number of factors.
How to Photograph Horses: Equine Photography Tips
People who own or work with horses will one day need to take photographs of them. Equine photography is an art and might take some practice to master.
Correct English Riding Position: How to Sit Correctly in the Saddle
One of the most important foundations of English equestrian activities is riding position. Riders must first know how to sit correctly in the saddle.
Training the Pushy Horse: How to Establish Boundaries with Horses
A pushy horse is more than an annoyance-he’s a danger to people and other animals. To establish boundaries with horses, riders must make their intentions clear.
Reducing Back Pain on Horseback: Dealing with Discomfort When Riding Horses
For people who experience back pain, horseback riding can mean far more discomfort than pleasure.
Learning Diagonals on Horseback: How to Post Correctly in an English Saddle
Diagonals refer to the beats during which a rider rises and falls (posts) at the trot. This is sometimes difficult for beginning riders to learn.
How to Correctly Approach and Handle a Horse: The Basics of Approaching and Leading
Despite their size, horses are sensitive animals. They can inadvertently hurt humans who don’t know how to approach and handle them.
Horse Tack Primer: Saddles, Bridles and Other Equestrian Equipment
Tack is the word equestrian professionals use to describe equipment used on horses for riding or handling.
Basic Horse Communication: Learn How Horses Communicate with Each Other
Horses may not communicate with words or human gestures, but they do have ways of making their thoughts and feelings known.
Colors of the Horse: Understanding Color Patterns in Horses
Horses come in a wide variety of colors and color patterns, some of which can get confusing.
Cool Down a Horse: Cooling Horses Out After Workouts
It takes time for a horse’s heart rate and respiration to return to normal after workouts. This is known as the cool down period, and is essential for all animals.
Muscles Used in Horseback Riding: Overview of Muscle Groups Needed to Ride a Horse
When riding a horse, several muscles are used simultaneously to deliver cues, maintain balance and avoid falling off.
Giving Verbal Commands to Horses: Using the Voice in Horse Training
Verbal commands are often frowned upon in horse training, but using the voice can be a positive aid that horses understand.
Trail Riding Safety: Riding a Horse in the Open
Trail riding has long been a favorite pastime for horse owners, but safety must be a priority. Riding a horse in the open can be dangerous.
Best Age to Break a Horse: When to Start Horses Under Saddle
There is much debate in the equine industry about when to start a horse under saddle. So how does a trainer know the best age to break a horse?
Helping a Cast Horse: Using Rope to Free a Stuck Horse
Finding a cast horse is one of the most traumatic events for a horse owner. To free a “stuck” horse, rope and intelligence are both necessary.
Tips for Riding Bareback: Ride Safely without a Saddle
Although riding bareback can be fun, it also is dangerous if the rider does not observe safety protocol.
Choosing a Spade Bit for Your Horse: Bit Qualities for Vaquero Horsemanship
Many riders who follow Vaquero horsemanship traditions use a spade bit. With all of the spade bits on the market, however, choosing takes time and effort.
Shop for Your Horse on Black Friday: The Day After Thanksgiving is a Great Time to Buy Tack and Supplies
Black Friday is the hottest shopping day of the year. But in addition to Christmas gifts, you can save money on tack and supplies for your horse.
How to Maintain a Horse Stall: Cleaning and Maintenance for Your Horse’s Stall
A horse stall is like a person’s bedroom. It is where a horse eats, sleeps and goes to the bathroom, and it is important to maintain it carefully.
Build Trust Between Horse and Rider: Ways to Improve Your Relationship with Your Horse
A horse is not just a machine who takes you where you need to go. If you think of your horse as a partner, it will be easier to build trust.
Finding Time for Horses: Making Room for Equestrian Activities
Many horse owners complain that they don’t have enough time to ride or to spend with their horses. Finding time for equestrian activities can be difficult.
Best Grooming Products for Horses: Brushes, Combs and Picks for Your Horse
Horses require consistent grooming in order to stay clean and healthy. This means that horse owners should stay on top of the best grooming products.
Dealing with an Aggressive Horse: Nip Biting, Kicking and Other Bad Behavior in the Bud
As with all animals, some horses are more aggressive than others. Horse owners, however, should not tolerate this behavior.
Save Money on Horses: Budget Horse Shopping Guide
A horse doesn’t have to break the bank. If you approach equine acquisitions with an investor’s perspective, you can save serious money on your next horse.
Protect Your Horse’s Hooves During the Winter: Tips for Riding Horses in Ice and Snow
Nothing is quite as beautiful as a winter ride through snow-topped fields. Just remember that your horse’s hooves need protection in the winter.
Lunge Line Exercises for Horse and Rider: Trotting on the Lunge for Balance, Strength and Confidence
Horse trainers are always talking about the benefits of lunging a horse, but what about a horse and rider team? Riding on the lunge has benefits, too.
Choose a Horse Training Philosophy: Deciding Which Method to Use on Your Horse
It seems like everyone has a horse training philosophy these days. From O’Connor to Lyons, from Pat Parelli to Sally Swift, how does a rider choose?
Introduction to Horseback Riding Aids: Understanding Natural and Artificial Aids
Horseback riding isn’t just about knowing how to control a horse. Aids, whether natural or artificial, improve the riding experience.
Finding a Horseback Riding Instructor: Important Qualities in a Riding School Teacher
Before you sign up for horseback riding lessons, take the time to find an instructor who will meet all of your needs and deliver quality instruction.
Building Muscle Strength for Horseback Riding: Improving Strength and Flexibility for Equestrian Sports
Horseback riding is harder than most people think. If you’ve decided to start equestrian sports, you are probably looking for ways to improve strength and flexibility.
Establishing Trust with Your Horse: Relationship Exercises for Horse and Rider
Just like human relationships, the bond between horse and rider must be built upon a foundation of trust. Without it, neither of you will live up to your full potential.
Effective Horse Lunging Techniques: Lunge Your Horse with Training in Mind
Most people use lunging in their horse training efforts, but many of them don’t realize how important lunging is–or how to do it correctly.
Shopping for Horses Online: Finding Your Dream Horse on the Internet
Where can you find the largest selection of horses in the world? On the Internet, where you can find everything from breeding records to videos of performance.
Child Safety in Riding Lessons: Choosing an Appropriate Stable
Child safety should be your top priority when evaluating stables for horseback riding lessons. So what should parents look for in an appropriate stable.
Treating Your Horse for Thrush: Hoof Care Basics for a Sound Equine
Thrush isn’t difficult to cure in a horse, but left untreated, it can have some nasty side-effects. Prompt treatment is key for a sound equine.
Teaching the Young Horse to Jump: How to Introduce Obstacles with Success in Mind
Some horses are natural jumpers, while others take weeks or even months to catch on. Teaching a young horse to jump requires patience and comprehension of equine anatomy.
Working with Rescue Horses: Safety and Training Techniques for Abused or Neglected Horses
Every year, thousands of horses are rescued from neglectful or abusive situations. Working with rescue horses can be both challenging and rewarding.
About the Author: Laura Jane Thompson is the Chief Equestrian Officer of Riding Instructor University and the Feature writer for the horses section at Suite101. She believes that any horse business can succeed provided its owner practices smart strategy.
