➞ If your kids are home on summer break or find more time in the barn thanks to longer daylight hours, it can be challenging to keep them entertained and engaged while horseback. Adding a few age- and experience-appropriate games can add to their fun

From the rolling hills of the East Coast to the expansive plains of the West, hidden gems await you and your horse at various horse motels across the country. Whether you’re passing through for a brief layover or seeking a memorable vacation spot, th

‘It’s such a wonderful experience when you buy a good horse…whatever discipline you do, or just trail riding with your family, when you can trust that horse to do what you need them to do, there’s just nothing like it.’ —Troy Goeckeritz, founder of G

In June of 2011 an outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV) at a cutting event in Ogden, Utah, changed the horse world. By the time the outbreak was reined in, more than 2,000 horses and 242 premises were exposed in 19 states. Seventeen cases in Califor

You’re going down the trail, and your horse jumps sideways at an unexpected animal. You’re in the arena, and your horse won’t go near a certain corner or banner. Your horse runs off in the pasture every time you try to catch him. These are some, but

The spring air was charged with energy, and that made the red roan gelding nervous about getting in the unfamiliar trailer. Aslan wasn’t sure he wanted to leave the place he had lived happily for the last few years. Aslan had everything he needed at

WHEN IT COMES TIME to teach your horse a flying lead change, do you have the mechanics and fundamentals in place to ensure your horse is set up to execute a flying lead change? Or are you just kicking him forward into a lope and hoping for the best?

From feeding to vaccinations and everything in between, your horse’s health depends on your consistent care. By creating a seasonal schedule, you’ll keep your horse life in order all year, and your horse healthy and happy. • Administer dewormer.• Adm

TRAVEL Rock Springs, Wyoming WHAT National High School Finals Rodeo WHEN July 14–20, 2024 More than 1,700 contestants will attend the 2024 National High School Finals Rodeo, throwing their hat in the ring for a chance at a world championship title. N

⋆ As summer rolls in, keeping insects—especially flies—away from your horse isn’t just about your horse’s comfort but also his health. Insects can carry and transmit diseases that can be costly and potentially deadly. With many solutions on the marke

➞ JUDGING CONFORMATION IN CLASSES such as this class of geldings is based on the categories of balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics, and muscle, in that order of priority. In assessing balance, I look for whether the horse i

Have you ever seen or dealt with a horse rubbing his neck on or between fence posts, on a tree, or other rough objects even as they destroy their mane, tail, or hair coat in the process? It’s frustrating and confusing for you and uncomfortable for th

BY THE TIME this issue goes to print, my mare will have crossed the one-year mark since her second colic surgery. What started out as an exploratory surgery ended with the surgeon telling me she had a displaced colon and a 50% chance of making it pas

➞ The horse industry is weighted more heavily toward owners who house their own horses, and care for them on daily basis. Yet, there’s a large percentage of riders who either pay to board a horse because they don’t own the proper facility to keep the

➞ Almost every problem you encounter with your horse goes back to the foundation—your horse’s and yours. If your horse wasn’t taught correctly from the beginning, then he doesn’t know how to execute your requests—this includes something as basic as a

Embrace the ’80s and ’90s with retro Western fashion. ⋆ 1. As they say, history repeats itself. Especially in the fashion world. This summer, bright colors and bold patterns once spotted in Western fashion are making their way back in style again. Wi

Nestled amongst 165 acres of woodland near Union, Missouri, the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is a haven for hundreds of abused and neglected horses, cows, goats, pigs, ducks and other farm animals. The ranch is one of t

THE REASON FOR JUDGING HORSES at halter is to preserve the ideal characteristics of the breed they represent. To do so, a judge finds the horse that is not only well mannered but has the best conformation of that breed standard. I rate conformation u

THE NEW SHOW YEAR IS UPON US. The question we should be asking ourselves is, “How can I build on last years’ experience and make 2024 even more productive?” You notice I did not say, “How can I win more blue ribbons.” Success comes only when you have

you should know / horseandrider.com Longtime H&R contributor Al Dunning was recently inducted into the National Cutting Horse Hall of Fame. Check out his Problem Solved department starting on page 32 to learn more from him. Learn from the best by hea

TRAVEL Arlington, Texas WHAT The American Performance Horseman WHEN March 8, 2024 Under the bright arena lights of the Globe Life Field, is the fast-paced event called The American Performance Horseman. On the eve of The American Rodeo, hosted by Tet

To complete a pattern while presenting a pretty picture to the judge, you must be able to connect with your horse every step of the ride. And the best way to keep that connection with your horse is to engage with his mind before it’s time to head to

Your child might’ve become interested in horses after watching you ride or attending an event. While that excitement of being horseback serves as an initial draw, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of groundwork to really understand horses, how

Owning a horse is filled with daily challenges. The list is extensive, from ensuring your horse’s health and cleanliness to maintaining an organized and functional barn. However, there are barn hacks to make these daily tasks a breeze. Transform your

‘The biggest thing we all try to accomplish is to be a better horseman. That will lead to all the other things we want to accomplish…I think we need to always try to be better, or you’re going to get left behind. And that’s the beauty of it too; it’s

A forehand drill is not a discipline-specific maneuver and can be a useful tool to have in your toolbox regardless of what you do. It can help you gain body control and prepare your horse for more advanced maneuvers later in your horse’s career by al

Picture this. You’re in the show pen and near the completion of a first-place pattern. But when it comes time to stop and back, your horse gets sticky, and instead of having a nice fluid backup, it requires you to pull and kick to get your horse to m

We see a lot about how to resolve trailer-loading problems, but the best method is always to prevent them in the first place. With a little effort on your part, you can keep a good hauler instead of creating and then correcting a bad one. A horse tha