In every issue of Horse & Rider you'll find articles on training by the country's leading experts, the latest on equine health care from top veterinarians, trail riding tips from savvy back country riders, and much more!
When you ride, it’s easy to get so focused on the task at hand that you lose sight of all else. Your horse, on the other hand, is always aware, noticing changes in weather, your mood, the disposition of other riders and horses, and his environment. As a non-prey animal, it’s likely you overlook many of the things that impact your horse’s emotional state or cause him to react. By increasing your awareness to match that of your horse, you avoid many potentially hazardous situations. Though you’re more alert, you can still have fun on the trail and enjoy your friends. Here I’ll share the five areas where you should heighten your awareness to keep yourself and your horse safe. Awareness of Your Horse Before every ride, pay attention to…
Are you a fair-weather rider? Or do you love to log saddle time even when the weather is frosty? Here are our essential tips for winter riding fun with your horse. 1. TAKE IT EASY. When the weather’s cold and the ground is hard (and perhaps snowy), focus on staying safe and comfortable, and simply enjoying the moment. A quiet walk through a snowy field can be as satisfying as a gallop if you use all your senses to be fully aware of the scents, sounds, and vistas of your ride. Be aware, too, that riding through snow, especially if it’s deep, can be tiring for your horse—another reason to take it easy. And because post-ride cooldowns can be problematic in frigid temps (more on that in a moment), keeping…
Winter trail riding can be fun if you’re prepare with these tips. Of course, you try to avoid the trail riding hazards that might get you and your horse into real trouble, such as blizzards and ice storms. But Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humor. A nice winter day can turn nasty in minutes. You might find yourself riding in snow far deeper than you’d anticipated or suddenly sliding downhill on an icy trail. Here, we give you tips on how to negotiate seven winter riding hazards: HAZARD #1: Deep snow Why it’s hazardous: Your horse may panic in a deep snow bank and flounder about, possibly pulling a muscle, or straining tendons and ligaments. Deep snow can also cover underlying trail hazards, such as holes and sharp…
