Horse & Rider H&R Monthly - October 2022

YOU THOUGHT HIS DISPOSITION horse to the turnaround, I’m not necessarly worried about the actual turn; I’m more focused on body control and teaching my horse how to move off of my leg. Because without those basic fundamentals, I can’t expect my horse to spin like I need her to for a reining class. Since my horse is green, I’m riding her two-handed in a snaffle bit. I take time to warm her up, and during that time I test her body control and ability to move off of my legs. If everything is where I need it to be, I’ll start the beginning stages of turning her around. One I want to emphasize that a turn is a forward-motion maneuver, so I always start by stepping my horse up…

EQUINE SKIN PROBLEMS can make a horse miserable and lead to complications. Call your vet if you suspect any of the following skin issues in your horse. Bumps & Scabs Rain rot (or rain scald), common in warm, moist conditions, results in small bumps, crust-like scabs, and/or matted tufts of hair that pull off easily. It’s caused by a microorganism that behaves like both bacteria and fungi. Your vet may recommend a broad-spectrum antimicrobial shampoo. Scratches (or mud fever, pastern dermatitis) develops in muddy conditions. Bacterial and/or fungal microorganisms invade the skin of your horse’s lower legs, causing inflammation, swelling, itching, and scaly scabs. Antimicrobial shampoo and ointment, plus giving the horse a break from muddy footing, are common remedies. Sweet itch results in small, itchy bumps that your horse…

Have you ever walked into the show pen and felt like you were on a completely different horse from the one that you were riding in the warmup? And felt that within minutes you went from show-ring ready, to dancing around in the center of the arena before the start of your pattern? Your horse doesn’t know the stakes are higher when he steps into the show pen, so why does he drastically change once all eyes are on you? If your mindset changes when it comes time to show, chances are, the energy you’re creating with your body changes, too. These changes will translate to your horse, and he’ll start to change his game plan to reflect what your body is telling him to do. The easiest way to…

Specialization has taken Western events to new levels of expertise, precision, and nuance. Our horses learn one job, and they do it impeccably. While this is excellent in many ways, it can also have drawbacks. One of the biggest detriments of specialization lies in narrowing our spectrum of learning; however, with a little extra effort, you and your horse can become more well-rounded in your education, training, and horsemanship. Western disciplines typically share a few foundational principles. Three of the most popular areas of focus—reining, ranch riding, and all-around competition—all require precise pattern placement to stand out from the crowd and find yourself at the top of the leaderboard. We spoke with one expert from each of those disciplines to acquire their best pattern-placement tips so you can sharpen your…

Brad Kearns joined Southern Methodist University in 2021 as the Western coach for its National Collegiate Equestrian Association team. Prior to that, Kearns built a stellar reputation as a trainer, coach, and judge in AQHA, APHA, and NSBA events. He’s earned world championships in trail and Western pleasure, and has coached youth and amateur riders to world, All American Quarter Horse Congress, and all-around year-end titles. Kari Klingenberg calls Scottsdale, Arizona, home where she trains elite aged-event reining horses, and coaches non-pro and youth riders, as well as managing the breeding career of reining stallion Mr Electric Spark. She’s a regular finalist in major NRHA events, winning the Level 2 NRHA Derby championship and the Level 1 NRHA Derby reserve championship, and rode for Team USA in the 2016 SCAG…