Working with horses on the ground can be just as dangerous as riding, with the possibility of a horse stepping on or knocking over their handler. Here are some tips on how to safely lead your horse on the ground.
Stand on the left side of your horse, holding the [...]
Usually we take for granted our horses’ strong backs, however, what if your horse is suffering from back pain? How can you tell, and if you suspect he is, what can you do about it? Just as with humans, back pain in horses can make them incredibly uncomfortable, irritable, and have difficulty moving.
Suspect back pain [...]
A biting horse is extremely dangerous, no matter what the cause of his bad behavior. If your horse has a tendency towards nipping or outright biting, it is important that you understand why he is exhibiting this behavior, and what to do about it. In mild cases, it is annoying to constantly watch your horse [...]
As riders, we tend to concentrate mainly on our horse’s behavior while we are in the saddle. However, spending time with your horse on the ground is essential for bonding and allowing your horse to respect you once you are up in the saddle. Clicker training has emerged as a technique for successfully training many [...]
In the horse world, mares often have a reputation for being unpredictable and grouchy, something that is usually attributed to their heat cycles. Many horse people prefer to ride geldings, and claim that geldings are more placid and less touchy than most mares. However, a simple understanding of your mare’s heat cycle can make owning [...]
Even with the amount of time that most horse owners spend at the barn, it is probably quite unlikely that you’ve ever caught your horse in the middle of a nap. Here are some facts about your horse’s sleeping habits, and why you probably won’t ever see him sound asleep.
Horses [...]
Even if your horse is incredibly healthy, he will likely experience a vet exam at least once a year for vaccinations and dental work. All horses should know how to stand calmly and be examined by your veterinarian. Here are some things to bear in mind, to keep both you and your horse safe and [...]
Horses always know immediately when it is time to turn around on the trail and head for home, and it’s comical to watch their ears come up and their gaits become more energetic. However, if you’ve ever ridden a horse that jigs on the way back to the barn, you’ll recognize that this rather adorable [...]
Horses were made to wander, roaming endlessly in search of food. This instinctive need for activity can create many problems for domestic horses that are left in stalls or paddocks for days at a time, without much stimulation. Here are some typical vices to watch for:
Cribbing. Cribbing horses are unmistakable – they [...]
In a herd situation, horses are constantly challenging each other to determine their role within the herd. Horses see the world in hierarchal levels, and are always looking to reassure themselves as to where they belong within this system. Whether it is outright challenges of dominance, or subtle changes in body language, your horse will [...]
Horses are incredibly social creatures, instinctively driven to create strong social bonds with their herd mates. But these healthy relationships can turn into difficulties for you if your horse begins to value the company of his buddies over you. Herdbound horses are dangerous to themselves and their handlers because horses with severe issues will do [...]
Although some horse owners simply turn a new horse out with the herd and let the horses themselves work out their hierarchy, there are some things you can do when introducing a new horse to the herd that will help protect everyone’s safety. If at all possible, turn the new horse out in an adjacent [...]
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as standing in a large pasture with a halter and lead rope in your hand, watching your horse run away from you to the farthest corner. If your horse is difficult to catch, try the following training tips:
Visit the pasture often for brief visits, without [...]