Articles written by Laura Thompson
Showing 1-100 of 131 Articles
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Horseback Riding Instructional Videos
Dozens of top horse trainers and clinicians have released horseback riding instructional videos, but is this the best method of learning to ride and train horses?
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New Year's Resolutions for Horseback Riders
Horseback riders can benefit from New Year's resolutions just as much as anyone else. Horse show goals can lead to better performance and more fun for the rider.
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How to Keep Horses Warm in Winter
It is true that horses can survive in cold climates without domestic conveniences. However, humans have a responsibility to keep horses warm in winter.
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Hiring a Jumping Horse Trainer
Many riders require the assistance of a jumping horse trainer, either for themselves or for their horses. Hiring the wrong horse trainer, however, can prove disastrous.
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How to Groom a Horse After Riding
After cooling a horse down from a ride, most people observe some sort of grooming ritual. The type of grooming used, however, can make a difference.
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Can Horses Catch Swine Flu?
Very few people can escape the news media without hearing about the H1N1 virus. But can horses catch swine flu?
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Best Holiday Decorations for the Barn
Who says that the barn doesn't need some holiday cheer? There are plenty of safe, equine-friendly holiday decorations for the barn that will enliven everyone's spirits.
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Western Versus English Riding
Most horseback riders identify more strongly with either Western or English riding. Although some become proficient in both, it is important to know the difference.
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How to Switch Disciplines in Horseback Riding
When a rider decides to switch disciplines, the transition can be confusing. However, there are ways to help the horse cope with a new equestrian sport.
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Jumping Grids on Horseback
Starting gridwork is an excellent way to improve communication between horse and rider. However, jumping grids is not as easy as it looks.
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Cool Down Tips for Horseback Riders
Cooling down a horse is just as important as warming him up. Horseback riders should think of the cool down as an integral part of the workout.
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Flatwork Exercises for Performance Horses
Flatwork exercises are just as important for performances horses as training for specific events. Riders should dedicate a few days a week to schooling on the flat.
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Rules of Beginner Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is confusing because there is a lot of information to absorb. Remembering these six rules can help novice riders master the equestrian basics.
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Why Horses Buck
Horses buck for many reasons, but it always signifies a problem. Riders must determine whether a bucking horse is misbehaving or trying to communicate something else.
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Benefits of Schooling on the Flat
Jumping is lots of fun, but flatwork is just as important for jumper riders. There are numerous benefits to schooling on the flat two or three days per week.
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Hydrotherapy for Horses
Hydrotherapy for horses is a form of water treatment that helps ease joint pain and muscle soreness. It is often used after a serious injury.
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Horse Ranch Jobs
Despite the advances in technology and science, agriculture is still a booming industry. Horse ranch jobs are available for those who love animals and the outdoors.
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How to Correct a Downhill Horse
A downhill horse is one who moves on the forehand. By lifting the shoulders and building topline, it is possible to correct a downhill horse.
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Sexual Predator in the Neighborhood
When a sexual predator lives in the neighborhood, many people choose to panic. However, it is better to focus on preparedness if a registered sex offender moves in.
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How to Ground Drive a Horse
Ground driving is one of the most effective methods of training horses to steer. It creates a safe environment where there is no rider to interfere.
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How to Saddle Break a Horse
Breaking a horse to saddle is one of the most difficult parts of training. However, this is a crucial step before riders can actually mount.
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How to Keep Retired Horses Active
Keeping retired horses active is quite a challenge. The senior horse requires exercises and activities to keep him mobile and engaged.
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How to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance in Horses
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.
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How to Recognize Cyberstalking
Although no cyberstalking definition exists, the threat is real. Anyone who uses the Internet should learn how to recognize cyberstalking so they can protect themselves.
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How to Handle Scavenger Debt Collectors
Debt is a painful topic, and scavenger debt collectors can increase anxiety. Because debt-collection scams are so common, consumers must protect themselves.
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How Much Pasture Space Does a Horse Need?
Horse owners are often confused about the dimensions of paddocks and pastures. How much pasture space a horse needs depends on numerous criteria.
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How to Balance School and Horses
Thousands of teen horse owners struggle with how to balance school and horses. From homework management to horse shows, you must establish priorities.
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How to Adopt a Horse
Although not free, equine adoption is an inexpensive way to purchase a horse. Both public and private options exist to adopt a horse.
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Why Horses Cough
Horses, just like people, cough every now and again. However, chronic coughing in a horse is often reason for concern.
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Horse Melanomas
Although horse melanomas are most common in grey and red roan horses, they can happen to any equine. Fortunately, they are rarely serious.
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Automatic Watering Devices for Horses
Automatic watering devices are certainly more convenient than buckets for horses. However, all barns are not suitable for automatic waterers.
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The Importance of Ground Manners
Ground manners are the foundation for the horse - human relationship. Therefore, it is important for horse owners to start training horses on the ground.
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Basic Foal Training Tips
Foal training is one of the most exciting experiences for anyone who loves horses. Working with newborn foals requires patience, consistency and tenacity.
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Common Problems for Beginner Riders
Every rider has to start somewhere, but it helps to know where problems most frequently occur. Some mistakes are common for most beginner riders.
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Understanding the Horse Boarding Contract
Before choosing a barn or stable, horse owners should understand a typical horse boarding contract and what it means.
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Types of Horse Boarding
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.
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Fun Play-Day Horse Games for Kids
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.
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How to Ride Without Tack
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.
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Help Children Overcome Fear of Horses
Parents and equestrian professionals can help children overcome fear of horses through positive experiences. All it takes are time and effort.
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Blue Ribbon Horse Shows
Blue ribbon horse shows might seem few and far between, but it is possible to improve performance in every equine competition.
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Preventing Horse Leg Injuries
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.
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Expert Grooming Tips for Show Horses
Who better than a professional groom to teach frustrated riders how to keep their show horses sparklingly clean? Kelly Lambert offers several grooming tips.
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Eyewear for Horseback Riders
Many horseback riders need some degree of vision correction, and others worry about eye protection while riding horses. Which is best?
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Working with Horses in Film
Many movies either involve horses or are about horses, which means that professionals are needed to work with horses in film.
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How to Mount a Young Horse
Mounting problems abound with green horses because youngsters do not yet know how to behave. Safety is the priority when mounting a young horse.
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Training the Older Horse
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.
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Salaries for Horse Careers
Those who want to pursue horse careers are likely curious about salaries. What is the income potential for jobs working with horses?
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How to Ride a Circle
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.
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How to Get Horse Show Sponsorship
Horse shows are not cheap. Riders who want to become professional showmen must learn how to obtain competition funding, also called sponsorship.
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Five Steps to an Organized Barn
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.
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Avoid Horse Dealer Scams
Horse dealer scams have become increasingly common. When buying horses, consumers must know the red flags so they can avoid scam artists.
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Training the Timid 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.
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Footing for Riding Arenas
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.
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Guide to Horseback Riding Clothes
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?
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How to Photograph Horses
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.
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Treating a Horse for Fungus
Fungal infections are common in horses during the summer months and whenever precipitation increases. Treating a horse for fungus is necessary to avoid complications.
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Correct English Riding Position
One of the most important foundations of English equestrian activities is riding position. Riders must first know how to sit correctly in the saddle.
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Slow a Horse's Gait
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.
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Training the Pushy Horse
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.
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Energizing a Sluggish Horse
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.
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Reducing Back Pain on Horseback
For people who experience back pain, horseback riding can mean far more discomfort than pleasure.
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How to Deal with a Striking Horse
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.
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Learning Diagonals on Horseback
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.
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How to Tie a Horse
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.
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How to Correctly Approach and Handle a Horse
Despite their size, horses are sensitive animals. They can inadvertently hurt humans who don't know how to approach and handle them.
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Understanding the Canter, Lope and Gallop
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?
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Horse Tack Primer
Tack is the word equestrian professionals use to describe equipment used on horses for riding or handling.
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Horse Facial Markings
Horse facial markings are one way to distinguish same-colored horses from one another and to follow distinctive color patterns.
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Basic Horse Communication
Horses may not communicate with words or human gestures, but they do have ways of making their thoughts and feelings known.
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Common Horse Diseases
Horses can get sick just like people, and some diseases are more common than others.
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Colors of the Horse
Horses come in a wide variety of colors and color patterns, some of which can get confusing.
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Where to Find Horse Jobs
From web sites to local resources, there are plenty of places where equestrian professionals can find excellent horse jobs.
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Save Money on a Home Business
Working at home might be a dream come true, but a small enterprise might be draining the bank. Saving money on a home business, however, is easier than you think.
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Understanding Equine Emotions
Many horse owners wonder about equine emotions. Do horses feel? Do they have preferences? Are they unique in personality?
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Cool Down a Horse
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.
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Fencing Options for Horses
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.
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6 Business Plan Mistakes
Any start-up business requires a business plan to prosper. The question, however, is whether or not the business plan will actually help the start-up succeed.
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Buying a First Horse
Buying a first horse is an exciting event in one's life. When purchasing starter horses, it is important to consider several factors.
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Muscles Used in Horseback Riding
When riding a horse, several muscles are used simultaneously to deliver cues, maintain balance and avoid falling off.
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Improve Balance on Horseback
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.
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Giving Verbal Commands to Horses
Verbal commands are often frowned upon in horse training, but using the voice can be a positive aid that horses understand.
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Top Five Horse Jobs
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.
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Trail Riding Safety
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.
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Learning Horse Anatomy
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.
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Best Age to Break a Horse
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?
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Parasite Control for the Horse
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.
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Helping a Cast 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.
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Horse Trailer Safety
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.
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Tips for Riding Bareback
Although riding bareback can be fun, it also is dangerous if the rider does not observe safety protocol.
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Recover from a Horseback Riding Accident
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.
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Choosing a Spade Bit for Your Horse
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.
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Principles of Natural Horsemanship
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.
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Shop for Your Horse on Black Friday
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.
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Review: Twilight the Movie
Much different from the book, Twilight the movie adds tension but takes away valuable observations.
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How to Maintain a Horse 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.
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Improve Barn Security
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.
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Build Trust Between Horse and Rider
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.
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Starting a Horse Business
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.
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Finding Time for Horses
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.
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Cleaning a Horse Stall
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.
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