HEADING TO YOUR FIRST HORSE SHOW can be an intimidating experience. While a seasoned competitor might pull into the fairgrounds and not even bat an eye at the chaos that’s happening around them, a rider who is attending a show for the first time migh

LIFE TAKES US DOWN different paths, but I seem to be on just one, which is with the horse. Because of the horse I have experienced success, failure, memories, and life-changing circumstances. Each day I wake up and know I am the luckiest person in th

To reduce resistance from over-deworming, it is important to take extra steps to identify and test for worms rather than universally administer the same medication every year. Unless specific parasites are suspected or confirmed as present, it’s only

Whether your child started out with a goal of competing horseback when they first started riding or it became a goal once they’d logged many hours in the saddle, the simple idea of attending your first show can be paralyzing for both parent and young

TRAVEL Kansas City, Missouri WHAT The American Royal WHEN August 8–November 16, 2024 The American Royal has events from February through December, with everything from BBQ contests to horse shows. The fall months are packed full of equine events, suc

THIS IS A NICE CLASS of performance geldings. Whether the class is halter or performance halter, the first things I look for are overall balance and correctness. I’ll be judging these geldings on the four categories of balance, structural correctness

Patrick Metzger showed up for his first volunteer shift at This Old Horse looking for two things: an opportunity to volunteer for a cause he supported and a hope to become part of a welcoming community that shared his interests. What he was not seeki

Planning a pack trip with your horse is a great way for you and your horse to experience nature, disconnect from the hustle and bustle, and learn more about each other. However, it’s not an activity you should embark on lightly, especially if you hav

While the test is done primarily for American Quarter Horses, several genetic diseases detected by the six-panel test occur in other breeds. For AQHA breeding stock, the results are required for a horse’s record and certificate of registration. What

RANCH SORTING is an inclusive sport that welcomes riders of all levels and skillsets. And while your horse doesn’t need prior cattle experience to successfully compete in it, there are a few exercises you can do at home, that do not require access to

There’s something about heading out on the trails when fall weather rolls in. The crisp mornings, fewer bugs buzzing around, and, of course, fall foliage. But, for many regions across the United States, fall also means hunting season. So, riders shou

The day has finally come, and the search has paid off. Now there are no more ads to read, no more drives to arenas to see if your high hopes will be dashed, no more anxiously awaiting the results of a pre-purchase exam. You’ve found the perfect horse

you should know / from you, the reader / horseandrider.com Hi Nichole, I love Horse&Rider Magazine. You do a great job and I’m so glad your horse, Keira, is doing so well. She may become a world champion. Our stallion Gunalena Chex had colic surgery

When you think of body control in your riding, you might consider it a more advanced skill. While many elements of body control do require deeper knowledge and experience than your child rider might have, there are aspects of it that you can help dev

‘A big reason you’re showing your horse is because you enjoy it … Remember that you’re doing this for fun. Don’t give yourself so much anxiety that you start hating being at the horse show. Keep that at the front of your mind.’ —NRHA Professional Sha

Collection and body control are two things that you can work on at home to prepare yourself for a ranch sorting event that doesn’t require having access to cattle. By incorporating a rate-down drill into your riding routine, you’re able to test your

1. Style doesn’t matter around horses if you aren’t safe. That’s why having your kid wear a well-fitted helmet is a must ($79.99; troxelhelmets.com). With two different designs to choose from, your little boy or girl can choose from a dinosaur-themed

➞ 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