Does your horse pin his ears when you tighten the girth even though you’ve had your saddle custom-fitted? Does your mare get grumpy, swish her tail or threaten to kick when you cinch her up? Discomfort during saddling is so … Continue reading →
Posted on: February 9, 2012 Category: Equine Articles
In my previous post, I wrote about Jill*, a rider who unknowingly sat with more weight on the left side of her pelvis. Jill’s unbalanced seat made bending difficult for her horse and caused both horse and rider to … Continue reading →
Posted on: August 21, 2011 Category: Equine Articles
The chestnut horse stood before me, her long mane gracing her arched neck. I watched as the veterinarian and the horse’s person looked at an x-ray of the mare’s left front lower leg, which showed a clearly defined suspensory … Continue reading →
Posted on: July 31, 2011 Category: Equine Articles
Paul* had great expectations for his part-Friesian filly, Gemma*. She was the daughter of his beloved mare and he had lovingly cared for the foal since her birth on his ranch. He had dreams of Gemma becoming an powerful sport … Continue reading →
Posted on: July 28, 2011 Category: Equine ArticlesQ: “My 11-year-old gelding, Troy, doesn’t like to be girthed. In fact, he pins his ears and bites the air as I cinch him up, even though I do it slowly. Since his recent vet exam found him sound and … Continue reading →
Posted on: May 4, 2011 Category: Equine ArticlesQ: “My 16-year-old gelding is starting to develop a swayback. He’s also very stiff when I try to bend him on circles. Many people have told me to raise his back by pressing my fingertips into his midline. Not only … Continue reading →
Posted on: May 4, 2011 Category: Equine ArticlesThe eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood lumbered out of his stall. “See how stiff he is!”, exclaimed Kim, his owner and rider. The gelding, George, did appear reluctant to move. He also rope walked, his hind legs crossing the midline with each … Continue reading →
Posted on: May 4, 2011 Category: Equine ArticlesMost of us know how our touch influences horses. We use a soft, rhythmic stroke to reassure an anxious horse, while a leg aid can stimulate impulsion. In each of these scenarios, the horse’s attention is focused on the associations … Continue reading →
Posted on: May 4, 2011 Category: Equine ArticlesThe voice on the phone sounded desperate. “I really want to bond with my horse” the caller said, “but I don’t think she likes me – let alone loves me. When I try to groom her, she threatens me with … Continue reading →
Posted on: May 4, 2011 Category: Equine Articles“Damn it! Just give me your leg!” Hearing these harsh words, I snapped my head around. Just as I suspected, a farrier was holding onto the hind hoof of a horse who was trying to break free of the … Continue reading →
Posted on: May 4, 2011 Category: Equine Articles
