Maturity Brings Excellence in Horse Training- Move Slowly, Take Your Time, and Take Breaks

Photo by Catherine Madera

Training is directing your horse toward something he doesn’t know. – Anna Blake   When I was in my late teens, I worked with an older horse trainer I respected a great deal. He didn’t talk a lot, but one of the things he told me was this: “Train a …

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Ask the Expert: How Do I Deal With a Herd Bound Horse?

©NWHS Photo

Q: My question has a bit of a back story. I have one mare and one gelding. They’ve been together for four years. I had the gelding first (he is 16 and my mare is 9).  I bought the mare as a four-year-old. They’ve never been apart. I show jump …

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Hope for the Future – Well-Bred Performance Horses Make Training a Joy

Gus. Photo by Kim Roe.

My young horse, Gus, turned three years old in May. The years have flown by since I brought him home as a pudgy weanling, and now it’s time to start him under saddle. He’s a typical adolescent—bumbling and silly in one moment, taking my breath away with his athleticism and …

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Thank You, Marilyn Hagen – 30 Years of Serving the Horse Community in Northwest Washington State

Marilyn and Rick Hagen. Photo provided by Marilyn Hagen.

Marilyn Hagen is a much-appreciated member of the equine community in Northwest Washington State. She has owned and operated a leather and horse blanket repair and cleaning business named R & M Leather for 30 years. Marilyn also makes specialty leather items. Along with her husband Rick, they’ve operated a …

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Tack is Useful Art – The Stuff We Need and the Stuff We Love

Photo by Kim Roe

I just wanted to mow the lawn. After weeks of rain the sky finally cleared. My grass was knee deep and I figured I could get a little done after the evening chores. But five minutes into the job one of the tires fell off its rim. Oh bother! There …

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Tips for Fitting an English Saddle – An Instructor’s Perspective

Photo by Kim Roe

The conversation goes something like this: “I’m trying out a new dressage saddle. Will you let me know if it works for my horse?” This is when I start to get a little uncomfortable. I always answer, “Yes, but I’m not a saddle fitter; I’m a riding instructor.” I do …

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Boarding Horses for Others – Is it Worth it?

Photo by Kim Roe

Have you thought about taking on a few boarders to help make ends meet? If you keep your horses at home, it might seem like a way to make some extra cash. Or maybe you’re considering building or buying a horse facility and starting a business. Can you make a …

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How to Take a Riding Lesson – Eight Ways to be a Good Student

Photo by Kim Roe

Many articles are written on how to find a good instructor. This article will focus on how to be a good student. Good instructors truly want to help their students learn. Instructors prepare lesson plans and bring their best into the arena. They want their students to succeed and have …

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Rhythm of the Gaits

The Canter is a three-beat gait. Photo by Kim Roe.

“Rhythm is the term used for the characteristic sequence of footfalls and timing of a pure walk, pure trot, and pure canter. The rhythm should be expressed with energy and in a suitable and consistent tempo, with the horse remaining in the balance and self-carriage appropriate to its level of …

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The Lonely Horse

Photo by Kim Roe

All equines are herd animals by nature. Like humans, horses need interaction with members of their own species in order to thrive. But as prey animals, it’s a biological imperative for equines to be part of a herd. The herd represents safety from predators for themselves and their offspring. Being …

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