Q: I would like to know the best western bit to use Cassidy A: Hi Cassidy, Thank you for your question! So it really depends on too many things to narrow it down to one bit. I use two or three different bits depending on what I’m doing with my …
Does your horse slow down every time you ride by the gate out of the arena? Does he stop or walk like his legs are made of stone as you lead him up to the mounting block? Does it sometimes feel like you’re working harder than he is and that …
The Northwest Horse Source is celebrating Northwest trainers and instructors We believe that connecting riders, trainers, and horses is necessary for success in the horse business. It’s our goal to support the equestrian lifestyle for all our readers. If you’re a trainer who’d like to be featured in the Northwest Horse Source, click here and answer these …
Trail courses are fun for horses and riders and can be beneficial for the natural environment. Landscaping a trail course with native plants can provide food and habitat for native insects and wildlife. Add in old logs and brush and rock piles, and you have the perfect habitat for other …
Walk into any horse trainer’s tack room and you’re likely to find more than one kind of snaffle bit. Developed thousands of years ago, the snaffle is the most useful bit for daily training for horses of all levels. The snaffle bit is used by horsemen of all disciplines—from racing …
Article by Kristina Lotz When people think of trail horses, the first thing that usually comes to mind is someone in a Western saddle walking down the trail astride a Quarter horse type mount. But this was an image that Bolender Horse Park owners and founders of the International …
We shall take great care not to annoy the horse and spoil his friendly charm, for it is like the scent of a blossom—once lost, it will never return. – Antoine de Pluvinel Horses and people aren’t much different. Our basic needs for living a good life are essentially …
Game#3 in the series of The Seven Games with Pat Parelli Have you ever wondered how “horse whisperers” are able to magically communicate with horses from across a pen? With suggestions that are imperceptible, skilled horsemen are able to have a horse respond as if it was the horse’s instinct …
The Northwest Horse Source is celebrating Northwest trainers and instructors! Our newest column profiles trainers from all over the Northwest in multiple disciplines. We believe that connecting riders, trainers, and horses is necessary for success in the horse business. It’s our goal to support the equestrian lifestyle for all our readers. If you’re a trainer who’d like to be featured in …
Game #2 in the Series of the Seven Games Last month we talked about the process of developing communication with a horse, and how yielding from physical pressure is a major factor. The two basic ways are steady, physical pressure and rhythmic, nonphysical pressure. A horse will move away from …
