Sensible 

       Horsemanship

Summer is here and that means trail riding!!! If you are like me, I love to get out on the trails and see all the new spring growth, the running streams and the active wildlife. Though arena work is important, my focus there is to develop a solid foundation so I can get out on the trails for those long rides that restore. God's creation is best seen from horseback.

But my horse doesn't always see these rides the same way I do. She is not happy about being separated from her...

Spring can be a time of uncertain weather and un-ridden horses. So this article will explain another step in training your horse to control its natural emotional response to the winds and the wilds around it. You have chosen to ride an animal that is in the same division as the white-tailed deer that runs off in a panic as a natural response to most anything unknown. Horses are far easier to domesticate than a deer but the instinct to save its life first and think later is still in its ...

Happy New Year for 2012! I am looking forward to working with many old friends this coming year and in making lots of new ones as we come together on our continuing journey with the horse. Working with and learning from horse people is one of my favorite passions in this life and I look forward to meeting and greeting many in this coming year.

So where were we? Last article, I left you working on ground work for teaching and improving the backup on your horse. But, the rea...

As summer slips to a close and the cool of autumn takes hold of our state, the temptation sets in to put the horses away for the winter and settle by the fireplace with a good book. But, if you are one who still wants to work with your horse, I have another lesson. This lesson will teach your young horse to back or will improve your backing in your older broke horse if necessary.

The importance of a great backup for the trail riding horse (and for all other disciplines as ...

July 2011 is here and I trust you are enjoying your summer thus far. You survived another winter and the long, wet, cold spring so hopefully it is sunshine and warm days for a little while. So let's add some more steps in the making of your ideal horse that has come so far already.

The last training article I wrote, I explained how to teach your horse to follow its nose and give to the bit at a walk. If you followed my steps, your young (or old) horse has developed a wonderf...