The Horse

LIFE TAKES US DOWN different paths, but I seem to be on just one, which is with the horse.

Decoding the Diseases Examined by AQHA's Six-Panel Test

The six-panel test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the genetic predispositions of horses. It's meant to discover if a horse has or is a carrier for certain hereditary diseases and traits.

Love is Good

All horses are assured a hopeful, compassionate plan of care at This Old Horse, a program that helps not only horses but people, too.

HORSE PACKING 101

Take your trail riding to the next level with nature-filled adventures in the back or front country.

NEW HORSE; NEW PROBLEMS

Anew horse can bring excitement and energy to the barn, and even reinvigorate your passion. However, there are also a myriad of new problems that can come with a new horse, so learn how to introduce him properly to avoid these common issues.

First-Timer Tips

Heading to a young rider's first event with their horse can be intimidating. Use these myths and truths to make it smoother sailing for yourself and your young rider.

Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story

One special gelding learns about three different types of love during his rescue journey.

The Country's Hottest Horse Motels

Take your next trail-riding adventure to the next level by staying at one of these six horse motels across the United States.

Outbreak! What We've Learned

Learn how disease outbreaks in recent years have changed the horse industry, and why it's so important to play your part when it comes to disease prevention efforts.

TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE

Shift your mindset and grow your sensitive horse's pressure-handling skills to improve his confidence and your riding enjoyment.

Make Summer Fun and Safe

More saddle time means more time for fun and games.

Nice to Meet You

Taking the time to know your horse outside of the arena pays off on the trail or in the show pen.

Why the Rush?

A horse that hurries into lope departures can tank your placing in the arena or ruin your ride at home. Here's how to prevent it and fix it.

Fix Your Flying Lead Change

Before kicking your horse into a lope and asking for a change of lead, you need to take time to have the fundamentals in place to be able to isolate the body parts of your horse individually and together to properly execute a flying lead change.

Year-Round Horse Care Guide

Maintain your sanity and your horse's health with an annual horse-maintenance schedule.

A Horseback High

Riding vacations can be found around the world, and here are five bucket list rides in the United States

JOIN THE CLUB!

Riding clubs of all forms can be found across the country. What should you look for when choosing—or starting—a club of your own? We asked three club leaders to share their insights

Help Is (Sometimes) Only a Phone Call Away!

Do you depend on over-the-phone advice from your veterinarian? Here's what you need to know about telehealth to help you understand what you can, and can't, expect

REPLACING FEAR WITH CURIOSITY

Horses have both flight and investigative behaviors but not at the same time. Learn how to help your horse switch to curiosity when his flight instincts kick in, and how to put the brakes on when he's already gone

Ranch Riding Mares

Evaluate and place these performance mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.

An Empty Stall

The loss of a horse leads to a new landscape of managing emotions and moving forward

Strengthen Your Mental Game

Prepare your mind for peak performances with your horse by implementing these tips from reining trainer Shane Brown

Burning Off the Fresh

Whether your horse has gone unridden due to a health problem, the weather, or your schedule, a thoughtful process can keep everyone safe during his return to work

Return to Exercise Slowly

If you’ve been turned out to pasture for a while, as the result of injury or just a busy life, return to exercise in a safe and steady way

Ground Tying for Ranch Trail

There are many reasons to teach your horse how to safely ground tie

Growing Up Western

It's never easy saying goodbye to a horse, whether it's because you had to sell them, or retire them after a career-ending injury. But each horse prepares you for the next horse that will come into your life

Pressure and Release

Listen to your young rider, and put your own feelings aside. Pushing too hard can drive them away from horses. Timing is everything, just like with your horse.

Less is More

Riding in fewer classes at an all-day horse show has many benefits for both horse and rider.

Nix Lazy Leading

Letting your horse slog along behind you can cause other problems. Fix it early to maintain your horse's responsiveness and respect.

Ranch Riding Strategy

Take the time to plan and strategize before you go show for the best outcome.