Author: Paige Cerulli

There are many approaches to horse training, but natural horsemanship has steadily gained popularity over the past decades. Sometimes referred to as horse whispering, natural horsemanship has been championed by noted trainers such as Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman. Today, many trainers and horse owners incorporate elements of natural horsemanship into their training.

Whether you’re tucking it away for winter or storing it long-term, proper saddle care and storage help protect your saddle and keep it in top shape. With the right prep, you can prevent damage, maintain its quality, and ensure it’s ready to ride again when you are.

If you’ve ever slogged through a muddy pasture to bring in your horse, only to find the deep mud suddenly sucking your boot off your foot, then you know how tricky navigating mud can be. Horses and mud don’t mix well, and more than just an inconvenience, mud can cause serious horse health issues and injuries. Horse mud management may not be easy, but it’s a necessary part of keeping your barn safe for both horses and humans.

Riding, caring, and working with horses is highly rewarding, partially because there’s always something new and fascinating to learn. Riding horses is a lifelong journey, and these amazing animals are full of surprises. Test your knowledge with these 10 fun facts about horses and see if any of them surprised you!

Horse clipping, or removing part or all of its coat, is a valuable grooming skill. It doesn’t just help keep horses from overheating or excessively sweating during exercise—it can also play an important role in addressing skin health issues and preparing for a show.   Learning how to clip a horse takes some practice, but it’s a valuable skill that can help you prepare for shows, stay on top of your horse’s health, and keep them comfortable during winter rides.   

Bareback riding, or riding a horse without a saddle, is not only a lot of fun, but it can also deepen your bond with your horse while improving your riding skills. But like any other activity with horses, bareback horseback riding has some risks.   From choosing the right horse to picking the right time and setting for your ride, there are many ways that you can maximize your safety and enjoy your first bareback ride.