I want to address a simple yet important skill that can help you hone in on how well you’re communicating with your horse. I call this my “secret” walk-to-trot riding aid although it’s really not that secret! You probably already know it but the trick is staying mindful of it and really implementing it when … Read more
Okay, so this week we’re just talking about English Riding vs Western Riding! So one of my favourite articles on the blog is my piece on the difference between English and Western Riding. I love being able to explain something like that for you, and answering all of your questions. But there was one question … Read more
Have you ever had trouble trying to move a horse forward under saddle? Example You’re riding a school horse around the arena at a trot on the right lead. Every time you pass a corner, you put on the correct canter aids. Your outside leg comes back behind the girth. Your inside leg stays at the … Read more
Are you searching for a signature color for your Western wear that will help you and your horse stand out in a crowd? Then consider adding a touch of sunshine orange to your Western wear and tack room. Orange is a bright, fun hue that looks great against most horse coat colors, especially black or white. I … Read more
When I think about how to slow down a horse, I think about two horses in particular: a white horse that I rode at horse camp one year and an Arabian bay gelding that I leased. I talk more about how to slow down a fast horse (and speed up a slower horse) as well … Read more
All riders experience fear at some point in their riding careers. I have felt fear more times than I can count, and at so many stages in my riding career. Even nowadays, there are things that make me nervous. Overcoming fear for riders, including myself, is sometimes the biggest barrier to developing our skills. Sometimes (not … Read more
When we’re growing up, we’re taught that setting goals for ourselves is a good thing. By setting goals for ourselves, we’re incentivized to strive for the next level and become better at things. But realistically, have you ever been taught any kind of goal setting for riders? Often when I was younger, other people would set … Read more
When I think of Western horse riding outfits, the color turquoise just seems to pair naturally with Western wear and tack. Perhaps it’s because the cool blue gemstones of the same name have long been associated with the Wild West. Turquoise was also treasured by numerous Native American tribes. The Navajo, for instance, believed that these blue … Read more
Currently searching for a new pair of boots? We recommend Ariat cowboy boots and here’s why… Let me share with you a small cautionary tale about my first western show boots before you plunk down your own money. Western boots are built to last. That is, of course, an excellent quality that you want your … Read more
I love a Western-style riding boot. They’re so versatile – they can be fashion forward, but also extremely practical. But not all Western boots were created equal. Some of them will last you years and still look stunning, and others… won’t. Lucky for you, I have scoured the internet for the best western riding boots … Read more
