Articles
Handling Your Horse with Compassion
Positive Horsemanship: The Foundation of a Harmonious Equine Partnership Positive horsemanship is a key approach to equine care that emphasizes kindness, patience, and reward-based training. It’s a philosophy that focuses on building a strong, trusting relationship with your horse, rather than relying on force or intimidation. By adopting positive horsemanship principles, you can create a
How do I stop my horse in a bitless bridle?
Quite often this question is posed by a rider who is used to using a bit and is relying on the reins to steady, slow or stop the horse. If this is you, firstly welcome, and you are not alone in this question. Whether you have learned from a riding school or self-taught, many riding
Age Appropriate Training
This original article was originally published in 2020 in Horsemanship Journal by Phillippa Christie Historically, traditional horsemanship has not taken the information available on physical and emotional development into account for the basis of age-appropriate training. There is a great deal of new scientific findings available which radically shake up what we believed about training
Trust Through Horse Communication – Can Horses Truly Consent to Being Ridden?
Horseback riding is often seen as a romantic partnership between humans and equines. But have you ever stopped to consider if your horse is truly happy to carry you? While horses can’t give verbal consent, understanding their body language can bridge the communication gap and create a more positive riding experience for both of you.
Mane-taining a Positive Attitude
Horses are incredibly intuitive creatures, picking up on our emotions with remarkable ease. When we approach them with a positive and patient mindset, the training process becomes smoother, the bond strengthens, and the overall experience becomes more enjoyable for both of us. However, maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks
What is Partnership?
Building a Remarkable Connection Horses have held a special place in human history for centuries, and the partnership between a horse and a human is a remarkable testament to the enduring bond between our species. This connection can take various forms and serve different purposes, ranging from leisurely riding to competitive sports and even therapeutic