Training

Rollkur, or hyperflexion, is a technique used in equestrian disciplines to create a compact, low, and rounded horse posture. It involves excessive flexion of the horse’s neck, where the horse’s head is drawn back towards its chest, potentially exceeding its...

Gymnastic jumping exercises are an essential part of training for the jumping equestrian disciplines. These exercises involve a series of poles and jumps arranged in patterns that challenge both horse and rider to improve their skills. Gymnastic exercises focus on...

Ground pole exercises are a versatile and highly effective tool for equestrians seeking to improve their horse's fitness, coordination, and mental engagement. Moreover, they’re cost-effective and easy to set up, requiring minimal equipment and space. Whether you’re training a dressage...

Clicker training has revolutionized how we connect with animals, offering a communication tool that fosters trust, understanding, and cooperation. While widely recognized for its success with dogs, this positive reinforcement method is gaining traction in the equestrian world, proving to...

Spookiness refers to a sudden and frequently exaggerated reaction to a perceived threat. Spooky behavior can manifest in several different ways, including bolting, spinning, jumping, or freezing in place. Spooking is a natural behavior that has its roots in the...

In elite equestrian sports, performance optimization is critical to success. Whether your horse is racing, eventing, competing in endurance trials or show jumping, every rider wants to unlock their horse's full athletic potential while protecting them from overexertion or injury....

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHPE) is a list of 24 behaviours associated with musculoskeletal pain in the ridden horse. Dr. Sue Dyson et al. developed this ethogram as a means of identifying low-grade lameness and horses experiencing discomfort during...

A water treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment used in equine training and rehabilitation. This type of treadmill is submerged in water so the horse is chest-deep while they are moving. Exercising in water is increasing in popularity as...

Wondering about the best stretching exercises for your horse? Stretching is the process of extending a muscle to its maximum extension to release muscle tightness, improve flexibility and reduce pain.

Heart rate monitors are an emerging tool in horse sports, helping to optimize training and enhance fitness. Widely used by human athletes, equine-specific devices are now increasingly accessible to riders, horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians.

Gaits are the different patterns of locomotion that horses use to move. As quadrupeds, horses can perform more movement patterns than humans. However, not all horses move in the same way. Your horse’s natural gaits depend on his breed. Some...

Gait abnormalities in horses can lead to compromised performance, increased risk of injury, and in some cases, may necessitate early retirement from work. These disorders often present similarly to lameness, but do not necessarily involve pain. While minor conformational faults...

Competing in horse shows can be stressful for both you and your horse. Trailering, changes in routine and exposure to new environments are all major stressors for horses. But with a little planning, you will feel more confident heading into the...

A strong topline is one of the most important indicators of a well-conditioned horse. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing and supporting performance, a good topline can protect your working horse from strain and injury.