Keys to a light mouthed horse. Part 2

“Should I try another bit?”
In watching hundreds of horse and rider conversations, I’m convinced that the bit operator- the hands at the other end of the reins have the most dramatic effect in achieving the light mouthed horse. Here are my 5 most common bit operator errors and suggestions to improve communication with the hands at the other end of the reins:

Keys to a light-mouthed horse. Part 1

“Should I try another bit?”
In some cases, a bit change for your horse is the magic bullet. But rarely. Often, there’s something else overshadowing a bit issue. In watching hundreds of horse and rider conversations, I’m convinced that the hands at the other end of the reins have the most dramatic effect in achieving the light-mouthed horse.

Equitation Science. Horse science put into practice.

What a treat to share a presentation for the International Society of Equitation Science this week.
My topic : how put the science of equine research , evidence based and ethical horse training, into practice – coaching riders, teaching horses and getting them ready for the ring – whatever ring they’re prepping for – western, hunter, dressage or over obstacles.

Do whips make racehorses run faster? Evidently not, say researchers.

Race track whip rules have been written and revised, swayed by the court of public opinion and the advocacy of welfare groups. I’ve got nothing against the use of artificial aids – applied within a system and with timing a horse understands. But this research from equitation scientists, asked this interesting question about whip use on the race track…“Does it actually work?” Do whips make race horses run faster?

Is my horse in pain? Part 2

Humans show pain through facial expressions. These have been coded and used to assess the discomfort of patients who can’t communicate their suffering in other ways. Now the Horse Grimace Scale has been developed. Help to guide trainers, owners and vets in the determination of equine pain and its care…