Rider Tips

Across the country, fields and trails are getting greener by the day, and many horse owners are chomping at the bit to saddle up and hit the trails. But before you pack the trailer and hit the road, there are a few steps you can take to prepare your body and your horse for the rigors of trail riding so you can both enjoy the trails all season long.

Participating in a parade is a great way to promote your local riding club, your instructor, or even your favorite tack shop or feed store. One of the most enjoyable parts of parade season is finding creative ways to dress up your horse and celebrate the spirit of the holidays together. From a simple touch of garland in the tail and bows in the mane to a full Santa-and-reindeer ensemble, there are endless ways to spread cheer. But before you focus solely on your outfit, there are a few important tips to keep in mind—whether it's your first parade or your tenth.

The idea of purchasing or caring for a helmet might seem simple at first, but there’s so much to making sure your helmet fits you properly and provides the best protection for your head. Learn more about riding helmets and how to make sure you're getting the best protection.

Getting ready for your first horse show? It’s about more than shiny tack and a perfect packing list. Whether you're riding patterns, jumping fences, or running barrels, horse shows are all about testing—and celebrating—the partnership between you and your horse. Here's what to know beyond what to pack.

When we think of the Warm-Up Ring, words like insanity, no rules, free-for-all and chaos come to mind. As a warm-up ring survivor, I know it can be a scary place. But, taking the time to learn some general etiquette and easy-to-follow rules will help you and others around you stay safe and be more comfortable!  

If you don’t have access to an indoor arena, winter riding may feel limited based on your location. However, with a well-thought-out plan and patience for gradual progress, you can turn this season into a productive training period. By focusing on incremental improvements and adapting to weather conditions, your winter riding routine can still contribute to meaningful development for both you and your horse.

Coming up with the perfect winter riding attire will be trial and error until you find what works best for you—these are only tips in hopes of steering you in the right direction. Just remember KISS: Keep It Simple and Safe. Maddie has accumulated a few tricks to help you survive and maybe even conquer the cold weather. This first blog post will focus on how she dresses to keep warm while riding and working in the barn.

When the temperatures rise, it can make doing the chores less routine and more demanding. Horse owners try hard to keep their horses cool and comfortable throughout the summer, and sometimes they forget that their health in the heat is equally as important.

Autumn is prime trail riding season, making it a favorite time of year for many horse enthusiasts. The prospect of spending hours in the saddle, aboard your favorite horse, spending time with friends, and taking in crisp, fresh air is a horse lover’s dream. Successful trail rides don’t happen without ample time to plan, proper packing of saddle bags and choosing the right horses to hit the trails. It's important that each trail rider follows a list of rules and proper etiquette to help ensure a future for trail riders. 

You see them a lot on the trail, on the ranch and now they’re gaining more popularity in the show arena. Chinks look like a shortened version of the full-leg chaps, but they have their own character.