Every horse owner eventually discovers that barn life comes with its own set of unwritten rules—many of them learned through experience, humor, and a fair bit of mud. This week’s article highlights ten universal truths we all come to understand, from the mystery of disappearing grooming tools to the reality that horses will always outsmart even the best-laid plans. Lighthearted, relatable, and rooted in real barn-life moments, this is the perfect read for anyone who loves the joys (and chaos) of horses.
Category: The Rider
Improving Rider Fitness in Winter: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
As riders set their goals for the new year, improving fitness often lands at the top of the list—but winter makes staying motivated feel harder than ever. This week’s article breaks down how small, realistic habits can make a big difference in your strength, balance, and confidence in the saddle. No gym memberships, no pressure, and no guilt—just simple, sustainable ways to support both you and your horse through the colder months.
It’s Okay to Take a Break: Why Time off is Good for you and Your Horse
The holidays can leave many riders feeling guilty when their horses get a few unexpected days off, but rest is not a setback—it’s a healthy, normal part of riding and horsemanship. In this week’s article, we talk about why breaks are beneficial for both horses and humans, how even professionals schedule downtime, and why your partnership won’t suffer just because life gets busy. If you’ve been feeling pressure to do it all this season, this is your reminder that it’s okay to slow down.
When to Say No: Knowing When to Pull a Horse From a Show or Clinic
Knowing when not to compete is one of the hardest decisions we make as horse owners and riders. There’s pressure—money invested, goals set, dates circled on the calendar—but the horse doesn’t understand any of that. Their job is simply to tell us how they’re feeling, and it’s our responsibility to listen. From subtle lameness to heat stress to uneasy gut feelings, this article breaks down the red flags, the grey areas, and the moments when stepping back is the best decision you can make for your horse’s welfare and your long-term partnership.
Where the Love Went Missing — What the Ohio Starvation Case Reveals About Our Industry
Four horses were found dead at an Ohio boarding facility last week — starved, trapped, and surrounded by evidence of prolonged suffering. This wasn’t a tragedy of ignorance; it was deliberate cruelty. The images from the scene have shaken the equestrian world, forcing all of us to confront an uncomfortable truth: neglect doesn’t only exist in the extremes. From closed-up barns to overworked show horses, too many animals live in quiet misery while the rest of us look away. This reflection isn’t just about what happened at Pure Gold Stables — it’s about what’s happening everywhere, and what it means to truly love and care for the horses who give us everything.
What GR838 Means for Everyday Riders: USEF’s New Unethical Treatment Rule Explained
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has rewritten General Rule 838, now titled Unethical Treatment of the Horse. Starting December 1, 2024, the rule expands beyond the show ring to cover abuse or neglect anywhere a horse is in a participant’s care. From misuse of tack to riding an exhausted horse, the changes mark a major step toward accountability and higher welfare standards in our sport. Here’s what the new rule means, explained in plain language, and how you can adapt your everyday horse care and training practices.
Frangible Pins in Eventing: How Safety Technology is Saving Horses and Riders
A frangible pin fitted to a cross-country fence. These safety devices are designed to break under force to prevent rotational falls. What Are Frangible Pins? Frangible pins are specially engineered fasteners that hold parts of a solid jump in place until a specific amount of force is applied. If a horse hits the jump with … Continue reading Frangible Pins in Eventing: How Safety Technology is Saving Horses and Riders
Do Suspensions Change Anything? Charlotte Dujardin’s Return & What Science Says About Welfare in Elite Dressage
Charlotte Dujardin’s return to the arena has sparked renewed scrutiny of elite dressage training methods and welfare standards. The elite dressage world watched closely as Charlotte Dujardin returned to competition following her suspension—but many of us were left wondering: what changed? Despite the very public controversy, little seems to have shifted in how riders are held … Continue reading Do Suspensions Change Anything? Charlotte Dujardin’s Return & What Science Says About Welfare in Elite Dressage
Size Does Matter – But Not in The Way You Think
So, let’s look at the big picture first: horses were not put on this earth to be ridden. This means anyone (even a child) is putting weight on the horse’s back that the horse was not meant to carry. Over time, horses have learned to accommodate a rider, but we need to make sure that … Continue reading Size Does Matter – But Not in The Way You Think
Feeling the Winter Blues?
Check out the following tips to stay sane throughout the winter months! Feeling the winter blues? Not all riders can afford to winter in Florida, but don’t be too disappointed if you have to stay behind! There are several reasons dealing with the arctic temperatures of the north can help you and your horse. Proper … Continue reading Feeling the Winter Blues?
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