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1 week ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
Trick riding isn't your average riding discipline. It's an extreme sport that is usually performed at rodeos and other public events. Trick riders are courageous, athletic, and have expert horsemanship skills. They aren't afraid of big crowds and usually enjoy putting on a good performance. They often push boundaries and step out of their comfort zone. While this sport may seem intimidating, there are many opportunities for beginners to get involved.
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1 week ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
There are certain breeds that don't usually make great horses for beginners. Some are energetic and high-strung, while others require extra maintenance or special training. There are always exceptions to every breed standard, though! When purchasing your first horse, take the time to get to know each breed and their unique characteristics. Arabians: These beautiful horses are so intelligent and sensitive.
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1 week ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
Dude ranches are getting ready for a busy season! If you've ever dreamed of working for one, then now is your chance. There are a wide range of positions from horse wranglers to servers and housekeepers. This opportunity will give you the chance to meet incredible people, explore the outdoors, and add valuable work experience to your resume. You'll be fully immersed in the western lifestyle!There are so many different positions available on ranches.
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1 week ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
Shipping fever, also known as pleuropneumonia, affects the respiratory system of your horse. The most common reason for this lung infection is long-distance travel or a stressful situation. In most cases, the horse is younger than five and a performance or athletic type. The survival rate has improvement greatly over the past 20 years with it being as high as 90%. It's important you know the risk factors and the signs of shipping fever, especially if you're planning a bigger trip with your horse.
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1 week ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
Spring is in the air! Most foals are born between April and June. If you have been blessed with a new foal, then your next thought might be naming them. It's a big undertaking! Those registering their horse with the American Quarter Horse Association will need to follow certain rules and policies when choosing a formal name. You, of course, can call your foal anything you like around the barn. The name has to be 20 or less characters.
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1 week ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
Wild, free-roaming horses can be found throughout Australia, though they're heavily populated in the Northern Territory. The most well-known brumbies live in the Australian Alps region. There is a big controversy around these feral horses. Some say they're destroying the native ecosystem, while others see them as a symbol of Australia's heritage. It's hard to say who is right or wrong. The debate continues even to this day!It's estimated there are over 400,000 feral horses in Australia.
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2 weeks ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
Many riders agree that showing is a lot of fun! It gives you the opportunity to show off all of your hard work. You can also meet other horse folks in the industry and your chosen discipline. Unfortunately, one of the main downsides is the cost. Horse competitions can be expensive between the entry fees, trailering costs, show equipment, and trainer expenses! There are ways around the high fees though. Be your own horse trainer.
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2 weeks ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
In western pleasure, the jog is considered a two-beat diagonal gait. The horse should be relaxed, smooth, and have a steady rhythm. This gait is slow and collected. The rider will have a deep seat and soft, subtle aids. Together, the horse and rider are pleasant to watch and move effortlessly around the arena. In competition, the judges will evaluate the pair for correctness and quality. They'll also look at the overall presentation.
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3 weeks ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
Many riders have heard one thing or another about natural horsemanship. What some might not realize is this type of training is not a rigid approach. There's not a single way or method to use it, rather it's a philosophy. It's about understanding your horse's behavior. The trainer learns to communicate with the horse effectively. There is a mutual respect for one another. Because of its popularity with various clinicians, natural horsemanship is often stereotyped or labeled in one way or another.
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3 weeks ago | 
cowgirlmagazine.com | Emily Fought
You've made it through winter, now it's time to dust off those cobwebs and get back in the saddle. If you want a safe and inviting place to ride, then your barn is probably in need of some deep cleaning. Your tack room may be a bit disorganized and horse blankets may still be hanging on stalls. Put on those rubber gloves and get ready for a little spring cleaning!Strip your horses stalls: Generally, horses spend more time inside in the winter.
