Western riding is a popular equestrian discipline rooted in the traditions of American cowboys and ranchers. This guide will introduce you to the basics of Western riding, offer essential training tips, and help you prepare for competitive success. Understanding Western Riding Western riding encompasses various styles and disciplines that highlight the skills and techniques used…
Western pleasure is a popular and elegant Western riding discipline that showcases the horse’s calm demeanor, smooth gaits, and responsiveness. This guide will help you understand the basics of Western pleasure, offer essential training tips, and prepare you for competing in the show ring. Understanding Western Pleasure Western pleasure is a competitive event where horses…
Rodeo events are thrilling competitions that showcase the skills of both riders and their horses. If you’re interested in participating, understanding the various events and the training involved is crucial. This guide will help you navigate the exciting world of rodeo and prepare for success in the arena. Understanding Rodeo Events Rodeo events are competitive…
Training a reining horse requires dedication, patience, and an understanding of the sport’s nuances. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer, these tips will guide you on the path to success in reining events. Understanding Reining Horse Basics Reining is a Western riding competition where riders guide horses through a precise pattern of circles,…
Team roping is a dynamic rodeo event that requires precision, skill, and teamwork. This guide will help you understand the basics of team roping and provide strategies to excel in heading and heeling during competition. Understanding Team Roping Team roping, also known as heading and heeling, involves two riders working together to rope a steer…
https://youtu.be/4eNi53mJD3A?si=3EC-ubD8pKDhu896 Watch Horse&Rider editor Nichole Chirico and Legendary Stakes’ Shane Plummer discuss how Legendary Stakes is reshaping the Western Performance Industry. Shane explains what Legendary Stakes is, why stallion owners, dam owners, horse owners, and breeders should get involved, and how the platform works. You’ll gain insights into selecting disciplines for your stallion, the types…
Building a Strong Foundation in Horse Training Horse training is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor that requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of equine behavior. Whether you’re a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, establishing a solid foundation in horse training is crucial for building trust and preparing your horse for competition. This article…
Pole Bending Basics: Learn the Pattern and Start Competing Pole bending is a popular equestrian sport that challenges both horse and rider to navigate a precise pattern around a series of poles. It is an exhilarating event that requires agility, speed, and precision. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of pole bending, including the…
Jason Perry, horse trainer & fourth-generation rancher from Leoti, Kansas, recently won the $10,000 Legendary Stakes Ranch Horse bonus. With a deep-rooted connection to horses and ranching, showing in Ranch Horse just makes sense to Jason – it’s a natural extension of his everyday life. Jason’s passion for exceptional ranch horses started early – it…
Cally Thomas-Kindred, an experienced horsewoman from Western South Dakota, has deep roots in the world of horse breeding and competition. Growing up on her grandfather’s ranch in Harold, South Dakota, Cally, her sister, and her cousins were immersed in the equestrian lifestyle from a young age. Her grandfather Harry Thomas, a dedicated breeder, ensured that…
C.J. Garland, an accomplished cow horse competitor from Leoti, Kansas, recently won the $10,000 Legendary Stakes bonus in Reined Cow Horse. CJ’s journey to this victory is rooted in a deep passion for horses that began in her early childhood. “We compete a lot in ranch horse and cow horse, and it’s definitely a bonus…
Taryn Sippel, a breakaway roper from South Dakota, recently won the $10,000 Bonus at the Legendary Stakes event during the North Dakota Winter Show and Rodeo in Valley City. “Legendary Stakes definitely impacts my [event] choices. The potential for bonuses and incentives makes me plan my schedule around their events.” Taryn’s passion for roping started…
Understanding Cutting Horses Cutting horses are a specialized breed known for their agility, intelligence, and cow sense, making them ideal for cutting competitions. These events showcase the horse’s ability to separate a single cow from a herd and keep it away for a specified period. This unique skill requires extensive training and a deep bond…
Barrel racing is an exciting and fast-paced rodeo event that combines speed, precision, and horsemanship. This guide will help beginners understand the fundamentals of barrel racing and how to start their competitive journey in this thrilling sport. Barrel racing involves a horse and rider racing against the clock to complete a cloverleaf pattern around three…
Cow horses, also known as stock horses, are a crucial part of Western equestrian disciplines. These versatile and intelligent horses are trained to handle cattle, showcasing their agility, speed, and cow sense in various competitive events. This guide will delve into the role of cow horses and provide insights on how to compete in cow…