Have you ever wondered if your horse is happy in his work?
Does responding to your cues make your horse feel good? Or is he simply conditioned to respond to your aids?
In other words, what’s your horse’s motivation for working with you?
Many equestrians never ask...
Go grab two polo wraps, standing bandages or even a couple of hand towels out of your linen closet.
Then lie down on the floor and join Mary in a short, super effective exercise to activate your deep core muscles.
You'll learn how to both relax your back AND get stronger and more coordinated all...
Some years ago, I walked into a sunlit, colorful living room in the coastal town of Laguna Nigel, California. The homeowner, a woman named Carol, was in her early 40’s and had shoulder-length, sandy-colored hair that was pulled back into a ponytail.
I first met Carol a couple of...
Part 1 – The Rider’s Habits
There’s one tool that I’ve seen help equestrians more than any other. It can help riders successfully navigate challenging situations with their horses. It can also help equestrians achieve long-term goals such as: improving riding skill,...
This Simple Mindset Shift Can Transform A Stiff, Resistant Horse
Part 2: The Horse's Habits
In Part 1, I introduced you to Gina and her bay Arabian gelding, Piper. Gina was frustrated that Piper resisted bending, especially to the right.
Gina’s trainer had demanded...
Let’s say you see a dog who’s hurting. Maybe he’s an older dog with a stiff, arthritic spine. Or perhaps she’s a younger dog with hip dysplasia or a torn knee ligament.
Don’t you wish you could instantly help such a dog feel better?
I’d like to...
***Important note about the video: Please be gentle! Your pressure should be VERY LIGHT and the movements should be subtle "suggestions." Never use force. Keep your hands and shoulders soft and relaxed.***
Don’t you love when something good comes out of something bad?...
“Damn it! Just give me your leg!” Hearing these harsh words, I snapped my head around. Just as I suspected, a farrier was holding onto the hind hoof of a horse who was trying to break free of the man’s grasp.
The farrier, Joe*, had been patient with the big chestnut...
I drove down the unfamiliar street, reading the house numbers. 2403… 2405… 2407… Bingo!
I parked on the street and was about to get out of my red Toyota Celica when a woman called out to me from the porch.
“Wait in your car while I bring Bruno into the house!...
Could your floor be causing your dog to age prematurely?
Over the years, I've seen a great number of dogs struggle as they negotiate tile or wood floors in their home. And many dog "parents" have no idea that their flooring choice is causing undue hardship for their dogs.
I had the opportunity to...
Placing the white and grey cat on my lap, I let him choose how he wanted to arrange himself, knowing that he would position himself in a way that would afford comfort and security for his dislocated right hip.
About ten days before, Elf had started dragging his right hind leg. A veterinarian...
