by Cynthia Cooper Rugging or blanketing horses is usually something that makes US feel a lot better, especially when its cold, wet and we see our horse shivering. Keep in mind that horses have survived for millions of years without the need for man-made rugs to protect them from the […]
Should I rug/blanket my horse or not? Read More »
by Cynthia Cooper Flexible saddle trees are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting the growing awareness and concern of today’s riders for their horses’ well-being. Why a flexible tree ? As with many consumer products in general, technology has evolved products throughout the years. We watch flat screen color tv’s and no
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by Cynthia Cooper Over the past few years, awareness about saddle fit has increased dramatically as we look to get better performance from our horses, especially in the field of endurance. In any sport where long hours with a saddle and rider on board, a horse’s back, movement, expression and
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by Cynthia Cooper © Stallions need clear boundaries A highlight of my time in South Africa was being asked to play with a 5 year old Friesian stallion called Zander who had only recently been purchased by Carl Bronner. Zander was quite a cruisy character but like most young horses
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A Non-Invasive and Loving Approach to Imprinting a foal by Liz Mitten Ryan De-sensitization and imprinting are found in every trainer’s tool box. Their importance to our efficient handling of horses is invaluable. From a human perspective our interaction with horses from handling to riding is safer and less stressful.
Welcome to the World Read More »
Foal training is such an important beginning to your foal’s future and good training will establish a relationship while also teaching your foal the basics to cope with the domestic life of a horse. Since my training using positive reinforcement has been so successful with my older horses, I now
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by Cynthia Cooper Fortunately, many horse breeders now recognise the pay-off for spending time with the foal in the early days. And many like myself have also realised that socialisation and education is the most important part of human interaction, not the imprinting. Although imprinting helps initially and forms a
Educating the Foal Read More »
By Cynthia Cooper Weaning a foal in a progressive way more closely imitates nature and is proven to reduce stress and future separation anxiety. I get a lot of people asking, “What is the best age and way to wean a horse”? I think if you can look to nature
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The decision to geld or keep a colt entire is one many owners will one day make when they breed or buy a young male horse. So why geld (otherwise known as castrate) your colt? Here are some questions you need to ask yourself: What is the future for the
By Juliet M Getty Ph.D. The issue is free choice forage feeding. I respect and honor the way horses are made – they are different – unique, really. In a suitable, native environment, they are quite capable of taking care of themselves. They are free to eat and roam and
Bring Back the Horse’s Instincts Read More »
Is bitless riding the same as with a bit? When riding with a bitless bridle, there are some perceived, and a couple of real differences to riding with a bit that will help with your transition and training. Confident riders and well educated horses who have a good basic foundation
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What seems like a lifetime ago, before my ‘heart’ kicked in and I was ruled by my head (being practical etc.), I admit with deep feelings of guilt and regret that I sent some of my old horses to the local ‘dog man’ to be ‘put down’. They were no
Giving Your Horses a Forever Home Read More »
