Animals Horses Horseback riding October 26, 2016 3:00 AM Eventing: cross country jumping Cross country jumping is a test of endurance, skill and agility following a prescribed course through forest and fields. The horse and rider are required to negotiate natural obstacles like logs, ditches, streams, banks, hills, and fences. The course may be over 2 miles (4000m), although at the lower levels the distance and pace will be much less. Cross country is often part of a three day event or horse trial that may include stadium jumping and dressage. What is the Goal?: The goal of cross co... more
Animals Horses Horseback riding September 25, 2016 7:00 AM The greatest moments of Olympic equestrian events While the medal presentations are always a highlight there are sometimes events that occur, or horses and riders that go beyond the expectations. more
Animals Horses Horseback riding August 28, 2016 3:00 AM Getting ready for your first riding class This article assumes you've already made that difficult decision and are scheduling your first lesson. Barns generally have one of two policies regarding beginners. Some barns start all beginners off in private lessons. Others put beginners together in small groups. Both approaches can work equally well. However, if given the choice, it is often best to have your first lesson be a one on one with the instructor. more
Animals Horses Horseback riding June 11, 2016 7:00 AM Horse polo: exclusive sport for real athletes Imagine a ball hit so hard that it is coming at you at a speed of 110 miles per hour! The ball is moving so fast you can hardly see it. Your job is to stay at a gallop, get your horse in line with this flash of white and either pass it ahead to a teammate or carry the ball down the field for an attempt at a goal. This is polo as played by some of the greatest athletes in the world. more
Animals Horses Horseback riding May 24, 2016 7:00 AM An Introduction to Dressage Riding What is Dressage? Many people have seen Olympic or Grand Prix level dressage on television. The horses seem to do intricate maneuvers as the rider sits almost motionless. But, dressage isn't just fancy moves with hard to pronounce names! Every time we train our horses to carry us with more ease, and respond to subtle aids, we are training them in basic dressage. Dressage is teaching a horse to be supple, balanced and responsive. A kur is a dressage test ridden to music. You are given a set of... more
