Articles break complex subjects down to explanations that don’t require a dictionary to understand. They’ll help you get a better perspective on everything from basics of horsemanship, equipment, competition, and training techniques.
Here’s a collection of downloadable articles of some of my writing. Many of these articles have appeared in magazines, blog posts or other places. Now you can have them to download to your computer and print out to make your own collection of your favorite articles.
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This is the story of how two rotten ponies taught me how to teach horses everywhere how to stand. Read it for fun, but there's some good insight in there too! -
The half halt is one of the most critical tools in your carriage driving reinsmanship. A well defined half halt can improve your horse's balance, engagement, and movement in all gaits. But what is a half halt, and how should it be implemented? This 12-page downloadable article explains the half halt in detail, and how to train one into your everyday driving. *Get this article for Free when you enroll in the online class "Building A Half Halt."
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It doesn’t matter if you handle one rein in each hand as a rider, or all four reins in your left hand as a four-in-hand driver, there’s one rein that is, and always will be the most important rein. That one rein that can make all of the difference for bending through turns, square halts, or picking up the correct lead. It’s the outside rein.
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Contact is one of the most important principles in carriage driving. Contact is the connection from the driver, through the reins, to the bit, and ultimately the horse, that allows communication to flow between the horse and driver.
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Long lining is easily the most valuable tool that I’ve ever learned and continued to develop as a horse trainer. This invaluable tool has helped bring horses from green broke to elegant mounts for both riding and driving. You may never lunge a horse again once you've learned to longline!
Get this article for free when you purchase the online class Long Lining 101!
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As a driver, your reins communicate the vast majority of your intentions to your horse. However, most drivers make this one critical error in their driving that makes it much more difficult for the horse to hear those communications.
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It can be pretty intimidating when your horse spooks in the carriage. Employing the right strategies can keep a simple spook from boiling over into a full-blown runaway. This article gives you the tips and tricks get past the spooks and keep them from turning into something worse.
* 2019 Revised Edition ~ With more info and illustrations
Receive this lesson plan free with your purchase of the online class "Drive Past the Spook."
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Lengthening is more than just a movement that a horse is, or is not capable of. It's a coordinated movement of balance and impulsion. Learn more with this in-depth article.
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Following safe a hitching method keeps you and your horse safe. Download this article to learn the best practices for hitching and unhitching the single horse.
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Creating a great halt has more benefits than just stopping where and when you want. A great halt encourages engagement, balance, and straightness. Learn how to get your horse’s halt on target and in balance.
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There’s more to getting a horse straight than meets the eye. It involves communication, timing, and balance. Getting your horse straight leads to better accuracy and movement in all of your horse's gaits. Learn more through this downloadable article.
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A great warmup is critical to a great performance. Learn how to create a warmup routine that sets you and your horse up for success.
