A Hall of Fame farrier defines each of the lengths and how they apply to disciplines. The three important lengths for the soundness of the horse — dorsal length, horizontal length and vertical length (or depth). This brief discussion encompasses a thought process of four different lengths of overall hoof length — too short, protective, optimum…
A recent study indicates that riders who have had saddles fitted by professionals are more likely to identify a saddle in the correct position on a horse.
Mediterranean forests face an escalating wildfire crisis, but researchers in Spain have discovered an unlikely ally grazing in their midst. A groundbreaking study reveals that horses possess remarkable dietary flexibility that could transform how we approach forest fire prevention across the region’s vulnerable landscapes.
Humans have long described strong relationships with their horses, but until now, there has been no validated method for assessing the attachment styles in the context of human–horse relationships. Researchers from the University of Turku and the University of Helsinki in Finland used a specific survey to measure how people form an emotional attachment to…
The annual RCMP Name the Foal contest is on from April 7 to 24th. The winning names will be given to as many as nine foals expected to be born this spring at the RCMP’s horse breeding farm in Pakenham, Ontario. To qualify, a participant must: be 14 years old or younger* submit a name that begins…
April 3 marks the first ride of the Pony Express, which began back in 1860. The National Park Service offers an opportunity to become a Junior Ranger for the Pony Express National Historic Trail. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of the Pony Express and earn a Junior Ranger badge when you submit your completed…
Five 10-month-olds are the world’s first genetically edited horses: cloned copies of a prize-winning horse named Polo Pureza, or Polo Purity, with a single DNA sequence inserted using CRISPR technology with the aim of producing explosive speed.
Humans as early as the Bronze Age may have been intentionally cultivating genes in horses that made them easier to tame and more able to bear the weight of riders.
Riding school horses might appear expressionless while being tacked up, but subtle signs—such as lifted nostrils and inner brow raises that resemble a worried look—could suggest otherwise. A recent study of a group of riding lesson horses showed subtle facial cues before and after rides, suggesting possible emotional or physical stress regardless of rider skill…
Course designers are “architects of everything in the arena,” considering not just the jumps but also arena decoration, colours, water jump placement, and even visual elements and branded items such as cars in the ring. Each decision shapes how horses read the course and how riders strategize their approach.