Blog Archive

An Intro to Lunging with a Cavesson

Posted on April 13, 2023May 20, 2023 by Alexi Mast

https://youtu.be/yOzAmxCCPxY In the past, I've addressed lunging in the classical style using a bit and side reins. However, some people expressed an interest in learning how to lunge without a…

Calmness: A Key to Collection

Posted on March 29, 2023April 4, 2023 by Alexi Mast

As aspiring equestrians, we love to talk about collection. I talk about it quite a bit on this blog. But there seems to be one factor that most people overlook…

Maintaining Gaits and Fixing Lazy Gaits

Posted on February 16, 2021March 23, 2023 by Alexi Mast

Author's Note: This is a rewrite of an older post. My approach to teaching a horse to maintain gaits on his own has changed, so I have included a new…

Self-Carriage: The Effects of Preempting Mistakes

Posted on February 9, 2021June 20, 2023 by Alexi Mast

Self-carriage is a vital part of achieving true collection. It is the ability of the horse to maintain its frame, rhythm, speed, and balance without the rider having to micromanage…

Correction vs. Preemption: What is the difference?

Posted on November 6, 2020February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

In horse training, there is a distinct difference between correcting a mistake and preempting a mistake. Too often, as equestrians, we find ourselves instinctually preempting mistakes before the horse has…

Desensitizing: Shutting Down vs Calming Down

Posted on July 29, 2020February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

With all this "natural horsemanship" that has been a growing trend, people just love to desensitize their horses to death. They think that because their horse can stand there quietly…

6 Horse Care Essentials Every Horse Owner Needs

Posted on July 17, 2020September 25, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Every horse has different needs, but there are a few horse care essentials that every horse owner should have on hand. Whether you are a trail rider or avid competitor,…

Creating Relaxation Stage 3: Lunging with Side Reins

Posted on March 20, 2020February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Lunging with side reins is the next step of the process for creating relaxation. Lunging is a commonly misunderstood exercise. It is often viewed as a way to run the…

Creating Relaxation Stage 2: Long and Low

Posted on February 27, 2020February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a video demo of teaching long and low on the ground. Stage 2 of the Creating Relaxation series starts teaching long…

Creating Relaxation Stage 1: Releasing the Jaw

Posted on February 18, 2020February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

UPDATE: Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a video demo of releasing the jaw. Relaxation is the key to collection. However, there is a key component of…

What does a horse’s frog do?

Posted on July 25, 2019February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

When it comes to long term soundness, the hoof is the most important part of the horse. Therefore, taking care of your horse’s hooves is your first priority. There are…

The Physiological Benefits of a Strong Topline

Posted on July 23, 2019February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Many people will tell you that building up your horse's topline is important for proper movement and collection. This is true. However, not all of them know the physiological benefits…

How do I pick up my horse’s shoulder?

Posted on May 2, 2019April 4, 2023 by Alexi Mast

Do you have problems with picking up leads? Dropping leads? Lopsided circles? A horse that is heavy on the forehand? Do you know what all these problems have in common?…

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Impulsion

Posted on February 7, 2019February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

The concept of impulsion was briefly touched upon in my article on the Classical Training Pyramid. However, this vital building block of collection deserves a more in depth discussion. If…

How to Build Up Your Horse’s Topline

Posted on February 5, 2019February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

A strong topline is vital to any horse's training. A strong topline helps ensure correct saddle fit, long term soundness, and overall ability to perform demanding physical tasks. Some people…

8 Types of Horse Owners

Posted on January 31, 2019January 31, 2019 by Alexi Mast

1. The Fashionista Most of us can fall in this category at some point or another. This is the type of equestrian who has the matchy-matchy bug. Blue polos and…

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Counter Arc

Posted on January 24, 2019February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Uses for the Counter Arc The counter arc is often used by trainers to correct a horse with a tendency to drop his shoulder. It is an especially important tool…

10 Habits of Highly Effective Riders

Posted on January 22, 2019April 5, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Have you ever wondered what qualities set the best riders and trainers apart from the rest? Unfortunately there is no magic formula, however, there are some common habits that highly…

What do I look for in a good boarding barn?

Posted on January 17, 2019February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

We've already discussed the common types of boarding available in many areas, but choosing what type of boarding is best for your horse is only the beginning of the process.…

What is the difference between full board and partial board?

Posted on January 15, 2019March 26, 2023 by Alexi Mast

Being a first time horse owner can be a bit intimidating. The process of just finding the right horse to buy is hard enough, but if you don't have anywhere…

How do I ride inside leg to outside rein?

Posted on January 3, 2019February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Riding inside leg to outside rein is one of the foundation exercises of classical dressage. Really, it should be the foundation for any discipline. It is a vital component that…

What is pressure and release training?

Posted on December 18, 2018February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

You've probably heard about pressure and release training at some point. It's become all the rage with this "natural horsemanship" movement. However, this is a very misunderstood method of training.…

5 Common Horse Myths Busted

Posted on December 13, 2018February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Here are a few common horse myths that you've probably heard before and might believe, all of which are untrue. Horse Myth 1: All horses need grain or some type…

What is Line Breeding and how is it affecting the Quarter Horse breed?

Posted on December 11, 2018December 11, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Line breeding has become a point of contention in the equine industry. It is the practice of inbreeding family lines; sisters to brothers and fathers, mothers to sons and grandsons, fathers…

The Language of Silence

Posted on December 6, 2018June 28, 2023 by Alexi Mast

So often we forget that horses are non-verbal creatures. We teach them verbal commands like walk, trot, canter, and whoa. However, responding to verbal commands goes against their nature. In…

5 Mane and Tail Grooming Myths Busted

Posted on December 4, 2018December 5, 2018 by Alexi Mast

There is a lot of information out there on mane and tail care for horses. What many people don't know is that much of it is sponsored--either directly or…

The Secret to a Soft Mouth

Posted on November 29, 2018December 1, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Softness is a key part of collection in any discipline. There are many exercises and theories behind creating a soft mouth in your horse. However, softness is not…

10 Ways to Afford a Horse on a Budget

Posted on November 27, 2018May 22, 2023 by Alexi Mast

Owning a horse can be a very expensive endeavor. A half ton animal with a near suicidal propensity for self harm requires a great deal of food, maintenance, and--if you…

Disclosing A Disability to A Trainer

Posted on November 22, 2018November 25, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Last year I did an article on dealing with chronic illness as an equestrian. This was inspired by my own struggles with severe asthma and epilepsy. However, I recently got…

The Art of Neck Reining

Posted on November 20, 2018November 24, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Neck reining is one of the most misunderstood arts in horse riding, second only to collection. The very name itself is misleading enough to make you wonder who on…

Horse Selling Red Flags

Posted on November 15, 2018November 20, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Selling a horse can be a tumultuous experience. As a continuation of Tuesday's article A Beginner's Guide to Horse Selling, here are a few red flags to avoid setting…

A Beginner’s Guide to Horse Selling

Posted on November 13, 2018November 25, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Deciding to sell your horse is a difficult decision. There are many different reasons why you might decide to go through with it. Often, this decision has to do…

Horse Shopping Red Flags

Posted on November 8, 2018November 25, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Buying a horse can be an overwhelming experience for first time horse buyers. As a continuation of Tuesday's article A Beginner's Guide to Horse Shopping, here are a few…

Horse Buying: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on November 6, 2018March 20, 2023 by Alexi Mast

It is easier than ever to shop for a horse online. Thousands of horses are listed for sale on all kinds of websites--some more reputable than others. With so many…

Battle Show Ring Burnout

Posted on November 1, 2018February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

If you do a lot of concentrated training with your horse, there is always a danger of burnout, particularly with younger horses. Even if you are careful not to…

Open a Gate While Mounted: A Step-by-Step Training Guide

Posted on October 23, 2018December 16, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Learning to open a gate while mounted has many uses. Whether you just want to make use of the skill around the farm or need the maneuver for pattern classes,…

Rhythm and Cadence in Classical Training

Posted on May 14, 2018May 3, 2023 by Alexi Mast

The concept of rhythm was briefly touched upon in my article on the Classical Training Pyramid. However, this deserves a more in depth discussion as as rhythm -- or takt…

Equestrian Problems: Part 2 (GIF Edition)

Posted on April 13, 2018November 25, 2018 by Alexi Mast

1. Can't drive by a horse, look at a picture of a horse, or even watch a movie with a horse in the background without picking apart all of the…

Equestrian Problems: 5 Problems Only Equestrians Will Understand

Posted on April 11, 2018November 25, 2018 by Alexi Mast

No matter how big the tack room gets, it will never be big enough If you've owned or leased a horse for more than five minutes, you've probably encounter this…

The Mechanics of Bolting (and How to Prevent It)

Posted on April 9, 2018December 12, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Bolting is one of the most terrifying habits for a horse to develop as well as one of the most dangerous. Anyone who has ever had the misfortune of riding…

Consistency vs Repetition

Posted on April 6, 2018May 19, 2023 by Alexi Mast

In horse training we talk a lot about horses' need for consistency. However, their need for consistency is too often mistaken for a need for repetition. There is a…

Habitation vs Desensitization

Posted on April 4, 2018December 16, 2018 by Alexi Mast

You probably hear a lot about desensitization in horse training. It is a common approach used to acclimate horses to strange objects and environments. The most common application of this…

The Spay Debate: Why do we spay dogs but not horses?

Posted on April 2, 2018July 5, 2019 by Alexi Mast

Most people are familiar with the concept of spaying dogs and cats. But have you ever heard of anyone who spayed their mare? I haven't. As a mare owner myself…

The Classical Training Pyramid

Posted on March 29, 2018November 3, 2018 by Alexi Mast

One of the governing principles of classical dressage is the training pyramid. It lays out the roadmap for the entirety of the horse's training journey from very first day…

The Mechanics of Lateral Flexion

Posted on March 27, 2018October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Lateral flexion is a bit of a hot topic in horse training. Most people know it is necessary to achieve softness in the bridle, but too many people do not…

Achieving Softness Throughout the Body

Posted on March 25, 2018October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Softness is something that most equestrians strive for. Softness is the bridle, through the rib cage, moving off your leg, responding to your aids. It is vital to putting a…

Straightness vs Bend: How Much is Too Much?

Posted on March 20, 2018October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

We talk a lot of about bend when training horses. "You have to get him supple." "He needs to be soft in the poll to achieve bend." "You need to…

The Importance of the Counter Arc

Posted on March 18, 2018October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Does your horse constantly drop his inside shoulder in a turn? This is a common problem in all disciplines, but it is a particularly pervasive problem in barrel racing. The…

The Mechanics of Rearing

Posted on March 15, 2018November 19, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Rearing is every rider's nightmare. The biggest fear for most riders when a horse rears is that they will flip over backwards. This is a legitimate concern for some…

Bucking the System: Mechanics and Prevention of Bucking

Posted on March 13, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Bucking is arguably the most dangerous behavior a horse can develop. It can quickly become a habit if not addressed immediately. But, before you can understand how to stop your…

The Panic Button: How to Avoid Making a Bad Situation Worse

Posted on March 11, 2018November 19, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Even the best horses have bad days. No matter how broke your horse is, no matter how seasoned or how well trained, every horse can have a bad day.…

The Art of the Perfect Circle

Posted on March 8, 2018November 5, 2018 by Alexi Mast

The circle is the basis for so many pattern classes in the show ring today. It seems like such a simple maneuver, but creating a perfect circle really is…

Sequence Your Aids: How and Why

Posted on March 7, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

We've talked several times now about the importance of consistency. Horses are creatures of habit. This is why we use set cues to ask for certain behaviors. This may seem…

Mud Management Solutions for Pastures and Paddocks

Posted on March 4, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Spring is here. The snow is melting and the ground is thawing. The days are getting longer and better riding weather is just around the corner. But with the spring…

Horse Show Fever: Getting Started in the Show Pen

Posted on March 1, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

So, you've decided you want to start going to horse shows. That's fantastic! But where do you start? Many trainers go to a horse show at least once a month.…

Spirals: Their Value and How to Use Them

Posted on February 25, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Spirals are a very valuable exercise for any discipline. They really help with shoulder and rib cage control. Spirals test a horse's balance and collection. They can be done at…

The Intelligence Factor: Are Horses Really as Simple-minded as We Think?

Posted on February 22, 2018October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

There seems to be a lot of misconceptions about equine intelligence. A common comment I hear about horses is "oh, they've got a brain the size of a walnut, they…

Lead Changes: The Secrets to Successful Flying and Simple Changes

Posted on February 20, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Lead changes are a vital component of all disciplines; from dressage to barrel racing, show jumping to reining. Every discipline aspires to perfect this seemingly simple maneuver. What are…

What does it mean for a horse to have a good handle?

Posted on February 18, 2018September 25, 2020 by Alexi Mast

It is fairly common in the western industry to hear trainers remark about what a "good handle" a horse has. Many newcomers to the industry get confused by this statement…

Leg Yield: The Basis of All Lateral Movement

Posted on February 15, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

The leg yield is perhaps the single most important maneuver you will ever teach your horse. The leg yield forms the basis for every other lateral movement from the sidepass…

4 Great Rider Fitness Exercises

Posted on February 11, 2018February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Last week we discussed conditioning your horse after a layoff. But, just as important as horse fitness is rider fitness. No matter what level of exercise you maintained during the…

Conditioning Your Horse After a Layoff

Posted on February 8, 2018February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Many horses are not kept in consistent work over winter. This, of course, leads to a lack of fitness and muscle tone that must be taken into account when starting…

Jackpot vs Divisional vs Rodeo vs Futurity: What’s the difference?

Posted on February 6, 2018February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Barrel racing is an iconic rodeo sport that is rapidly growing in popularity across the US and even internationally. But not all barrel races are created equal. There are four…

Synthetic Saddles: Pros and Cons

Posted on February 4, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Last week we started the discussion of synthetic vs natural materials by addressing the issue of saddle pads and cinches. Today we will address the pros and cons…

Natural Fibers vs Synthetics: A Guide to Pads and Cinches

Posted on February 1, 2018February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

This is a long standing debate in the equine industry: natural fibers vs synthetics. With so many new technologies and synthetic materials being produced every day, the market…

4 Items in Your Tack Room That You Can Repurpose

Posted on January 30, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

With winter in full swing in the northern hemisphere, riding time is limited. But that just means that you've got more time to clean out that tack room and sort…

Teaching Your Horse to Take Responsibility for His Own Feet

Posted on January 28, 2018April 19, 2023 by Alexi Mast

A few weeks ago, we discussed the dangers of micromanaging and why it is detrimental to your horse's training. However, that discussion raises the question of how do we teach our horses…

9 Horse Show Pet Peeves

Posted on January 25, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

If you've ever been to a horse show you know there will always be some types of riders that get one everybody's nerves. Here are 9 horse show pet peeves…

Making a Barrel Horse: Push Style vs Free Runner

Posted on January 23, 2018February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

In barrel racing there are two kinds of running styles: push style and free runners. They both have their pros and cons. Push style is the more common of the…

4 Ways to Improve Your Horse’s Winter Fitness Regimen

Posted on January 21, 2018October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

With winter in full swing, many of us in the northern hemisphere are dealing with plummeting temperatures and the ever-present threat of snow. Those of us not lucky enough to…

Micromanaging: Are you helping or hindering?

Posted on January 14, 2018July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

You’ve got a wonderfully trained horse. He’s dead broke, bombproof even, if there is such a thing. He listens to your every cue, attentive to the smallest shifts of body…

Halloween Costume Ideas to Fit Every Budget

Posted on October 30, 2017February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Halloween is upon us and with it the last minute rush to figure out costumes for all those fun Halloween barn parties everyone has planned. In case you are still…

Horse Blankets 101: Blanket Measurements

Posted on October 16, 2017November 25, 2018 by Alexi Mast

So, you now know what type of blanket you want. But when you get to the tack shop, it’s not just as simple as picking out a stable blanket or…

Horse Blankets 101: Types of Blankets

Posted on October 13, 2017November 25, 2018 by Alexi Mast

It’s that time of year again. Time to start breaking out those blankets in preparation for winter. For those who already blanket on a regular basis, you probably already have…

What makes a barrel racer?

Posted on October 10, 2017February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Most people in the horse world have at least heard of barrel racing: a somewhat controversial rodeo event that consists of a three-leaf clover pattern around three barrels and the…

Equine Stage Fright: Fixing Rough Lope Transitions

Posted on October 9, 2017September 25, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Transitions are a sticking point for many riders, especially the lope transition. Even if you get everything perfectly set up, asking for a lope transition can often lead to balking,…

Hobbyhorse Revolution: Horsing Around…With Stick Horses

Posted on October 6, 2017July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

The other day I stumbled across an interesting new craze from Finland called hobbyhorsing. Most of us were horse crazy kids at one point and we all probably had a…

The difference between the reining horse and the cow horse

Posted on October 4, 2017February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

The reining horse and the reined cow horse, the flashy show-offs of the western showpen. We admire them with their grace, beauty, and refinement, but what is the difference between…

Supplements 101: 3 Supplements Every Horse Owner Should Know

Posted on October 3, 2017September 25, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Every year, ongoing scientific research helps us better understand the nutritional needs of our equine partners. As our understanding of equine nutrition advances, feed companies scramble to promote new…

Mastering the Reining Spin

Posted on October 2, 2017February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

The reining spin is a coveted pinnacle of achievement for many amateur western riders, yet if you don’t have access to a reining trainer, it can be difficult to teach…

4 Medical Evaluations You Should Know How to Do

Posted on September 29, 2017July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

It is important for all horse owners to be able to take their horse's basic vital signs so they can establish a baseline. Establishing a baseline is important because it…

Teaching the Western Rollback

Posted on September 27, 2017July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

The roll-back is a vital maneuver for the western showpen, especially for reining and cowhorse class. Fortunately, it is a relatively simple maneuver once you break it down. Prerequisites…

The Secrets of the Sidepass

Posted on September 26, 2017October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Sidepassing is an important maneuver to master for the western showpen. Many pattern classes – especially ranch horse classes – will ask for sidepassing maneuvers. Sidepassing can be done over…

Why We Ride

Posted on September 25, 2017December 1, 2018 by Alexi Mast

1. To stay fit via GIPHY It is amazing how many people think we “just sit there” and “the horse does all the work.” Sure, honey. I’d like to see…

Healthy Horse Checklist

Posted on September 22, 2017October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

As a horse owner, it is vital that you know your horse's normal behavior and routines so that you can spot any abnormalities and catch problems before they become life…

Long and Low

Posted on September 20, 2017July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

In classical dressage, there is a concept called long and low, also known as stretching which is used in the very beginning stages of collection to develop a correct topline.…

The Anatomy of Collection

Posted on September 19, 2017September 25, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Collection, the great holy grail of horsemanship. It’s the unicorn many amateur riders spend years of practice and thousands of dollars chasing. In its simplest form, collection is raising the…

The difference between a halt and a stop

Posted on September 18, 2017July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

No matter your discipline, at some point in the show pen you are going to be asked to halt. The halt is a deceptively simple maneuver that is often overlooked…

Fall Barn Prep

Posted on September 15, 2017November 18, 2018 by Alexi Mast

It's that time of year again! Summer is almost gone and winter is coming. It's time to prepare once again for those short cold days. Here is our checklist for…

Bits 101: “Specialty” Bits

Posted on September 13, 2017November 6, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Well, our Bits 101 series is finally drawing to a close. It looks like we'll wrap things up with one last post on "specialty" bits. This article does contain affiliate…

Bits 101: 10 Common Bit Myths Busted

Posted on September 11, 2017July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Myth 1: Anything with a broken mouth piece is a snaffle. This is one of my biggest pet peeves. I walk into a tack shop or look at an online…

Bits 101: The Bitless “Revolution”

Posted on September 8, 2017July 14, 2020 by Alexi Mast

Bitless bridles are one of the most controversial points of the horse industry. They can be anything from the traditional vaquero bosal to the increasingly common mechanical hackamore.…

Bits 101: Leverage Bit Basics

Posted on September 6, 2017June 18, 2019 by Alexi Mast

Let’s start with some basic parts of all leverage bits. There are the cheeks, which are made up of the purchase and the shank. Then there is the mouthpiece which…

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Snaffle Bit for Your Horse

Posted on September 4, 2017May 18, 2023 by Alexi Mast

Choosing the right bit is crucial for both the rider's and the horse's comfort and safety. However, selecting the right bit can be overwhelming with so many options available. A…

Bits 101: Mouth Pieces

Posted on September 1, 2017December 1, 2018 by Alexi Mast

Today will kick of a new series on western bits. We will start by discussing the basic types of mouth pieces. Mullen mouth These bits are very mild.…

You know you’re a horse person when… (GIF edition)

Posted on August 30, 2017October 31, 2018 by Alexi Mast

You know you’re a horse person when… 1 …rather than slowing down for a speed bump in your car you assume the 2-point position because efficiency is important people. via…

Common Mistakes That Many Riders Make When Catching a Horse

Posted on August 28, 2017February 12, 2021 by Alexi Mast

Catching is one of the most common problems faced by horse owners. So, if you are struggling with catching your horse, know that you are not alone. Most of us…

You Know You’re a Horse Person When…

Posted on August 25, 2017November 7, 2018 by Alexi Mast

You Know You’re a Horse Person When… 1 …you think nothing of showing up at the grocery store in sweat pants and muck boots with a hair full of…

Why the “Rescue” Label Can Do More Harm Than Good

Posted on August 21, 2017May 22, 2023 by Alexi Mast

This is a direct follow-up to Friday’s article on The Secret to Turning Every Horse Into Your Dream Horse. When you hear a horse labeled as a “rescue,” what is…

The Secret to Turning Every Horse Into Your Dream Horse

Posted on August 18, 2017May 22, 2023 by Alexi Mast

I’ve had several friends ask me “how do you always manage to find these amazing horses?” They look at the horses I have and seem to think that I have…

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