Julie Goodnight helps a newly adopted horse and her owner learn to communicate clearly before riding. … [Read more...]
Finding A Kid’s Horse
Finding a Kid’s Horse Older is Better—You want a horse that is set in his ways, experienced and unflappable. The Rule of 20 says that the age of the horse plus the age of the rider, must at least equal 20. Often you can find better trained and very experienced horse that is best suited to a child and also very inexpensive in the 18-22 year old bracket. Been there, done that. … [Read more...]
Academy 4 Leading
CHA Composite Horsemanship Manual
Written by 30 professional horsemanship instructors from the United States and Canada. This four level manual contains a complete program for all levels of riders, with many illustrations by noted author and illustrator, Susan Harris. Available as separate level manuals or all four levels in this Composite Manual. Has a written test and riding test patterns at the end of each … [Read more...]
Quick Tip: Emergency Dismount
Emergency Dismount … [Read more...]
On The Trail Survival Guide
Even if you haven’t had a big wreck with your horse, you’ve imagined what can happen out on the trail. You’ve felt your stomach tie in knots as you headed up a steep hill, passed through deep water, or worse, seen a friend slip or fall with her horse. Those moments of fear aren’t bad and shouldn’t be dismissed says natural horsemanship trainer Julie Goodnight. “Fear is a … [Read more...]
Settling In
It can take weeks for new horses to settle into an established herd—be prepared to see aggressive behavior during the initial introduction. Adding a male to a female brood can extend the time and add extra stress Dear Julie, Two weeks ago I introduced my new Appaloosa gelding to my well-established and friendly mare and mule. The mare and mule—both female—are sweet and … [Read more...]
The Old Question Of Stirrup Length
Appropriate stirrup length is critical for all levels and disciplines of riders. It is important for safety, for rider balance and for the effectiveness of the rider in developing correct riding skills. Time and time again in clinics, I see riders with stirrups mal-adjusted. Over the years, I’ve developed a keen eye for knowing when the stirrup length is appropriate and when it … [Read more...]
Sit The Spook
The Trail Rider ~ September/October 2014 RIDE RIGHT WITH JULIE GOODNIGHT Sit the Spook Learn how to sit the spook on trail for safety and control with top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight. All horses are capable of spooking. Horses are hardwired to flee in response to fear. They’re naturally programmed to watch for danger and for the herd leader’s cue for when to … [Read more...]
Quick Tip: Trail Resources
Safety Concerns: Accident Frequency At Lesson Barns
Question Category: Safety Concerns Question: I work for a large lesson/boarding facility - we have about 50 school horses, 50 boarder horses, and a couple hundred students come through each week. I am concerned because we have had a string of pretty nasty falls recently and I am wondering if this is normal for such a large facility or if there is something unsafe … [Read more...]
