Top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight tells you how to stop your horse from grabbing mouthfuls of grass during trail rides. Q. My young Quarter Horse gelding is always grabbing a "snack" while I'm riding through tall grass on the trail. I don't like his eating with a bit in his mouth while we're walking down the trail. I try to stop him, but nothing works. How can I stop him … [Read more...]
Condition For Long Rides
Condition for Long Rides Q I’m planning ahead for summer, when I plan to go on daylong trail rides. I haven't been riding much, because I work full-time. I want to make sure my horse is in shape and conditioned by summer. How should I safely build up his stamina? A This is an important question, Roni. I’m so glad you’re planning ahead. While it’s difficult to ride … [Read more...]
Rearing To Go
Dear Julie, I have a 15-year-old quarter horse that has decided he must be in the lead on the trail. I ride alone most of the time but do enjoy the company of others. When he feels any competition from another horse, he arches his neck and sets his head as if he’s ready to attack. Then he’ll hop and rear. It all happens so fast, I don’t see it coming. He’s rearing more and … [Read more...]
Grieving The Loss
A grieving horse may constantly look for his missing friend—checking out the empty stall and waiting for a return that won’t come. When horses realize another won’t return, dynamics within the herd can quickly change. Dear Julie, My 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding just lost his favorite buddy and is having a tough time adjusting. My older horse died after a long bout with … [Read more...]
Reconditioning Program
Question: Hello Julie, My horse has been off all summer due to an injury and I would like suggestions as to how I can get him in shape for spring. I will work with him all winter and need help with a plan. Can you help us? Thank you, Karen Boise, Idaho Answer: Karen, When a horse has been laid off for a year or a season due to an injury, you’ll want to start slowly in his … [Read more...]
How Do Rope Halters Work?
Ask Julie Goodnight: What to Know About Rope Halters Question: I have what's probably a silly question.... My mare is 15 years old and I've never used a rope halter with her. What do I need to know to help me better understand how a rope halter works? Answer: I wish more people would ask simple questions like this-- it's not silly, but smart! When people stop and think … [Read more...]
You Can’t Make Me Do That
Once again, it’s been a marathon the last couple of weeks, although I’d be a fool to complain about it. We were quite busy filming six new episodes of the TV show—Horse Master. We film at my place once a year and it’s always much easier for me than shoots on the road. Nothing like sleeping in your own bed each night. Plus, having total control over the facility and not having … [Read more...]
