Welfare Wednesday: What a Whip Is—and What It Isn’t
Understanding the purpose of the whip through science and good horsemanship In Pony Club, we’re here to learn, grow, and ride with kindness. That applies to how we use our voice, our legs—and our equipment. Let’s talk about the whip. What the whip is for: The whip is a training aid, not a punishment tool. […]
Balancing Control and Softness in Jumping – Part 1
What to consider before reaching for a stronger bit in showjumping and cross country By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine bitting specialist Bitting for jumping and fast work can often mean we naturally reach for a ‘stronger’ bit without always thinking through the reasons why. When we’re going faster and jumping we can often feel […]
How to Warm Up and Cool Down Your Horse
In order to keep your horse sound, it is important to maintain a good warm up and cool down routine. Warming up refers to the initial work in a session, whether at home or at a competition. It allows the horse’s body to adjust to the work by increasing heart rate and circulation, helping oxygenated […]
Understanding the Biomechanics of the Horse’s Vertebral Column
Did you know that a horse’s spine from withers to tail has a very limited range of movement, while their neck is much more mobile and can bend in all directions? This helps horses graze and groom themselves, but for trainers, it can affect balance in a negative way. This is why the head and […]
Off the Track Horses: A Guide for Pony Club Members
Many experienced Pony Club members eventually consider purchasing an off-the-track (OTT) horse, with many Thoroughbreds finding post-racing careers as eventers, show jumpers, and show horses. But it’s not just competitive disciplines that OTT horses can excel in. They are often versatile enough to make excellent Pony Club mounts and can be commonly seen in […]