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Dressage is considered to be one of the most complex and difficult equestrian sports on the planet. It is a precise partnership between horse and rider, with the pair performing a series of complicated movements judged on accuracy. The figure eight is a standard dressage movement that every horse and rider must know how to perform in... more »
Dressage is an old and elegant practice for aristocrats and modern horse enthusiasts. Not only is dressage appealing to those who enjoy looking at horses, but this sport is also much more humane than horse racing, which often injures horses. But like dog shows, dressage is highly standardized and can become repetitive. more »
A horse learns dressage by being conditioned to respond to its rider's weight shifts and signals from the reins. Cues are given to the horse when the rider applies pressure with her legs. Other cues are given when the rider shifts her weight in the saddle. Cues are also given to the horse when the rider adjusts the pressure and... more »
Horse riding in Sligo and Donegal is an exhilarating experience, it affords you the chance to trek through some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland including deserted beaches and rugged countryside. Forget about riding a pony around a little field, for a real thrill go horse riding in Sligo and Donegal. more »
Planning a horse riding route is relatively simple if you are riding in a familiar area. On the other hand, if you will be riding in a new area, the trip will require a bit more planning. more »
Whether it is the gracefulness of horse jumping or the rumbling excitement of a horse race,...
Are you an equestrian enthusiast? Perhaps you're thinking of buying a horse? If that's the case,...
Do you want to teach a horse how to back up? Perhaps you need advice on how to care for a...
Despite the size and power of horses, a simple horse back ride through the country side can be a...
Showing horses is exciting, difficult and expensive. Years are spent perfecting the skills shown under saddle. Here we will give you some tips... more »
Despite the weather, cooling a horse after riding, or any workout, is essential. This returns the horse's respiration and heart-rate back to... more »
Your first lesson is over and you’ve discovered something; horse riding hurts. It looks so simple in the movies; the cowboys race at breakneck... more »
Part of being a responsible horse owner is knowing what your horse needs on a daily basis. Besides the basics, such as food and water, horses need... more »
Combined training events, also known as "eventing," are vastly different from horse shows. They require more conditioning for both horse and... more »
The bond between horse and rider is unmistakable; there have been amazing stories of the lengths that both have gone to protect and serve each... more »
The gallop on horseback is a more advanced gait that you can practice after mastering the walk, trot and slow canter. Despite its speed, the... more »
There is no feeling like the feeling you get galloping a horse while riding bareback. It's exhilarating. There are a few items to consider before... more »
When galloping on a horse, the body mechanics of both you and your horse change. The horse's back drops down and he will actually lift all four... more »
Training rings provide both a visual barrier for your horse and containment if you lose control and become unseated. Riding arenas also provide... more »
The Icelandic Horse is an old breed, having existed in Iceland for about 1,000 years. They are pony-sized horses 13 or 14 hands tall, yet are... more »
Nonverbal communication is key when directing a horse. Here's how to be convincing while in the saddle. more »
After you have trotted with your horse, the next step is to canter your horse. Learn to rate your horse for extension and collection, and get... more »
An equitation Medal class differs from a regular equitation round in that there are two phases. The judge will still be analyzing your riding... more »
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The horse (Equus ferus caballus) is a hoofed (ungulate) mammal, a subspecies of one of seven extant species of the family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today. Humans began to domesticate horses around 4000 BCE, and their domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3000 BCE; by 2000 BCE the use of domesticated horses had spread throughout the Eurasian continent. Although most horses today are domesticated, there are still endangered populations of the Przewalskis Horse, the only remaining true wild horse, as well as more common feral horses which live in the wild but are descended from domesticated ancestors.
There is an extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe equine-related concepts, covering everything from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion, and behavior. Their anatomy enables them to make use of speed to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight instinct. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called mares, carry their young for approximately 11 months, and a young horse, called a foal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.
Horse breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy work; and "warmbloods", developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific r read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse
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