Key Point Details Impact on Pasture Dry conditions lead to overgrazing, weed growth, and toxic plant consumption. Consider moving horses to a dry lot and having a weed control plan. Nutritional Challenges Prolonged dry weather increases hay demand and cost, affects nutrient composition, and leads to dusty feed. Plan ahead and ensure safe dietary transitions. Water Management Horses require more water during dry spells. Provide fresh water consistently and monitor water source risks. Dust and Heat Management Dust irritates horse respiratory systems. Use dust-suppressing methods and provide shade to manage heat stress effectively. Disease and Parasite Management Climate variability affects disease patterns. Maintain thorough vaccination and parasite control programs. Long-Term Pasture Management Utilize rotational grazing and efficient water management to ensure drought resilience and support long-term sustainability. How Prolonged Dry Weather Affects Equestrian Management While the sun may seem like a blessing for us, it can prove to be challenging when it comes to horse management. Dry weather impacts various facets of keeping horses healthy and the pastures sustainable. This article delves into understanding what changes in the environment and how you must adapt daily care so famine risks don't outweigh the benefits of a sunny day. Impact on Pasture: From Verdant Fields to Barren Terrains Loss of Forage and Overgrazing In prolonged dry conditions, grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass may stop thriving, leading to overgrazing risks. This situation leaves the soil bare and encourages weed growth. It's crucial to move horses to a dry lot to prevent complete pasture depletion. Weed and Toxic Plant Issues During drought, horses might resort to eating undesirable plants that continue to grow. It's essential to provide adequate hay to minimize this risk and have a weed control plan ready post-drought. Nutritional Challenges: Navigating the Feed Maze Increased Hay Demand and Cost With pastures failing, hay becomes the primary dietary supplement. However, drought can impact hay yield and lead to competitive pricing. Planning ahead can alleviate cost issues and ensure dietary requirements are met, possibly with the aid of equine attire for dry conditions. Nutrient Composition and Metabolic Risk Post-drought regrowth can lead to high levels of non-structural carbohydrates, which pose a risk for horses with metabolic issues. Always introduce such pasture gradually to ensure safe dietary transitions. Dusty Feed and Respiratory Concerns Dry weather can lead to dusty hay, which when inhaled can irritate the horses respiratory system. Dust-free feeds or soaked hay can ease such irritations. Water: The Essential Hydration Element Increased Water Requirements With less water content in hay, horses require more drinking water. Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water and consider stable accessories that automate water supply. Water Source Risks Due to drought, there's increased interaction between wildlife and horses at water sources, leading to potential disease risks such as rabies. Ensure rabies vaccinations are up-to-date and consider separate water sources to reduce risks. Dust, Heat and Air Quality: Ensuring Comfort and Health Respiratory Health Dry conditions lead to increased dust, which can irritate equine respiratory systems. Opt for materials in high traffic areas that reduce soil dust and consider dust-suppressing methods. Managing Heat Stress High temperatures can lead to heat stress in horses. Shade and appropriate wear can help mitigate these effects, ensuring they are comfortable and hydrated. Disease and Parasite Management: Strategies to Minimize Risk Predicting disease and parasite patterns becomes challenging under climate variability. Thorough vaccination and parasite control programs are vital alongside regular check-ins with a veterinarian to counteract weather-driven changes. LongTerm Pasture and Property Management for Drought Resilience Building an infrastructure that supports drought resilience involves robust pasture management techniques. Implementing rotational grazing and ensuring well-managed sacrifice areas help maintain a balance in using land efficiently. Efficient Water Management Adopt measures like rainwater diversion systems alongside a mix of manual and automatic water techniques to ensure ample water for horses while preserving local water systems. Conclusion: Thriving Through Planning By understanding and preemptively managing the effects of prolonged dry weather, you can ensure the health of your horses and the long-term sustainability of your land. Integrate these methods into your management plan to make a positive impact on the environment and enhance the welfare of your horses. Visit Just Horse Riders today to find resources and accessories critical for safeguarding equine health.```html```

Road safety for horses and riders is to be discussed by MPs in Westminster Hall next Wednesday (14 January) after months of campaigning for improved conditions.The debate aims to raise awareness of near-misses, serious injuries and fatalities, and to explore practical steps to improve safety for equestrians.The debate is backed by the British Horse Society (BHS), the British Horseracing Authority, and road safety campaign Project EDWARD. It follows theHorse and Rider RoadSafety Presentation Bill,which seeks to strengthen protections for equestrians, and MP Lee DillonsEarly Day Motion, calling for urgent action.Horses and riders remain some of the most vulnerable road users, and incidents on rural roads can have life-changing consequences, said Lee Dillon MP, who secured the debate. This debate is a chance for MPs to come together, raise awareness, and push for practical, common-sense measures to protect riders and horses. It is not about blaming drivers; its about making our roads safer for everyone.Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at the BHS, said the Westminster debate was a significant step for equestrian safety.Were incredibly grateful for Lee Dillons support and are thrilled that this has progressed from the awareness ride we held last May, he told Your Horse.With this debate, along with the second reading of the Road Traffic (Horse and Rider Safety) Bill, we can amplify riders voices and raise awareness of the serious injuries and fatalities our horses face every day. But we cant do this without the help of the equestrian community. Thats why were asking equestrians to write to their local MP, urging them to attend this debate. The more MPs hear from us, the greater the chance that well see promising change towards protecting horses, riders and carriage drivers. Lets keep fighting together.For BHS advice on how to get in touch with your MP and to download a template letter or email, visit their website.The news of the debate comes alongside the Governments updatedRoad Safety Strategy, which was released yesterday (7 January), and has recognised riders as vulnerable road users, marking another step forwards in highlighting the need for safer shared roads.Lead image: Your Horse Library/Lucy MerrellRelated contentWhat is the BHSs Dead Slow road safety campaign?Could not wearing high vis leave horse riders liable in a road accident? Solicitor answersJason Webbs tips for what to do if you meet a loose dog out hackingEssential 12-point checklist for safer and happier hackingThe post Its about making our roads safer for everyone: Rider road safety to be debated by MPs appeared first on Your Horse.

Four horses in Ontario have tested positive for strangles:In Elgin County, one mare tested positive on Dec. 31 after developing an abscessed, draining lymph node. A 12-year-old gelding in Elgin County tested positive on Jan. 3; this horse was purchased from a horse dealer in Lambton County and arrived at his owners facility on Dec. 21 with nasal discharge.In the Regional Municipality of Durham, a 19-year-old Paint gelding at a boarding facility tested positive on Dec. 31 after developing unilateral nasal discharge.In Grey County, a 14-year-old Quarter Horse mare tested positive on Jan. 6 after developing abscessed submandibular lymph nodes. Two horses from her paddock have developed draining lymph nodes, and a third horse from the paddock has mild clinical signs; these horses are suspected to be positive.All of the positive horses are quarantined.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Dechra, a global leader in veterinary specialty care, this week announced the FDA approval ofZygolide (pergolide tablets), the first FDA-approved bioequivalentoptionindicatedfor the control of clinical signs associated with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses.The condition, also known as Equine Cushings Disease,affects approximately 21% of horses aged 15 and older, and prevalence increases to 30% in horses over 30 yearsold.As the population of senior horses continues to grow, the need formore affordabletreatment optionshas become increasingly important for both veterinarians and caretakers2.This approval expands access to anessentialtherapy for one of the most common endocrine disorders in aging horses.Zygolideoffers anenhancedstandard of care for patient experience through:Pill structure:TheZygolidetablet is designed with ease of administration in mind. Its manageable size and shape, along with360-degreescoringon all sides, make it simple to split as needed.Dosing:The Zygolidepackaging is designed to protect tablet stability and ensureaccuratedosing.Flavor profile:With a peppermint flavor,Zygolideprovides anenhancedexperience for horses and their caretakers when administering the medication.Cost:As a genericoption,Zygolideoffers cost relief to horse owners and caretakers, particularly for horsesthatreceive higher doses of treatments for PPID2.The FDA approval ofZygolidebrings to market a high-quality, cost-effective option to helpmakethemanagement ofPPIDmore accessible, saidDr. Greg Schmid, equine medical affairs lead forDechra. This therapy providesanotheroptionfor horses living with the condition, includinga pill structurewith360-degreescoring on all sidesandapeppermintflavor profile, helping to reduce stress for bothhorsesand their caretakers.AvailabilityZygolide(pergolide tablets)will be available throughveterinarians beginning January 2026 andcan bepurchasedwith a prescription from majoronlinepharmaciesnationwide.AboutZygolideZygolide isindicatedfor the control of clinical signs associated with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) (equine Cushings disease) in horses.Zygolideis administered orally.Important Safety InformationAs with all drugs, side effects may occur.Zygolide (pergolide tablets) is for use in horses only.Zygolidehas not been evaluated in breeding,pregnantor lactating horses. Treatment withZygolidemay cause loss of appetite. Most cases are mild. If severe, a temporary dose reduction may be necessary. Weight loss, lack of energy, and behavioral changesalso maybeobserved.Zygolidetablets should not be crushed due to the potential for increased human exposure. Pregnant or lactating women should wear gloves when administering this product.Zygolideis contraindicated in horses with hypersensitivity to pergolide mesylate or other ergot derivatives. KeepZygolidein a secure location out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. Dogs have eatenZygolidetablets that were placed in food intended for horses or dropped during administration of the tablets to the horses. Adverse reactions may occur if animals other than horses ingestZygolidetablets. Refer to the prescribing informationhere for complete details or visitwww.dechraus.com.AboutDechraDechrais a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products, dedicated to supporting veterinarians, pet owners, and the animals they care for. For more information, visitwww.dechra-us.com.This product is only available in the US at this time.This communication maycontaininformation otherwise not accessible or valid in your country. Please be aware that we do not take any responsibility for you accessing such information that may notcomply withany legal process, regulation, registration,or usage in the country of your origin.ReferencesUniversity of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Davis (CA): UC Davis Center for Equine Health; 2020 Mar 23 . Available from:https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/pituitary-pars-intermedia-dysfunction-ppidMarket data on file.Dechrais a registered trademark ofDechraPharmaceuticals Limited.Zygolide is a registered trademark ofDechraLimited.

An international dressage rider and coach has spoken about the tragic loss of her much-loved homebred yearling in an effort to increase awareness surrounding worms in horses.Carolyn Mellors future star Tigger went from being a picture of health to suddenly losing his sparkle and rapidly deteriorating, and despite best efforts to save him, eventually the kindest option was to put the youngster to sleep.Carolyn, who is based in Comber, Northern Ireland, told Your Horse she now wants to ensure equestrians are made aware of the risks posed bywormsand form a better understanding of up-to-date best practice surrounding parasite control.She explained that Tigger had been his usual playful self the day before he became unwell, bucking and squealing in the field with the other youngsters. The following day she noticed him looking a bit dull and despite his temperature being normal, she called out thevetas she still thought something was wrong.After conducting tests which came back clear it was suspected Tigger may have been feeling unwell after being gelded three weeks previously, so he was put on antibiotics in case of infection. However, he did not improve and further tests revealed his white blood cell count was very high and he needed to be taken to the equine hospital.Further investigation of tests found that Tigger was infested with redworms and that his colon was enlarged. A faecal sample was also conducted which came back clear forworms a fact which Carolyn highlights as showing that samples of droppings alone are not adequate for detecting allworms.After five days athospitalTigger was able to come home and was put on steroids and an intensive worming programme, but he went downhill again and had to return to thehospital. Two days later he tested positive for salmonella and Carolyn made the difficult decision to put him out of his suffering with the support of hervets.Lack of awarenessCarolyn said her experience was not an isolated event and that many other owners have experienced similar heartbreak and reached out to her following Tiggers loss. She believes there is a lack of knowledge on modernwormtesting methods, parasite management and wormer resistance.It is becoming a real problem and is escalating, she said. A lot of people think theyre experts but theres so many people that have messaged me from all over the world that said they had no idea [about faecal egg counts not always revealingwormburdens], not just amateur riders but professionals.Its not commonly known but it needs to be put out there.Carolyn urged horse owners to speak to theirvetabout the best course of action for their animals and to not rely on faecalwormcounts alone, particularly for very young or old horses.She said that after she shared Tiggers story online she heard from another 10 owners who had lost youngsters that week toworms.All the horses on her yard have now had blood tests and only two required worming. Carolyn has also taken the horses off her land and will graze sheep on her paddocks to further mitigate the risks.Tigger went from one day being a playful, stocky, fat yearling to looking so thin tucked up and miserable it was frightening how quickly it happened, she said.A special youngsterTigger had an exciting career ahead of him and was a special member of the herd.He was just an amazing yearling, Carolyn said. From when he was first born he was cheeky and forward, also the most trusting. He caught everyones eye, he was beautiful and moved really well.He was a very nice person and never had any issue with anything, he wasnt frightened and was up at the door chatting to us from when he was born.Its a real shame to lose any, but he was one I earmarked to keep and had a good young rider in mind to produce him. I really thought he was special and he was going to be a real superstar.Carolyn hopes Tiggers life wasnt in vain and that his story will show thatwormscan affect anyone, however experienced, and for others to be vigilant of signs their horse may be suffering.VetadviceOne of Carolynsvets, Zoe Jameson MRCVSof Tullyraine Equine Clinic, supports Carolyns ambitions to raise awareness among owners of correct parasite control.As a practising equinevet, I see first-hand how muchwormingstrategies have changed in recent years and how important it is for horse owners to move away from routine, calendar-based dosing, she told Your Horse. With increasing resistance and no newwormertypes in development, winterwormingneeds to be thoughtful, evidence-based, and tailored to each horse.The most important step is simple:test and risk-assess before you treat. Regular faecal egg counts (FECs) give a reliable picture of how many strongyle eggs a horse is shedding. When followed up with a faecal egg count reduction test (FECR) afterworming, we can confirm whether a product has worked and monitor for resistance developing on the yard.Winter is also the time when we must be especially mindful ofencysted redworm, one of the most dangerous parasites affecting horses. These larvae hide in the gut wall and do not show up on routine FECs, which is why a proper winter risk assessment is essential: looking at age, grazing density, pasture management and testing history.Young horses, older horses, newcomers to the yard and those with limited testing records often need more targeted winter protection.Zoe explained that tapeworm control has also evolved. Because tapeworm eggs rarely appear in droppings, saliva or blood antibody testing is the most reliable way to assess exposure and avoid unnecessary treatments.Choosing the rightwormermeans focusing onactive ingredients, not brands, and matching the product to the parasite you are targeting, she said.Alongside this, good pasture hygiene; regular poo picking, rotational grazing and avoiding overstocking remains the most powerfulworm-control tool we have.Zoe has created aWinterWormingGuideshe is happy to share for free. Those interested in finding out more can emailhello@zoejamesonvet.co.ukand she will send a copy.You can also follow Zoes advice online via her social media@zoejamesonvetMore from Your HorseWhich parasite and why: essential seven-step worming planEssential horse worming schedule and management tips from a vetProgress made in battle against equine parasite resistanceVet warning after rise in cases of colitisThe post Owners urged to be vigilant after loss of beloved youngster appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details Rug Liner System A modular approach with one stable/turnout rug and interchangeable liners for versatility in weather. Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Savings Higher initial cost, but leads to savings as fewer rugs are needed. Extended Lifespan of Outer Rug Washable liners keep the outer rug cleaner, preserving its waterproof properties. Versatility Adapts to unpredictable weather changes without full garment changes. Hygiene and Comfort Frequent washable liners benefit horses with sensitive skin or who sweat a lot. Storage Efficiency Reduces storage space compared to multiple rugs, beneficial for yards with multiple horses. Quick Application and Removal Easy on/off with touch-tape closures, saving time. Technical Features Wither relief, thermal technology, and secure attachments for enhanced comfort and functionality. Beneficiaries Multiple horse owners, clipped horses, those with limited storage, professionals, and sensitive-skinned horses. Potential Considerations Higher initial cost, compatibility with older rugs, and a learning curve for system use. Conclusion Overall, rug liner systems offer great value, especially for those in variable climates prioritizing cost savings, comfort, and sustainability. Is the Investment in a Rug Liner System Worth It for Your Horse? As the chilly winter months draw near, horse owners are faced with the decision of dressing their horses warmly and effectively. It's a choice between investing in a comprehensiverug liner systemor purchasing multiple separate rugs. Each option offers unique advantages and challenges. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of a rug liner system to help determine if it's the best fit for you and your equine companions. Understanding the Rug Liner System Therug liner systemis a modular approach to horse attire. It pairs one stable or turnout rug with interchangeable liners of varying weights, allowing for versatility across changing weather. This system transforms how horse owners manage their horses clothing throughout the year. Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Savings The financial logic behind the rug liner system lies in itscost-effectiveness. Although the initial purchase may seem priceybuying one outer rug and a few linersit eliminates the need for multiple rugs, each serving a different temperature range. In the long run, this investment leads to significant savings. Practical Math: Instead of buying three or four complete rugs (each priced between 100-400), investing in a basic outer rug with liners trumps the initial cost per garment. Extended Lifespan of Your Outer Rug The outer rug is vital, and preserving its durability is key. Since liners arewashable, your outer rug remains cleaner, ensuring it maintains waterproof properties over many seasons. This is not only practical but also a financialsafeguardfor your initial investment. Practical Benefits That Add Real Value 1. Versatility Across Changing Weather Being decently prepared forunpredictable weatheris crucial to horse care. A rug liner system provides the flexibility needed to adjust warmth levels without needing complete garment changes. This modular aspect caters to varying temperatures effectively, enhancing horse comfort. 2. Superior Hygiene and Comfort Horses with sensitive skins or who tend to sweat benefit significantly from the hygiene aspect of the liner system. Frequent washing of liners ensures your horse always has a clean layer against its skin. 3. Storage Efficiency For those who havelimited storage space, a rug liner system significantly reduces the volume of space occupied compared to multiple rugs. This is a great advantage for individuals and yards managing multiple horses. 4. Quick Application and Removal Time savingsbecome crucial on busy days. Thanks to modern attachment features such as touch-tape closures, adding or removing liners can easily be done in seconds. This simplicity is a time saver that professionals and homeowners alike cannot ignore. Technical Features That Enhance Value Modern systems come with sophisticated design elements for enhanced comfort and functionality. Wither Relief Design: Boa fleece wither relief pads minimize pressure, preventing unwanted rubbing. Thermal Technology: Options like Thermi-Heat liners retain body heat while allowing moisture to escape, maintaining equine comfort. Secure Attachment Systems: Front closures, neck tabs, and rear clips keep liners in place, preventing slippage. Who Benefits Most from This Investment? Multiple horse owners: Multiple endorsements of cost-savings. Owners of clipped horses: Hygiene benefits stand paramount. Those with limited storage: A practical resolution to constraints. Yards and professionals: Appreciate the time-efficient nature of the system. Sensitive-skinned horses: Specifically tailored to their needs. Potential Considerations While advantages abound, certain factors warrant consideration: Initial outlay: The upfront investment exceeds that of a single rug. Attachment compatibility: Some older rugs may not support liner systems, though contemporary designs cater to this need. System learning curve: Understanding attachment and maintenance is key for optimal results. The Verdict: Is It Worth It? For most horse owners, particularly those in variable climates, investing in arug liner systemprovides excellent value. From cost-saving measures to improved hygiene and comfort, the benefits are undeniable. While a traditional approach might suffice for hardy breeds, most equine owners find the unique advantages of a system make it a smart choice. If optimizing your investment, tailoring it towards comfort, and ensuring sustainability are priorities, then the rug liner system represents the ideal solution. Explore the broad range of equestrian attire available, including theJodhpur Collection,Horse Riding Boot Collection, andHorse Riding Socks Collectionto complete your horses wardrobe. ```html```

Key Points Details Importance of Transitions Improves hind-end strength Enhances balance and straightness Boosts responsiveness to aids Recognized in dressage tests Rider's Position & Canter Aids Inside seat bone weighted inward Inside leg at the girth for energy Outside leg signals strike-off Half-halts on outside rein for balance Riders Seat Significance Ensures clean and balanced transition Maintains independence from the reins Ensures horse canters without running Recognize and adjust to three-beat rhythm Walk-to-Canter Preparations Engagement and understanding of aids Active walk for seamless change Teaching Walk-to-Canter Start with trot-canter transitions Leg-yield exercises for balance CanterWalkCanter for Collection Essential for developing collection Engages hindquarters and maintains rhythm Flying Changes Requires adjustable canter Reliability on both reins Troubleshooting Problems Manage rushing into canter with half-halts Engaged canter to avoid breaking to trot Safety and Welfare Monitor for signs of discomfort Ensure fitness for work and ample breaks Mastering Equestrian Transitions: From Walk-to-Canter to Flying Changes Horse riding is an art that combines elegance, balance, and precision. Among the many skills that skilled equestrians develop, smooth transitions stand out as both fundamentally challenging and beautifully rewarding. From basic walk-to-canter transitions to the impressive flying changes, mastering these movements can elevate your riding to new heights. Why Transitions Matter So Much Transitions are the cornerstone of a well-rounded riding discipline. They are not only visually appealing but also carry several benefits: Improving hind-end strength and engagement: Strengthening the back end of the horse is crucial for both collection and longevity. Enhancing balance and straightness: Proper transitions help minimize the impact on the forehand. Boosting responsiveness to aids: This makes lateral work and jumping much more manageable. Gaining recognition in dressage tests: High-quality transitions often attract better scores due to their importance in movements like transitions between letters. As stated by the FEI, correct transitions must be balanced, smooth, with a clear change of rhythm and frame, and maintained contact. This is the gold standard for which we aim. The Building Blocks: Rider Position and Canter Aids The Basic Canter Aid Consistency is key when asking for the canter. Training sources agree on these aids: The inside seat bone should be slightly weighted inward [source]. Keep the inside leg at the girth for energy and bend [source]. Place the outside leg just behind the girth, which signals the strike-off [source]. Use half-halts on the outside rein for balance [source]. Why the Riders Seat Matters The rider's seat plays a pivotal role in transitions. A good seat ensures a clean and balanced strike-off, as opposed to a collapsed, rushed transition that throws the horse onto its forehand [source]. Key points include: Maintaining independence from the reins in walk, trot, and canter. Ensuring the horse reliably picks up the canter without running. Being able to discern and adjust to the three-beat rhythm. Find the perfect riding gear for practice at our Jodhpur Collection. Stage 1: Preparing for Walk-to-Canter Transitions Walk-to-canter transitions are a step up from basic maneuvers, requiring the horse to show engagement and a clear understanding of aids. Pre-conditions for success include having a forward-moving horse and understanding the specific canter aid sequence [source]. The Importance of the Quality of Walk The quality of the gait directly before the transition is crucial. An active walk with clear over-track and engagement prepares the horse for a seamless change [source]. Stage 2: Teaching and Refining Walk-to-Canter Step-by-Step Progression The progression involves starting with trot-canter transitions, followed by reducing trot steps to achieve a direct walk-to-canter [source]. By methodically teaching this progression, the horse develops better anticipation for upward transitions. A Simple Leg-Yield Exercise Effective exercises like the leg-yield can prepare the horse for transitions by maintaining connection and activating the inside hind leg. This involves walking on the center line and yielding to set up better balance [source]. Stage 3: CanterWalk and WalkCanter for Collection Once walk-to-canter is refined, it's time to incorporate canter-walk-canter transitions, essential for developing collection and hind-end strength. Why These Transitions Build Collection True canter-walk transitions without trot steps require the horse to engage the hindquarters, lift the withers, and maintain rhythm while reducing speed essential for collection [source]. How to Introduce CanterWalkCanter Start by confirming canter-trot-canter transitions, then gradually do shorter trot steps before transitioning directly to walk [source]. Using a 10m circle can help achieve accurate transitions. Stage 4: From Simple Changes to Flying Changes Flying changes are an advanced technique, demanding an adjustable canter and reliable transitions on both reins. What is a Simple Change? A simple change consists of a canter walk canter transition. These prepare the horse for flying changes by promoting balance and responsiveness [source]. Foundation Exercises Before Flying Changes Before attempting flying changes, ensure proficiency in walk-canter and canter-walk transitions, alongside exercises like the "Snowman" pattern to improve balance and responsiveness [source]. Stage 5: Introducing Flying Changes Flying changes should not be rushed into, as poor foundations can lead to incorrect or tense transitions. Early exercises should prioritize straightness and balance, under the guidance of an experienced trainer [source]. Troubleshooting Common Transition Problems Horse Rushes into Canter or Runs in Trot First Maintaining the quality of gait before the transition is crucial. Half-halts and a tall upper body posture can help manage this issue [source]. Horse Breaks to Trot When Asked for CanterWalk This can be addressed by asking for transitions from a more engaged canter, often using a 10m circle to encourage balance [source]. Safety and Welfare Considerations Always monitor for signs of discomfort, and ensure horses are fit for work with ample breaks. When issues persist, consult a veterinarian or professional trainer. Find the Right Gear for Your Equestrian Journey Choose from our curated collections to enhance your riding experience: Horse Riding Boots Horse Riding Gloves Horse Riding Socks Horse Treats And Gifts Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Stable Rugs Turnout Rugs Horse Fly Protection Enhance your riding journey with Just Horse Riders, providing elite gear and comprehensive knowledge to ensure every equestrian moment counts.```html```

Have you ever wondered why your horse seems reluctant to be caught, or why he feels tense under saddle? The answer often lies in common training methods that work against a horses natural instincts rather than with them.For over 40 years, Parelli Natural Horsemanship has been teaching horse lovers worldwide that true horse-man-ship can be obtained naturally using communication, understanding, and psychology versus mechanics, fear, and intimidation. Our goal is to share an effective training program that makes sense to horses, naturally.Yet several myths persist that hinder true partnership. Lets debunk five common horsemanship myths and misconceptions.Myth 1: Catch your horse any way you can.Did you know your session starts the moment your horse sees you? How you approach your horse and even how you put the halter on means something to him.Humans are instinctively predators; horses are prey animals. When we rush straight at them to catch them, we can trigger their flight response. As the leader in the relationship, we want to create a natural attraction, so our horses become willing participants. When done right, your horse will meet you at the gate!Myth 2: Saddle him up and get on.First, we need to find out how our horse is feeling today. What side of the corral did he wake up on? Just like you have good days and bad days, so does your horse.Make no assumptions that because your horse felt fine and you had a good ride yesterday, all will be well today. Before a pilot takes off in a plane, they always conduct pre-flight checks. The same should apply to our horse-man-ship. A few minutes of groundwork can prevent dangerous surprises in the saddle.Myth 3: Kick him to go.Riding is simple, right? After all, theres a pedal for each foot! While leg cues are important, simply kicking a horse to go is counterproductive and creates dullness.Instead, create a language by teaching your horse to respond to phases of pressurestarting with your energy first, and building to a squeeze to create understanding and willing forward motion. The result? A responsive horse who listens to whisper-light cues.Myth 4: Pull on him to stop.Horses are masters at reading and understanding body language. If phases of energy can create forward motion, the absence of energy can also mean slow down and stop.You wouldnt drive a car with malfunctioning brakes, and you shouldnt ride a horse who relies on the reins to stop. Teaching your horse to respond to your seat and energy creates true self-carriage and a soft, balanced stop.Myth 5: Use the reins to turn.Horses have long bodies and humans have tall bodies. Learning to use long-body-logic means involving our entire body and energy in our communication with horses.We influence our horses to moveon the ground and in the saddleby turning our eyes (focus) first and then proceeding through our phases. This creates fluid, harmonious turns that feel effortless.Join Us on This JourneyPlease join us as we take a deeper dive into each of these five myths in the upcoming 2026 issues of Horse Illustrated. Our goal is to teach you how to train your horse safely and effectively at home, so that both you and your horse can have more fun and achieve excellence together, creating a true partnership based on trust and mutual understanding.Learn more about our digital home-study curriculum, the Levels Program, at Parelli.com.This edition of Parelli Perspectives about horsemanship myths appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Debunking 5 Common Horsemanship Myths appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.