You may not realize the many health benefits that riding and caring for a horse provides. As soon as you sit on horseback, you begin working to maintain the posture and position needed to keep your balance. This uses your core muscles as well as muscles in the butt, hips, and thighs. Communicating with your horse also demands concentration and attention to the horse as well as your surroundings. Many riding school have therapeutic horse riding programs for individuals with physical conditions such as MS, autism, cerebral palsy and more because the benefits of horseback riding help to improve overall physical muscle strength and coordination in ways not easily attained in other therapies. Best of all, everyone can enjoy the health benefits of horses while having fun! The following resource links offer a wide variety of information to help learn more about horses and the benefits found through riding and caring for horses.

General Riding Resources

Beginners Guide to Horse Gaits – A good introduction to the four basic gaits most horses naturally have. Also discussed are additional gaits some breeds may possess.

Diagram: Western Saddle Parts (terminology) – Click on the various labels for parts of the saddle to find out more about each.

Learning the Parts of the English Saddle – This site works a bit differently from the one for the Western saddle. Here as you click the links (on the right of the page) to each part of the saddle, the parts are shown in a yellow box on the picture of the saddle.

How to Bridle a Horse – Step by step instructions in safely bridling a horse. The illustrations used show a western bridle, however, the steps are the same in using an English bridle. Please take note of the safety precautions at the bottom of the page. The article also continues onto a second page.

Trail Riding Etiquette – Common courtesy and common sense are always appreciated. When trail riding as a group or on your own, understanding and observing these additional rules of etiquette can assure everyone of a safe and enjoyable ride.

Maximizing Equestrian Safety – Safety tips by an expert Equestrian with over 70 years riding experience and 35 years safely leading riding groups.

About Horse Care, Health, & Breeds

What’s in a Horse Breed? – This page contains an extensive alphabetical listing of horse breeds. Scroll through the list and click the link for the breed that interests you to find out more. Some breeds are better at certain tasks.

First Time Horse Owners: Terminology – This is a listing of basic horse terminology for beginners.

Guide to Equine Health Care – This online guide to horse health has a number of resources all horse owners will find helpful. Topics cover all areas of horse health as well as basic health care, insect control, and animal rights. The site also has free reports, videos; an “Ask the Vet” section and listings of free horses needing a good home. (You must register on the site to view free horse listings)

Guidelines to follow during an Equine Emergency – You will find on this page much needed information in understanding and recognizing signs of illness in your horse and how to treat emergencies. Includes a list of first aid supplies you should keep on hand and step-by-step instructions on wound care.

Horse Health: Recommended Immunizations – Just as immunizations keep our family healthy, immunizations are needed to safeguard equine health as well. Recommended immunizations are rhinopneumonitis, tetanus, encephalomyelitis, and tetanus. Others immunizations may be recommended by your equine practitioner based on individual assessment or region. For more information on these vaccinations, read the complete article.

Equine Colic – Equine coli is a deadly condition. You should understand the early warning signs and be prepared to seek immediate medical attention as colic can kill a horse with hours if it is severe. This article helps understand the condition, what to look for, and following the recommendation to reduce the risk of your horse having an attack of colic.

Watering Your Horse – A clean source of water is necessary for your horse at all times. If there is a stream or pond in the pasture, you may need to make some changes before it is the best watering option. This article gives examples of water supplies that are best suited to keeping your horse in clean continuous water.

A Healthy Bedding for Your Horse – When choosing a bedding material for use in your horse stall, consider footing, and any health concerns you horse may have. Helpful points listed in this article compare the pros and cons of various bedding choices.

Responsible Horse Owners Guidelines from the ASPCA- The ASPCA offers guidelines to ensure the health and safety of horses throughout their lifetimes. This includes providing companionship, veterinary care, and quality of life.

Habitat for Horses – If you have a love for horses but lack of time, space, or finances prevents you from owning a horse, Habitat for Horses (and similar rescue groups) is always in need of volunteers. This is also a great way to learn hands on horse care and experience making a difference.

Caring for Your Horse

Video: Grooming A Horse – A good video presentation of grooming a horse is seen here. Includes the names for the various tools and techniques and includes a discussion of the importance of grooming techniques.

Safe Horse Handling Techniques – This article discusses horse-handling techniques with an emphasis on safety for both the horse and handler. Tips for leading and trailering a horse are given. Also noted by the author is that in general, it is better to demonstrate horse handling and riding techniques rather than simply describe them. Videos and one-on-one observations are good ways to become familiar with safe horse-handling routines.

Grooming for the Health of It – This article on Horse Channel is all about the importance of grooming your horse. This article gives good direction for beginners as well as reminders for long-time horse owners. * Some articles require you filling in email information to view.

American Hoof Association – You can find a trimmer to help keep your horse’s hooves in good shape by visiting the American Hoof Association. They also have a lot of good information on their site that will help you in keeping your horse’s hooves in good shape.

Healthy Horse Hoof Care – This is a good article with pictures showing what a healthy hoof looks like and giving instruction for hoof care to keep your horse sound. You may also follow a link from this page to additional photos.

Saddle Fitting Guidelines – Here is a detailed history of saddle designs. There is also a lot of information on the importance of properly fitting horse to saddle. Not all saddles (or horses) are alike. It is more important that a saddle properly fit a horse rather than fitting the rider.

General Horse Care (PDF) –This publication, provided by the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, gives a clear outline of the general care needed to keep your horse safe, healthy, and content.

Keep Horse Treats Naturally Healthy – This article contains a recipe for healthy horse treats or snacks. Of course, fresh fruits and vegetables are also healthy options and horses, like people usually have their own favorite snack items.

How much Food does Your Horse Need? – (North Dakota State University, Department of Agriculture) A chart of the horse’s digestive tract explains how food is digested and a handy chart listing grain choices and recommended amounts per body weight helps you to determine how much to feed your horse.

Does Your Horse Need a Blanket in winter? – An expert answers the question regarding using blankets to keep a horse warm in winter. While it varies, overall the answer is no blanket is needed for a healthy, properly fed horse. Read the expert’s explanation for exceptions.

Therapeutic Equine Associations

American Hippotherapy Association – Hippotherapy (equine therapy) is an occupational, physical, and speech therapy intervention done under the direction of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapist. The goal of hippotherapy is to achieve positive physical advances based on individual needs.

Hands-on Equine Assisted Riding Therapy – The mission of Horses with H.E.A.R.T. is to provide an environment of safety for individuals struggling with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. Equine therapy encourages independence and freedom to explore possibilities.

Central Illinois Riding Therapy – Therapeutic equine therapy does not need to be directed by a therapist as with hippotherapy. Therapeutic riding offers much the same benefits. Benefits of therapeutic riding includes: increasing strength, balance and flexibility, increased confidence, increases communication and information processing, improved movement and an increase in the fun qualities of life!

Gentle Carousel: Little Therapy Horses With a Big Heart – Though these miniature horses are never ridden, they are used daily as therapy horses to bring smiles and hope to hundreds of hospitalized patients, nursing home residents and children struggling with life-threatening disease. These tiny miniature horses are even allowed into nursing homes and hospital rooms.

Videos: Hearts and Horses – These videos filmed at Hearts and Horses show how therapeutic horses can help individuals struggling in multiple difficulties. Children and adults facing challenges gain positive reinforcement in many daily tasks through horse therapy.

Horses for Heroes – Uses horses to bring healing to wounded veterans. Horses for Heroes use horse therapy, wellness, and occupational rehab to assist veterans to adjust to the challenges they face from the mental, emotional, and physical damages of military service.

Therapeutic Equestrian Program: Helps Children Heal – An equestrian therapy program at the University of Alabama is making a difference in the lives of children. By focusing on early intervention and treatment of children, ages 2-5 who are at risk of emotional and behavioral challenges horses can help these children turn their lives around making strides to a healthier future.

Equine Therapy at Youth Villages – For children with physical, social and emotional challenges, learning to trust the horse aids in building psychosocial skills, balance body movement, coping skills and self-esteem. As horse therapy programs continue to educate health care professionals and the public in equine therapy more research is sure to be done verifying the positive impact this therapy can have for many.

Gentle Horses Reign in Autism – Equine therapy is beneficial in assisting children with autism to build social skills, confidence, improve eye contact, and encourage language skills. This report shares examples of how children with autism for a connection with the horses that helps them in learning to connect with people better.

Hunkapi – The name comes from a Native American word that roughly means, “I am related to everyone.” Their therapeutic horse program was founded in 1996. Since that time, they have seen the positive impact horse therapy has on children with autism, attention deficit-disorder and other conditions. Read some of the stories from children in their own words.

Horse-related Fun Sites 

Horseback Riding on Bureau of Land Management Lands – Many areas under the control of the Bureau of Land Management or the National Parks Service are open to horseback riding. The Moab Office (Utah) has several trails open to horseback riding. This site contains trail descriptions and facility guidelines.

Community Pleasure Trail Riding – The University of Missouri Extension Office provides a good look at benefits and fun in trail riding. From organizing a trail ride to making camp at night, this article covers it all.

Horse Show Class Descriptions (PDF) – This file published by the University of Florida, explains various Classes included in horse shows. If you plan to show your horse, or are simply interested in attending horse shows, this is a helpful guide to understanding what the judges expect of each class.

An Overview of Jumping Horses – An introduction into jumping horses. Explains what is required of both horse and rider to jump. The course may be indoors or outdoors but always includes faults (obstacles) for the horse to jump.

The United States Mounted Games Association (U.S.M.G.A.) – Think about a relay race and add in the fun and excitement of a relay race from horseback and you catch a glimpse of the fun involved in mounted games! The U.S.M.G.A. helps oversee and organize the games, provides protection for both horse and riders in the games with established rules, and provides educational programs and clinics to promote mounted games nationwide. Game rules, forms, and upcoming events are also listed on their website.

Fun Facts You May Not Know about Horses (But you will now!) – Did you know horses do not like the smell of pigs? Arabian horses have fewer bones in their skeletal structure than other horses! Go here to explore facts that are more fun!

Horse Fun! – Do you have a kid that loves horses? They will love this site of fun horse related things to do! Quizzes and puzzles test their (and your) horse sense and stories will grab their interest from beginning to end. Think they can find the ‘hidden’ page on this site. Trot on in and check it out!

 

The World’s Smallest Horse: Thumbelina – Thumbelina is only 17 inches tall! Even among “miniature horses,” that is tiny making her a “mini mini.” You can find out all about her by visiting her website here. There are pictures as well but you may have to look closely!

Dancing with Horses – This five minute video is an amazing demonstration of the effect body position and mindset has on the training and communication with a horse.