Studies in animals, and humans, have shown that the mere association with reward for particular behavior can quickly replace the need for direct reward. The brain assumes that a reward is coming and begins to signal that we ought to behave in a particular manner to receive that reward. In turn, this neural firing on …

The following text inspired me in thought, it is an excerpt from On The Family, written by the Florentine humanist Leon Battista Alberti in 1443. Dated? Yes, but that hardly means it is outdated. It addresses the subject of idleness and the consequence it has on personal achievement. When I read this text I relate …

That is right, human history predicts that we as a species will use force in obtaining control. We posturalize and use our ego to intimidate, when that fails to work we can then resort to physical means even so far as to kill; and killing can mean mental, emotional or physical death for our victim. …

It is officially the internet age, a time when it is all too common for someone to hurl insults, falsify personal information and simply be a person that is neither honest or responsible because the fear of being openly identified as such across so many miles of internet is almost nil. I used to belong …

Typically when one thinks of a barefoot horse they think of the typical barefoot or pasture type trim that your standard farrier does. That, however, is not what I’m referring to. Instead, I am talking about the barefoot horse whose trim is more than just lacking a piece of steel, it is a trim that …

So many thanks go out to everyone who played a part in helping bring Jobi home! Words cannot express the joy in stepping outside my door in the morning to see him grazing in the pasture. If ever there was a dream come true, it is this horse in my life. Jobi spent fifteen months …

[dc]T[/dc]he novice rider receives an unfair amount of flack from their more experienced counterparts. There is, however, a great deal of insight to be gained from working with beginners. As an instructor I have learned the most from students which are complete novices vs. riders who have many years in the saddle. There is often …

[dc]I[/dc] would venture that curiosity was killed by the Equestrian, or at least the structure of Equitation. What happens to that free-spirited and unbridled joy inherent to any horse-crazy-kid when they grow up? Somewhere it is often exchanged with seriousness and the need for perfection. So how does a person go about reclaiming that sense …

[dc]By nature[/dc] we are designed to work against the horse, and the use of our hands is no different. When we sit in the saddle we respond in fear by leaning forwards rather than sitting up taller or leaning slightly backwards. We squeeze with our legs when we want to stay in the saddle instead …

Interestingly, I find that most cases in which the horse is found to be gaping at the mouth is blamed on the bit. Whether it is the right bit, fits properly, if the horse has some other mouth issues – even when it is glaringly obvious that the issue lies with the overbearing pressure being …