I start by making a full assessment of the horse by checking how their conformation is put together, how their back shape is, how they are standing, hoof balance, how they move their shoulders, their depth of girth where girth sits, and how they are trained.  Their musculature can give you an indication of how they are going to move, and what influence that will have over the saddle and then if there is work going on to improve that, you have to take into consideration what the client is going to do. 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you will have heard of the term bitless. It’s been everywhere, bitless groups, bitless workshops, bitless equality. It’s literally all-over social media and usually the answer when someone posts a bit problem on a chat group. 

So why are people posting about going bitless and is it just the latest fad? It very much depends on who you talk to. It’s still thought of as a taboo subject in some circles, and a few old school cowboys like to promote their bits over a bosal. But when it comes down to it, I post about bitless and I train bitless because I believe that from the point of science and horsemanship, it’s the best answer.

If you have ever wanted to learn how to tie a rope halter, then this is the blog post for you. In it we will go over the process of tying a rope halter step-by-step. If you are new to horsemanship or western riding, then this article might be especially helpful because it includes terminology that beginners might not know.

Debbie Cocklin explains the craftsmanship of leatherwork.

Items made from leather have been found to date back to prehistoric times, when leather hides leftover from animals that had been hunted for food, were used as clothing and to form shelter against harsh conditions. 

Over time people learnt that drying out leather prevented it from rotting and the early days of tanning were started, a process that changes the structure of the cells. 

Various methods were tried and tested over the years to preserve leather including smoking it and even using urine collected from the locals! 

Unleash the full potential of your horse's refinement and responsiveness with Patrick Hopgood's expert insights on mastering the curb bit. In this comprehensive guide by Western Horse UK, learn the art of transitioning from a snaffle to a curb bit with ease. Discover the perfect type of curb bit, the essential steps to ensure a smooth shift, and expert tips for one-handed riding. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey that will elevate your horsemanship skills to new heights. Saddle up and experience the true connection and finesse that the curb bit can bring to your rides.

If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions below, it might be time to take a look at your horse’s saddle fit, writes Maria Owens.

The initial signs of pain from poor saddle fit can be exhibited in various behaviours when catching, tacking up and riding. Horses only have behaviour to communicate with, so if your horse’s expression changes for the worse when you approach with tack or he tries to bite or kick when putting his saddle on, it may be because he is experiencing pain. Other behaviours under saddle such as bucking, rearing, napping and stiffness may also indicate pain.