The Secrets of Liberty - By Sylvia Zerbini I think every horse owner, whatever the discipline, should have the beginnings of liberty on their horse. You should be able to circle your horse without a longe line. Have them come to you and reverse. Have them stop. Have them back up. All with just your energy, your body position and your body movement. This usually starts in a round pen or a corral that is big enough for them to get away.
	The Skills Needed for Trail Riding - Charles Wilhem A horse that goes out on the trail should be one of the most well-trained horses because the horse is out in the open. Deer may pop up, even small animals scurrying through the brush may be disconcerting. Then you have walkers and bicyclists who may appear quickly and may or may not be courteous fellow travelers. I believe a good trail horse should be a horse that works well in the arena and a horse that is worked in the arena should also be a good trail horse. (...con't)
	Don’t Text and Ride What has this got to do with horses? Whether or not you are guilty of all three distractions because you answered your phone while riding, I observe riders allowing distractions of one sort or another to interrupt their relationship with their horse all the time. Think back to the last time you had any horse-related injury, large or small. You will probably recognize that distraction was in play.

Click to launch the full edition in a new window

• Desensitize Your Horse to Anything - Clinton Anderson
• How Does Your Horse Like Your Saddle? - Julie Goodnight
• Wash Rack Nightmares - Ken McNabb

Be sure to pick up your FREE copy of NW Rider at your favorite tack or feed store to read these articles and more!