Learning horse safety guidelines during the first few horseback riding lessons is important. As a horseback riding instructor, I want to teach beginner equestrians how to prevent accidents. There are many rules and guidelines that they should learn from the start. Following...

Beginner riders can learn to be balanced riders when they learn exercises.

A Beginner rider needs to become a balanced rider. This is the second post in a 3 part series about why being a balanced rider is essential.

A rider should understand why a well balanced horse is essential and where the center of balance is for a horse. The rider and horse should be in tune with each other's bodies. This is part 1 to a series of a...

I'm sorry for my sabbatical. I am back now and so glad to see all the new people. Please share my blog with your horsey friend or your family that want to know more about your sport. It warms my heart each...

Discover the ultimate collection of equestrian gifts in our specially curated horse-themed gift guide. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned rider or a young horse enthusiast, our selection caters to all ages.  I am an Amazon Associate. Please note that each photo of a...

The smaller the equine does not always mean that they are better or safer for the rider. Parents need to let the insrtructor choose the pony or a horse.

The smaller the equine does not always mean that they are better or safer for the rider. Parents need to let the insrtructor choose the pony or a horse.

The importance of horse hoof health and the importance of those new to horses to be able to detect unhealthy horse hooves

Enjoy reading about 3 interesting and fun horse facts for beginners. These are some of the first questions I was asked when teaching young riders and adult riders. Horse Will Smile Horse smiling for a treat 1. Horses Smile Sometimes, a horse...

After signs of laminitis show up, it is important to act quickly. Laminitis is a hoof disease that happens when there is a disruption of blood flow to the laminae.   The laminae secure the coffin bone, the main bone of the...

New to Horses always recommends reaching out to your veterinarian regarding your horse's health questions. The information provided on this blog should not be considered as a source to diagnose or treat any disease. New to Horses blog is purely informational, instructional,...

A horse farrier is vital to horse hoof health. They play a vital part in a horses survival.

How you can avoid horse hoof problems by following four valuable steps

Are you worried when you see a horse in a snowstorm without a blanket? 11. Did you know most horses prefer to be outside and not in a stall? Horses are prey animals. That means other animals hunt them for food. They...

Hello, I'm glad you are reading this post. As a retired riding instructor, I have heard questions from parents, kids, and adults new to horses that seem simple to me. This post is about horse tack and halters and bridles because I...

New horse owners need to be aware of horse diseases, the symptoms, and what to do when discovered. I am not a veterinarian, so I highly recommend finding a qualified veterinarian to discuss with them about the diseases that your horse may...

In the last two blog posts, I have discussed the seven things to consider before owning a horse and the seven steps of buying a horse for the first time. Below is a checklist covering what to do from pre-sale to bringing...

If you haven't yet, go back and read my post on things to consider before owning a horse for the first time. When you feel ready to buy a horse for yourself or your child, below are seven steps leading up to...

I started this blog to help anyone new to horses. I want to give the new rider, those new to horses, and parents of beginner kids information to navigate the horse world as confident and successful as possible. I'm hoping you stay...

The average horse lifespan is 25-40 years, and on average, ponies seem to live longer than horses. Succesful Sport Horses and Sport Ponies are competing further into the later teens. Stress and/or abusive lifestyle can play a part in how fast a...

Horse gaits A gait is the pattern of movement. A horse and pony have three main gaits which include, the walk, trot, and canter. The fourth gait is the gallop. It is not typically used every day unless the horse is used...

Did you know that the horse evolved in North America, 50 million years ago to now? Phew, this took some time and brain work. I tried to simplify the horse evolution timeline. There are so many changes to horse ancestors every Million...

Being around horses can be a safe and fun activity. It is important to know what and why to wear certain types of footwear, body protection and a riding helmet. Again, if a rider is on or off the horse, safety should...

So you decided to take your first riding lesson or just going to ride a horse. I'm so happy for you. Lesson or Casual One thing to consider when riding in a lesson is that the instructor needs to see your body...

Check out 1-3 Fun Facts here https://newtohorses.com/3-fun-facts-about-horses/ 4. Horses are measured by hands. We refer to the measurement of a horse by hands. Each hand equals 4" in height. Horses hooves and legs must be square to the ground and distributing weight...

Enjoy a few Basic Fun Facts about horses 1. Do horses Smile?? Do Horses Smile?I smileSmile for a treat Can a horse SMILE? That's what it looks like right?They are actually doing an action called Flehmen Response.They can be taught to smile...

I was a rider and trainer in the English discipline. My style of riding was Hunter Seat. The above photo is me at age 14, at the peak of my showing career. It was a Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences Class. Below,...

A beginner rider needs to know how to read their horses' body language.

This horse is reacting to being frightened and is a horse running away from its rider. It's hard to tell what has frightened it. It could be it's own riders fault.

Equestrian riding helmets should be the first item on the list of what to wear horseback riding. Being prepared for an accident is smart, not over-reactive. No matter the age of our rider or the discipline. The safety of our horses is...

When new riders came to our farm, they observed horses in the fields wearing masks. Our horses were wearing fly masks and looked like superheroes. Below I show pictures and explanations of how each fly mask protects the horse. A fly mask...

Being involved with horses teaches life lessons that can lead to successful school work, careers, and relationships with others.

The benefits of horseback riding are numerous, for youth, young adults, and adults. “Dr. Robert Leavitt, who has a Ph.D. in sports medicine, has confirmed that horse-related activities can burn as many calories as many other physical activities. For example, riding a...

"Is my child old enough to ride a horse?" Parents ask this question a lot! What is the best age for a child to take horseback riding lessons? Leader, Handlers x2, and Instructor keeping the young rider safe. Many children play with...