Author Archives: Rebecca Didier

When Vivian Gabor, a biologist with a masters degree in Equine Science and a doctorate in Livestock Ethology, first heard about the Mustang Makeover, she was interested in working with...

Anyone who has ridden a dressage test in competition is likely familiar with the one that, from start to finish, feels like it is in fast-forward. I beat all land-speed...

We all get excited when our horses whinny our way. The very idea that it demonstrates affection, or anticipation of our arrival, or is even merely a polite greeting between...

Those who study equines can identify plenty of ways the domestic horse has had to develop coping mechanisms related to a life lived in small, contained spaces with few companions....

We can chalk it up to energy or antics or high spirits or poor manners—whatever it is that might be the “cause,” being pulled around by our four-legged friends is...

They say the walk is the easiest gait to ruin, but that doesn’t mean we should avoid schooling it altogether! It can’t only be used for rest breaks for the...

How many of us can describe the first time we saw our dream horse? It can be a little bit like falling in love. Sounds fade into the background, the...

We are all familiar with the scenario: We know our horse isn’t right…he isn’t performing like he used to, doesn’t seem comfortable, his transitions are poor, his willingness lacking. Of...

The cool thing about equestrian sports is that if you love horses, you have a ton of choices—there’s truly a discipline to suit every personality. And more often than not,...

What separates the equestrians at the top of the sport from all the other hungry, hard-working individuals striving to “make it”? In Riding for the Team, the new book from...

We all come from somewhere. And it is oftentimes our roots that make all the difference in how our lives unfold. In Riding for the Team, the new book from...

World-renowned equine expert Linda Tellington-Jones’ healing equine bodywork and innovative training methods have revolutionized the horse training landscape over the last 50 years. Her unique blend of hands-on TTouch (a...

I know. As riders, what do we do with that statement? Are we all, despite peppermints and chiropractors and organic feed and fly sheets, committing atrocious acts of cruelty against...

We all remember that first ride…the anticipation…the thrill of actually throwing a leg over the back of a horse and feeling his feet move for you. For some, there might...

Inspired by her own childhood trauma when she spent seven days in a coma, awakened to a severely compromised body and brain, and rebuilt her life with the help of...

Horses have been the key to remarkable breakthroughs for many on the autism spectrum. Paula Josa-Jones, renowned dancer and choreographer, feels there are lessons for all of us in these...

So often, whatever riding discipline we favor, we are looking for that “missing piece” or “secret ingredient” that will help our horses go better, be more willing, stay sounder, longer....

Over and over and from numerous sources it is impressed upon us that we must provide leadership for our horses…that in order to train them, befriend them, be safe with...

“First pony” stories are the stuff of legend. We all have them—mental records of the goodhearted babysitters and the devils on four legs that gave us the start we needed...

Who doesn’t want a reason to take a bow? Teaching your horse a few simple tricks can absolutely be fun for you both, but did you know that some tricks...